The July Technology Evening was held at Umhambi Lodge and sponsored by Endress+Hauser. Business development manager for the gas analytics division, Camine Canale, gave a presentation on the topic modern gas analysis techniques for process applications. Camine pointed out that obtaining representative reproducible samples has long been identified as the most difficult problem in the field of process analytics, regardless of which system is being used. He went on to explain the host of sampling problems ranging from distance between the sampling and measurement points, particulates in the sample, moisture, corrosive chemicals. Distance from the sampling point, as he explained, is key to the equation, and hence the closer the measurement to the sampling points the better.
Camine then went on to introduce a new system known as DRS (dynamic reflux sampler) which has been developed to solve these problems. The DRS can be mounted at or near the process, thereby eliminating the need for sample conditioning. The optical sensor uses Raman technology and an optograf analyser can be used to evaluate the sample. There are various applications from syngas production to underground coal gasification. For more information contact George Dyman, [email protected]
August Technology Evening – Wonderware
Mervyn Govender (left) and Steven Jeffery after the August presentation.
Wonderware Southern Africa hosted the August Technology Evening, where account executive Steven Jeffery gave a presentation on the topic 'Situational awareness'. Steven kicked off the presentation by explaining the industry trends including increased data size and complexity, levels of automation, education challenges and remote operation.
Coupled to trends are changes in the control room, mobile devices, alarms and events management, as well as operational excellence. With this introduction, Steven then went on to outline what constitutes an effective user interface and pointed out most people are violating the prudent use of colour and too many alarms, which in turn overloads the operators. According to Steven, all this information needs to be rolled out in what Wonderware terms 'Situational Awareness' which encompasses alarm management, control loop performance, and factors key to operational excellence. The talk was well presented and enthusiastically received by the members.
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