sa mechanical engineer july11

THE SOUTH AFRICAN MECHANICAL ENGINEER VOL 61 July 2011 1

2 THE SOUTH AFRICAN MECHANICAL ENGINEER VOL 61 July 2011

www.astafrica.com


AN ENGINEER’S VIEW

The climate change/world warming/pollu-tion/ we-are- all- going- to- die dilemma continues to raise more questions than answers. The more I try to fathom out what should be done the more confused I get. The problem is that as with all evaluations of this nature each argument appears to have been decided on the decision that it wants, and then it structures the evidence on a selective basis to justify the end state.

There are some fundamental theorems that provide insight into the mechanism of decision making when multiple choices are presented to voting parties. Of rel-evance is Arrow’s Theorem or paradox that says that if the decision-making body has at least two members and at least three options to decide among, then it is

impossible to design a social welfare function that satisfies all these conditions at once. Imagine how this influences bigger samples. That is clearly why in any voting system the society will never be able to rank preferences to meet the social welfare objective. It must explain why and how dictatorships in theory overcome this dilemma but beneficial dictatorships don’t ever seem to exist.

The theorem would also explain that even in a demo-cratic system, the successful party has to effectively adopt dictatorship rules to rank the preferences. It also explains why very few, if any, countries have more than two effective political parties that have any impact in an election. And why elected government then practises effective dictatorship.

Not in our backyardBack to the carbon issue. Gore hypothesises that if we keep producing large man-made quantities of carbon dioxide, we would eventually tip the balance of the world’s ecosystems and all fry or drown in the resulting wake. This resulted in the decision to cut coal and oil burning, which also happened to coincide with the views of the anti-nukes who believe the world can get by with renewables only. It all depends on what we mean by getting by. Massive industrial

Chris ReayChairman of the Working

Committee: Communications(SA Institution of Mechanical

Engineering)

The Carbon (dioxide) Footprint Dilemma

activity reduction and effectively a return to smaller populations and a lowering of living standards. Is it likely the voters will ever accept that? Not in their own backyard, that is for sure.

What is really driving carbon (dioxide) reduction? Suddenly governments have seen the opportunity for more taxation, and that seems to me to be the real driver. This must be the case because very few if any decision-makers in governments have really studied the real impact of carbon taxes on everything else in the structures which put them into power. Do we really believe taxes collected in the name of carbon will ever be used to develop carbon reduction programmes or greening programmes?

Interesting is the current debate on whether it is greener to run a Toyota Prius or a Hummer SUV. The arguments are as wide as the evident inability of the protagonists to apply well-developed engineer-ing, economic and cognitive logic in a collective sense. Each appears to have made up their mind and then searched for the evidence to prove the desired outcome.

Believe in itNone of the studies I have read appear to have been done with an objective evaluation based on good engineering principles where the parameters are clearly defined and are considered to be eq-uitable. What in fact is equitable anyway? In the end, it will be a mainly emotional consideration in that buying a Prius is a self-conscious life-style statement. Even if a Hummer was the more carbon efficient over its lifetime, it may be seen to be a bit socially unacceptable. But those who really fancy a Hummer will buy it anyway and then argue the case against global warming.

I guess we do not really know if our own carbon dioxide production will damage the ecology. We have scant evidence and the correlations are uncon-vincing. However, what if it is right and we choose now not to believe it? Can we take the risk? And the tax is too good for governments not to believe in it. Then there is equally uncertain evidence that the earth is actually cooling down.

Why elected government then practises effective dictatorship


Monthly Column8 World Class Ship Engineering

Cover Story11 Extending Value-Add

Hydraulics & Pneumatics13 New Law for Accumulators15 What - No Gearbox?

Heating & Cooling17 Cleaning Indoor Breathing Space19 Make-up Air Treatment

POWER GENERATION TODAY21 New Wind Technology for SA24 Power Generation News

SAIT27 Obituary: Arthur Langdon28 SAIT Awards

Training30 Woman Artisans

Produced by:PROMECH PUBLISHING,P O Box 373, Pinegowrie, 2123Republic of South AfricaTel: (011) 781-1401, Fax: (011) 781-1403Email: [email protected]: www.promech.co.zaManaging Editor Susan CustersEditor Kowie HammanAdvertising Louise TaylorCirculation Catherine MacdivaDTP Zinobia Docrat, Yolanda Flowerday, Lilian KempDisclaimerPROMECH Publishing and The South African Institution of Mechanical Engineering as well as any other body do not take responsibility for the opinions expressed by individuals.Printed by: Typo Colour Printing, Tel: (011) 402-3468/9

Official Publication ofTHE SA INSTITUTION OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERINGand endorsed by:

CORROSION INSTITUTE OF SA SA PUMP MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION SA VALVE AND ACTUATORS MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION THE SA INSTITUTE OF TRIBOLOGY NUCLEAR INSTITUTE SA INSTITUTE FOR NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING NATIONAL SOCIETY OF BLACK ENGINEERS INSTITUTE FOR CERTIFICATED MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS SOUTH AFRICAN ASSOCIATION OF CONSULTING ENGINEERS ASSOCIATION OF SOCIETIES FOR OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH

Compressors, Air Motors & Vacuum Pumps31 Compressor Support Service33 Vacuum for Africa

Regulars3 An Engineer’s View

6 Institution News

10 SAINT

26 Nuclear Institute (SA Branch)

37 Market Forum

46 On the Move

Contents

The monthly circulation is 4 242

CopyrightAll rights reserved. No editorial matter published in “SA Mechani-cal Engineer” may be reproduced in any form or language without written permission of the publish-ers. While every effort is made to ensure accurate reproduction, the editor, authors, publishers and their employees or agents shall not be responsible or in any way liable for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies in the publication, whether arising from negligence or otherwise or for any consequences arising therefrom. The inclusion or exclusion of any product does not mean that the publisher or editorial board advocates or rejects its use either generally or in any particular field or fields.

