SAIMC


SAIMC: Vaal branch

September 2019 SAIMC

Technology evening: Flow measurement, custody and Industry 4.0

From power generation and cement production to waste treatment, the petrochemical industry and gas distribution, custody transfer can be a daunting application. However, combined with Industry 4.0, we can now bring all relevant data from the instruments to the plant manager, and even the financial department, to ensure all compliance requirements are met.

The more complex the plant, the greater the demand on system engineering and services: to find solutions we need to measure and present data to optimise and produce accurate and reliable information.

Juaandré Heyneke (right) thanks Martin Kotze from SICK Automation for the presentation.
Juaandré Heyneke (right) thanks Martin Kotze from SICK Automation for the presentation.

Industry 1.0 and Industry 2.0

The first industrial revolution began with the invention of the steam engine at the end of the eighteenth century, and the switch from manual to automated production. The second industrial revolution followed approximately 100 years later with the development of electrically-powered assembly lines. This has made cost-effective series production possible since the first third of the 20th century.

The use of sensors in Industry 3.0

SICK Automation is already a part of the third industrial revolution, which began in the 1970s. Electronic control systems, information technology, electronics, robots, and the increased use of sensors made it possible to further automate production, assembly and logistics processes. Photoelectric sensors from SICK are already an integral part of these changes, and are used around the world and across many industries.

Sensor intelligence as a fixed component of Industry 4.0

The fourth industrial revolution with its digitisation and networking of machines has been changing our lives for some time now. These new technologies have allowed the physical and virtual worlds in production and logistics to merge to form cyber-physical systems (CPS). Since 2011, these developments have been referred to collectively as Industry 4.0. Machines have the ability to communicate with one another autonomously, thereby optimising process flows. Industry 4.0 clearly relates to networking in the industrial sector.

Sensor technology is a necessary prerequisite for transparent processes in Industry 4.0. The sensor serves as the foundation for all subsequent applications. Simply put, without sensor technology, there would be no Industry 4.0.

In contrast to conventional, non-networked sensors, Industry 4.0 sensors deliver more than just measurement data. Their integrated decentralised computing power and flexible programmability are important characteristics for making production more flexible, dynamic and efficient.

The Vaal committee at the roadshow (left to right): Dirk van der Walt (vice chairman), Juaandré Heyneke (branch manager), Theo Potgieter (secretary) and Cobus du Toit (media).
The Vaal committee at the roadshow (left to right): Dirk van der Walt (vice chairman), Juaandré Heyneke (branch manager), Theo Potgieter (secretary) and Cobus du Toit (media).

Sasolburg IPP and Renewables Roadshow

African Petrochemicals hosts travelling exhibitions which showcases products and services relevant to the petrochemical industry. The branch was represented at the recent Sasolburg event, where members on stand duty took advantage of the one-on-one networking opportunities to inform delegates of the mission and goals of the SAIMC.



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Knowledge Sharing 4 Industry event
SAIMC SAIMC
The last of SAIMC’s Knowledge Sharing 4 Industry (KS4I) events for 2025 will be held in September.

Read more...
SAIMC: From the office of the COO: Enabling AI-ready manufacturing in South Africa
SAIMC SAIMC
Last month, I wrote about the ethical use of AI in our daily lives. This month, I want to explore two concepts, backed by different architectures and technologies, that can assist our manufacturing facilities to exponentially increase the pace of their digital transformation.

Read more...
SAIMC: Johannesburg branch
SAIMC SAIMC
The SAIMC Johannesburg branch hosted its June Technology Evening at the Bryanston Sports Club, where attendees explored a topic beyond the usual scope of process automation.

Read more...
SAIMC: Zambia branch
SAIMC
SAIMC Zambia recently facilitated an industrial visit to the Zamefa Cable Manufacturing Company in Luanshya for twenty automation students from Sinozam. The visit gave students valuable exposure to the advanced technology used in copper and aluminium cable production.

Read more...
SAIMC: Michael Brown named Honorary Senior Member of SAIMC
SAIMC SAIMC
Michael Brown, a recently retired specialist in control loop optimisation, has been named an Honorary Senior Member of the SAIMC, a rare distinction held by only a handful of individuals.

Read more...
SAIMC: Durban branch
SAIMC SAIMC
The August technology meeting was jointly presented by Pusetso Sentle and Suvern Moodley on the subject of ‘Universal Automation: Open, Flexible and Vendor-Agnostic Industrial Control’, and drew a record attendance.

Read more...
Digitise what matters and leverage
SAIMC
SAIMC has been invited to partner with technology leaders 4Sight and NextGenOpX for a one-day industry event aimed at unlocking the full value of OT investments in the mining sector.

Read more...
SAIMC: From the office of the COO: Ethical and practical use of AI
SAIMC SAIMC
In this day and age, we all have access to AI tools. A lot of people claim that if you are not using AI tools in your daily job today you are falling behind. But would it be ethical to use AI tools to write an article per day and sign my name to it?

Read more...
SAIMC: Durban branch
SAIMC SAIMC
The Durban branch of the SAIMC held its July technology meeting at the familiar Premier Splendid Hotel, drawing a strong turnout of industry professionals.

Read more...
SAIMC: Johannesburg branch
SAIMC SAIMC
The SAIMC Johannesburg branch recently hosted the July Technology Evening at the Bryanston Sports Club.

Read more...









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.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved