The front cover of this issue features thyssenkrupp Uhde, and for the cover story we talk to Rajend Govender, Neville Eve, Ranka Sofijanic and Nithesh Mohun about the modularisation of chemical process plant and the tk-Uhde’s future focus on green hydrogen.
Lead feature topics include: An article by Wayne Holton of BMG about how friction, wear and lubrication affect bearing performance; a case study form Grundfos about cutting water treatment costs for a lime-slaking facility; an interview with Thomas Holtz of Multotec about digital platforms for processing plants; Booyco Engineering’s Brenton Spies and Grant Miller talk about HVAC systems for mobile vehicles operating under extreme conditions; and SKFs Saien Rugdeo of SKF tells us about specialty solutions and services for the renewable energy generators.
Our Innovative engineering feature is from WearCheck technical manager, Steven Lara-Lee Lumley, who starts to unpack diesel engine emission mitigation. We also include feature articles from Integrated Pump Technology; Martec, the Pragma Group’s condition monitoring company; EWSETA; SRK Consulting; SEW-EURODRIVE; CHIETA; Danfoss and BMG Electronics; BLT World; Instrotech; Electrocomponents; Schneider Electric; Sassda; and Bosch Holdings.
ON THE COVER
Modular plant, green hydrogen and the future focus of tk-Uhde SA: MechChem Africa talks to tk-Uhde’s team about the modularisation of chemical process plant and the company’s future-ready expertise in green hydrogen. Read more…
PETER’s COMMENT
Collaboration, 4IR and lessons from COVID-19: Peter Middleton reflects on the COVID-19 response in support of arguments for a more collaborative and people-centred implementation approach to the Industry 4.0. Read more…
MAINTENANCE SOLUTIONS AND ASSET MANAGEMENT
Correct lubrication for enhanced bearing performance: Wayne Holton, BMG’s business unit manager for the Bearings, Seals and Gaskets division, looks at how friction, wear and lubrication affect bearing performance. Read more…
Full-service capability vital for reliable pump supply: Jordan Marsh of Integrated Pump Technology talks about the company’s local service offering for maintaining pump units to OEM standards. Click to read in the online magazine…
Real-time monitoring reduces impact of COVID-19: Juan Labuschagne of Martec describes how IIoT technology has helped to optimise on-site maintenance delivery and limit the adverse effects COVID-19 on plant operations. Read more…
WATER AND WASTEWATER SOLUTIONS
Lime slaker plant cuts water treatment costs: A new lime-slaking facility, which will help a mine water treatment plant achieve significant cost savings, has been equipped with a stainless steel Grundfos booster pump to reliably handle the corrosive permeate. Read more…
EWSETA capacitating entrepreneurs via 4IR solutions: Through 4IR solutions, the Energy and Water Sector Education and Training Authority is capacitating entrepreneurs to address Eastern Cape food, energy and water challenges. Click to read in the online magazine…
Water stewardship gives mines the broader view: SRK Consulting’s Lindsay Shand, Fiona Sutton and Simon Lorentz talk about growing acceptance of a broader water stewardship management approach. Click to read in the online magazine…
Is SA doing enough to avert a water crisis? In response to the Eastern Cape facing the prospect of taps running dry, Raymond Obermeyer, Managing Director at SEW-EURODRIVE suggests South Africa urgently and proactively address the water crisis. Click to read in the online magazine…
MINERALS PROCESSING AND MATERIALS HANDLING
Digital platforms, collaboration and the journey towards autonomously run plant: MechChem Africa talks to Multotec’s Thomas Holtz about digital platforms for minerals processing plants and the need for closer collaboration if we are to realise the true value of autonomous processing. Read more…
Innovating cooperatives to create more jobs: Yershen Pillay, CEO of the Chemical Industries Training Authority (CHIETA) talks about the role and importance of cooperatives for job creation and sustainable living. Click to read in the online magazine…
Conveyor innovation for platinum processing plant: Danfoss, in support of engineering components provider BMG Electronics, has helped to develop of a unique wet screw feeder for use by a local platinum plant. Click to read in the online magazine…
Container and component handling for automotive assembly: Ken Mouritzen, managing director of BLT World, describes the company’s range of material and container handling equipment. Click to read in the online magazine…
Instrotech’s tried and tested bulk weighing technology: Instrotech’s multi-function 6004MF version II weighing transmitter is a powerful, compact, field-mounted unit that can be selected for a variety of bulk weighing functions. Click to read in the online magazine…
HEATING VENTILATION AND AIR CONDITIONING
Cabin cooling for SA’s mining vehicles: MechChem Africa talks to Booyco Engineering’s Brenton Spies and Grant Miller about HVAC systems for special vehicles operating under extreme conditions. Read more…
POWERGEN, PETROCHEM AND SUSTAINABLE ENERGY MANAGEMENT
Specialty rotating shaft solutions for the renewable energy sector: MechChem Africa talks to Saien Rugdeo of SKF about specialty solutions and services developed for wind turbines and renewable energy generators. Read more…
Embedded Generation: opportunities from the 100 MW threshold increase: CDH’s (Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr), the environmental law specialists, report on the environmental regulatory framework and support needed to unlock embedded generation opportunities. Click to read in the online magazine…
Project nautilUS extension announced: Electrocomponents has announced nautilUS 2, an extension to the original project to commercialise leading-edge robotics technology for the non-destructive testing of petrochemical storage tanks. Click to read in the online magazine…
Realising energy efficiency in a time of escalating costs: Taru Madangombe of Schneider Electric talks about what can be done to mitigate against the impact of tariff hike’s on SA’s economy. Click to read in the online magazine…
CORROSION CONTROL AND COATINGS
A corrosion investigation for a biokinetics pool: Sassda’s Michel Basson reports on case study involving pitting corrosion of a stainless steel support railing system following an upgrade to a biokinetics treatment pool. Read more…
LOCAL MANUFACTURING AND FOOD PROCESSING
Bosch Holdings celebrates 60 years of innovation in engineering: Founded in 1961 in Durban, South Africa, Bosch Holdings has since executed projects in over 120 countries around the world. Mike Gibbon, the company’s current CEO, summarises some of this success. Read more…
INNOVATIVE ENGINEERING
Diesel engines: the road to zero harmful emissions: WearCheck technical manager, Steven Lara-Lee Lumley, unpacks diesel engine emissions and outlines the legislation and technologies being put in place to mitigate against harm. Read more…
REGULARS
Products and industry news: A collection of news stories from Verder Pumps SA; Skyriders, BMG Abrasive Flow Solutions, INSTROTECH and CHIETA. Click to read in the online magazine…
TUKS students robot race: A piece about the annual TUKS Robot Race Day. Click to read in the online magazine…
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