SI strong on diamond mines

April 2004 System Integration & Control Systems Design

Two high-profile contracts at cross-border diamond mines have been awarded to B&W Instrumentation & Electrical. In Namibia, B&W, in a joint venture with ABB Namibia, has started work on a coveted electrical and instrumentation contract at Namdeb's new R400 million Elizabeth Bay diamond plant near Lüderitz. The JV formed part of the successful tender submitted by project managers Bateman Projects Namibia. The contract calls for the installation of the 6,6 medium voltage switchgear, 6,6 to 550 V distribution transformers, various 525 V motor control centres and variable speed drives. It also includes small power and lighting and all associated racking, cabling and the termination within the equipment.

The instrumentation will be carried out in accordance with the hook-up drawings provided and includes the main and secondary rack routes and associated cabling. In accordance with B&W's practice of promoting local skills, local Namibian labour is being used and on-the-job training undertaken. The contract is scheduled for completion by the end of May 2004.

In Lesotho's Maluti mountains, B&W has completed an electrical and instrumentation contract at the world's highest diamond mine, Letseng Diamonds. Working at an elevation of 3100m, B&W had to contend with the difficulties of working in an extremely remote location, gale force winds and snow in November, in order to successfully complete the four month contract, which started in October 2003. The contract was awarded by mineral plant design and engineering company, Dowding, Reynard and Associates (DRA) which was responsible for the construction of a new, fully automated 350 tph dense media separation plant at Letseng Diamonds as part of the mine's revitalisation. Commissioning of the plant is scheduled for completion by the beginning of March 2004. According to DRA's Danie van Zyl, who first worked with B&W on Assmang's Dwarsrivier Chrome Mine in 2000, the Letseng contract has confirmed the excellent working relationship between the two companies. Apart from electrical and instrumentation construction, B&W's contract also involved all high-tension reticulation (11 kV) in the plant.

This is the highest altitude B&W has ever worked at and extremely cold weather prevailed even in high summer. "Although there is a tar road, getting supplies to the top proved quite a feat and working at that unusual altitude altogether proved quite challenging, says B&W's project director, Dean Nevay.

For more information contact Ken Nel, B&W Instrumentation, 011 907 1663, [email protected]

Further reading:

Powering southern Africa’s industrial evolution for over five decades
Oilpower System Integration & Control Systems Design
Established in 1974, Oilpower is a recognised name in South Africa’s hydraulic and pneumatic sector. What started as a small, family-run business has matured into a highly structured operation with specialised teams, experienced engineers and a reputation for technical excellence and reliability. Oilpower is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year

Read more...

---

Metal plant automation upgrade
ABB South Africa System Integration & Control Systems Design
A combined compressor house (CCH) control system replacement project, undertaken by NJC, an ABB Authorised Value Provider (AVP), has won high praise from client ArcelorMittal.

Read more...

---

SIs - the channel’s conductors of light
Schneider Electric South Africa System Integration & Control Systems Design
Today’s original equipment manufacturers are innovators in the truest sense, driving the absolute newest in technological advancement. While they develop advanced and often groundbreaking solutions, it is the system integrators who bring these innovations to life.

Read more...

---

The state of the SI industry remains strong and is expanding
System Integration & Control Systems Design
The system integration (SI) industry is expanding with the adoption of AI, automation and data sharing, allowing companies to improve operational efficiency and competitiveness across diverse sectors.

Read more...

---

The symbiotic relationship between OEMs and SIs
Schneider Electric South Africa Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
While businesses tend to turn directly to original equipment manufacturers OEMs or vendors when embarking on IT projects, the role of the SI as a key facilitator and partner cannot be overstated.

Read more...

---

Flexible and precise dispensing technology
Beckhoff Automation System Integration & Control Systems Design
The Scheugenpflug ProcessModule axis system forms the basis of Atlas Copco’s dispensing and screwing cells and a flexible integration platform for general contractors and machine builders. Precise process sequences are ensured by TwinCAT CNC and servo drive technology from Beckhoff.

Read more...

---

The time is now for systems integrators
Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
Integrators combine sophistication regarding technology innovation with practical, hands-on experience. Collaborating with systems integrators is the means to significant productivity improvement, powered by the convergence of automation and information and operations technology.

Read more...

---

System integrators are a diverse market
Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
System integrators (SIs) combine expertise on emergent technologies with real world experience. Working with SIs, it’s inevitable that at some point someone will say, “We’re not a typical SI.” And in many ways, it’s true. SIs come in all shapes and sizes.

Read more...

---

Avoiding the pitfalls of PLC and scada control system integration
Iritron System Integration & Control Systems Design
Upgrading your control system by integrating PLCs with scada systems should be a simple seamless process. Regrettably, the industry is plagued with control system integration and upgrade myths and misconceptions that can lead to liability issues, project delays, cost overruns and decreased plant performance.

Read more...

---

EtherCAT measurement terminals for vehicle development at Mercedes-Benz
Beckhoff Automation System Integration & Control Systems Design
At the Mercedes Technology Centre plant in Sindelfingen, Germany, car axles are examined with the highest precision on four test benches, in parallel with road tests and simulations. All data is acquired using PC-based control from Beckhoff.

Read more...

---