Chute design is one of the most complex and under-rated aspects of materials handling – as a number of large equipment suppliers have discovered to their cost, argues Weba Chute Systems’ MD, Mark Baller.

Lux Research has released an analysis of how future global energy networks will evolve as a result of the move away from carbon-based fossil fuels. Lead analyst, Tim Grejtak, presents key findings.

A joint separation-at-source initiative between HDPE and PP plastics’ manufacturer, Safripol, and PET recycling company, PETCO, is being rolled out in Limpopo to target a cleaner environment and job creation.

Paul Nel, Energy lead for Africa for the renewable energy champion, Aurecon, which has now been renamed Zutari, talks about the brand change and outlines the company’s rich legacy of involvement with some of Africa’s most prestigious renewable energy projects.

Endress+Hauser’s Jörg Reinkensmeier and Thomas Hilz from Softing Industrial Automation explain the important role of the Open Integration Partner Programme for the ongoing success of IIoT solutions.

MechChem Africa summarises James Scapa’s opening presentation from the Altair 2020 Global Experience virtual conference and expo.

BMG business unit manager for bearings, seals and gaskets, Wayne Holton, summarises his division’s bearing product offering and takes us though some of the different bearing types and their applications.

Hytec Fluid Technology (HFT) workshop foreman and technician, Tony Greef, talks about the company’s accumulator refurbishment, testing and recertification service on offer from the Bosch Rexroth company’s Johannesburg facility.

For mixing, stirring, blending, aerating and kneading applications in a range of applications from food and beverage to biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, water treatment and chemicals, SEW-EURODRIVE can supply standard gear units in a special agitator design. SEW-EURODRIVE projects and business development manager, Jonathan McKey outlines the offering.

On-site test work at a base metal refinery in South Africa has allowed Multotec to prove its sievebend solution for improving the quality of the customer’s end product. Process engineer, PJ Pieters explains.

Customised screening and feeding solutions are developed by Kwatani’s in-house team of experienced mechanical engineers and metallurgists. This results in designs that deliver the optimal processing performance and tonnage at the lowest total cost of ownership (TCO).

In 2015, Tenova company TAKRAF was contracted to supply the principal ore transportation system for Chile’s Chuquicamata mine: to move crushed copper ore from underground storage bins to a surface processing site. Mario Dilefeld of TAKRAF tells the story.

Valve & Automation South Africa presents the features and advantages of the TRI-SHARK Throttling Trim Cartridge valve from Zwick, a valve that combines the advantages of leak-free triple-offset valves (TOVs) with high-performance control valves into a single valve solution.

On Saturday May 30, while the global coronavirus pandemic was changing the world as we know it, I sat watching the launch of SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket coupled to the Crew Dragon space capsule, which was carrying two astronauts from the United States – commander Douglas Hurley and joint-operations commander Robert Behnken – to the orbiting International Space Station (ISS).

Underground mines in southern, central and west Africa are seeing the safety benefits of dry-type transformers from Johannesburg-based Trafo Power Solutions.

Synthetic biology (synbio) has emerged as an alternative to traditional petrochemical synthesis for applications in agrifood; beauty and personal care; chemicals; and consumer products. MechChem Africa presents findings from the executive summary of a report by lead analyst, Gihan Hewage, and research vice president, Michael Holman, from global primary research and technology innovator, Lux Research.

As an experienced technology provider for mask production equipment, Weber Ultrasonics AG now manufactures respiratory and surgical masks in Germany, with the help of the fast and active support of surrounding companies and the dedication of its own employees.

Clive Govender, executive responsible for strategy development and implementation for Aquamarine Water Solutions, a Murray & Roberts Group company, talks about a new approach to servicing water needs in Africa.

MechChem Africa talks to Chetan Mistry, strategy and marketing manager at Xylem Water Solutions SA, about South Africa’s urgent need for better water management to mitigate against climate change and the fast evolving set of solutions becoming available to support more efficient and more local wastewater handling and recycling.

Engineering, design, and advisory company Aurecon supplied mechanical and environmentally sustainable design (ESD) services for the iconic 144 Oxford Road office development in Rosebank, Johannesburg. This played a key role in the project aiming for a 5-Star Green Star Design Certification from the Green Building Council of South Africa (GBCSA).