July 2011 VOLUME 61 NUMBER 7

Featured on the cover:Bearings International,

Telephone: (011) 345 8000, Email : [email protected]


Council 2010/2011

Office BearersPresident .......................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G Barbic (George)Vice President ............................ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... D Findeis (Dirk)National Treasurer ............................... KK Nyangoni (Kudzai)

Branch ChairpersonsCentral ..................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . M Cramer (Mike)Eastern Cape ................................................ W Rall (William)KwaZulu/Natal ................................................. J Moto (John)Mpumalanga Highveld.............................. L Odendaal (Louis)Western Cape ........ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ................... Dr Blaine (Debbie)

Portfolios:Communications/Strategic Planning/Specialist Group..................................................CD Reay (Chris)Education - Universities................Prof B Collier-Reed (Brandon)Education: Universities of Technology............... E Zawilska (Ewa)Membership .................................................... E Zawilska (Ewa)Professional Development Programme..........M Black (Malcolm)Technology Programme ................................. SZ Hrabar (Steve)To be confirmed....................................................A Roos (Andre)To be confirmed.........................................G Bartholomew (Bart)

Chief Executive Officer: Vaughan Rimbault

National Office Manager: Anisa Nanabhay

PO Box 511, Bruma, 2026

Tel: (011) 615-5660, Fax: (011) 388-5356

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.saimeche.org.za

Membership: Central, Eastern Cape & KZN:

[email protected]

Membership: Western Cape: [email protected]

Company Affiliates

Alstom Power Service SA

Babcock Africa Limited

Bateman Engineered Technologies

Bosch Projects

Fluor SA

GEA Air-cooled Systems

Hansen Transmissions SA

Hatch Africa

Howden Power

Howden Projects

Industrial Water Cooling

MBE Minerals (SA) (Pty) Ltd (previously KHD Humboldt Wedag SA)

Megchem Eng & Drafting Services

THE SA INSTITUTION OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Osborn Engineered Products SA

Rotek Engineering

RSD a division of DCD-Dorbyl

S.A.M.E Water

Sasol Technologies

SEW Eurodrive

Siemens

SNC-Lavalin SA

Spicer Axle SA

Spirax Sarco SA

Thyssenkrupp Engineering

Transvaal Pressed Nuts & Bolts

Ultra-Flow Engineering Services

Vital Engineering

Weir Minerals Africa

Winder Controls

Notice of SAIMechE Annual General Meetings (2011)

120th National AGM

Date: Wednesday, 3 August 2011

Time: 18h00

Venue: Engineering Council,

Waterview Building South,

Bruma, Johannesburg

RSVP: Register online at www.saimeche.org.za (then go to the Calendar) or email: [email protected].

Invitation with full details will be distributed to members shortly, including presentations/guest speakers, where applicable. Please contact the National office directly for more information. A light dinner and drinks will be served.

The Chairman and Committee of the

Central Branch of SAIMechE

cordially invites

Members and Friends of the Institution

to their

2011 Dinner DanceDate: Saturday 22th October 2011

Time: 18:30 for 19:00

Venue: Wanderers Golf Club

Cnr Rudd/Corlett, Illovo (Sandton)

Dress: Black Tie/ Traditional

Cost: R3500 per table of 10 or R350

per individual ticket

After dinner the dance floor will be opened to boogie the night away to the fabulous music of Havanna Gas.

Companies are invited to book tables of 10 guests. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

R.S.V.P. by no later than 16 September 2011.

Contact Lynne on (011) 615-5660/ [email protected]


THE SA INSTITUTION OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

SAIMechE SeminarsSAIMechE defines a Seminar as being a training event during which one or more informed speakers deliver topical pre-

sentations on various aspects of the seminar subject.

East Rand Durban Cape Town

Title Code Date Code Date Code DateBearings EBE11 16 Aug 11 ABE11 3 Aug 11 CBE11 30 Aug 11

Electricity, Water & Effluent EEW11 6 Sep 11 AEW11 13 Sep 11 CEW11 27 Sep 11

Pressure Equipment Regulations EPE11 6 Oct 11 APE11 26 Oct 11 CPE11 12 Oct 11

Intellectual Property (IP) at Engineering Enterprises Workshop (Event Dates below)The aim of the workshop is to get a grip on the fundamental principles of IP to enable engineering managers to protect their companies’ proprietary know-how in the first instance, and to assist with the develop of an IP strategy that meets the niche requirements of that engineering enterprise, in particular in the (SMME) sector.

How to apply TRIZ to solve complex technical problems and contradictions in industry and manufacturing Workshop (Event date below)The overall objective of the course is to provide the delegates with sufficient knowledge and skills to solve complex problems inventively that are crucial

SAIMechE Scheduled Workshops 3 – 26 August 2011SAIMechE defines a Workshop as being a training event during which an appointed facilitator presents structured mate-

rial on a subject, the development of which has met SAIMechE’s workshop requirements.

