39VOLUME NO 8 AUGUST 2023 Official publication of the SAIMC Radar portfolio for factory automation Process measurement | Wireless & telemetry | IT in manufacturing | Control systems Electrical power & energy-efficient systems | Control valves, actuators & pumps Automotive & e-mobility | Women in engineering
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www.instrumentation.co.za August 2023 1 Smart factories Process measurement Automotive & e-mobility Wireless & telemetry VOLUME 39 NO 8 AUGUST 2023 03 08 10 40 REGULARS FEATURES Control systems Women in engineering Control valves IT in manufacturing 14 20 15 26 35 30 36 37 News & events SAIMC news Automation professionals Product news Omron Electronics, H3iSquared, Schneider Electric South Africa, LOESCHE South Africa, Lance Turner Festo South Africa, Neu Matics, Valve & Automation, BMG, Axiom Hydraulics Beckhoff Automation, Michael Brown Control Engineering CC, Emerson Automation Solutions, ifm - South Africa ifm - South Africa RTS Engineering Africa, WIKA Instruments, KROHNE SA, Turck Banner, Instrotech Beckhoff Automation Pepperl+Fuchs, Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists, RJ Connect OUR COVER 12 39VOLUME NO 8 AUGUST 2023 Official publication of the SAIMC Process measurement | Wireless & telemetry | IT in manufacturing | Control systems Electrical power & energy-efficient systems | Control valves, actuators & pumps Automotive & e-mobility | Women in engineering Radar portfolio for factory automation VEGA is known worldwide for ensuring safe and stable processes with its level and pressure sensors, even under the most difficult conditions. The world market leader is now putting the finishing touches to its radar level portfolio, especially to meet the demands of fast processes in factory automation. Read our cover story on page 12 to find out about the new VEGAPULS 42, which is making radar compact, communicative, and even more convenient to use.
2 August 2023 www.instrumentation.co.za welcome VOLUME 39 NO 8 AUGUST 2023 Disclaimer 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, inserts and company contact details are printed as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, adapted, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd, Reg No. 2005/034598/07 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letters to the editor should be addressed to Kim Roberts at [email protected]. Sending material to this publication will be considered automatic permission to use in full or in part in our Letters column. Be sure to include your name, e-mail address, city and zip code. We reserve the right to edit all letters. EDITOR Kim Roberts MSc Chem [email protected] CIO & DIRECTOR Graeme Bell NHD Elec. Eng., MBA [email protected] CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Michael Brown BSc (Eng) (Rand), CEng MIEE MSAIEE Gavin Halse BSc Chem Eng Lance Turner BSc (Hons) Information Systems ADVERTISING Sales manager Jane van der Spuy [email protected] Tel: +27 83 234 5412 Heidi Hargreaves [email protected] Tel: +27 83 504 0436 DESIGN AND LAYOUT Technews Production Department SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES For address changes, subscriptions, renewal status or missing issues, email: [email protected] or write to: Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd, Box 385, Pinegowrie 2123 SUBSCRIBE ONLINE www.technews.co.za PUBLISHERS Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd Wild Fig Business Park, Block B, Unit 21, 1494 Cranberry Street, Honeydew Welcome to our bumper issue of SA Instrumentation & Control. I’m very excited to officially be the new editor. I have big shoes to fill, but I am looking forward to the challenge. This month we are including our Sustainability in Manufacturing Industry Guide. This is an increasingly important issue for our world, and electric vehicles (EVs) are set to make a huge contribution to a reduction in carbon emissions. Travelling along our national highways, I’ve noticed charging stations for EVs and I wonder how things are going in South Africa EV-wise. I still remember my first assignment when I started at Technews some years ago, when I had to cover a Siemens launch where they had on show their gorgeous electric Porsche. Editors were offered the chance to drive it around the Kyalami racetrack, but to my huge disappointment the battery went flat just when it was my turn. Internationally EVs are well on their way. There are way over ten million electric cars on the world’s roads, and locally all the big car brands have entered the market with EVs (although no Teslas yet). They have an eye-watering price tag, but they are moving. Volvo opened its online order books for the XC40 Recharge, and the 25 allocated vehicles for South Africa were sold out in 24 hours. According to NAAMSA there were 6367 electric vehicles on South African roads in 2021; and sales increased by a whopping 431% year on year in 2022 to 4764 vehicles (although off a low base). At the moment loadshedding and the price tag are stopping us from thinking about buying an EV. Charging and ‘range anxiety’ are also an issue. However, recent EVs have a range of 400 km, which is fine for everyday use, and this is about to get better. You charge at home, usually overnight, just as you would charge your cellphone. So Eskom outages can be accommodated. And if you are on a long journey, a GridCars map will show you the charging stations every couple of hundred kilometres all along our major highways. There are some advantages. EVs have one rotating part, a single-speed gearbox and no clutch, and they operate in silence with one-pedal driving. There is no torque convertor, no gearchanges, just linear power and acceleration. Regenerative braking recharges the batteries rather than dissipating the energy in brake heat. Maximum torque is at zero revs, so instant power is available from standstill and all through the speed range. The smooth driving experience cannot be matched Going electric by an internal combustion engine (ICE) car, however sophisticated and complex. The cost of charging is substantially less than filling up with petrol or diesel. Electric motors also run for more than a million kilometres with almost no maintenance, due to their simplicity. In comparison, ICE cars have highly complex mechanics with thousands of rotating and reciprocating parts that result in pollutants, noise, heat, vibration and high maintenance costs. The cost of an EV is already comparable with a similar ICE over five years due to lower running costs and minimal maintenance. By 2025, EVs will be on purchase price parity with ICEs internationally as economies of scale kick in. Improvements in battery life will also extend the distance that EVs can travel on a single charge. According to the 2022 Greencape Electric Vehicles report, public transport is the best business case for manufacturing. Cape Town municipality has already experimented with e-buses, and the University of Stellenbosch has a research project to bring in electric minibus taxis. There is also an opportunity for EVs in underground and opencast mining. John Deere is gearing up to introduce electric excavators locally in the near future, and Mercedes-Benz Vans is on track to introduce the first electric van. South Africa has a world-class auto industry, and nearly 80% of the cars manufactured here are exported to Europe. However, the UK will be banning ICE cars from 2030, and the EU from 2035. So there is an urgency to convert to EVs, which is echoed by the Minister of Trade and Industry, who says that it is critical that South Africa makes the shift towards EVs if the country is to have a large and growing auto sector. Would I get one? Definitely, if I had the budget, how cool would that be? It would be perfect for everyday driving. For now I think EVs will be left to the early adopters, but new technology comes slowly and then quickly. My guess is that eventually we will all be driving EVs.
NEWS & EVENTS www.instrumentation.co.za August 2023 3 Following its acquisition of a BC 1007 HS Perforex machine (one of only two in the country), Rittal South Africa has partnered with Rubicon Group to secure a backup power solution that will ensure the machine’s uninterrupted operation. The Perforex machine offers fully automated, high-speed precision machining of mounting plates, doors and side panels for customisation of enclosures. With the Perforex machine, Rittal delivers not only precision-finished enclosures, but also spares customers the added costs and time delays normally associated with customisation. “We’re proud of our 20 year partnership with Rubicon Group. The backup solar power solution that they installed affords us enhanced resilience and enables us to continue to offer customers the exceptional service and prompt delivery they’ve come to expect,” says Adrian Buddingh, Rittal South Africa’s managing director. A futureproof solution Rittal consulted Rubicon Group for a backup power solution for its headquarters in Johannesburg to ensure the smooth operation of the new Perforex machine. A Rubicon analytics engineer assisted with product selection, ensuring that Rittal’s expectations were met. “The system has a hybrid inverter with lithium batteries to support essential loads. It also comes solar ready for future development of the system,” explains Rubicon director of new business, Dylan Schnetler. This is a 12 kW, three-phase inverter with three 6 Ah batteries for backup and 25 solar panels of 500 W each. A formidable partnership Rittal has partnered with Rubicon Group based on its strengths as a distribution partner, including its national footprint and the company’s understanding of the market demand for high-quality enclosure solutions. Powering the Perforex machine 4Sight’s Operational Technologies Automation Division was named AVEVA Select Southern Africa Partner of the Year at the recent X-Change User Conference, hosted by IS³ - Industry Software Solutions and Support. This annual event gathers IS³ customers from southern Africa, East Africa and West Africa, and serves as a focal point for all of them to gain insight into how they can create the industrial ecosystem of the future using AVEVA’s software, enabling them to design better, and operate and optimise efficiently. Deryn Browning, head of Sales: International at IS notes, “4Sight is the partner that has shown the most commitment towards pushing technology to its limits in the quest to service customers better and embody AVEVA’s latest thinking in the operations control space. AVEVA has become the largest purveyor of industrial software in the world, trusted by 90% of industrial companies because it develops software that helps them become more efficient and sustainable. However, we cannot help customers achieve and realise the full value that AVEVA can offer without our partners. From left to right: Wade Peters, Charl Marais, Danie Badenhorst, Willem du Preez, Deryn Browning, Wilhelm Swart, Paul Alber. 4Sight scoops an AVEVA award 4Sight won the award due to its investment in expanding the range of AVEVA solutions it can implement, among them value chain optimisation, predictive analytics and AVEVA PI. 4Sight has a uniquely broad portfolio of domain skills within the group to take these solutions to the next level.” Danie Badenhorst, MD of the Asset Automation Division at 4Sight, says: “AVEVA’s software is a world leader, and we have invested significantly in our people to ensure they have the skills needed to deliver AVEVA solutions of maximum value to our customers. We look forward to continuing our journey with IS³ and AVEVA by developing new solutions that add even more value to our customers, and that showcase what is possible when combining our industry expertise with their solid software foundation.” For more information contact Mari Oberholzer, 4Sight, +27 11 869 3925, [email protected], www.age.co.za In addition, Rubicon has a dual focus on energy technology and industrial technology. In the early days of the company’s partnership with Rittal, Rubicon focused on enclosure solution sales by building close relationships with clients and maintaining regional stock levels. Over the years this has evolved, and Rubicon has established service centres in the different regions, in partnership with Rittal. “Rittal has become a pillar within the Rubicon portfolio, and we are proud of our partnership. Rittal has exceptional leadership in South Africa, and this has helped both companies to maintain growth together,” adds Schnetler. “We look forward to Rittal’s continued collaboration with Rubicon Group. Their expertise, smart solutions and commitment to quality are in line with Rittal’s philosophy and vision,” concludes Buddingh. For more information contact Rittal South Africa, +27 11 609 8294, [email protected], www.rittal.co.za
