In an innovative step to keep a customer’s mining project in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on schedule despite the impact of Covid-19, Zest WEG successfully conducted a remote witness test of medium voltage VSDs in WEG’s Brazil factory.
David Spohr.
“These are extraordinary times that require extraordinary measures,” says David Spohr, business development executive for high-voltage equipment at South African-based Zest WEG. “With the restrictions on international travel, we had to think creatively about how to complete this final step in the manufacturing process before the equipment could be shipped to the DRC site.”
Under normal circumstances, these tests would require the customer to travel to Brazil and spend a week at the factory witnessing and signing off a range of detailed test and equipment requirements.
“It was essential that we did not delay the customer’s project, so we arranged to conduct the witness test using web-based communication software,” says Spohr. “This allowed the participation of Zest WEG experts, the engineering contractor and the end-user, all from the safety of their homes in Johannesburg, communicating with five testing technicians in the WEG factory in Brazil.”
Using a high-definition camera and web-based communication software, the factory technicians were able to walk the contractor and end-user through each element of the FAT, with clear and real-time visual images of the test results and equipment on the factory floor. The tests continued for three days and covered three key areas – PLC communication software integration, full functional testing and full load testing.
“As with any other witnessed FAT, the customer was provided with a comprehensive results report by WEG,” explains Spohr. “This enabled the customer to check that the remote FAT results were within the required tolerances.”
Spohr notes that this pioneering step is likely to influence the way that these tests are done in future. “It has shown that the testing can be done to the same standards, but with significant savings in time and cost,” he concludes.
Read more...Experience ICRA 2026 right here in Gqeberha, South Africa
News
The IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) is the largest robotics, automation, artificial intelligence, and manufacturing conference in the world. You can experience the premier keynote and plenary presentations in Gqeberha.
Read more...Next-generation oil-free motor systems with active magnetic bearings WEG Africa
Motion Control & Drives
WEG and SpinDrive are collaborating to integrate SpinDrive’s AMBs and built-in IoT condition monitoring into WEG’s market-leading electric motor offering, creating an oil-free, maintenance-free drive solution.
Read more...Elevating artisanal skills is key to revitalising South Africa’s economy ACTOM Electrical Machines
News
We need to challenge the stigma attached to artisanal and technical careers, and we also need a mindset shift supported by the schooling system so that young people understand future career pathways, choose subjects accordingly, and recognise that artisanal and technical skills carry equal value in a modern economy.
Read more...From the editor's desk: A little bit of magic Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
Whatever your view is of America today, the Artemis II mission showed the world that it can still deliver moments of wonder. For a few days, the chaotic headlines gave way to something more. Who could ...
Read more...Woman of Stature Awards South Africa
News
In a powerful recognition of excellence in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Thabisile Phumo won the Woman in Mining and Engineering award at the 2026 Woman of Stature Awards South Africa.
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