On 3 November the branch was treated to an informative presentation, given by Dewald Smit of Festo, using Zoom as the virtual medium. He provided a well-balanced comparison of the relative advantages and disadvantages of electric and pneumatic actuators, including their electrical supply and compressed air requirements. He first discussed compressed air systems in which considerable energy losses may be incurred if systems are not designed carefully, with many systems losing as much as 30% of their compressed air through leakages and further losses caused by pressure drops in the distribution pipes and fittings. Ways of optimising the pneumatic system were offered, including the use of boosters and the need to have measurements showing pressure profiles, before moving on to examine the total cost of ownership for electric and pneumatic drives.
Dewald demonstrated a program that can be used to study any type of application to determine whether pneumatic or electric actuation will be the best choice. It allowed for factors like the required cycle time, frequency of operation, Ex protection etc., to be input and a comparison made of the operational cost over time. Some interesting results, in some cases counter intuitive, were obtained that highlighted the importance of all factors to be considered when choosing this type of system at the design phase. A further aspect which was covered was the need to select the correct size of actuator, as they are frequently oversized and consequently waste energy.
A lively discussion followed before Dewald was thanked for his interesting presentation, which was the last for this year. It has been recorded and is available for people who were unable to attend.
SAIMC: From the office of the COO SAIMC
SAIMC
The recognition of mechatronics and computer engineering has created both an opportunity and a responsibility. Recognition means little without participation, professional registration without professional conduct, and technical knowledge without the mentorship, implementation and measurable value that industry needs.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
Hendrik Spies of SICK Automation Southern Africa presented at the SAIMC Johannesburg Technology Evening on 12 August 2026, covering the digital journey from condition monitoring to predictive maintenance.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Durban branch hosted S’yabonga Langa, systems performance engineer at eThekwini Electricity, who presented on applying substation automation to improve operational efficiency and service quality in modern power distribution networks.
Read more...SAIMC: Eastern Cape branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Eastern Cape Branch co-hosted a satellite viewing site for ICRA 2026 at Nelson Mandela University, giving postgraduate students, academics and local industry professionals access to premier international robotics and automation keynote sessions.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg Technology Evening SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Johannesburg Branch July Technology Evening, hosted by WIKA Instruments, covered key level measurement technologies and featured live product demonstrations from area sales manager Anthony Terblanche.
Read more...International robotics conference streams live to Africa
SAIMC
The SAIMC hosted five live-stream viewing events across South Africa for the IEEE International Conference of Robotics and Automation in Vienna, bringing global robotics research and technology directly to local industry and academia.
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