The branch held its May Technology Evening at the Eskom Marketing Centre in Edgemead. The topic was ‘Lightning and Surge Protection’ presented by Tony Rayner, product manager at Trabtech Surge & Lightning Protection (Phoenix Contact). The presentation covered the following topics: lightning and its dynamics, earthing and bonding, basics of lightning and surge protection and personal safety.
Tony explained how lightning works, the different types of lightning and the dangers. He then highlighted the differences between transients and surges. Transients are short duration faults, while surges last longer. The different classifications of protection devices were also discussed. There are three classes: Class 1 (usually installed at the main incomer level: lightning protection), Class 2 (usually installed at the main DB level: switching protection), and Class 3 (usually installed at the device). Tony advised that a cost benefit analysis should be done to determine the level of protection required, especially at device level.
The branch thanks Tony and Phoenix Contact for their support.
SAB Newlands Brewery site visit
On 9 May, branch members had an interesting site visit to SAB’s Newlands Brewery. The tour included a presentation on the History of SAB, the brewery, and the making of beer. It was interesting to hear the history of how SAB became such a successful South African company. This was followed by a tour of the brewery from raw material to final product, including the packaging processes. The tour was rounded off with a much enjoyed beer tasting session. It was an interesting well organised tour, for which the branch would like to thank the SAB staff involved.
Cape Town branch members in front of the Charles Glass statue.
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.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
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?
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
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.
Read more...Why ECSA matters SAIMC
SAIMC
I always knew I had to register as a Professional Engineer. Then I opened the registration guidelines.
Read more...SAIMC: From the office of the COO: Enabling AI-ready manufacturing in South Africa SAIMC
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.
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.