Presenter (from left to right) – Johan Maritz and Kevin Preston.
On 16 May 2019 Kevin Preston from Phoenix Contact gave a very interesting and explanatory presentation on SIL (functional safety).
Safety Integrity Level (SIL) is by definition a relative level of risk-reduction provided by a specified safety function, as well as a factor used to specify a target level of risk reduction. The standards for SIL are specified by the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in IEC 61508. As with all the technologies in our field, functional safety and the standards surrounding it have also evolved along with our technologies, which can be expected, as with more functionality we have more risk and thus we require more governance and guidance. Kevin took us through the historical timeline of functional safety and the functional safety standards along with delving into the theory and calculations behind functional safety, the functional safety life cycle, SIL loops, hardware fault tolerance, architectural constraints, types of faults, probability of failure on demand and all the various other considerations and factors that we need to take into account when we are discussing and executing functional safety. The topic of functional safety is quite a mouthful, but Kevin presented it to us in an understandable and interesting manner.
Lucky Draw Winner (from left to right) – Johan Maritz and Veolin Pillay.
We would like to thank Kevin Preston for his informative and interesting presentation.
All Instrumentation and Control related mechanicians, technicians and/or engineers are more than welcome to attend our monthly Technology Events in 2019, the planned dates for the rest of the year are:
• Thursday 11 July 2019
• Thursday 1 August 2019
• Thursday 5 September 2019
• Thursday 3 October 2019
• Thursday 7 November 2019
All the Secunda SAIMC presentations will earn CPD points for ECSA-registered persons and any enquiries can be directed to the branch chairman Johan Maritz on cell number +27 82 856 3865.
High Tea 2019
The SAIMC Secunda Branch is hosting their fourth annual Ladies High Tea on the 26th of July 2019. Should any ladies like to attend the event they are welcome to contact Lezahn Meiring on [email protected] or +27 84 440 7787. Anyone that would like to contribute to the event is also welcome to contact Lezahn.
Digitise what matters and leverage
SAIMC
SAIMC has been invited to partner with technology leaders 4Sight and NextGenOpX for a one-day industry event aimed at unlocking the full value of OT investments in the mining sector.
Read more...SAIMC: From the office of the COO: Ethical and practical use of AI SAIMC
SAIMC
In this day and age, we all have access to AI tools. A lot of people claim that if you are not using AI tools in your daily job today you are falling behind. But would it be ethical to use AI tools to write an article per day and sign my name to it?
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The Durban branch of the SAIMC held its July technology meeting at the familiar Premier Splendid Hotel, drawing a strong turnout of industry professionals.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Johannesburg branch recently hosted the July Technology Evening at the Bryanston Sports Club.
Read more...Digitise what matters and leverage
SAIMC
SAIMC has been invited to partner with technology leaders 4Sight and NextGenOpX for a one-day industry event aimed at unlocking the full value of OT investments in the mining sector.
Read more...Bridging the digital gap in industrial systems SAIMC Supplier Advisory Council
SAIMC
Industrial engineers, digital transformation leaders, and operations managers are invited to an exclusive knowledge-sharing event designed to tackle the complexities of digitising large-scale systems.
Read more...SAIMC Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Johannesburg branch recently hosted the June Technology Evening. The presentation covered HVAC systems through the lens of instrumentation, highlighting how sensor technologies form the backbone of effective monitoring and control, allowing for effective energy efficiency.
Read more...SAIMC Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Durban Branch hosted its latest technology meeting on 4 June.The event drew a strong turnout, highlighting the keen interest in the topic ‘Understanding Level Measurement: Contact vs Non-Contact Methods’.
Read more...SAIMC at KITE 2025
SAIMC
The Society for Automation, Instrumentation, Mechatronics and Control Engineering (SAIMC) invites you to connect with us at the KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition (KITE) from Tuesday 22 to Thursday 24 July 2025.
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