Technology evening: Flow measurement, custody and Industry 4.0
From power generation and cement production to waste treatment, the petrochemical industry and gas distribution, custody transfer can be a daunting application. However, combined with Industry 4.0, we can now bring all relevant data from the instruments to the plant manager, and even the financial department, to ensure all compliance requirements are met.
The more complex the plant, the greater the demand on system engineering and services: to find solutions we need to measure and present data to optimise and produce accurate and reliable information.
Industry 1.0 and Industry 2.0
The first industrial revolution began with the invention of the steam engine at the end of the eighteenth century, and the switch from manual to automated production. The second industrial revolution followed approximately 100 years later with the development of electrically-powered assembly lines. This has made cost-effective series production possible since the first third of the 20th century.
The use of sensors in Industry 3.0
SICK Automation is already a part of the third industrial revolution, which began in the 1970s. Electronic control systems, information technology, electronics, robots, and the increased use of sensors made it possible to further automate production, assembly and logistics processes. Photoelectric sensors from SICK are already an integral part of these changes, and are used around the world and across many industries.
Sensor intelligence as a fixed component of Industry 4.0
The fourth industrial revolution with its digitisation and networking of machines has been changing our lives for some time now. These new technologies have allowed the physical and virtual worlds in production and logistics to merge to form cyber-physical systems (CPS). Since 2011, these developments have been referred to collectively as Industry 4.0. Machines have the ability to communicate with one another autonomously, thereby optimising process flows. Industry 4.0 clearly relates to networking in the industrial sector.
Sensor technology is a necessary prerequisite for transparent processes in Industry 4.0. The sensor serves as the foundation for all subsequent applications. Simply put, without sensor technology, there would be no Industry 4.0.
In contrast to conventional, non-networked sensors, Industry 4.0 sensors deliver more than just measurement data. Their integrated decentralised computing power and flexible programmability are important characteristics for making production more flexible, dynamic and efficient.
Sasolburg IPP and Renewables Roadshow
African Petrochemicals hosts travelling exhibitions which showcases products and services relevant to the petrochemical industry. The branch was represented at the recent Sasolburg event, where members on stand duty took advantage of the one-on-one networking opportunities to inform delegates of the mission and goals of the SAIMC.
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