NEWS & EVENTS 4 August 2023 www.instrumentation.co.za What does the food and beverage (F&B) industry of the future look like? Efficient, sustainable, integrated, safe, consumer-centric and traceable. This was the prevailing message at the recent Schneider Electric Food and Beverage Innovation Day, held at the Galleria in Sandton, Johannesburg. The packed-to-the-rafters event was attended by major consumer packaged goods and F&B companies, industry players, technology providers, industry bodies, and regulators. The event featured several Caption: The future of the food and beverage industry Loadshedding has had a profound impact on businesses, with many losing valuable time in productivity, while struggling to keep their doors open. ACDC Dynamics, a specialist in solar energy, offers cutting-edge solar solutions to meet the growing demand for sustainable power sources. The company has launched the Power Partner initiative to uplift small to medium enterprises that are being severely impacted by loadshedding. This will provide them with solar and backup power solutions, so they can go on to be successful, return to profitability, and ultimately serve the communities in which they operate. “ACDC Dynamics is your Power Partner when it comes to anything electrical, especially solar. Solar and backup power solutions FUCHS Lubricants South Africa has clinched an accolade from the Green Building Council South Africa (GBCSA) Leadership Awards for its net zero submission. In addition, the new FUCHS Isando head office has been certified as being net zero carbon, reports sustainability FUCHS head office certified as net zero carbon director, Esther Seabi. Not only has the head office been designed to be as energy efficient as possible, it generates renewable energy in excess of its requirements. This translates into net zero carbon emissions from energy usage. The process started at building design phase, where the focus was on alignment with natural climatic elements to minimise the need for artificial illumination, heating and cooling required for a comfortable indoor environment, for example the use of shading and glazing. The next phase was the use of energy efficient equipment and systems such as automated LED lighting and energy-efficient appliances and HVAC system. Lastly, the solar PV system generates renewable energy equal to or exceeding the energy requirements of the building. The current certification is based on design and is valid for three years. To maintain the rating following this, FUCHS has to submit data on actual usage to demonstrate whether or not it is net zero. “We have online metering for the various energy consumers. This also helps us with management as for instance we can see if aircons are left on when the building is unoccupied. We have also had instances where we were alerted when the PV system tripped,” explains Seabi. For more information contact Kayla Van Vught, Fuchs Lubricants South Africa, +27 11 565 9738, [email protected], www.fuchs.com/za No matter the project or business, whether big or small, we can assist. We have been in the electrical field for over 40 years and we have been involved in the solar field since 2015. Our expertise, knowledge, experience, and variety of products have helped to position us as the leaders within the electric and electronics space,” says marketing manager, Colette Harwood. “We have created an environment where a client can get anything they need under one roof. We can provide them with comprehensive service throughout a project, and aftermarket service.” She adds that ACDC Dynamics invites businesses in need of advice or solutions to get in touch. “We can tailor-make solutions for all business’s needs and budgets, and we offer finance solutions to assist companies with payment options,” she concludes. For more information contact AC/DC Dynamics , +27 10 202 3300, [email protected], www.acdc.co.za prominent speakers and was hosted by radio personality and business news anchor, Nzinga Qunta. Opening the event, Devan Pillay, cluster president of Schneider Electric, noted the remarkable evolution in the F&B industry in recent years. “There is a consciousness in the way we consume goods and with that comes the importance of traceability. In our efforts to decarbonise, we should also endeavour to bridge the gap between providing access to energy and sustainable practice.” Mohamed El Khateb, regional segment leader: MEA and India at Schneider Electric, echoed Pillay’s sentiments. “At Schneider Electric we believe the factories of the future will be built on a comprehensive ecosystem that connects all aspects of the production process. For example, by leveraging an infrastructure platform such as our EcoStruxure architecture, organisations can achieve seamless connectivity, improved data utilisation, and enhanced production capabilities.” Practical solutions for the F&B industry included insights by Dr Suven Ramsunder, digital transformation expert, Johan Potgieter, cluster industrial software lead, and Thabang Byl, buildings segment lead. For more information contact Schneider Electric South Africa, +27 11 254 6400, [email protected], www.se.com/za/en Devan Pillay. Mohamed El Khateb.