A registration form and full terms and conditions may be obtained from Carey Evans on E-mail: [email protected] or Tel. 031 764 7136. Also, detailed individual event programmes are available from Carey.

SAIMechE-0394-01-14 A0911 Refrigeration Explained 03-04 Aug-11 Durban

SAIMechE-0394-01-14 E0911 Refrigeration Explained 11-12 Aug-11 East Rand

SAIMechE-0447-07/14 C5911 Intellectual Property (IP) at Engineering Enterprises 11-Aug-11 Cape Town

SAIMechE-0423-12/14 E1411 Coal Fired Firetube Boilers 17-18 Aug-11 East Rand

SAIMechE-0450-06/14 A6001 How to Apply TRIZ to Solve Complex Problems & Contradictions 24 – 25 Aug 11 Durban

SAIMechE-0447-07/14 E5911 Intellectual Property (IP) at Engineering Enterprises 25-Aug-11 East Rand

SAIMechE-0394-01-14 C0911 Refrigeration Explained 25-26 Aug-11 Cape Town

Corporate In-House WorkshopsAll SAIMechE Workshops are offered as In-House events. A comprehensive list of workshops as well as the workshop programmes may be obtained from Linda Robinson on E-mail: [email protected] or Tel: 031 764 7136. Please

contact her to discuss your requirements and receive a quotation.

New Workshops

for survival and growth in a highly competitive world.

The course teaches leading edge methodologies, and its tools, to solve complex problems inventively in a systematic way.

Leadership and Management Principles and Practice in Engineering Workshop (Event dates to be advised)A two day interactive coarse on the most useful perspectives, principles, tools, processes, examples and practices which are presented in an experiential manner providing a fresh approach to the practice of leadership and management within an engineering context which equips the practitioner with a raised awareness of his/her role, a raised awareness of his/her own practices and the wherewithal to radically improve on those practices.


MONTHLY COLUMN

In reality, a rudderless ship is equally lost and uncontrollable, leaving the vessel at the mercy of ocean currents and winds, drifting around aimlessly

miles out to sea. Most ships carry a spare propeller and often even a spare propeller shaft, but having a spare rudder on board isn’t standard practice.

Luckily for the MT Biz tanker, rounding Cape Town about 200 nautical miles out when the ship’s rudder broke clean off and sank to the bottom of the ocean in poor weather, they weren’t too far away to get help, not only in getting the vessel to port, but also in having the vessel fixed and on its way. Hesper Engineering, based in Paarden

Eiland near Cape Town harbour, specialises in heavy ship engineering. “SA Mechanical Engineer” pays them a visit to see what it’s all about.

Local manufacture“Servicing and repairing propellers and propeller shafts is part of our regular business, but manufac-

World Class Ship Engineering

Idiomatically, a rudderless ship is when a person, project, organisation or government has no clear direction and drifts about without reaching its goals, floating aimlessly in a vast

and stormy sea of the unknown.

turing a complete new 30-tonne rudder was a new challenge for us,” says ship repair manager, James Wrensch. “The ship had even lost the knuckle, which is part of the aft of the ship’s hull where the shaft runs through before it goes to the rudder. We had four months to rebuild the lot to the class standard required by the ship owner.

“One of the main challenges was to build the knuckle out of 50 mm thick steel plate in places and then taper it down all the way to 25mm thick in other places,” he explains. “Some of the plates had to be rolled out in Johannesburg because the Cape Town sheet rollers cannot handle this size plate.

The shaftThe other problem was finding a rudder shaft locally as it’s a highly specialised steel. It’s not the sort of thing you’re likely to find lying around readily available, not even in raw stock. “There was a spare propeller shaft on board and as it was the same grade and quality as the rudder shaft, which machined down to fashion the rudder stock,” James explains. “Apart from the propeller shaft being much longer, we re-machined the diameter down

Ship repair manager at Hesper Engineering, James Wrensch

We had four months to rebuild the lot to the class standard required by the ship owner

The new rudder being fitted A propeller and shaft refurbishment


and also had to make new holes to suit the rudder after filling existing holes meant for the propeller flange.

“Following a new stress relief treatment on the shaft, we fitted new couplings and bearings and installed the shaft from the internal controls down through the knuckle so the new rudder could be fitted onto that,” adds James. “Finally we had to fit the rudder while the ship was in the water at the quayside as a dry dock wasn’t available. With a scaffolding structure off the back of the ship and a huge mobile crane on the quay, we managed to fit everything in place perfectly.”

StabilizersAnother unusual project recently undertaken by Hesper was carried out in the Robinson dry dock facility in Cape Town harbour when the company won the contract to fit the South African deep sea anti-poaching vessel, Sarah Baartman, with a new stabilizer fin system to improve the ship’s stability and performance on patrols. “The shipyard which originally built the vessel contracted us to the job,” explains James.

“Their naval architect made the design modifications, and then sent us the drawings and specifications. We manufactured all the components before going on board to make space and other modifications in order to fit this high precision hydraulic system into place. The angle of protrusion from the hull is critical and, to get it right, we made a dummy stabiliser fin profile from wood to check alignment and to measure up before cutting through the hull to install the shaft through at the correct angle.”

