Automation products in demand
February 2005
News
Elquip Solutions reported a significant response within the first month of its promotion of Hitachi Automation & Drives products. First to be launched was the Hitachi PLC EH-150 and Citect scada system, which are now interfacing and controlling a new pilot plant. This success means that Elquip has committed to continued aggressive promotion of Hitachi Automation & Drives products.
Hitachi has just launched its new Hitachi Web-Controller. This Web Controller will also be launched in South Africa very soon. Interesting features of the Hitachi Web Controller PLC include:
* Compact size (75 mm wide x 80 mm high x 47mm deep).
* Ethernet and RS232 ports.
* Six digital inputs and four relay outputs.
* 10/100 Mbits/sec communication.
What makes this Hitachi Web Controller so powerful is that it has a built-in Web server for monitoring and control. It offers the usual PLC functionality combined with the latest Internet technology, making it possible for the triggering of one PLC command to send an e-mail message to eight different recipients. This e-mail can contain either normal text or variable table of production figures.
The applications for this controller are numerous. One example would be for remote I/O on a slurry dam and communication via Ethernet. Possibly one of the smallest PLCs in the world equipped with Ethernet capability as a standard. Configuration is simple and is accomplished with MW Config software.
Looking at Hitachi's inverter developments, the latest Pro Drive software is about to be released - for programming the Hitachi Inverter from a laptop or PC. The latest in the range of full, sensorless vector control inverters is the SJ200. This inverter features the latest technology, with DC-Link to minimise the problems with over-current trips.
For more information contact Gustav Verste, Elquip Solutions, 011 826 7117, [email protected], www.elquip.co.za
Further reading:
BMG achieves GBCSA Net Zero Waste Level 2 Certification
Bearing Man Group t/a BMG
News
BMG has achieved Green Building Council South Africa Net Zero Waste Level 2 Certification after diverting more than 90% of operational waste from landfill, demonstrating how practical sustainability measures can deliver measurable environmental and commercial benefits.
Read more...
Pump spares and parts for Africa
News
KSB Pumps and Valves explains how its decentralised stockholding and local manufacturing keep spares and parts available across its installed base in Africa.
Read more...
Inspiration for times of change
Endress+Hauser South Africa
News
More than 2000 customers, partners and experts gathered in Basel, Switzerland, for the Endress+Hauser Global Forum in April 2026. Under the theme of driving sustainable transformation together, the event combined keynote sessions on strategy, technology and the future of work with practical case studies from across the process industry.
Read more...
Local energy solutions rewiring resilience across Africa
News Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Engineers across Africa are developing practical, scalable energy and mobility solutions supported by the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation.
Read more...
The gender gap in SA’s engineering sector
News
South Africa’s engineering sector is facing a critical gender imbalance, with women making up just 16% of registered engineering professionals compared to 84% of men.
Read more...
Safe removal of the historic US 181
News
Mammoet provided the heavy-lift expertise that helped remove the 2300 ton centre span of the historic US 181 Harbor Bridge in Corpus Christi, Texas, using a precision lift-and-lower method that protected nearby marine environments and reopened navigation channels swiftly.
Read more...
Going Green initiative sees African Group Lubricants adopt electric forklift fleet
News
African Group Lubricants is transitioning most of its forklift fleet to electric power, a move expected to cut diesel consumption by around 85% and improve conditions across its manufacturing facility while delivering a positive return on investment in the near term.
Read more...
Africa Energy Indaba 2027 aims to ignite the power revolution
News
Africa Energy Indaba 2027 takes place from 2 to 4 March 2027 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, bringing together ministers, utilities, investors and developers to accelerate energy generation, unlock investment and drive the continent’s industrial future.
Read more...
Major bearing tender for SKF
SKF South Africa
News
SKF has secured a major bearing supply tender from an Algerian steelmaker, reinforcing its position in the metals segment across North Africa.
Read more...
Mining’s decarbonisation journey requires putting ESG commitments into action
Schneider Electric South Africa
News
Schneider Electric specialists explain how mining and heavy industry can turn environmental, social and governance commitments into measurable decarbonisation results.
Read more...