NEWS & EVENTS www.instrumentation.co.za August 2023 5 In celebration of Youth Day on 16 June, ABB hosted a special event at its Longmeadow, Johannesburg facility for Grade 11 and 12 learners from various high schools in Tembisa and Alexandra townships. The learners were given a tour of the factory and were also addressed by successful graduates employed by ABB, in addition to senior management. Speakers included Momelezi Sifumba, who graduated with a BTech in Electrical Engineering in 2018. He was unable to find employment in his chosen field until a photograph with a ‘Help Me to Find a Job’ sign on LinkedIn in July 2022 caught the attention of ABB senior vice president Graham Abrahams, who interviewed Momelezi and subsequently employed him at ABB. Momelezi received firsthand training that rotated him through different departments and activities for the best possible practical experience. “There is nothing to stop me from aspiring to fill a team leader or management role. I will also be able to mentor other deserving and unemployed youth,” he says. Mervin Munsamy, Human Resources Director for ABB, took inspiration from some of our great leaders and said: “Mahatma ABB inspires high school learners Gandhi advocated for us to be the change that we would like to see in the world. We should take ownership and commit to lifelong learning and development to make a difference in our lives and the communities in which we live.” With June designated as Youth Month, graduate Nthabiseng Manana says important attributes for young people to succeed are freedom of choice, an open mind, and the recognition that your current situation is not the only possible outcome. “Shape your own possibilities,” she urges. Graduate Arleta Mukhesi says Youth Month highlights the significant role of quality education in a thriving society. “It gives us an opportunity to reflect on our education system and whether it is meeting the future needs of our youth. We must come up with creative ways to improve the future for our youth and our country,” she adds. “Nothing comes on a silver platter, you need to work your way to the top by being innovative and building a network.” According to another graduate, Tebogo Seemela, Youth Month is a celebration of young people and their contribution to development. “It is also an opportunity for the youth to realise their power to drive In celebration of International Women in Engineering Day (INWED), drilling specialist, Rosond is highlighting how it is pioneering Rosond celebrates ‘Make Safety Seen’ theme change in the country. Young people are our future leaders and therefore must drive change. We need to be united in working towards the same goal; there is nothing that we cannot achieve together,” concludes Seemela. For more information contact Ofentse Dijoe, ABB, +27 10 202 5105, [email protected]. www.abb.com/za Momelezi Sifumba. diversity and inclusion in the mining industry. Held under the banner of the Women’s Engineering Society, INWED celebrated its 10th year in 2023, by promoting the work being carried out by women engineers across the globe under the theme of ‘Make Safety Seen’. “Diversity in the workplace and the inclusivity of women is a business imperative,” says Rosond MD, Ricardo Ribeiro. “While the mining industry is making great strides to achieve greater gender equality in terms of women at middle and senior management level, the real impact lies at grassroots level.” “At board level, women representation may reach as high as 50%, but at the lower employment levels in the mining industry there is still a lot of work to be done. At Rosond, we are passionate about making a difference at this level and our efforts are starting to reap real rewards,” says Ribeiro. At a major iron ore mining operation in the Northern Cape, Rosond employs 42 women in a range of positions. This includes two safety officers, a foreperson (a geologist by profession), a logistics coordinator, 19 drill machine assistants, three operators, an assistant operator, a bit sharpener and a safety representative. One of the employees is disabled and the balance fulfil various administrative and office support roles. He adds that Rosond is particularly proud of its work in upskilling women and creating opportunities for them to be successful in roles traditionally performed by men. “There is richness to decision making through diversity. Specifically, having women in the drilling workplace means that our company benefits from different points of view through different approaches and life experiences. Creativity and innovation are enhanced. We have also found that the men on the teams benefit from working with and learning from women in a traditionally male-dominated work environment,” concludes Ribeiro. For more information contact Dot Field, Rosund, +27 82 990 0174, [email protected], www.rosond.com
NEWS & EVENTS 6 August 2023 www.instrumentation.co.za Robotics is an ever-growing industry, and South African manufacturers are increasingly adopting automation into their production processes to remain competitive. Yaskawa’s long-standing training academy offers its customers, and individuals looking to enter the industry, the opportunity to learn and upskill in various in-demand positions, including programming, operations, maintenance, safety and robot troubleshooting. “At the Yaskawa Southern Africa Training Academy we offer a variety of courses and training programmes designed to meet the needs of different skill levels, from beginner to advanced,” says training officer, Leon Coetzer. “Our staff comprises experienced engineers who are experts in their fields.” Since the academy’s inception in 2002, over 2200 students have been trained. Both individuals wanting to enter the industry, and existing customers of Yaskawa Robots, can expect a hands-on approach to training. In-person classes ensure trainees gain the necessary knowledge and skills to operate Yaskawa’s robotics training programmes The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has validated that the corporate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets submitted by Danfoss are in conformance with the SBTi Criteria and Recommendations (version 4.2). The science-based target provides a clearly defined pathway for companies to reduce GHG emissions in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement and help to prevent the worst impacts of climate change. The SBTi’s Target Validation Team has determined that Danfoss’ scope 1 and 2 target ambition is in line with limiting warming to 1,5°C. As part of the science-based target, Danfoss will reduce absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by at least 46,2% by 2030 from a 2019 base year. In addition, Danfoss has committed to being carbon neutral in scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030. Danfoss will reduce absolute scope 3 GHG emissions