Kevin Swamy, who is currently a systems engineer at SAPPI Tugela, gave a well structured and interesting talk to members and visitors at the last technology meeting which was held at UKZN. He gave the group an overview of their steam distribution system and how the various types of boiler fitted in to the overall scheme before describing how fuzzy logic had been developed to improve the combustion efficiency of one of their water tube boilers. Their system currently has shown significant benefit using only existing measurements; steam demand, flue gas oxygen content and flue gas particulate loading, to regulate the FD fan damper. Fuzzy logic has enabled them to achieve improved efficiency without adding the complexity of measuring the coal feed rate to the boiler. This is the first phase of their programme to improve boiler efficiency and reduce particle emissions from their coal fired boilers.
Kevin Swamy (left) with John Owen-Ellis
Forthcoming attractions
Our next Technology evening will be held on the first Wednesday in August. Bruce Barratt from Dimension Data will be giving a presentation on industrial networking.
SAIMC: Johannesburg
SAIMC
The Johannesburg Branch of the SAIMC hosted a successful Technology Evening on 10 September. The event was well attended and generously sponsored by Phoenix Contact.
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At SAIMC Durban’s October Technology Evening, Nico Erasmus delivered a thought-provoking presentation on a topic close to every automation professional’s heart: PLC and Drive Manufacturer Generational Hardware - UpGrades, UpGates or UpRates?
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SAIMC
The Johannesburg Branch of the SAIMC hosted a successful Technology Evening on 10 September. The event was well attended and generously sponsored by Phoenix Contact.
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SAIMC
I always knew I had to register as a Professional Engineer. Then I opened the registration guidelines.
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SAIMC
Last month, I wrote about the ethical use of AI in our daily lives. This month, I want to explore two concepts, backed by different architectures and technologies, that can assist our manufacturing facilities to exponentially increase the pace of their digital transformation.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Johannesburg branch hosted its June Technology Evening at the Bryanston Sports Club, where attendees explored a topic beyond the usual scope of process automation.
Read more...SAIMC: Zambia branch
SAIMC
SAIMC Zambia recently facilitated an industrial visit to the Zamefa Cable Manufacturing Company in Luanshya for twenty automation students from Sinozam. The visit gave students valuable exposure to the advanced technology used in copper and aluminium cable production.
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