At the last Johannesburg branch technology evening Extech Safety Systems sales director, Gary Friend, gave a presentation on intrinsic safety – a preferred protection technique for many instrumentation installations. The presentation started with an overview of the Piper Alpha disaster in the UK to highlight the importance of intrinsic safety. Then, the origins and principles of IS were examined, including hazardous area zoning and the implications for dust. Gary covered the three principles of Exi design, area classifications and levels of protection. He then examined the principles and compared the use of zener barriers versus galvanic isolators and provided insight into how loop approvals are done and cable lengths calculated. The presentation ended with a brief look at IS for Foundation Fieldbus, serial devices and Ethernet.
Gary Friend
The presentation was accredited for CPD points. The validation number is SAIMC_CPD_S_035.
Forthcoming events
* August – Ster Kinekor on cinema automation.
* September – Endress+Hauser on energy management.
From the office of the CEO SAIMC
SAIMC
When South Africa clinched victory in the Rugby World Cup for the fourth time, the nation collectively rejoiced. However, amidst this optimism lies a pertinent question: is South Africa truly a land of hope, or is it merely a fool’s paradise?
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The local Johannesburg Branch of the SAIMC hosted a technology evening at the Bryanston Sports Club on 13 March 2024. It was sponsored by Phoenix Contact and the technical presentation covered the full gambit of industrial wireless technology in the automation field.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban Branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Durban technology meeting in March drew a record attendance, with an old friend of the SAIMC, Gary Friend presenting on the very topical subject of ‘Risks, rewards, advantages and disadvantages of new technologies and the impact of legislation’.
Read more...SAIMC: Secunda Branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Secunda branch held its monthly Technology Evening on 6 March 2024 at the Proconics, Secunda office. Sagadevan Kanniappen from WIKA presented on Thermowell stress calculations as per ASME PTC 19.3.
Read more...SAIMC: From the office of the CEO SAIMC
SAIMC
The manufacturing industry is facing some challenges due to automation and outsourcing, but there are still opportunities in advanced manufacturing, such as 3D printing and robotics. It’s essential to stay updated on the latest trends and technologies in the industry to remain competitive.
Read more...SAIMC:Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The annual general meeting of the SAIMC Johannesburg branch was held on 7 February 2024 at the Northcliff Country Club.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The Durban branch of the SAIMC held its annual general meeting at the Premier Splendid Inn in Pinetown on 24 January 2024
Read more...Reminiscences of a life in control Michael Brown Control Engineering
SAIMC
Reminiscences from Michael Brown on a long and rich journey in the world of automation together with SAIMC.
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