by 15% in the same time frame. President and CEO Kim Fausing said: “We have built a strong foundation to achieve our Science Based Targets initiative approves Danfoss climate targets science-based target, an important pillar of Danfoss’ new 2030 ESG ambition. Our science-based target expands our GHG emissions reduction goals beyond our own business, across the entire value chain. It reflects our continued dedication to taking action on climate change and becoming the preferred decarbonisation partner to our suppliers and customers.” Danfoss announced in March 2022 that it had reached its 2030 target of doubling the energy productivity in its factories globally – nine years ahead of time. Energy productivity improved by 104% in 2021 from the baseline year 2007, and energy intensity was halved between 2007 and 2021. Danfoss produced twice the output in 2021 as in 2007, with the same energy consumption. Subsequently, Danfoss has said it would put sustainability at the centre of its Core & Clear 2025 strategy, and has the ambition to take leading positions within Decarbonisation, Circularity, Diversity and Inclusion. Martin Rossen, SVP and head of Group Communication & Sustainability has been responsible for developing Danfoss’ ESG strategy and setting the ambition for reducing emissions across the business. He added: “The validation of our science-based target confirms that Danfoss’ climate ambitions are in line with science and the goals of the Paris Agreement. But it’s more than order in our own house. Customers, employees and the public increasingly demand transparency and reward action on ESG − for good reason. Companies can’t simply get away with saying that they act; they need to document it. The science-based target provides a level playing field. It gives a competitive edge to the companies that truly care and take action. United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan once said ‘who cares wins’, and we believe that companies that care will win.” Danfoss is on track to making its 250 000 m2 headquarters in Nordborg, near the city of Sønderborg, carbon neutral in scope 1 and 2 in 2023, by implementing available energy efficiency solutions and sourcing renewable electricity and heating. For more information contact Danfoss, +27 11 785 7600, [email protected], www.danfoss.co.za and maintain Yaskawa robots effectively. With South Africa’s skills shortage, this creates more opportunities to strengthen the country’s workforce and reduce unemployment. Yaskawa’s approach to training goes beyond initial skill acquisition, recognising the importance of ongoing professional development of its employees. “We provide continuous mentoring and coaching to our employees to help them set and achieve their career goals,” says Coetzer. Yaskawa’s training programmes play a crucial role in the growth and development of the robotics industry in South Africa by providing accessible opportunities for both beginners and advanced students. The academy is poised to leave a lasting footprint on the robotics industry and empower the future of automation. For more information contact Leon Coetzer, Yaskawa Southern Africa, +27 11 608 3182, [email protected], www.yaskawa.za.com
NEWS & EVENTS www.instrumentation.co.za August 2023 7 Referro Systems partners with AMCI Johannesburg golf day Where: Jackal Creek Golf Course When: 29 September 2023 Cost: R4800 per 4 ball Watering hole: R1725 + R1500 corkage Book now for 29 September 2023 For information and booking contact Cheryl Hird at [email protected] ANIE Automazione and OPC Foundation are proud to announce a comprehensive collaboration programme, focusing on the technology transfer and further adoption of OPC UA in the Italian market. ANIE Automazione and OPC Foundation have agreed to the following activities: • Realising interoperability demos on the field level and field-to-cloud paradigms. • Extensive training programme for ANIE members, to bring them up to date on the latest developments on OPC UA and make them proficient on latest OPC Foundation demos. • ANIE member companies can join the OPC Foundation field-to-cloud demo, so that data from their devices will be visible in the cloud dashboard from AWS and Microsoft. • ANIE helps OPC Foundation to provide Italian translations of marketing material like the OPC UA brochure, to make it even simpler for Italian automation companies to fully ANIE Automazione and OPC Foundation have liaison agreement understand the present value and the future potential of the underlying technologies. • ANIE Automazione and OPC Foundation will organise joint conferences. “Italy is the second biggest automation market in Europe; Italian machine builders are world leaders in many segments, and Italy’s manufacturers include the top global players in many industries, from automotive manufacturing to fashion and luxury goods, to food and beverage and pharmaceuticals. Therefore, the importance of Italy for the OPC Foundation is very clear,” says Stefan Hoppe, president and executive director of the OPC Foundation. “With this collaboration, we aim to help Italian OEMs and manufacturing companies to understand and embrace the importance of OPC UA as the common language of automation, not just in the field, but all the way to the cloud. Moreover, we look forward to technical contributions to the Foundation of many leading Italian automation companies”. “The digitalisation of the automation industry is both an opportunity and a challenge, and OPC UA is establishing itself at the de-facto standard in this area“, says Marco Svara, president of the Interconnection and Control area of ANIE Automazione and coordinator of the ANIE OPC UA working group. “If Italian automation companies don’t adopt the OPC UA standard, it’s just like our export managers not being able to speak English. Moreover, the OPC UA standard is evolving towards many sectors where Italy has the potential to express leadership. Italian companies cannot miss this opportunity. Therefore, ANIE has an important role in helping our manufacturers understand and invest in OPC UA.” For more information contact Stefan Hoppe, OPC Foundation, [email protected], www.opcfoundation.org Referro Systems, a sales and distribution company specialising in the supply and support of industrial electrical, automation, and global software and hardware brands, has announced its partnership with Advanced Micro Controls (AMCI), a leading US-based manufacturer and global supplier of PLC-based control solution products, position sensing and motion control solutions. With a track record of more than 22 years in business, Referro Systems provides excellent pre- and post-sales support to some of the world’s leading brands, and is now able to extend its industrial reach by providing the AMCI product range within the African market. Adrian van Wyk, managing director of Referro Systems said, in announcing the new partnership: “We are excited to bring the AMCI range of technologically advanced specialised PLC-based control solutions, position sensing and motion control technology to the African continent.” For more information contact Referro Systems, +27 12 349 1297, [email protected], www.referro.co.za
