The July Technology Evening was hosted by Endress+Hauser, with Chris Gimson who presented on how to order a temperature measurement probe.
Eric Carter (right) presents Chris Gimson with the SAIMC certificate.
Many methods have been developed for measuring temperature. Most of these rely on measuring some physical property of a working material that varies with temperature. There are many devices that are used to measure temperature such as thermocouples, thermistors and resistance temperature detectors. Non-contact temperature devices are pyrometers and Langmuir probes for electron temperature measurement of plasma.
Chris limited his presentation to the process industry and took us through some practical aspects behind the selection of temperature measurement probes. Despite temperature being one of the most measured process parameters, it is seen and treated as a commodity product where price is the driver.
Even in the case of critical measurements, inadequate spares are often held by the user. Breakdowns become critical and then delivery is the driver. Purchase is left to the procurement department who do not have the technical competence to help a supplier by clarifying the requirements. Inadequate or incorrect specifications also hamper correct supply. The result is that often temperature sensors are quoted and supplied without any real reference to their application leading to incorrect supply and reliability issues. Often any corrections made post order are not updated in the user specifications and so the problem is repeated next time.
Topics covered by Chris included general purpose and high performance sensors, compact thermometers; temperature sensor selection, RTD vs. thermocouple, temperature sensor performance, calibration and sensor/transmitter matching for improved accuracy
The branch thanks Chris for his valued and informative presentation.
SAIMC: From the office of the COO SAIMC
SAIMC
The recognition of mechatronics and computer engineering has created both an opportunity and a responsibility. Recognition means little without participation, professional registration without professional conduct, and technical knowledge without the mentorship, implementation and measurable value that industry needs.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
Hendrik Spies of SICK Automation Southern Africa presented at the SAIMC Johannesburg Technology Evening on 12 August 2026, covering the digital journey from condition monitoring to predictive maintenance.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Durban branch hosted S’yabonga Langa, systems performance engineer at eThekwini Electricity, who presented on applying substation automation to improve operational efficiency and service quality in modern power distribution networks.
Read more...SAIMC: Eastern Cape branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Eastern Cape Branch co-hosted a satellite viewing site for ICRA 2026 at Nelson Mandela University, giving postgraduate students, academics and local industry professionals access to premier international robotics and automation keynote sessions.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg Technology Evening SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Johannesburg Branch July Technology Evening, hosted by WIKA Instruments, covered key level measurement technologies and featured live product demonstrations from area sales manager Anthony Terblanche.
Read more...International robotics conference streams live to Africa
SAIMC
The SAIMC hosted five live-stream viewing events across South Africa for the IEEE International Conference of Robotics and Automation in Vienna, bringing global robotics research and technology directly to local industry and academia.
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.
printer friendly version