Drive systemHesper also does regular work on TNPA harbour tugs which have an unusual drive system called the Voith Schneider propulsion system, which provides tugs with highly manoeuvrable thrust in any direction required to push or pull large vessels into place at the quayside. “Over the past couple of years overhauling these Voith Schreider systems has become one of our specialities,” James says

proudly. “Previously only Dorbyl Marine serviced them, but we tendered a few years back and got the first contract. Since then, this work has increased steadily.

“The system has a particular corrosion problem on the hull behind the rotor which

is mostly why the tugs come in for repair,” adds James. “At this stage, we’re highly experienced in stripping the whole drive system down in order to make the modifications required for adequate corrosion protection. Adding on to this, we started doing other repairs on them as well. It takes about a month for such a service but then we replace all the worn mechanical parts, corrosion protection and a few new seals. The hydraulic system usu-ally doesn’t require anything special because it is simple and straightforward, we just do a routine inspection on it.”

MONTHLY COLUMN

The facilityWalking through the facility gives us an insight into the other ‘run-of-the-mill’ work that Hesper does. Huge sixteen cylinder engines in various stages of rebuild are neatly propped up on stands, each in their own cubicle where technicians fit new pistons, rings, seal and bearings. On the repair side, there are half a dozen propellers and propeller shafts of all sizes at different levels of assembly and overhaul.

In other areas, structures are being manufactured which could be for anything from a modified engine support to a new propeller shaft which will end up deep down in the mysterious mechanisations of the ship’s belly. Just seeing the order and neatness on the workshop floor should be an assurance to any ship owner that if Hesper is doing a repair or modi-fication on a vessel, it will be done professionally.

James Wrensch, Hesper Engineering, Tel: (021) 506-4301, Email: [email protected]

Fitting the rudder while the ship was in the water at the quayside

Overhauling these Voith Schreider systems has become one of our specialities

Stripping the whole drive system down in order to make the modi-fications


3

SAINT

One of the important NDT parameters is the role of a Level 3 person, which involves possessing a greater understanding of the particular inspection method than that

which is expected of the Level 1, or 2 technicians who normally carry out the inspections.

Level 3’s should be capable of establishing tech-niques/procedures, interpreting codes, standards and specifications that are specific to the actual customer requirement, in addition to designating the particular NDT methods, techniques and pro-cedures to be employed.

Another critical aspect for a Level 3 is to monitor an organisation that has been contracted to undertake NDT on a regular basis. This NDT requirement could be for newly-manufactured components or for those that are in-service. In some instances, these organisations (especially those that are fairly small and so, do not enjoy the engineering support that larger organisations do) are not always aware whether their internal or outsourced NDT operations are actually producing the correct results that their customers think they are acquiring.

A Level 3 must be able to assess new or existing NDT facilities, where areas for possible improvement in quality, production and customer satisfaction are identified and with suggested corrective actions being clarified and incorporated.

Most importantly, a Level 3, who does not just authorise or certify Level 1 or 2 technicians to perform NDT inspections, should also strive to be a good mentor. This sort of mentoring as a base-line should consist of a positive attitude in order to guide and assist technicians whereby they will want to increase their knowledge, drive and sense of professionalism when performing their work. This is crucial, especially when tedious and repetitive inspections have to be carried out.

Robin Marshall, SAINT, Tel 011 719-5717

The Role of a NDT Level 3

The importance of Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) is underrated in some industries

and this critical facet of Quality Assurance/Control is often marginalised to an extent that inspections are performed without the proper

and effective parameters being in place.

www.garnettcross.com


3

COVER STORY

Bearings International has first-hand experi-ence of this development as the company increasingly becomes involved by assisting end-users with solutions around spares,

sourcing, problem-solving, maintenance and in-stallation challenges. “SA Mechanical Engineer” speaks to Tony Patten, managing director of Bearings International at the company’s new headquarters just off Atlas Road in Kempton Park.

Extending Value-AddSuppliers of premium product lines are constantly looking for ways to add value for customers who are loyal to their products. Technical support for the products is the first step, but this often extends to the

supplier actually getting involved in assisting with more challenging installation problems.

Pilot project“When stripping a gearbox to replace bearings, for example, we can be right there to guide them in the correct process of removing the bearing,” adds Tony. “There and then, we can point out the pitfalls and show them how to check tolerances properly in order to determine whether the bearing needs replacement or not.”

This initiative is already underway with a pilot pro-gramme where BI will be partnering with a client in the metal processing industry during their plant shutdown. Ian Robertson, director of bearings and allied products at BI explains, “To spearhead the knowledge and skills transfer concept, we’ve ap-pointed an engineer with experience in the metal processing industry. He’ll actively take part in auditing and recording the client’s methods and steps during a shutdown,” Ian explains.

“In this way we’ll be able to establish a best prac-tice benchmark for maintaining the product range that we supply and the skills required in terms of maintenance management of the installation, lubrication, handling and fitting of these products.

Still not sure“We regularly get maintenance engineers from long-standing clients who tell us that they’re still not absolutely sure whether they’re doing things right in terms of fitting and installation of bearings, for example,” Ian adds. “In spite of having a basic practice of procedures, they’re still not sure whether they’re determining the clearance on a bearing correctly in order to decide whether it can still be used or needs to be replaced, for instance. They probably do it once a year, but we do it through-out the year on a number of different plants. By transferring this knowledge to their technicians, we hope to provide them with the confidence to make the right decision and then go ahead and install correctly if necessary.”