8 August 2023 www.instrumentation.co.za From the office of the CEO SAIMC NEWS Johan Maartens. National Members GAIL NORTON INSTRUMENTATION - South Africa In our world of ‘equal representation’, mathematical models of gender, race etc. are often used by those seeking the masses’ approval, without understanding the complexity of the issues they are dealing with. One of those are women in engineering. People count the number of men in engineering and then compare that to the number of women in engineering. Some even assume that women are not suited to engineering work. Young women often do not consider engineering as one of their options. Therefore, to show how capable women are in this field, I would like to highlight some remarkable women who have played a major role in engineering. Born in 1815, Ada Lovelace was an English mathematician and writer. She is often considered the world’s first computer programmer, as she wrote the first algorithm intended to be processed by a machine. Lovelace worked closely with Charles Babbage, the inventor of the Analytical Engine, a mechanical general-purpose computer. She translated an article about the Analytical Engine written by an Italian engineer, Luigi Menabrea, and added her own extensive notes, which included the algorithm. Lovelace’s work laid the foundation for modern computer programming, and her contributions to the field of computing were recognised long after her death. Hedy Lamarr was an inventor and famous actress. During World War II, she co-invented a frequency-hopping spread spectrum technology, which was intended to make radio-guided torpedoes harder to detect and jam. Although the technology was not implemented during the war, it laid the foundation for modern wireless communication technologies. Lamarr was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in 2014 and has been dubbed ‘the mother of Wi-Fi’. Grace Hopper, born in 1906, was computer scientist and US Navy rear admiral. She was one of the first programmers of the Harvard Mark I computer and is credited with popularising the idea of machine-independent programming languages, which led to the development of COBOL, one of the first high-level programming languages. Hopper also played a significant role in the development of the UNIVAC I computer and the development of the first compiler. She was a pioneer in the field of computer science and made numerous contributions to the industry throughout her career. As a NASA mathematician, Katherine Johnson made significant contributions to the US space programme. Her calculations were instrumental in the success of the first manned spaceflights, including the Apollo moon landing. She figured out the paths for the spacecraft to orbit Earth and land on the Moon. NASA used Katherine’s maths to send astronauts into orbit around earth, and to the moon and back. Born in 1943, Emily Roebling played a vital role in the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge. After her husband, the chief engineer, fell ill, she took over his duties for more than ten years, and became the first woman to lead a major engineering project in the US. The Brooklyn Bridge is a hybrid cable-stayed suspension bridge and at the time of its opening was the longest suspension bridge in the world, with a main span of 486 metres and a deck 39 metres above mean high water. These are just a few examples of the many incredible women who have made a lasting impact on the field of engineering. Their contributions have paved the way for future generations of women in engineering and continue to inspire others to pursue careers in this field. We cannot concentrate on mathematical models to get women into engineering. We need to find ways of making it easier for them to participate. Many things have changed since I first started as an electrical engineer. However restrictions, attitudes and perceptions still prevent engineering from being one of the obvious choices open to women when planning their future. Let us focus on these and get rid of them. Yours in Automation, Johan Maartens.
www.instrumentation.co.za August 2023 9 SAIMC NEWS The Durban branch of the SAIMC held their monthly technology meeting on 5 July at the Premier Splendid Hotel, as always. Liza Smit, a process engineer from Proconis, talked us through risk-based fire and gas detection mapping. Gas detection started with canaries in cages, but has evolved to use complex technology instead. In 2015 a UK HSE study of data showed that with eight years of offshore data, only 60% of known releases have been detected. The lack of reliable detection has pushed the industry to move to more sophisticated methodologies for detector placement. In the last decade, several international and local standards were issued in support of the implementation of risk-based fire and gas detection, and software was developed to the extent where today mapping has become easy to do. Proconics has completed several Liza Smit seen with branch GM, Mark Calvert. Durban branch risk-based studies and the purpose of the presentation was to explain the methodology and share the results of real projects. Liza is a process engineer with a Master’s in Engineering Management and 20 years’ experience in chemical and process engineering. She started her career in the oil and gas/ petrochemical sector and gained experience in various fields of the manufacturing value chain. She subsequently worked across multiple sectors, including the fertiliser, nuclear, thermal power, and mining industries, both locally and abroad. Over the last decade, Liza served as a subject matter expert in process safety, conducting quantitative risk assessments (QRA)s, risk reviews (HAZOPs/HAZIDS etc.) and specialist studies such as fire and gas mapping, also publishing papers in reputable scientific journals. She is a leader in her field and works closely with cutting-edge software developers for explosion and fire modelling. She gave an interesting and informative presentation, answering questions from the attentive audience clearly and professionally. The Durban branch would like to thank Proconics for their kind sponsorship. The Durban branch end-of-year-dinner Let’s celebrate another year by bringing back an old favourite! And his friends….. Conrad is South Africa’s top comedy ventriloquist, a double international Emmy-nominated comedian. His most famous puppet, Chester Missing, has won numerous awards in his own right, including being the first recipient of the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation’s Anti-Racism Award. Chester