In a first for Bosch Rexroth South Africa, Group Company Hytec Services Africa (HSA) conducted its first online-based commissioning of a 3000 kN thickener drive for a Madagascan-based mine. The power pack had been purchased in 2019, but due to Covid-19-related travel restrictions, technical personnel were unable to commission the system on site.
To prevent any further system downtime caused by travel restrictions, HSA and the mine agreed to a virtual commissioning process, carried out in February this year. In a two-day online process using video call technology, the system was fully commissioned and confirmed as operating optimally.
Development manager Africa, Louis Potter, headed the video-based virtual commissioning process, using half of the first day to explain the system’s schematics and working principles to five of the mine’s technical staff. Service technician, Frans De Klerk, used the remaining day-and-a-half to instruct and guide these same personnel through the drive’s commissioning process.
“During the commissioning, the client made use of video call to show us the power pack,” explains Potter. “This allowed us to be ‘hands-on’ from a virtual perspective so we could see what they could see and the technology allowed us to provide images to aid their engineers in identifying the key componentry they required.”
Due to the success of the virtual commission, the mine contacted HSA within 24-hours of project completion, seeking assistance with technical issues experienced on other mine equipment. “Our team was able to provide immediate assistance using virtual platforms,” enthuses Potter. The mine has also increased its system spare parts stockholding, pre-empting the success of future virtual servicing.
“This has been a great learning curve and opportunity for us to experiment carrying out engineering tasks using virtual platforms,” concludes Potter. “It has enhanced our repair service offering and allows us to serve our customers’ requirements even when physically not on site. It’s another great way that we can get closer to our customers and reduce potential downtime.”
Reinstatement opportunity for ECSA registration
News
In 2023 the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) announced a special opportunity for engineers in South Africa to reinstate their registration status if it had been cancelled. This exclusive offer is available until the end of August 2024.
Read more...From the editor's desk: A good servant and a bad master Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
In our new AI-generated world it was inevitable that the Nobel Committee would have noticed. And last November two pioneers of artificial intelligence, John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton, won the Nobel Prize ...
Read more...Festo 100th Anniversary: Celebrating a century-long legacy of innovation and commitment Festo South Africa
News
Festo has officially begun celebrating 100 years of groundbreaking technology, commitment and enduring partnerships. To kick off this historic milestone celebration, their Customer Innovation Day and ThankYou Party series brought together customers, partners and employees to reflect on their journey and look ahead to an exciting future.
Read more...German Chancellor visits Beckhoff at Hannover Messe Beckhoff Automation
News
As part of the traditional Hannover Messe opening tour, Federal Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz visited German company, Beckhoff Automation. Hans Beckhoff, managing director and owner of Beckhoff Automation, presented his company and its comprehensive expertise in the field of software and AI.
Read more...Iritron celebrates 25 years of excellence Iritron
News
When Iritron, a leading provider of engineering and industrial solutions was founded in 2000, it was on the principles of exceptional service and lasting part-nerships. Today, Iritron has grown from a small team of four into a company of over 120 employees, serving clients across South Africa and beyond.
Read more...A racing partnership SKF South Africa
News
In one of motorsport’s most demanding arenas, a partnership forged in engineering precision and high-performance ambition has proven its worth. SKF, a global leader in bearing technology and innovation, celebrated a remarkable milestone in partnership with SVR Toyota GAZOO Racing, taking second position overall at the 2025 Dakar Rally.
Read more...Schneider Electric at AATF Schneider Electric South Africa
News
Schneider Electric will be participating in the 13th edition of the Africa Automation and Technology Fair
printer friendly version