During the May SAIMC meeting in Vanderbijlpark we were fortunate to have Andre Joubert from Sasol R&D who presented findings from his recent study on 'Asset management as part of preventative maintenance in modern plants'. The study comprised asset management technologies from both Emerson and Honeywell with the instrumentation utilising mainly the HART communication protocol.
He shared his knowledge gained on the HART technology itself, installation methods used, diagnostic information, the asset management applications, change management requirements, the change in maintenance philosophies that were required and the benefits that they realised from their implementation. Since he was personally involved with the integration of all asset systems and the development of some of the custom interfaces for the Emerson and Honeywell systems he was able to highlight some important advantages and disadvantages relating to such a project.
It was clear from the presentation that in order to get sustainable benefits from using HART technology and the diagnostic information it provides, the whole system needs to be purpose-built to achieve the end result. In this case the provision of an optimal maintenance strategy for the business, which utilises select diagnostic data integrated in a single maintenance management system that is readily available and easy to use.
For the Vaal branch this was another highlight and the number of attendees is steadily increasing at our meetings. Another positive trend is the amount of suppliers that are eager to present their technologies. In July we will be visited by Kobus de Villiers from WIKA Instruments, presenting on analyser technologies and in August by Alan Susman from Sustech Manufacturing presenting on manifold technologies. Hope to see you all there.
SAIMC: From the office of the CEO: Is AI turning us into idiots? SAIMC
SAIMC
When calculators were first introduced, there were several concerns, particularly in the educational sector. Many educators and parents feared that students would become too reliant on calculators and ...
Read more...SAIMC Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Johannesburg branch recently hosted the June Technology Evening. The presentation covered HVAC systems through the lens of instrumentation, highlighting how sensor technologies form the backbone of effective monitoring and control, allowing for effective energy efficiency.
Read more...SAIMC Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Durban Branch hosted its latest technology meeting on 4 June.The event drew a strong turnout, highlighting the keen interest in the topic ‘Understanding Level Measurement: Contact vs Non-Contact Methods’.
Read more...SAIMC at KITE 2025
SAIMC
The Society for Automation, Instrumentation, Mechatronics and Control Engineering (SAIMC) invites you to connect with us at the KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition (KITE) from Tuesday 22 to Thursday 24 July 2025.
Read more...SAIMC User Advisory Council annual summit SAIMC Supplier Advisory Council
SAIMC
The SAIMC User Advisory Council is proud to present the 2025 Annual Summit, formerly known as the MESA Africa Summit. The theme is ‘Mining and manufacturing in South Africa: SMART operations in a disruptive world economy’.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The Durban branch of the SAIMC was pleased to welcome Vusi Sithole, managing member of Hybrid Control Corporation in Richards Bay, who presented\on the very pertinent topic of ‘Infrastructure monitoring and control for water loss management’.
Read more...SAIMC: Sunshine, swings and smiles: Durban Golf Day hits a high note Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
SAIMC
We say it every year, and we’ll say it again: May in Durban is hard to beat; but 9 May, when the Durban Golf Day teed off at Kloof Country Club, was something else. With sunny skies and temperatures in the upper 20s, it was a fantastic day, full of fun and great energy.
Read more...SAIMC User Advisory Council KS4I event: Bridging the industry/education divide
SAIMC
Horst Weinert, head of Didactic at Festo Southern/Eastern Africa, will be sharing some of Festo’s Didactic experiences of working across industry and education. He will cover training for productivity and employability in the public and private sectors, discussing especially the potential for inter-company training centres.
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