Missing has interviewed most of South Africa’s political élite and has held a number of regular radio and TV slots, and even wrote an award-winning book. Conrad’s live shows have received wide political acclaim, and are a regular feature at arts and comedy festivals, including at the prestigious Just For Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal. The truth is, with a master’s degree in social anthropology, talking to puppets was his only career option. Venue: Mount Edgecombe Country Club Date: 18 November 2023 Time: 18h30 for 19h00 Supper: Gourmet three-course meal Entertainment: Conrad Koch and Chester Missing Music by Angus Tables of ten: R9500 Sponsorship opportunities available! Contcat: Joan Jones, [email protected], +27 83 703 8070 Branches Johannesburg: Jenine Jansen van Vuuren at [email protected]; Mobile: +27 63 204 5248 Cape Town: Hein Ries at [email protected]; Mobile: +27 73 351 2875 Durban: Mark Calvert at [email protected]; Mobile: +27 83 452 3181 Gqeberha: Prof. Theo van Niekerk at [email protected], Mobile: +27 82 440 8957 Richards Bay: Mervyn Govender at [email protected]; Mobile: +27 83 299 2260 Secunda: Lezahn Meiring at [email protected]; Mobile: +27 84 440 7787 Tshwane : Mark Taylor at [email protected]; Mobile: +27 61 769 3344 Vaal: John Phala at [email protected]; Mobile: +27 71 679 5076 Zambia: Andrew Sikwese at [email protected], Tel: +26 96 963 1008 Council: Ina at [email protected], Mobile: +27 82 440 8957, Tel: 08610 72462 (08610 SAIMC)
10 August 2023 www.instrumentation.co.za AUTOMATION PROFESSIONALS Abacus Automation supplies innovative, custom-developed technical solutions using standard PLCs, drives, scada and motion control equipment and is Siemens approved for crane automation. With 23 years in the industry, this award-winning and internationally acclaimed company has highly qualified, experienced and professional staff. It operates out of offices in KwaZulu-Natal. Tel: +27 31 702 5767 [email protected] www.abacus-automation.co.za Abacus Automation Control Software Solutions - CSS Customer-centricity allows CSS to attain a high percentage of repeat business from its growing customer base. With a solid 17 years’experience in designing customised C&A solutions, CSS partners with customers in relationships thriving on information sharing and open communication enabling them to enhance customer operations. Supplier Certification provides customers with the assurance that the CSS team is completely up to date on current trends and technology as indicated by a number of prestigious awards. Tel: +27 31 914 0040 [email protected] www.cs-solutions.co.za Moore Process Controls Moore Process Controls provides process automation and optimisation solutions to realise the maximum potential of your plant and assets. Its offerings include DCS, PLC, scada, compressor control solutions, MES, production management and predictive maintenance systems, control loop optimisation, alarm and energy management systems, plant security and access management systems, Matrikon OPC, OSi Soft, dashboards and historians, wireless and data solutions including digital twin, process simulators and training simulators and cloud-based IIoT solutions. Tel: +27 11 466 1673 [email protected] www.moore.co.za Consulting engineers, system integrators & project houses EHL Consulting Engineers offers comprehensive C&I services across all industries including control system design, software development and system integration; legacy system upgrades and replacements; process automation and optimisation; and IS and SIL services. Tel: +27 11 370 7400 [email protected] [email protected] www.ehl.co.za EHL Consulting Engineers Autotronix is a recognised leader in industrial automation design and implementation having attained its ISO 9001 certification. Autotronix offers its clients turnkey control system integration services for energy management, PLC/HMI/scada/VSD, manufacture of control panels, applications for water distribution and manufacturing. The company operates from offices in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. Tel: +27 31 705 0400 or +27 16 422 7644 [email protected] www.autotronix.co.za Autotronix Iritron is a new millennium technology company providing quality solutions in the fields of electrical instrumentation and control systems engineering, MES systems integration and simulations. It has a proven ability to manage projects efficiently and produce high quality results. It has an extensive track record of successfully implementing plant infrastructure reticulation, designs, and automation and information systems. Iritron, a TUV accredited ISO 9001:2015; ISO 14001:1015 and ISO 45001:2018 as well as a GAMP®5: A Risk-Based Approach to Compliant technology company, can offer its clients PLC, DCS, MES and scada software and hardware, as well as electrical and instrumentation design, engineering, project management and commissioning services. Tel: +27 12 349 2919 [email protected] www.iritron.co.za Iritron
www.instrumentation.co.za August 2023 11 AUTOMATION PROFESSIONALS Systems Automation and Management is a supplier of data acquisition systems and innovative automation solutions and is one of the leading integrators of PLC, scada and fieldbus systems in South Africa. The company’s comprehensive range of capabilities includes industrial networks, automation and control, scada, custom solutions, information delivery, data warehousing, hardware and software, BMS, MIS and MES. Tel: +27 11 803 0570 [email protected] www.sam.co.za SAM – Systems Automation and Management Process Dynamics specialises in industrial automation and process control. The company is one of Africa’s leaders in turnkey automation projects and specialises in the integration of scada (WINCC, PCS7, Wonderware, Citect and Ignition) and PLC ( Siemens, Schneider, Rockwell and Festo) as well as MCC and control panel manufacturing and installation. Process Dynamics is ISO 9001:2015 accredited as well as a registered CIDB company. Tel: +27 11 394 5412 [email protected] www.process-dynamics.co.za Process Dynamics PCS Global At PCS Global we understand that you’re ultimately in business to maximise profits. This means reduced cost of ownership, increased uptime, consistent results and ultimately a solution that not only fits your budget but lets your business work whilst you’re at home with your family. To us that means providing a hassle free, customised engineering solution that exceeds your expectations. Are you ready to take your business to the next level? We are! Level 2 BBEEE , ISO 9001:2015, CIDB. Siemens, Schneider, Wonderware and Rockwell certified. Automation Innovation, it’s the new AI. Tel: +27 11 466 4172 [email protected] www.pcsglobal.com Proconics is a locally based multi-discipline engineering company that executes projects to improve and extend the life of factories. Proconics specialises