February 2011Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
The engine on a passenger jet exploding and disintegrating during flight is certainly not an everyday occurrence that pilots are trained to cope with on the flight deck. But it did happen on a Qantas Airbus A380 last year, blasting one of the wings full of shrapnel holes in the process. The two hour cockpit drama that ensued is a testament to human ingenuity and a reminder that things can go desperately wrong on even the most sophisticated of redundant system designs.
Engine pieces sliced through electric cables and hydraulic lines puncturing the wing’s two fuel tanks and structurally damaging the main spar. As fuel leaked out, an imbalance was created between the left and right hand sides of the plane. This was compounded as the craft became tail heavy due to the loss of electrical power that made fuel dumping from the rear tanks impossible. Experts believe this probably posed the biggest risk. If the aircraft got too far out of balance it would lose lift, stall and crash. Alarm bells rang.
According to reports the crew was faced with 54 computer messages alerting them to system failures and warning of impending disaster. All of these would have to be prioritised and managed if the plane along with its 450 passengers were to be saved. For some of the problems there were not even operating procedures, it was never envisaged that so many things could go wrong at once. Fortunately, fate determined that there were five pilots on board that day with over 100 years of flying experience between them. One concentrated on handling the controls and keeping the aircraft stable, the others worked flat out to manage the alarms and implement the appropriate reactionary responses. It took almost two hours until the situation was eventually brought under control, the extent of the damage determined and the flight status of the plane restored.
It was human skill and creativity that rescued the Airbus that day, its computers and back-up systems simply did not have the power to cope with so many malfunctions simultaneously. They were not programmed with 100 years of flying experience. What a reminder that the days of the human operator may not all be under threat from future generations of intelligent robots – at least not until they can be programmed to learn by experience.
Speaking of robots, we have some interesting articles on the subject in this issue. Jim Pinto predicts that a future confluence of technology will evolve development to levels where human beings interact socially with their very own personal robots. Closer to home SAI&C deputy editor, Kim Roberts, attended a robotic symposium at the CSIR and reports that there is some cutting-edge research on the go. One of the projects aims to develop an autonomous system capable of navigating underground through the stopes on a mine. The idea is to reduce the number of injuries due to rock falls by using a robot to evaluate the condition of the hanging walls prior to any miners being deployed in an area. (See 'Mining robots can save lives')
In closure a quick note of thanks to Kim and managing editor Graeme Bell for kindly standing in recently while I took my annual holiday. The production team has done their usual fantastic job this month – I hope you enjoy the read.
Elevating mining separation processes through precision instrumentation Endress+Hauser South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
In mining operations, the quest for efficiency and productivity is key. There is an urgent need for innovative solutions to enhance the performance of extraction processes while balancing operational costs and environmental impact.
Read more...Alfa Laval launches next generation
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Alfa Laval has launched Clariot, a next generation, AI-based condition monitoring solution, precision-built for hygienic process equipment to deliver more accurate analysis and support.
Read more...The next generation in metal sorting Mecosa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
In the metal recycling industry, companies are increasingly challenged to not only improve the efficiency of their processes but also to raise the quality and purity of the sorted materials to new levels. By integrating proven spectral analysis technology into its market-leading REDWAVE XRF sorting system, REDWAVE is unlocking new opportunities for metal recycling, particularly in aluminium recovery.
Read more...Ensuring clean and safe water Endress+Hauser South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
Endress+Hauser’s comprehensive range of disinfection sensors are designed to monitor and control disinfectant levels in water treatment processes.
Read more...Anton Paar launches inline refractometers for precision Brix monitoring Anton Paar
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
[Sponsored] Anton Paar has introduced innovative inline refractometers that are designed for continuous Brix concentration monitoring in metalworking machines, fruit and vegetable processing and other industrial processes.
Read more...Supporting fast, safe helicopter service across Sweden ATEQ South Africa
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
In an environment with high risks and fierce competition, Storm Heliworks’ fleet of eight helicopters operates on assignments throughout Scandinavia. Maintenance is critical, and the company recently invested in a battery charger analyser from ATEQ Aviation.
Read more...WearCheck introduces advanced Legionella testing to safeguard water quality Wearcheck
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
WearCheck Water has expanded its expertise in water analysis with the introduction of Legionella pneumophila detection and enumeration. This positions the company at the forefront of water and surface safety monitoring, ensuring businesses, industries, and public institutions can proactively manage legionella contamination risks.
Read more...Silo weighing made easy - new mounting kit for load cells
Analytical Instrumentation & Environmental Monitoring
The PR 6003 mounting kit features fast commissioning in demanding applications in industrial silo weighing. It combines maximum accuracy with maximum safety in a compact system.
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