The last Technology Evening was held on 4 June at the Umhambi Lodge and was sponsored by Yokogawa where KZN regional sales manager, Andre Verreyne, gave a presentation on the topic 'How C&I diagnostics benefit the industry'.
Mervyn Govender (right) thanks Andre after the presentation.
Andre gave an in-depth overview of how to manage diagnostic data. To illustrate the extent that downtime has on the productivity, he stated that according to recent statistics, it was estimated that downtime contributed almost $20 billion in lost revenue – hence the need to identify and predict problems through analysis of diagnostic data.
Starting from the field level, he explained various types of data residing in instruments and showed the hierarchy with which this data moves from the field level, and the processing involved until it gets to the high level MES and ERP systems. Of interest was the integration into systems like SAP. Different systems are available such as CMMS (computerised maintenance management systems) that provide core information and allow the user to do an analysis to identify repeat offenders and pinpoint losses. The information can be analysed by employing techniques such as regression analysis, and the data can be used to help reduce downtime or breakdowns by developing appropriate maintenance schedules.
Mangosuthu University of Technology site visit to Tata Steel
Group photograph with the technicians at Tata Steel.
On Friday 5 June, the branch hosted a successful site visit to Tata Steel KZN for a group of S3 and S4 students from the Mangosuthu University of Technology. The 24 students, accompanied by lecturer James Rwafa, were taken through the smelting process operation by the Tata steel technicians, from raw materials handling right up to the finished product sections. Most of the students had never been in a plant before and the visit gave them the opportunity to see and experience the instrumentation and processes in practice. Unfortunately the plant was off for winter shut-down, so they could not witness the tapping of molten metal from the furnace.
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.
printer friendly version