in multi-discipline, short-term turnkey projects, featuring brownfield replacement projects as well as renewable grid connections. Tel: +27 16 982 7880 [email protected] www.proconics.co.za Proconics Philco Systems Philco Systems provides turnkey industrial automation solutions that are tailored to the client’s individual application, with 30 years’ experience in industrial automation design, drafting panel building, software engineering, field construction, commissioning and legacy migration. Philco Systems integrates a vast array of PLCs, VSDs, HMI, scada and instrumentation into custom solutions, which align with industry standards. At Philco we pride ourselves on building long-lasting customer relationships and have an excellent reputation for providing service and support to the clients’ automation systems. Tel: +27 35 751 1363 [email protected] www.philco.co.za What we are offering (an anually renewable subscription): South Africa’s only dedicated process control and factory automation publication. Whether you are a consulting engineer, a system integrator or a project house, we have the perfect marketing platform to put you in touch with nearly 4500 relevant control and automation practitioners in the automotive, food & beverage, mining, petrochemical, power, pulp & paper and water & wastewater industries. Name, contact details, logo and brief description of your business solution will appear in each issue of SA Instrumentation & Control magazine. Two A4 in depth editorials OR, two half page display advertisements – content of your choice. All articles will also be hosted on our website and appear in a prominent position in one of our electronic newsbriefs. PDF copies of the articles (to be used for your own purposes) will be provided after publication. Your listing will be published in a new “Choose Your Automation Professional” section of the annual SA Instrumentation & Control Buyers’ Guide and a link to your company web page in all directory listings. Contact: [email protected]
12 August 2023 www.instrumentation.co.za VEGA is known worldwide for ensuring safe and stable processes with its level and pressure sensors, even under the most difficult conditions. The world market leader is now putting the finishing touches to its radar level portfolio, especially to meet the demands of fast processes in factory automation. The new VEGAPULS 42 is making radar compact, communicative, and even more convenient to use. As the world market leader with decades of radar experience, VEGA is now making an entry VEGA expands radar portfolio for factory automation into factory automation. VEGAPULS 42 meets the special requirements of the industry, which above all include perfect measuring results, even when it comes to levels in small tanks or clocked filling processes. The sensor is equipped with everything needed for hygiene-sensitive manufacturing processes, especially where food and pharmaceutical products are involved. This is more efficient and resource-saving in today’s highly competitive global environment. Its switching frequency enables high cycle rates and correspondingly fast level changes: Its flexible connection options range from standard threads to the universal connection for its 2,5 cm hygienic adapter. When delivered, it is immediately ready for operation, and in the three-wire version there is communication with IO-Link. In concrete terms this means that VEGAPULS 42 is a successful combination of simple adjustment, versatile connections and hygienic design that automatically comes with suitable process fittings and all-important approvals. Automation grows closer together with radar technology As a non-contact measuring technology, radar brings numerous advantages to the clocked processes in the food and pharmaceutical industries that other measuring solutions cannot deliver, for example filling. The need for this is great, because reliable measured values are becoming increasingly important for efficient plant operation and optimal process control. With IO-Link, VEGAPULS 42 not only communicates universally, but can also be hooked up very quickly and inexpensively via a simple three-wire connection. A sensor Specialised in hygienic applications for the food and pharmaceutical industries: The continuous radar level sensor VEGAPULS 42.
COVER STORY can also be replaced quickly because the second-generation Smart Sensor profile writes parameters that were previously set directly into the new instrument. With the VEGA Tools app, VEGAPULS 42 can be easily controlled and adjusted via a smartphone with Bluetooth. Double certainty through visualisation With VEGAPULS 42, plant operators can see at a glance if the process is running as desired, or if there’s a problem. An illuminated ring that changes colour allows the sensor to be read from all directions, and even from a distance. Product manager, Marvin Moser is convinced that “this introduces even more security on site, because it not only gives operators quick certainty about the current sensor status, it’s actually also a second way for them to check the status of the process”. With VEGAPULS 42, VEGA expands its sensor portfolio for factory automation and thus offers an optimal performance spectrum for all level, switching and pressure applications. The all-inclusive range of instrumentation from a single source makes everything easier – including the setup and operation of the most varied and complex processes. Intuitive and standardised, it makes work easier and saves training time. This simplicity results in more efficiency and reduces effort and costs. Innovative measurement technology Production processes are becoming ever more complex, and it is important that the measurement technology used to control and monitor these processes is understandable and intuitive. VEGA’s innovative measurement technology makes this simple. It is easy to install and operate, and provides maximum security and reliability. The company is active in more than 80 countries, with a globe-spanning network of subsidiaries and distributors. It employs over 2100 people worldwide, 1000 of whom work at its headquarters at Schiltach in the Black Forest in Germany. For more than 60 years the company has been providing solutions to demanding measuring tasks in a very wide range of applications. These include chemical and pharmaceutical plants, food and beverage manufacturers, drinking water supply and sewage treatment plants, landfills, mining operations, power generation, oil platforms, recycling, shipping and aerospace industries. The company has all the necessary certificates and approvals for worldwide application. This applies to both the technical safety and to the quality of all products and services. For more information contact VEGA Controls SA, +27 11 795 3249, [email protected], www.vega.com
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