The latest Durban branch Technology Evening was kindly sponsored by Emerson Rosemount. Colin Malan, ably assisted by Fanie Ferreira who provided clarity on some detailed technical matters, gave an interactive and interesting presentation titled: ‘Wireless – Imagine the possibilities’.
John Owen Ellis (right) thanks Colin Malan while Fanie Ferreira looks on.
Colin currently holds a position with Emerson Rosemount as a business development manager with responsibilities for southern and east Africa. He has been in the process measurement industry since 1980 and has held various positions including sales and product management on a wide variety of products including flow, pressure, temperature and level.
The presentation showed how wireless solutions combined with pervasive sensing techniques can deliver more field intelligence. Through the use of WirelessHart, installation costs can be reduced, process blind spots eliminated and access to difficult to monitor locations provided. A wireless network structure was described showing the field devices, gateways and control system interfacing. Its ability to deal cost effectively with the ‘scope creep’ that is unfortunately so common in projects today was highlighted, as was the ability for existing 4-20 mA transmitters to be adapted to wireless. The meeting was made aware of the present limitation of this technology to non-critical control, and also to a present limitation in response rate of approximately one second. Colin also showed a fascinated audience how widely wireless communication has already entered our everyday lives without most people even being aware of it contributing to their safety or comfort, this being particularly true in the case of motor vehicles. As evidenced by the questions afterwards, this was an interesting and timely presentation on a topic becoming more and more pervasive.
From the office of the CEO SAIMC
SAIMC
When South Africa clinched victory in the Rugby World Cup for the fourth time, the nation collectively rejoiced. However, amidst this optimism lies a pertinent question: is South Africa truly a land of hope, or is it merely a fool’s paradise?
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The local Johannesburg Branch of the SAIMC hosted a technology evening at the Bryanston Sports Club on 13 March 2024. It was sponsored by Phoenix Contact and the technical presentation covered the full gambit of industrial wireless technology in the automation field.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban Branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Durban technology meeting in March drew a record attendance, with an old friend of the SAIMC, Gary Friend presenting on the very topical subject of ‘Risks, rewards, advantages and disadvantages of new technologies and the impact of legislation’.
Read more...SAIMC: Secunda Branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Secunda branch held its monthly Technology Evening on 6 March 2024 at the Proconics, Secunda office. Sagadevan Kanniappen from WIKA presented on Thermowell stress calculations as per ASME PTC 19.3.
Read more...SAIMC: From the office of the CEO SAIMC
SAIMC
The manufacturing industry is facing some challenges due to automation and outsourcing, but there are still opportunities in advanced manufacturing, such as 3D printing and robotics. It’s essential to stay updated on the latest trends and technologies in the industry to remain competitive.
Read more...SAIMC:Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The annual general meeting of the SAIMC Johannesburg branch was held on 7 February 2024 at the Northcliff Country Club.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The Durban branch of the SAIMC held its annual general meeting at the Premier Splendid Inn in Pinetown on 24 January 2024
Read more...Reminiscences of a life in control Michael Brown Control Engineering
SAIMC
Reminiscences from Michael Brown on a long and rich journey in the world of automation together with SAIMC.
printer friendly version