The technology evening for July was presented by Frederik Langenhoven from Pepperl+Fuchs on the topic ‘Keeping up with the demand for high-speed communication in modern process plants’.
Johan Maritz thanks Frederik Langenhoven after the presentation.
There are two types of process control architecture:
• NAMUR open architecture (NOA) which is a European standard.
• Open Process Automation (OPA) which is an American standard.
The concept of NOA is to keep the existing process infrastructure and systems as is and to run a monitoring and optimisation system in parallel with the existing infrastructure. It is a separate system. This approach is more focused on brownfield projects. The concept of OPA is to replace the existing system with smart devices/Internet-ready devices and implement cloud based control. This approach is more common on greenfield projects.
Members enjoy the technology evening.
The focus in this day and age should be on brownfield projects and therefore the NAMUR approach seems more economical and practical. This approach strives for continuous monitoring to implement a predictive maintenance strategy. This eliminates the time spent on fault finding and therefore reduces the down time of plant and equipment.
An important aspect of this approach is that it is cloud based, which brings up the question of cybersecurity and how willing the industry will be to adopt such a solution.
The branch thanks Frederik 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: 6 September, 11 October and 1 November 2018.
All presentations earn CPD points for ECSA registered persons and any enquiries can be directed to the branch chairman Johan Maritz at [email protected] or +27 82 856 3865.
SAIMC: From the office of the CEO SAIMC
SAIMC
The INSPIRE Conference 2026 brought industry and academia together to explore advances in automation, AI, mechatronics and engineering. It also marked a new direction for the SAIMC as it works to build future-ready engineering talent and strengthen South Africa’s automation industry.
Read more...SAIMC Durban takes to the skies SAIMC
SAIMC
SAIMC Durban members went behind the scenes at the ATNS facility at King Shaka International Airport. The visit offered a fascinating look at the sophisticated technology and highly trained people keeping South Africa’s skies safe.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
At the SAIMC Durban branch September 2026 technology meeting, Werner Das of SICK explored how deep learning is moving industrial machine vision beyond rule-based systems into practical, everyday quality control on the factory floor.
Read more...SAIMC: From the office of the COO SAIMC
SAIMC
The recognition of mechatronics and computer engineering has created both an opportunity and a responsibility. Recognition means little without participation, professional registration without professional conduct, and technical knowledge without the mentorship, implementation and measurable value that industry needs.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
Hendrik Spies of SICK Automation Southern Africa presented at the SAIMC Johannesburg Technology Evening on 12 August 2026, covering the digital journey from condition monitoring to predictive maintenance.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Durban branch hosted S’yabonga Langa, systems performance engineer at eThekwini Electricity, who presented on applying substation automation to improve operational efficiency and service quality in modern power distribution networks.
Read more...SAIMC INSPIRE 2026 brings together industry, robotics and research SAIMC
SAIMC
The inaugural SAIMC INSPIRE Conference will bring together the industrial automation, robotics and academic communities for two days of presentations, panel discussions and networking, and will explore developments in smart manufacturing, mining, robotics
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