At the technology evening on 1 August, Katlego Setwaba from Pepperl+Fuchs gave a presentation on ‘Explosion protection with a focus on purge and pressurisation’.
Johan Maritz (left) thanks Katlego Setwaba.
The effects of accidental fires or explosions can be devastating in terms of lives lost, injuries, damage to property and the environment, and to business continuity. An explosion is the sudden chemical reaction of a flammable material with oxygen with the simultaneous release of high amounts of energy. Flammable materials may be present in the form of gasses, vapours, mist or dusts.
In order for an explosion to occur three conditions must exist: flammable material, oxygen and an ignition source. Purge and pressurisation is a protection method used with Type 4X (SANS 60079-2:2015) enclosures in a classified area. The enclosure is initially purged to remove any internal explosive gases or dust. Once this is accomplished, the enclosure is pressurised with a protective air or inert gas, preventing volatile gasses from entering in order to avoid an explosion.
This was an educational discussion, which attendees found intriguing.
All instrumentation and control related mechanicians, technicians and engineers are welcome to attend the monthly technology evenings, planned dates for the rest of the year are: Thursday 3 October and Thursday 7 November. All presentations earn CPD points for ECSA registered individuals. Enquiries can be directed to branch chairman Johan Maritz (+27 82 856 3865).
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