The SAIMC Durban branch technology evening held on 2 July was well attended. Vinesh Nundkishore from Alpret gave an overview on the aims of the Fieldbus Foundation Southern African Marketing Committee (FFSAMC) and the FF technology itself. Vinesh emphasised that the primary goal is to create local awareness and provide training and a support infrastructure. FFSAMC currently has 12 members – ABB, Honeywell, Yokogawa, Extech, Rockwell Automation, Siemens, Endress+Hauser, Emerson Process Management (Alpret Control Specialist), Metso Automation, RET Automation Controls, P&F and Weidmüller. The organisation has now added customer education to its list of responsibilities through creating industry awareness of what Foundation Fieldbuss (FF) has to offer in the plant.
Kevin McElroy thanks Vinesh Nundkishore for the interesting presentation
The presentation to Isak du Preez from the University of KZN of the SAIMC University Scholarship Award provided a fitting conclusion to a most interesting evening.
(L to R): Professor Eduard Eitelberg, deputy dean of Engineering, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Isak du Preez with the SAIMC Scholarship award, Kevin McElroy (chairman SAIMC) and Dr Edward Boje, professor of Control & deputy head of the School of Electrical, Electronic & Computer Engineering
The next Durban Technology evening will take place on 3 September with Alex Willemse Jnr (Alpret Control Specialists, product specialist on Asset Optimisations) giving his presentation on Wireless Technology, Wireless Security and Wireless Networking. With the on-going debate as to whether one should opt for Profibus or Foundation Fieldbus instead of dedicated cable runs, others are contemplating the quantum leap straight to wireless so this talk should not be missed!
Venue: Electrical Engineering Building,
University of KZN
17h30 for 18h00
Booking is not essential and visitors are welcome
For further information contact John Owen-Ellis +27 (0)82 336 2938.
Durban Branch Function:
1 November – Heritage Theatre - “The King & Queen”
Music from Queen and Elvis with the ever popular Gee-Jays
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