Water specialist, NuWater has developed a two megalitre desalination plant at a smelter plant in KwaZulu-Natal. Rockwell Automation, through its PartnerNetwork program participants, CraigCor Distribution and system integrator M&M Electronics, supplied automation products and conducted programming and HMI development for use on this plant. It facilitates continuous smelter operations in the face of water shortages caused by the severe drought that saw local dam levels drop to alarmingly low levels.
NuWater incorporated the Integrated Architecture system into its automation and control development by means of Rockwell PLCs, HMIs with visualisation control software, VSDs and industrial network equipment, as well as the powering switchgear componentry. Integrated Architecture system enabling products included a ControlLogix L73 Processor, Distributed I/O Model through a quantity of 10 stations that utilise POINTIO modules, one main Network Redundancy through Device Level Ring (DLR), 22 PowerFlex 755 VSDs (up to 110 kW) and Rockwell Moulded Case Circuit Breaker Switchgear.
“As water-stressed nations turn to seawater desalination as a solution for process and drinking water, we are leading the way in terms of our product offering,” says NuWater’s chief business development officer, NJ Bouwer. He adds that most of the equipment offered to the smelter was refurbished to help make sure that the short lead-times required could be met. “The existing equipment already had MCCs and control centres, which we decided to refit with the latest Rockwell Automation product portfolio. Although many manufacturers have similar product offerings, it is hard to find robust and reliable equipment that can withstand the rigours of working in these often wet and humid environments.”
“Water industry professionals around the world face an increase in challenges due to stringent government regulations and ageing control systems,” says Rockwell account manager, Jacques Jacobs. “This causes tighter water quality standards and rising labour, operating and maintenance costs. The Rockwell Automation vision of The Connected Enterprise helps overcome some of these challenges. Through the Integrated Architecture system and the connection of smart devices, new windows of opportunity into processes open. Data and analytics enable better and faster decision-making, while seamless connectivity spurs new collaboration.”
Megatech is expanding
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Megatech SA has been importing high quality industrial plant equipment and spare parts since 2016. Based in KwaZulu-Natal, the company specialises in electrical and mechanical equipment and instrumentation.
Read more...Powerful and versatile IIoT controller ifm - South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
The IIoT controller from ifm is a powerful, communicative and flexible PLC solution in machine and plant digitalisation.
Read more...Powerful and versatile IIoT controller ifm - South Africa
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
The IIoT controller from ifm is a powerful, communicative and flexible PLC solution in machine and plant digitalisation.
Read more...MCCs for local and international markets Iritron
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
With a history of delivering large engineering projects globally, Iritron has over 20 years’ experience in designing motor control centres (MCCs) built to the highest international specifications.
Read more...Deep learning based component inspection in the automotive industry Beckhoff Automation
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Achieving the shortest possible inspection times – even when working with different components – is paramount when it comes to series production. This is precisely what stoba Sondermaschinen achieved with its optical inspection system, which is based on deep learning, and features the Beckhoff XPlanar planar motor system at the conveyor system core.
Read more...Case history 189: Poor furnace temperature control. Michael Brown Control Engineering
Editor's Choice PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Many process engineers do not appreciate the importance of flow loops in their unit controls. A senior process engineer once told me that flow loops need not be tuned well, as they generally have little effect on the more important and much slower loops like temperatures and pressures.
Read more...PLCs and PACs simplify data acquisition
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Data acquisition, data logging and data analysis are required functions for most modern industrial control systems. The simplest and lowest cost way to provide these functions is often by using the same platform that’s providing real-time control, namely the PLC or the programmable automation controller.
Read more...Enhanced perimeter defence solution Emerson Automation Solutions
PLCs, DCSs & Controllers
Emerson is improving perimeter security for the DeltaV distributed control system with its new NextGen Smart Firewall, a purpose-built control system firewall designed to provide easy-to-install and maintain perimeter security for all industries.
printer friendly version