SAIMC: Secunda branch
June 2018
SAIMC
On 5 April, Hannes Kruger and Hendrik Strauss from Moore Process Controls gave an informative presentation on turbine speed control applications.
Johan Maritz (left) thanks Hannes Kruger and Hendrik Strauss after the presentation.
A steam turbine is a device that extracts thermal energy from pressurised steam and uses it to do mechanical work on a rotating output shaft. There are two main types of turbines: impulse and reaction turbines.
Turbine control is important to prevent catastrophic failures. The inputs used for turbine are: speed; steam valve output; team valve feedback; upstream steam pressure and temperature; downstream steam pressure and temperature; steam flow; and turbine casing temperature.
Up to three speed measurements can be used for speed control and will most commonly be implemented as follows:
• When three inputs are available – use the midrange one.
• When two inputs are available – use highest one.
• When one input is available – use that measurement.
• When 0 inputs are available – trip the turbine.
Hannes mentioned that it is important to start a turbine in auto to ensure that each start-up is similar. A turbine has three start-up sequences: hot, warm and cold start-up. The sequence that will be used is dependent on the downtime of the turbine.
Hendrik wrapped up the presentation with a demo of turbine speed control.
The branch thanks Hannes Kruger and Hendrik Straus for this informative presentation.
All instrumentation and control related mechanicians, technicians and engineers are welcome to attend the monthly technology events. The planned dates for the rest of the year are as follows: 7 June, 5 July, 2 August, 6 September, 11 October and 1 November.
All presentations earn CPD points for ECSA registered persons. Enquiries can be directed to branch chairman Johan Maritz at [email protected] or 082 856 3865.
Further reading:
SAIMC Zambia
SAIMC
SAIMC News
SAIMC Zambia marked its 21st anniversary with the annual SAIMC Banquet, held on 29 November 2025 at Mukwa Lodge in Kitwe, Zambia.
Read more...
SAIMC: From the office of the COO: Reflections on progress and ambitions for the new year
SAIMC
SAIMC
As we greet the possibilities of the new year, we have the chance to reflect on our shared journey, to acknowledge our achievements and to set our sights on new horizons.
Read more...
SAIMC: Durban branch
SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Durban Branch closed off its 2025 technology meetings with an exceptionally well-attended session on selecting and applying signal transducers.
Read more...
SAIMC: Durban year-end dinner
SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Durban branch hosted its much-anticipated annual year-end dinner at the Mount Edgecombe Country Club on 22 November 2025. Durban’s summer weather provided the perfect backdrop for a warm,
...
Read more...
Durban branch
SAIMC
At the Durban branch of the SAIMC held in October, Mitch Naidoo took the attendees on an interesting journey on Asset Health Management: Tracking The Pulse Of Your Plant.
Read more...
From the office of the COO: Aligning people, process and technology for global competitiveness
SAIMC
SAIMC
As I reflect on the recent SAIMC User Advisory Conference where we gathered to discuss the future of industrial technology, integration and the evolving role of engineering professionals in South Africa
...
Read more...
SAIMC: Durban branch
SAIMC
SAIMC
At the Durban branch of the SAIMC held in October, Mitch Naidoo took the attendees on an interesting journey on Asset Health Management: Tracking The Pulse Of Your Plant.
Read more...
SAIMC: Johannesburg branch
SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Johannesburg Branch technical evening was hosted by Proconics Advanced Solutions. The topic of the session was ‘Turning Big 3D Data into Actionable Engineering Insights – Challenges and Smart Solutions’.
Read more...
SAIMC User Advisory Council Annual Summit 2025
SAIMC
SAIMC
October 2025 marked a pivotal moment for the South African automation and manufacturing community as the SAIMC User Advisory Council hosted its first annual summit under the SAIMC banner.
Read more...
SAIMC: Johannesburg
SAIMC
The Johannesburg Branch of the SAIMC hosted a successful Technology Evening on 10 September. The event was well attended and generously sponsored by Phoenix Contact.
Read more...
printer friendly version