Specialist engineersHowever, each plant and each industry is different, making it difficult to set a general benchmark that suits everyone. “To overcome this problem, we’ll put our engineer on site during the next shutdown. His primary function will be to observe the client’s

By transferring this knowledge we’ll be adding more value beyond just direct technical support

Knowledge transfer“Customers are now asking us to do more than simply supply the bearing,” he kicks off. “Next is our being tasked with complex engineering and repair work around replacing the bearing. Having completed several successful projects in this way, it’s become clear that there are even more areas where we can extend a helping hand to assist customers.

“Naturally, as a supplier of premium products, we know our products better than anyone out there,” adds Tony. “By transferring this knowledge to cus-tomers, already burdened with the skills shortage and inexperienced technical staff, we’ll be adding more value beyond just direct technical support. Although we’ve always offered training for customer technicians on site as well as here at headquarters, this is a little different in that our engineer goes on site to work alongside the customer’s technicians while they’re working on our specific products.

Tony Patten, managing director of Bearings International


COVER STORY

In this way we’ll be able to establish a best practice benchmark for maintaining the product range that we supply

practices such as what and how they take things apart, how they test tolerances and how they put it all back together again,” explains Ian. “We’ll record how they do measure-ment cycles, how they undertake maintenance and the lubrication intervals.

“With our engineer having first-hand experience in the client’s specific process, such as the steel process-ing industry in this case, he’ll be able to assess their methods against his experience in the field as well as against existing general industry standards for this particular industry,” adds Ian. “We’ll draw up a report

indicating how the client operated and what they could do to improve their methods to achieve op-timum results. It’s up to the client to then accept these suggestions and if they do, our engineer will teach their technicians on site about the ‘new’ ways of doing things.

Ian Robertson, director of bearings and allied products at BI

Finer points“Backed by theoretical training, this hands-on training will allow us to concentrate on the finer points in assessing the condition of a component,” elaborates Ian. “We’ll show the technician exactly how and where the temperature of a bearing is taken, where the bearing clearance is measured and how much is acceptable for continued use or whether the bearing has to be discarded because of excessive wear. The technician will even be able to judge whether the bearing can be refurbished or not.”

“Once we’ve established this process as a benchmark, we’ll necessarily tailor it to each industry sector’s specific applications,” Tony says in conclusion. “At this stage we’re offering this skills transfer service as a free consulting service to our customers, but if we have to grow it to a full service where we have to employ further expert engineers in various fields to execute auditing and then hands-on training on site, a fee may become necessary in future.

“Customers who pay for premium quality products should take advantage of the value-add services we offer in support of these products to ensure that they get the best performance and importantly, the peace of mind the deserve.”

Tony Patten, Bearings International, Tel: (011) 345-8000, E-mail: [email protected]

www.atlascopco.co.za


HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS

A hydraulic accumulator is a device in which potential energy is stored in the form of a compressed gas to be used to exert a force against a relatively incompressible

fluid. It is used in fluid power systems to accumulate energy and to smooth out pulsations. A hydraulic system utilising an accumulator can use a smaller fluid pump since the accumulator stores energy from the pump during low demand periods. This energy is available for instantaneous use, released upon demand at a rate many times greater than could be supplied by the pump alone.

Being under pressure, often in excess of 300 bar, thus makes most hydraulic accumulators a pres-sure vessel and they’re therefore affected by the

New Law for Accumulators

A hydraulic accumulator which is not taken care of in terms of regular maintenance and compulsory inspection, is a potential bomb that could kill people and land the end user in lots of legal trouble.

new regulations that came into effect from the first of April this year. To find out more, “SA Mechani-cal Engineer” speaks to Norman Hall, a director of Hyflo in Sandton. “Both the mining industry’s Health and Safety regulations and the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) act have now changed regarding pressure vessels,” he explains. “This directly affects most hydraulic accumulators in terms of the inspection, service and maintenance of equipment.”

BeforePreviously, in terms of the OHS act as the primary regulation governing pressure vessels in general, the end user had to submit a pressure vessel, in this case an accumulator, for a hydraulic test every three years. “This test had to be done at 1.25 times the maximum design pressure of the accumulator,” says Norman. “So, if the maximum design pressure is 300 bar, the test had to be carried out at 375 bar. Due to mining having sterner rules on safety their regulations required the same test, but it had to be carried out every two years and tested to 1.3 times the maximum design pressure.

“In both instances these tests previously had to be carried out by a competent person (CP) who had been approved by Saqcc (South African Qualifica-tion & Certification Committee) after a one-week course with the South African Institute of Welding,” adds Norman. “After working with a qualified CP for specific periods of time this person can then qualify as a CP to inspect pressure vessels in gen-eral as a service.”

NowThe new regulations still require that an inspection be done by a CP, but the CP has to be employed by a company that is registered as an AIA (an approved inspection authority). “Such a company is approved by the Department of Labour and accredited by Sanas, the South African National Accreditation System, as an AIA,” explains Norman. “Hyflo has always offered CP services, but we’ve had to make some changes now in order to fit in with the new pressure equipment regulations (PER) as stipulated in the OHS act and in accordance with the Sanas specifications for pressure vessels.

