The July Technology Evening, kindly sponsored by Extech Safety Systems, was held as usual at the Durban Country Club. Gary Friend, an expert in his field, presented on the topic ‘Intrinsic Safety Applications’. The principles of IS are frequently misunderstood, or disregarded, by designers, users, and maintenance technicians, and extend far beyond the mere addition of a barrier device into a circuit. It is also regrettably common for hazardous areas to be incorrectly identified, leading to the use of unsuitable methods and/or devices to provide protection against a fire or explosion being caused. Gary’s presentation provided valuable insight into several aspects of important techniques for explosion prevention, particularly for instrumentation and controls. He looked at:
• How to fit surge protection (field device and control room) in IS loops by identifying what the standards say, and how to document the IS loop.
• How to run non-IS cables through IS trunking.
• The impact of gas group and zone on IS cable lengths.
• The impact and issues with using galvanic isolators in SIL loops.
• Mobile devices in hazardous areas.
Chairman Hennie Prinsloo (left) thanking Gary Friend for his presentation.
Gary has been intensively involved in the world of IS since completing his B.Sc Electrical Engineering at the University of Witwatersrand in 1990. Among other appointments, he worked for MTL in the UK as a design engineer on IS interfaces and ended up leading the Technical Support Group for all MTL products worldwide. In September 2006, Gary returned to South Africa and joined Extech Safety Systems.
Gary sits on the SAIMC Council (responsible for standards and legislation) and Johannesburg branch of the SAIMC committee, Ex steering committee and IS sub-committee of the SA Flameproof Association, and is chairman of the Fieldbus Foundation Southern African Marketing Committee. He also sits on SABS TC65 (IEC031 mirror) and TC165 (IEC TC065 mirror) committees, so is obviously well qualified to present on the July topic.
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.