April 2018System Integration & Control Systems Design
An ABB TVOC-2 arc guard system installed on a motor control centre (MCC) panel by PSY Systems prevented an expensive plant shutdown for one of the company’s clients.
It was during the installation process that a cable arced unexpectedly. Ordinarily such an incident would ignite the wiring within the panel and continue burning as the current flowed from the upstream power supply. This would not only result in the destruction of the panel, but also put the entire plant at risk of an electrical fire. Even if the damage were only confined to the MCC itself, the complete system would have to be shut down until it could be replaced, a process that could take anything up to six weeks and cost the client both in downtime as well as equipment repair and replacement.
In this case, however, the arc guard had installed into the panel shut off the mains supply within 1,5 ms, preventing damage to the panel. The arc guard features an unshielded fibre optic sensor capable of detecting the intense light created by a developing arc anywhere in the panel. The unit’s hardwired shunt trip provides millisecond reaction time to arcs, shutting the system down.
The ABB arc guard is a flexible solution consisting of a central unit that can be used either in a stand-alone configuration or linked to other main and extension modules. In addition to two high-speed insulated gate bipolar transistor outputs for circuit breaker tripping purposes, the unit also incorporates a heavy duty relay output that can be used either as a circuit breaker failure protection or as an alarm output.
Paul Young, managing director for PSY Systems: “It was fortunate for the client to have the arc guard system installed. This particular incident could have cost the client R500 000 for a new MCC panel as well as losses in production due to shutdown. Now, all that was required was the replacement of the arc guard and a cleanup of the panel.”
PSY Systems, an ABB channel partner, provides process control and machine safety solutions for a broad spectrum of industry from iron and steel, food and beverage, milling and sugar to manufacturing, chemical, water and waste.
Turning system integrators into trusted technology partners Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing System Integration & Control Systems Design
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
System Integration & Control Systems Design
RS South Africa outlines how strong data governance and digital tools can turn maintenance, repair and operations procurement into a strategic advantage across Africa.
Read more...Containerised Solar Solution Accelerates Delivery of Riverside 3 MW Power Plant Proconics
System Integration & Control Systems Design
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
System Integration & Control Systems Design
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...PCS Global PCS Global
System Integration & Control Systems Design
PCS Global led a digital infrastructure initiative in a southern African data centre setting, aiming to merge several essential operational systems into one cohesive platform. The objective was to break down silos, enable real-time decisions, and ensure seamless operation in a mission-critical environment.
Read more...Seamless migration from ET 200M to ET 200SP HA for future-ready automation Moore Process Controls
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Moore Process Controls undertook a modernisation initiative spanning the mining, petrochemical, and oil & gas sectors. This project involved upgrading legacy Siemens ET200M I/O systems to the advanced ET200SP HA platform.
Read more...Project & Industry
System Integration & Control Systems Design Project: Upgrading essential automation and SCADA systems at a coal mine. Outcome: A modern, stable automation and SCADA environment with reduced technical debt and easier support, ready for expansion. ...
Read more...Major digital transformation project for Isuzu Motors
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Isuzu Motors South Africa, in partnership with NoMuda and S4 Integration, has kicked off a major two-year digital transformation project to modernise its production environment.
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