February 2025Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
The term biofilm refers to the layer of microorganisms such as bacteria, diatoms or fungi that grows on any surface in contact with water or other liquids. Biofilm can grow even in extreme conditions, causing damage that can range from Legionella contamination to microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). If preventative measures are not applied, bacteria settle along any structure in contact with water, such as pipelines, tanks or machines, in a very short space of time.
Some of the risks are:
• Decrease in the thermal efficiency of heat exchangers, up to 30% for a 20 micron bacterial deposit.
• Increase in inorganic fouling since bacteria produce sticky substances that facilitate the adhesion of other particles.
• Settlement of larger organisms, known as macrofouling, that can constrict water flow and increase energy consumption.
• Multi-billion dollar industrial damages caused by MIC.
Alvim, through Instek Controls, provides innovative, high-tech solutions for biofilm and biofouling monitoring in industrial plants. The Alvim Biofilm Monitoring System technology is able to detect bacterial settlement from its first phases and down to 1% of the surface covered by microorganisms. Other important advantages are:
• Real-time, continuous biofilm monitoring.
• Very high sensitivity.
• Early-warning detection of bacterial biofilm growth.
• Optimisation of cleaning treatments.
• Ease of installation and operation.
• Virtually maintenance-free probe.
Applications of the Alvim technology include cooling towers, power plants, Legionella prevention, food production, mineral water bottling, water distribution networks, reverse osmosis, desalination, paper mills and biogas plants.
The hidden role of motion systems in electronic pipetting
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Portescap explains how motor selection defines the precision and accuracy of electronic pipettes, comparing brushed DC motors and stepper linear actuators across force, speed, positional fidelity and system complexity for laboratory liquid handling applications.
Read more...Matching HVAC to the real demands of buildings and processes
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Industrial Climate Engineering director, Alin Gomes explains why effective HVAC goes beyond specifying equipment on capacity, covering load profiling, ventilation requirements, heat recovery and turnkey delivery for specialised manufacturing and processing environments.
Read more...How SCE approaches sensor selection for critical environments Specialised Climate Engineering
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Specifying the right sensor for a critical climate involves far more than matching a datasheet accuracy figure. As an authorised Vaisala HVAC partner, SCE explains how understanding the environment, the measurement purpose and sensor placement determines effective climate control.
Read more...Changing gas quality calls for smarter combustion control
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
As South Africa prepares for a transition from declining Mozambican natural gas to a proposed methane-rich bridge, LNG, industrial users can no longer assume a constant Wobbe Index and calorific value. The compact RMG RGQ 5 provides fast, plant-level gas-quality data to support approved burner and engine settings.
Read more...Getting the chemistry right
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Grace’s European production site has relied on analogue compression load cells from Minebea Intec for decades, with the long-proven measurement concept now serving as the reference for new silo projects as the company expands its capacity.
Read more...Why measurement matters in smelting Endress+Hauser South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
South African smelters returning to operation after energy constraints face new demands for tighter control, better visibility and environmental compliance. Endress+Hauser explains how modern measurement technology supports safer, more efficient furnace operation and local beneficiation.
Read more...Sun tracking with pinpoint precision Senseca
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Senseca has introduced the SEMS-2000 solar energy measurement system, a 2-axis solar tracker with pinpoint sun-pointing accuracy that automatically monitors direct, global and diffuse irradiance for unattended outdoor solar installations.
Read more...AMETEK expands 993X gas analyser series with explosion-proof enclosures
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
AMETEK Process Instruments has added ATEX and IECEx Zone 1-certified explosion-proof enclosures to its 993X series of gas analysers, enabling reliable installation in Zone 1 hazardous locations where purge gas is unavailable.
Read more...Why medical device leak testing matters for South Africa's MedTech future ATEQ South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
As South Africa works to grow local medical technology manufacturing, non-destructive leak and flow testing is becoming a strategic quality assurance tool, helping manufacturers verify device integrity, meet regulatory requirements and improve production efficiency.
Read more...Moving forward with reverse osmosis
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Rising water costs and pressure on infrastructure are changing the way industries view reverse osmosis. G-Chem Aquacare is developing tailored, containerised solutions that make the technology more accessible for South African industry.
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