June 2019System Integration & Control Systems Design
The subject projects of this year’s Scada Review are a worthy reflection of the effort put in by the respondent end-users, SIs and vendors. It is encouraging to see that even in these times of economic stagnation and uncertainty there are world-class projects being engineered by South African companies across a range of industrial sectors.
Insight in the detail
We remind readers that the value of the reviews is not always about the capabilities of the scada product – it may be about how the project has been engineered or managed, innovative system architecture or the adoption of certain standards. This year’s reviews contain details of all of these and more.
In print we feature each vendor’s response, which we have edited to meet space constraints. In order to prevent such editing from keeping valuable information from readers, we have published the full-length questionnaire responses online. For readers’ convenience, we have provided a link to the full-length article at the end of each printed review.
Our subject projects
Highlights of Schneider Electric’s submission included an upgrade to an existing Citect system at Sasol Synfuels in Secunda. The main drivers for the upgrade were to overcome obsolescence, establish engineering standards and full compliance with the abnormal situational management (ASM) standard.
The end user was particularly impressed with the comprehensive situational awareness library, better alarm management capability, support structure and upgrade path. Also, operators now have the ability to build their own trends to aid real-time decision making.
Adroit Technologies’ project used IoT-enabled devices to monitor assets and infrastructure for a leading water utility. This Smart City project was implemented in parallel with an existing Adroit SCADA system, which monitors and controls the area’s water systems and services.
This project was undertaken with a view to mitigating risk and to take advantage of new digital technologies to enable better service delivery to consumers. The end user was particularly impressed with the Adroit Smart UI and the GIS interface. Also, Adroit Performance Anywhere gives users access to the data in the agent server via an easily configurable interface utilising predefined objects. This can then be viewed in any web-enabled device’s browser window.
Thank you
On behalf of our readers, we thank the end-users, SIs and vendors for their efforts in comprehensively completing our 2018 scada questionnaire, for sharing their expertise and experience, and continuing to expand the knowledge base of the C&I industry in South Africa.
Notes:
1. The order of appearance of reviews is the order in which they were received by SA Instrumentation and Control.
2. Some reviewer responses have been edited due to space and comprehension considerations.
3. A ‘No’ or ‘N/A’ response to a question in the project-specific responses does not necessarily mean that the scada system lacks that feature; only that the feature was not implemented in, or not applicable to, the subject project.
4. Where a respondent has not answered a question, or has answered off topic, that response has been omitted.
Flotation system modernisation for a gold processing and mineral recovery plant. Moore Process Controls
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Moore Process Controls has successfully modernised a gold processing plant's flotation control system, replacing obsolete I/O hardware with Schneider Electric's latest M580 X80 platform.
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System Integration & Control Systems Design
Transforming crushing plant operations through integrated automation.
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EXEL EE was contracted to deliver the complete electrical, control and instrumentation scope for the upgrade of a gold mine's water treatment facilities in Tanzania.
Read more...Turning system integrators into trusted technology partners Schneider Electric South Africa
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Schneider Electric’s Alliance Partner Programme is repositioning system integrators from hardware suppliers into lifecycle-value partners. Oriel Soupen explains the competency framework, certification model and real-world results that are already helping African system integrators win higher-value, longer-term engagements.
Read more...When digital twins move from concept to critical tool
IT in Manufacturing System Integration & Control Systems Design Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Digital twins are moving out of the lab and onto the mine, the factory floor and the transport network where they predict failures before they happen. Amritesh Anand looks at where they earn their keep, the data and integration work behind them, and the security questions every organisation should ask before switching one on.
Read more...Best practices for managing the MRO supply chain in Africa RS South Africa
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RS South Africa outlines how strong data governance and digital tools can turn maintenance, repair and operations procurement into a strategic advantage across Africa.
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Some extreme weather we experienced recently has left me looking at nature with renewed awe. It also made me think about the inventions that we use every day that have been inspired by nature, especially ...
Read more...Containerised Solar Solution Accelerates Delivery of Riverside 3 MW Power Plant Proconics
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Proconics was engaged by NewFields to deliver the electrical integration solution for the Riverside 3 MW Solar Power Plant in Zimbabwe. The project required a compact, modular approach that could simplify deployment, minimise site works, and support rapid commissioning in a remote location.
Read more...Modern Energy Metering Solution Enhances Reliability and Reporting for Major Power Utility SAM Systems Automation & Management
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This project involved the implementation of a modern energy metering system for a major power utility operating within the industrial automation and energy management sector. The objective was to improve the reliability, accessibility, and accuracy of energy data while simplifying infrastructure and reducing system complexity.
Read more...From the editor's desk: You could be doing what? Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
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Humanoid robots are increasingly featuring in the news. Some of them are a bit creepy, some make you anxious because they might take your job, but others are a lot of fun, and they’re getting better ...
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
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