The branch arranged its first site visit for 2018 to Sky Hill on 2 March. Sky Hill is situated between Secunda and Evander, and is an engineering company with expertise in the manufacturing of pressure vessels, heat exchangers, and fabrication of piping spools, structural steel and mechanical installations.
Delegates inspect the impressive Sky Hill facilities.
The manufacturing equipment makes it possible to construct different products as well as refurbishing equipment within a short turnaround time. Automated CNC machines are used to produce products with high precision and repeatability, which makes high production volumes possible. The aim is to ensure customers do not face long outages where critical equipment is needed.
The group witnessed the testing of one of Sasol’s gasifier units after a reworking process. The equipment that Sky Hill manufactures and refurbishes is big and one of the most interesting things to witness was the hoisting capability at this facility, which varies from 40-500 tons per lifting unit. The fact that they can move such large equipment without incident is testament to the safety managements systems. The company also has a steady feed of new talent from the nearby training facility where about 400 students are being trained.
Technology evening
Annemarie van Coller thanks Preshan Moodliar after the presentation.
The March technology evening was presented by ESACO where Preshan Moodliar spoke on the subject of ‘Ex Automation Interface Technology – Remote I/O’. The presentation was informative and well attended.
All instrumentation and control related mechanicians, technicians or engineers are welcome to attend the monthly technology events. The planned dates for the rest of the year are: 7 June, 5 July, 2 August, 6 September, 11 October and 1 November.
Presentations are accredited with CPD points for ECSA registered persons. Enquiries can be directed to branch chairman Johan Maritz at johanmaritz260@gmail.com or 082 856 3865.
Resignation
Rickus Kriel, who served for 12 years on the Secunda branch committee, has decided to step down due to pressure of business responsibilities. The branch thanks Rickus for his years of dedication and involvement to the SAIMC during this period. We wish him all the best for the future.
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