If there is one thing that should have become quite clear to anybody reading this magazine over the last half-decade or so, it is that there is a general lack of `feel' for what happens in control loops - together with a disturbing level of apathy on the part of plant managers in this regard.
So when Michael Brown called to suggest that we begin a published question and answer forum addressing issues raised in control loop optimisation applications, we took up the offer immediately. In the end, all citizens pay for inefficient production, as the costs get passed along the chain, often as far as the consumers - and then there are also the shareholders and investors... It is in the best interests of all that something is done to address this matter, and get SA industry running efficiently.
Before those howls of indignation begin: Yes, I know that your plant is fine!
I will not expound any further on the matter, as Maurice McDowell has written an article that covers the subject very well: 'Why is control loop optimisation virtually ignored?'. If you know that your plant's loops are in a mess, please take Maurice's article to your relevant plant manager/director and get them to read it.
Our control loop bonanza features control loop related articles.
Control loop forum
To cut through the blur that permeates the industry, SA instrumentation and Control, in association with Michael Brown Engineering, will be hosting a published forum that addresses issues revolving around loop optimisation. The purpose of this forum is to provide a means by which a larger sector of the industry can begin acquiring a clearer idea of what goes on in control loops. The ultimate goal is to bring about a change in mindset that will result in a more efficient industry - from which all will benefit.
Anybody having questions involving loop optimisation problems or experiences - and would like to share the experience with the forum - please e-mail your question to Michael Brown for consideration: [email protected]. This issue's forum question and answer article can be found at 'Loop optimisation questions answered'.
In this issue
Many do not appreciate the horrors of what can go wrong when checking high-power electrical wiring with a multimeter that may appear to be able to handle the voltage that is supposed to be present. Have a look at 'Multimeter safety'.
Water is a unique substance that has many attributes that are quite unusual - these unusual attributes are very necessary in order for life, as we know it, to exist on earth. It is because of its unusual nature that water needs special consideration when measuring flow with conventional magnetic flowmeters - read about why its conductivity needs to be higher than that of other fluids: 'Electrical conductivity of water: why the limit is set to equal to and > 20 µS/cm'.
Helping mines get results from water improvements
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South African mines operate under constrained, water-scarce conditions where every investment must be justified. Xylem’s Chetan Mistry explains how the right water technology partner helps mines prioritise high-value water systems across the mining lifecycle.
Read more...From the editor's desk: Pushing engineering to the limit Technews Publishing
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Among the many things robots can do, it’s a lot of fun to follow how fast they are. They go from the Boston Dynamics cheetah, which first reached a record-breaking speed of 45,5 km/h, to the robot Charlie ...
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Schneider Electric's Innovation Summit Middle East and Africa, held in Abu Dhabi with more than 2500 attendees, explored the convergence of energy, AI and industrial software, launched an Industrial AI study and announced the NEST Accelerator Programme for energy and industrial tech startups.
Read more...VEGA brings measurement expertise beyond mining to Electra Mining Africa 2026 VEGA Controls SA
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VEGA used its Electra Mining Africa 2026 stand to demonstrate that its level and pressure measurement instruments extend well beyond mining, covering water, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and oil and gas applications across the continent.
Read more...Sustainable solutions for sugar Bearing Man Group t/a BMG
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BMG received a Special Commendation Exhibition Stand Award at the South African Sugar Technologists’ Association Congress, where it showcased an integrated turnkey drive solution designed to simplify the upgrading of ageing crushing-mill drive systems.
Read more...Measure, Manage, Maintain: The operating model behind SA’s water resilience Siemens South Africa
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South Africa’s growing water crisis is putting pressure on infrastructure, municipalities and the economy. Siemens highlights how digital technologies, smarter operations and safe water reuse could help shift the country from crisis response towards a more resilient and sustainable water future.
Read more...VEGA brings measurement expertise beyond mining to Electra Mining Africa 2026 VEGA Controls SA
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VEGA used its Electra Mining Africa 2026 stand to demonstrate that its level and pressure measurement instruments extend well beyond mining, covering water, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, and oil and gas applications across the continent.
Read more...Schneider Electric concludes Innovation Summit Middle East and Africa Schneider Electric South Africa
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Schneider Electric’s Innovation Summit Middle East and Africa, held in Abu Dhabi with more than 2500 attendees, explored the convergence of energy, AI and industrial software, launched an Industrial AI study and announced the NEST Accelerator Programme.
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.
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