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.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The Johannesburg Branch had the privilege of being hosted by Phoenix Contact for our technology event in May. Shamil Surbun, BU manager for Automation, presented a CPD-accredited session on ‘From Sensor to Cloud: How SPE and APL Are Transforming Industrial Connectivity’.
Read more...From the office of the CEO: Power Hour goes national SAIMC
SAIMC
South Africa’s automation, control, mechatronics and computer engineering community is changing fast, and the SAIMC is changing with it. I am excited to announce a new national initiative that will reshape how we deliver technical knowledge, strengthen branch identity and bring our community together like never before.
Read more...SAIMC: Zambia branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Zambia executive committee met recently, and confirmed several strategic updates aimed at strengthening governance, membership engagement and professional development activities.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
Hendrik Spies, market application engineer at SICK Automation, presented at the SAIMC Durban branch May technology meeting.
Read more...Where industry meets the fairway SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Durban Golf Day once again proved why it’s one of the highlights on the local industry calendar, bringing together good people, good golf, and just the right amount of competitive spirit under spectacular Durban skies.
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