The May Durban branch Technology Evening broke with the traditional timing of the first Wednesday of the month in order to avoid a clash with the election.
Dean Trattles.
On the evening of the 14 May, Dean Trattles gave a very interesting and well received presentation at the Durban Country Club on the topic ‘Key Considerations in Implementation of a Process Information System’. Dean is the regional manager sub-Saharan Africa for OSISoft, who kindly sponsored the evening.
Dean covered the background of the evolution of process information systems, their use for the collection and interpretation of historical information, and gave some examples of the economic benefits that can be achieved through their correct application. He also showed how they are linked to process control systems and demonstrated how vastly improved data storage has enhanced the capability. It was made clear, however, that their purpose was not for optimisation of plant operation by the application of Advanced Process Control, but rather for the interpretation of plant conditions to ascertain the effectiveness of the control systems that have been applied.
He also covered aspects such as cybersecurity, audit and event and geospatial context within a process information system.
Questions from the floor showed that the talk had been clear, relevant and interesting. Many of the questions centred on the subject of data transmission sampling rate and how this must be set with the response time of each individual measurement in mind. That led to a question about the possibility of such an information system being applied to an Instrument Protective Function and it became clear that the fast required response of an IPF made it unsuitable for this type of application, but that a high speed event recorder may be appropriate. However, for most applications in large process plants the response time for monitoring and control purposes is relatively slow and hence a relatively low sampling frequency can be used to obtain the essential process data.
When the final questions had been answered, branch chairman Howard Lister thanked Dean for the thought-provoking talk. The evening ended with attendees enjoying a supper that was up to the Country Club’s usual high standard and more networking over a few after-dinner drinks.
SAIMC: From the office of the CEO: Is AI turning us into idiots? SAIMC
SAIMC
When calculators were first introduced, there were several concerns, particularly in the educational sector. Many educators and parents feared that students would become too reliant on calculators and ...
Read more...SAIMC Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Johannesburg branch recently hosted the June Technology Evening. The presentation covered HVAC systems through the lens of instrumentation, highlighting how sensor technologies form the backbone of effective monitoring and control, allowing for effective energy efficiency.
Read more...SAIMC Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Durban Branch hosted its latest technology meeting on 4 June.The event drew a strong turnout, highlighting the keen interest in the topic ‘Understanding Level Measurement: Contact vs Non-Contact Methods’.
Read more...SAIMC at KITE 2025
SAIMC
The Society for Automation, Instrumentation, Mechatronics and Control Engineering (SAIMC) invites you to connect with us at the KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition (KITE) from Tuesday 22 to Thursday 24 July 2025.
Read more...SAIMC User Advisory Council annual summit SAIMC Supplier Advisory Council
SAIMC
The SAIMC User Advisory Council is proud to present the 2025 Annual Summit, formerly known as the MESA Africa Summit. The theme is ‘Mining and manufacturing in South Africa: SMART operations in a disruptive world economy’.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The Durban branch of the SAIMC was pleased to welcome Vusi Sithole, managing member of Hybrid Control Corporation in Richards Bay, who presented\on the very pertinent topic of ‘Infrastructure monitoring and control for water loss management’.
Read more...SAIMC: Sunshine, swings and smiles: Durban Golf Day hits a high note Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
SAIMC
We say it every year, and we’ll say it again: May in Durban is hard to beat; but 9 May, when the Durban Golf Day teed off at Kloof Country Club, was something else. With sunny skies and temperatures in the upper 20s, it was a fantastic day, full of fun and great energy.
Read more...SAIMC User Advisory Council KS4I event: Bridging the industry/education divide
SAIMC
Horst Weinert, head of Didactic at Festo Southern/Eastern Africa, will be sharing some of Festo’s Didactic experiences of working across industry and education. He will cover training for productivity and employability in the public and private sectors, discussing especially the potential for inter-company training centres.
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.