SAIMC: Secunda branch
June 2018
SAIMC
On 5 April, Hannes Kruger and Hendrik Strauss from Moore Process Controls gave an informative presentation on turbine speed control applications.
Johan Maritz (left) thanks Hannes Kruger and Hendrik Strauss after the presentation.
A steam turbine is a device that extracts thermal energy from pressurised steam and uses it to do mechanical work on a rotating output shaft. There are two main types of turbines: impulse and reaction turbines.
Turbine control is important to prevent catastrophic failures. The inputs used for turbine are: speed; steam valve output; team valve feedback; upstream steam pressure and temperature; downstream steam pressure and temperature; steam flow; and turbine casing temperature.
Up to three speed measurements can be used for speed control and will most commonly be implemented as follows:
• When three inputs are available – use the midrange one.
• When two inputs are available – use highest one.
• When one input is available – use that measurement.
• When 0 inputs are available – trip the turbine.
Hannes mentioned that it is important to start a turbine in auto to ensure that each start-up is similar. A turbine has three start-up sequences: hot, warm and cold start-up. The sequence that will be used is dependent on the downtime of the turbine.
Hendrik wrapped up the presentation with a demo of turbine speed control.
The branch thanks Hannes Kruger and Hendrik Straus for this informative presentation.
All instrumentation and control related mechanicians, technicians and engineers are welcome to attend the monthly technology events. The planned dates for the rest of the year are as follows: 7 June, 5 July, 2 August, 6 September, 11 October and 1 November.
All presentations earn CPD points for ECSA registered persons. Enquiries can be directed to branch chairman Johan Maritz at [email protected] or 082 856 3865.
Further reading:
SAIMC: From the office of the CEO
SAIMC
SAIMC
The INSPIRE Conference 2026 brought industry and academia together to explore advances in automation, AI, mechatronics and engineering. It also marked a new direction for the SAIMC as it works to build future-ready engineering talent and strengthen South Africa’s automation industry.
Read more...
SAIMC Durban takes to the skies
SAIMC
SAIMC
SAIMC Durban members went behind the scenes at the ATNS facility at King Shaka International Airport. The visit offered a fascinating look at the sophisticated technology and highly trained people keeping South Africa’s skies safe.
Read more...
SAIMC: Durban branch
SAIMC
SAIMC
At the SAIMC Durban branch September 2026 technology meeting, Werner Das of SICK explored how deep learning is moving industrial machine vision beyond rule-based systems into practical, everyday quality control on the factory floor.
Read more...
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: Johannesburg branch: Distilled to perfection: Women’s Month gin experience
SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Johannesburg branch celebrated Ladies Month with a gin tasting event.
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 INSPIRE 2026 brings together industry, robotics and research
SAIMC
The inaugural SAIMC INSPIRE Conference will bring together the industrial automation, robotics and academic communities for two days of presentations, panel discussions and networking, and will explore developments in smart manufacturing, mining, robotics
Read more...
SAIMC INSPIRE conference extends abstract submission deadline
SAIMC
SAIMC News
Following requests from our sponsors, the SAIMC INSPIRE conference has officially extended the abstract submission deadline to 28 August 2026.
Read more...
SAIMC: From the office of the COO
SAIMC
SAIMC
Recognising practical engineering talent is a missing link in the South Africa’s skills pipeline.
Read more...
printer friendly version