Norman Hall, a director of Hyflo

The special pit into which the accumulator is lowered and then filled with water to do a test

This directly affects most hydraulic accumulators in terms of the inspection, service and maintenance of equipment



“As an ISO company, some of the requirements are already in place, but we’ve had to register the company as an AIA In-Service, limited to perform pressure testing only and not new manufacture or modifications. Through this we can legalise the three CPs that we have,” adds Norman. “Firstly, the course for CPs has now been extended to a minimum of two weeks and all CPs have to be employed by an accredited AIA. The PER, as the new law that governs pressure vessels and therefore accumula-tors, clearly stipulates what processes need to be in place for an AIA to operate as a legal inspection entity. This entails a lot more paperwork than before as all records of inspections and certifications of the tests carried out have to be filed under lock and key and kept for 12 years. Sans 347 is a guide as to which categories of pressure vessels have to be tested and how, but generally most hydraulic accumulators do fall into the category that requires testing every three years.

PaperworkThe new regulations dramatically affect individuals who have operated as a CP as a one-man business in

the past as they now have to find employment with an AIA in order to continue carrying out inspections legally. “Apart from getting the elaborate filing and archiving system into place as is required to keep all the records of tests done, the system has to be secured with access to it limited to a specific list of people,” explains Norman. “CPs also need ac-cess to proper testing facilities because you can’t just test a high pressure accumulator on site, it’s too dangerous. We have a special pit, for example, into which we lower the accumulator and then fill it with water to undertake a test.

“We now have a certificate from the Department of Labour which allows us to undertake testing under the new regulations while we’re awaiting our final Sanas accreditation after they audit our entire set-up,” Norman explains in conclusion. “The responsibility of having accumulators tested every three years by an accredited AIA lies with the end-user. In addition, end-users now have to make sure they have a certificate of manufacture and this, together with all test certificates, have to be kept by the end- user for a period of twelve years as well.”

Norman Hall, Hyflo, Tel: (011) 386-5800, Email: [email protected]

CPs also need access to proper testing facilities because you can’t just test a high pressure accumulator on site, it’s too dangerous

www.engen.co.za



The second method is to use a hydraulic motor that comes in either a medium or a low speed version. However, to achieve a specific low speed reduction with either of

these options still requires a reduction gearbox which often counteracts the advantages that hydraulic drives present in terms of compactness, especially on applications such as conveyor belts where the optimum high torque is required at very low speeds.

Then along comes the direct hydraulic drive that, in many applications, enables the complete elimination of gearboxes from the drive train. This allows the simplicity of a direct drive to be incorporated into machine designs, providing engineers with a new- found freedom in the application of drive systems.

What – No Gearbox?

in house brands to pick from in terms of hydraulic motors, none covered the specifications for this type of direct hydraulic drive system, so we had to import the radial piston motors for this system.”

No gearboxTurnkey designed the complete system according to parameters provided by the client and is cur-rently building the first of two units before they install and commission the systems on a 50 metre conveyor belt later this year. “We followed the cli-ent’s specifications and they wanted us to use this hydraulic type motor where traditionaly we would have considered a motor with a gearbox,” says Craig. “As the new generation direct drive hydraulic motor (without a gearbox) fitted perfectly into the speed and torque requirements in this case, we’ve designed a compact, purpose-built drive unit for this application. This project is a breakthrough for us in terms of tapping into a very competitive market where only a few big hydraulic companies have operated until now.”

TestingThis meant the company had to extend its hydraulic test bench facility at their workshop in Wadeville. “We’ve just installed a 200 kW diesel generator unit which will allow us to test hydraulic drive units closer to their functional capacity,” Craig elaborates. “Previously we could test the bigger units, but we were limited to testing them due to

Until fairly recently there have been two main methods of obtaining high torque on low speed drive applications. The first and most generally-accepted solution is the traditional electro-mechanical drive using

an electric motor, fluid coupling and a reduction gearbox.

Craig Sim of Turnkey Hydraulics

The direct hydraulic drive enables the complete elimination of gearboxes from the drive train

Direct drivesOne of these applications is seen in the conveyor industry where new hydraulic drive technology, as is found in the latest design radial piston hydraulic drives, meets the high torque, low speed requirements of conveyor belt drive systems. Turnkey Hydraulics in Germiston has recently been commissioned to design and build just such a drive system for a coal conveying application on a power station.

“Although we regularly design and build hydraulic drive systems for a variety of applications in the mining industry, this is our first major project where we’re manufacturing a complete system to drive a conveyor belt of this nature,” says Craig Sim, direc-tor of Turnkey. “Although we have a wide range of A motor being tested on the test bench


power restrictions. Now we can test all drives at full pressure and full flow to get closer to operating characteristics and performance as would happen in the field.

Being an agent for several brands of hydraulic products ranging from gear pumps to piston pumps,


Testing drives at full pressure and full flow

The new 200 kW diesel generator unit which will allow the testing of hydraulic drive units closer to their functional capacity

valves and drives, the company also services these products and carries the necessary spares. “Repaired items are tested on our computerised test bench where normal operating conditions are simulated to ensure repaired components meet stringent test-ing criteria prescribed by the relevant OEMs,” says Craig. “We recently added the Yuken India range of hydraulic equipment to our stable by becoming their official distributor in South Africa. This is a very popular range of hydraulic valves and associ-ated equipment locally.”

