The IIoT always starts with a sensor of some type. After all, things cannot capture states or carry out actions unless they are fitted with sensors. These two activities and a connection to the web, are what make these objects ‘intelligent’ without the help of humans. Keller, a leading manufacturer of pressure sensors, is a key partner when it comes to implementing IIoT solutions. After fitment to an object, sensors are connected to local and global communication networks. The final step in the process is to analyse the data on networked computers, or in the cloud.
Smart tank management with fuel prices updated daily
Alongside water and drinks, fuels are a liquid ideally suited to being managed by means of smart processes. The remote monitoring of fuel levels in heating oil, diesel and petrol tanks is a great support to mineral oil companies, petrol station owners and property managers alike.
Keller has developed the EasyOil remote monitoring system in partnership with a Swiss mineral oil supplier. This system has found its niche in the market and is the key selling point for customers in 80% of the contracts concluded for heating oil deliveries. The order process is thus: the pressure and level of oil are measured at the lowest point in the tank, the current content in litres is calculated according to the shape of the tank and the data is transmitted via GSM. A special feature of this application is the customer-specific software. In addition to the current data such as fill level, consumption and order history, it also contains oil prices, which are updated twice a day. This combined information optimises the order process, allowing customers to stockpile when the price of oil is low or the tanker is close by.
Since there is a risk at petrol stations that an electric spark could cause the gaseous atmosphere to explode, any pressure transmitter taking measurements in this type of environment must be intrinsically safe. For this application, the GSM-3 remote transmitter has been extended to include a box with built-in safety barriers that limit the electric output of the measurement system within the Ex zone, thus preventing sparks.
IIoT processes are highly-customised and are undergoing continuous development. Keller has worked with international companies to develop numerous smart customer-specific total solutions in various sectors and applications.
Optimising the product design process Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
OPmobility is partnering with Siemens to adopt its Teamcenter X Product Lifecycle Management software. OPmobility’s increasingly complex products now include electronics and software, to create energy storage systems, which include battery and hydrogen electrification solutions and fuel tanks.
Read more...Smart milling for resilient, sustainable food production
IT in Manufacturing
As the global demand for food continues to rise due to increasing urbanisation, the milling industry faces the challenge of balancing efficiency with sustainability. Bühler is committed to making milling more energy-efficient while maintaining high operational performance. Its solutions allow mills to reduce energy costs and ensure long-term sustainability.
Read more...The evolving landscape of data centres in the age of AI Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
The data centre industry is undergoing a period of rapid transformation, driven primarily by the explosive growth of AI. It’s clear that the demands of AI are reshaping the very foundations of data infrastructure. This isn’t merely about incremental upgrades; it’s a fundamental shift in how we design, power and operate these critical facilities.
Read more...Rotary atomisers for efficient paint spraying Instrotech
Sensors & Transducers
Painting the bodywork is an integral component of vehicle manufacturing. Keller supplied intrinsically safe pressure transmitters and intrinsically safe temperature sensors to a client producing paint robots for the car industry.
Read more...SA Food Review
IT in Manufacturing
Food Review is a monthly trade journal for South Africa’s food and beverage manufacturing industry, for industry professionals seeking detailed information on trends, technologies, best practices and innovations.
Read more...Keeping an eye on oil consumption with moneo ifm - South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Manufacturing companies in the metal industry need oils and other fluids that are consumed by their machines. To make this consumption transparent and to establish a link to the ERP system, Arnold Umformtechnik relies on the IIoT platform, moneo, in combination with the SAP-based software solution Shop Floor Integration (SFI) – both from ifm.
Read more...AI accelerates energy transformation RJ Connect
IT in Manufacturing
With the rapid expansion of generative AI applications, data centre power demand is reaching unprecedented levels.
Read more...Revolutionising mining operations with MineOptimize
IT in Manufacturing
Now more than ever, mining and mineral processing companies need to boost productivity, ensure safety, and protect the environment. ABB’s comprehensive electrification, automation and digital solutions portfolio is ideally positioned to meet these challenges across all mining processes, from mine to port, transforming performance in a digital world.
Read more...Buildings in Africa’s urban evolution Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Africa is now an urban continent. How does the continent mobilise to accommodate urban dwellers and maintain and implement critical infrastructure that allows for this expansion? Building management systems provide a tangible solution to optimise resource use, lower operations costs and ultimately contribute to a growing continent that also employs green practices.
Read more...TwinCAT Vision functionality extended Beckhoff Automation
IT in Manufacturing
The image processing and camera integration capabilities of Beckhoff’s TwinCAT 3 Vision software have been expanded.
printer friendly version