At the last Technology Evening, Gary Friend from Extech Safety Systems presented on IS applications.
Mike Banda (right) with Gary Friend after the presentation.
Intrinsic Safety is a protection technique for safe operation of electrical equipment in hazardous areas by limiting the energy available for ignition. In signal and control circuits that can operate with low currents and voltages, the intrinsic safety approach simplifies circuits and reduces installation cost over other protection methods. Areas with dangerous concentrations of flammable gases or dust are found in applications such as petrochemical refineries and mines. As a discipline, it is the application of inherent safety in instrumentation. There are multiple ways to make equipment explosion-proof, or safe for use in hazardous areas. Intrinsic Safety is one of a few methods available and others include explosion proof enclosures, venting, oil immersion, powder and sand filling and hermetic sealing.
Gary covered the following topics:
• SANS standards adopted for the South African market.
• Surge protection in IS loops.
• Intrinsic safety applications.
• Protecting field devices.
• Running cables through IS trunking.
• Factors affecting maximum cable length for IS loops.
• Intrinsic safety in SIL loops.
• SIL levels and SIL 3 safety function.
• Analog input isolators used in safety functions.
• Functional safety interfacing.
• Mobile device application.
The branch thanks Gary for his valued and informative talk.
Introducing the 2016 committee
Mike Banda (chairman).
Gary Friend (vice chairman).
Cheryl Hird (treasurer).
Elri Klee (secretary).
Members: Andrew Bharath, Eric Carter, Ann de Beer, Steve Elliott, Kudzai Mberi, Tebogo Mulauzi, Jabulani Radebe and Alvin Seitz.
The new committee will map the way forward with regards to the operation of the branch, including the planning of events such as technical evenings, site visits and the annual golf day, details of which will be communicated in due course.
Digitise what matters and leverage
SAIMC
SAIMC has been invited to partner with technology leaders 4Sight and NextGenOpX for a one-day industry event aimed at unlocking the full value of OT investments in the mining sector.
Read more...SAIMC: From the office of the COO: Ethical and practical use of AI SAIMC
SAIMC
In this day and age, we all have access to AI tools. A lot of people claim that if you are not using AI tools in your daily job today you are falling behind. But would it be ethical to use AI tools to write an article per day and sign my name to it?
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The Durban branch of the SAIMC held its July technology meeting at the familiar Premier Splendid Hotel, drawing a strong turnout of industry professionals.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Johannesburg branch recently hosted the July Technology Evening at the Bryanston Sports Club.
Read more...Digitise what matters and leverage
SAIMC
SAIMC has been invited to partner with technology leaders 4Sight and NextGenOpX for a one-day industry event aimed at unlocking the full value of OT investments in the mining sector.
Read more...Bridging the digital gap in industrial systems SAIMC Supplier Advisory Council
SAIMC
Industrial engineers, digital transformation leaders, and operations managers are invited to an exclusive knowledge-sharing event designed to tackle the complexities of digitising large-scale systems.
Read more...SAIMC Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Johannesburg branch recently hosted the June Technology Evening. The presentation covered HVAC systems through the lens of instrumentation, highlighting how sensor technologies form the backbone of effective monitoring and control, allowing for effective energy efficiency.
Read more...SAIMC Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Durban Branch hosted its latest technology meeting on 4 June.The event drew a strong turnout, highlighting the keen interest in the topic ‘Understanding Level Measurement: Contact vs Non-Contact Methods’.
Read more...SAIMC at KITE 2025
SAIMC
The Society for Automation, Instrumentation, Mechatronics and Control Engineering (SAIMC) invites you to connect with us at the KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition (KITE) from Tuesday 22 to Thursday 24 July 2025.
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.
printer friendly version