ElectronicsElectronics are increasingly bringing change to hy-draulic applications in terms of control, monitoring and feedback systems to complement the hydraulic functioning. “Sophisticated electronics are used to give us better control over pumps and motors with variable speed options for any of the protocols that systems utilise,” explains Craig. “One of our principles, SAI from Italy, for example, has a very active R&D department which constantly comes up with new variable speed solutions. They have also done a lot of work in terms of compact, high density, high power motors for vehicle applications. This has made hydraulic motors smaller and lighter, but still capable of delivering the same power.”

Craig says in conclusion, “We’ve been very successful purely by listening to what the customer wants and then sitting down with our principal suppliers to

Craig Sim, Turnkey Hydraulics, Tel: (011) 827-8954, Email: [email protected]

We can test all drives at full pressure and full flow to get closer to operating characteristics and performance

Compact unit in the final assembly stage in Turnkey’s workshop

www.festo..co.za


HEATING & COOLING

About 70% of the buildings in South Africa are sick buildings,” Victor Henning of Autumn Star tells “SA Mechanical Engi-neer” when we visit him in Hermanstad

in Pretoria to talk about indoor air quality (IQA). “The big problem is that many mechanical engi-neers aren’t aware of the dangers that lurk in the ducting of an air handling and distribution system that hasn’t been maintained properly.”

The average person takes in about 15 kilograms of air each day compared with 2.5 kilograms of liquid and 1 kilogram of food. By putting the average human inside a building, the EPA (Environmental Protec-tion Agency) ranked air pollution, due to unsanitary ducting, as the greatest risk to human health above all other types of environmental problems.

Cleaning Indoor Breathing SpaceNo-one will drink water from a tap if it is not sanitised, yet nobody gives much thought to the air that we breathe indoors every day. Most people just accept that air coming in through an airconditioning system is clean, but this is not always true, especially in South Africa where there are no

standards specifying exactly what constitutes clean air.

Autumn Star originated as a HVAC engineering com-pany specialising in the layout design, installation, maintenance and repair of industrial aircondition-ing systems. “Although all of our technicians are trained, we also developed a specialist arm which concentrates on indoor air quality,” explains Victor. “This covers the testing of air quality in scientific laboratories and we also offer the physical and hy-gienic cleaning of HVAC systems. For this we have developed and patented special robotic machines that can be sent into the ducting to inspect, clean and sanitise the ducting system.

RobotsThese robots are simply fitted with different attach-ments to carry out various specific tasks. “Firstly we fit it with a camera to inspect and record the state of the ducting on video so we can show the client what it looks like in there,” explains Victor. “Then we start the cleaning process by fitting the robot with air agitators to loosen up the dirt which is moved out of the system by controlled air flow. In this way the ducting is systematically cleaned from one end to the other.

“The same robot is then used to sanitise the duct-ing with a product we developed according to EPA standards called F10,” adds Victor. “This is a liquid solution sprayed onto the surface inside the ducting, hygienically sanitising the system. Over the years we’ve found that just cleaning the system isn’t enough because some bacteria remain in the nooks and crannies leading to sick building syndrome and building-related illnesses.”

Other savingsFungi and bacteria aside, a ducting system can also start blocking up with thick layers of dust forming which reduces the amount of actual fresh air taken into the system. “We’ve come across blocked up systems where they’re in fact only pumping in about 10% fresh air and this rapidly drops as the system then starts blocking up even more,” says Victor. “In the end the system is actually only cycling the

Lurking nasty germs“It’s not uncommon to find tuberculosis and Esch-erichia coli microbes in air systems that have not been cleaned for a couple of years,” says Victor. “The EPA determined that indoor air is often 70% more polluted than outdoor air. In fact, one out of six people suffering from allergies do so as a direct result of fungi and bacteria in air duct systems.”

Many mechanical engineers aren’t aware of the dangers that lurk in the ducting of an air handling and distribution system

Victor Henning, marketing manager Autumn Star

The robots at work in a ducting system


HEATING & COOLING

indoor air as no fresh air is being added at all. A system like this uses more electricity because of the restrictions in the air system.

“Variable volume control diffusers and filters block up from lack of maintenance and the system then seems not to cool or heat the building enough,” adds Victor. “Users then change the settings, unneces-sarily increasing power consumption. The owners of buildings often ask us what’s in it for them? The answer is not only saving power, but people in the building will be happier people because they’re comfortable in their working environment.”

AwarenessThe big problem in South Africa in most cases is that owners of buildings and maintenance engineers are unaware of the consequences of dirt build-up in ventilation systems. “Over the past couple of

years we’ve spent a lot of time, money and effort on awareness campaigns,” says Victor. “Most corporate companies, hospitals and government buildings have responded favourably by employing regular maintenance routines once we’ve cleaned a system for them,” says Victor. “In terms of maintenance, we even offer a permanent solution where we install dosing pumps into the ducting system that release our F10 disinfectant at preset intervals to keep the system bacteria-free and genuinely condition the air.

“Our customers have realised that cleaning and maintaining a system adds value because with a HVAC system that is physically and hygienically clean, you easily halve the number of breakdowns, save up to 25% electricity and automatically increase the productivity of the inhabitants because they’re not irritable or sick,” Victor says in conclusion. “Once a system has been sanitised, we issue a certificate to that affect. Before long, this will be a requirement for all those who want their buildings classified as a green building.”

