On Thursday, 4 April, the SAIMC Secunda branch held its fourth technology evening for 2017 at Honeywell in Secunda. Frederik Langenhoven from Pepperl+Fuchs presented on the topic ‘Electrical explosion protection with the focus on flameproof and increased safety enclosures’. He said that the importance of explosion protection cannot be stressed enough; it prevents loss of life and damage to plant, protects the environment and decreases repair costs. Explosive atmospheres can be ignited by sources such as sparks, electrical arcs, hot surfaces, flames, hot gases, static electricity and electronic units, to name a few. The different explosion zones were explained and the specific types of protection suitable for each explosion zone were described. SAIMC Secunda would like to thank Frederik for an excellent presentation that was very relevant to all industries in the Secunda community.
From l: Frederik Langenhoven, Pepperl+Fuchs; Johan Maritz, SAIMC Secunda chairperson.
Secunda SAIMC also held its first site visit on 12 May 2017. This was at the WIKA calibration centre in Trichardt. It covered the certification of instruments, the methodology, and the criteria that ensure a successful calibration, with a focus on pressure and temperature transmitters. The validity and expiration dates of calibration were also explained. WIKA gave a detailed explanation of the operation of the pressure transmitter, especially the bourdon tube and what could influence the transmitter to give a faulty reading. The site visit was concluded with a braai and conversation on the relationship between pressure and temperature fluctuations.
All instrumentation and control artisans, technicians and engineers are welcome to attend our monthly technology events in 2017. The planned dates for the rest of the year are:
• 06 July.
• 03 August.
• 07 September.
• 12 October.
• 02 November.
All Secunda SAIMC presentations will earn CPD points for ECSA registered persons. Enquiries can be directed to Johan Maritz, branch chairman, +27 (0)82 856 3865, johanmaritz260@gmail.com
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