Welcome to the new print version SA Instrumentation & Control (SAI&C). The online version remains the same.
Our creative team has put enormous effort into the new design. As the official publication of the South African Institute of Measurement & Control (SAIMC), we want SAI&C to reflect our rapidly changing industry. We are also confident that you will find the progressive structure easier to read than the previous format.
Base metals and minerals
In Feb 2008, six factory workers in the Assmang ferro-manganese smelter in KwaZulu-Natal were killed when the furnace exploded. Late April 2008 the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa alleged that the factory management knew in advance of the impending danger and instead of shutting the plant had “chosen to endanger the lives of workers just for the sake of profits".
Naturally, the management team has rejected claims of negligence. They have insisted that although they had been warned of a potential major explosion (in writing) and had been advised to “switch off the furnace immediately”, the explosion that occurred was unrelated to the warning they had received.
Whatever the outcome of official investigations, this accident is indicative of the enormous economic pressures being exerted on raw material suppliers as a result of China and India’s insatiable appetite for commodities. Our feature highlights some of the technologies that can be employed to give manufacturers a 'competitive edge'.
Environment
It also comes as no surprise that environmental control and monitoring is hogging more of the feature spotlight than ever before. An analysis of our online reader statistics shows a keen interest in energy management issues. No doubt this has been precipitated, at least in part, by our local energy crisis.
Air power
I have tried most of the adrenaline-junkie sports. The one that I have not yet had the guts to try is skydiving. The solution in 'Thrilling control' could well provide me with that extra motivation that I need to jump out of a fully functional aeroplane.
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