Victor Henning, Autumn Star, Tel: (012) 379-6329, Cell: 082 775 3423 Email: [email protected]

A before and after view of a diffuser system where blocking causes high energy consumption

Just cleaning the system isn’t enough because some bacteria remain in the nooks and crannies leading to sick building syndrome


HEATING & COOLING

SA Mechanical Engineer” visits Munters, air treatment specialists based in Edenvale near Johannesburg, to speak to sales man-ager, Phillip Dickinson, about the growing

popularity of evaporative cooling systems for air handling plants. “The demand for our single stage evaporative cooling system for make-up air into cooling systems has grown significantly,” he says. “We’re busy with a big installation now where they’re utilising fresh air systems to get air into a switchgear facility, but they’re humidifying/cooling it through our FA6 evaporative system.

“In essence this means the evaporative system provides ‘free’ cooling of the air as it drops the temperature prior to going into the cooling sys-tem,” Phillip explains. “Depending on the wet bulb temperature, the drop in temperature can typically be from about 32ºC outside temperature to 19ºC coming off the evaporative system. This is mainly due to the evaporative media we use in the FA6. Also the process requires very little energy compared with an air handling system having to achieve the same drop in temperature.”

Make-up Air TreatmentAdding pre-treated air to any airconditioning system not only reduces energy consumption, it also provides the opportunity to scrub the air and add humidity to deliver a better quality

air.

Free coolingThe evaporative system becomes part and parcel of the air handling system in that all in-coming air goes through the humidifier/cooler be-fore entering the actual air-conditioning system. “From an energy-saving perspective, the small pressure drop across the evaporative system is negligible in terms of cooling benefit, but there’s the extra bonus of getting controlled humidity into the air at the same time,” Phillip says.

“For example, with the switchgear installation I mentioned earlier, where over 70 of our units de-liver 950 cubic metres of air per second in total, the client required a constant temperature of 21ºC and humidity at 65%. The FA6 takes the ambient air to the 65% humidity level, and depending on the ambient temperature inside the building, the airconditioning system then either cools the air or heats it up to maintain a constant temperature, but using the minimum energy to do so.”

The systemThe FA6 system is compact in design and sizes conform to all typical air-handling units on the market. “Our standard product line not only en-compasses a wide range of sizes, but offers options for multistage control, integrated droplet separators and three nominal humidification efficiencies of 65%, 85% and 95%,” elaborates Phillip. “At the heart of this system is a cassette made of inorganic non-combustible evaporative media called Glasdek, fitted in protective stainless steel casings.”

Water is supplied to the top of the Glasdek evapo-rative media through a distribution header from where it flows down the corrugated surface of the media. As the warm, dry air passes through the media, it evaporates a portion of the water and thus produces cold, humidified air. The rest of the water assists in washing the media and is drained back to the storage tank.

Huge advantage“The energy needed for the evaporation is taken from the air itself,” clarifies Phillip. “The air that leaves the humidifier is therefore humidified and cooled simultaneously without any external energy supply for the evaporation. This is in essence the adiabatic cooling process which is very efficient and has low energy consumption.”

Phillip Dickinson, sales man-ager at Munters

The evaporative system provides ‘free’ cooling of the air as it drops the temperature prior to going into the cooling system

Evaporative media fitted to control climate in a warehouse


HEATING & COOLING

Another huge advantage is that this system allows the use of water straight from the tap with no need for any water treatment such as demineralisa-tion. Minerals and pollutants stay behind in the evaporative media from where it is washed away with the discharge water to keep the humidifica-tion process pure. The system is a modular design making it possible to retrofit into existing systems with standard ducting.

The evaporative system in an air handling installation

At the heart of this system is a cassette made of inorganic non-combustible evaporative media

ApplicationsIn addition to shopping centres and general buildings which use this system to comple-ment heating, cooling and ventilation in general, the evaporative humidifier/cooler is used extensively in the automotive industry. “In the automotive industry, our units control humidity in the spray booths, while hospi-tals and the agricultural industry also have a number of applications where the FA6 as well as the FCX evaporative coolers are at work,” says Phillip. “Bakeries are using the FA6 very effectively to cool bread down as it comes out the ovens. We’ve done seven bakeries for just one group of companies with fantastic success in energy reduction

and improved product quality.

“Air treatment systems have always been a grudge purchase, but as employers understand the corre-lation between productivity and personal comfort in the shopping and working environment, sales are climbing,” Phillip says in conclusion. “Also, evaporative cooling systems don’t push up the energy bill while producing good quality scrubbed air at the right temperature for human comfort.”

Phillip Dickinson, Munters, Tel: (011) 997-2000, Email: [email protected]

www.watson-marlow.com


POWER GENERATION

Produced by:

PROMECH PUBLISHING,P O Box 373, Pinegowrie, 2123Republic of South AfricaTel: (011) 781-1401Fax: (011) 781-1403Email: [email protected]: www.promech.co.za

Managing Editor Susan CustersEditor Kowie HammanAdvertising Louise TaylorCirculation Catherine MacdivaDTP Zinobia Docrat/Yolanda Flowerday/Lilian Kemp

DisclaimerPROMECH Publishing does not take responsibility for the opinions expressed by individuals.

Printed by: Typo Colour PrintingTel: (011) 402-3468/9

CopyrightAll rights reserved. No edi-torial matter published in “Power Generation Today” may be reproduced in any form or language without written permission of the publishers. While every effort is made to ensure accurate reproduction, the editor, au-thors, publishers and their employees or agents shall not be responsible or in any way liable for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies in the publication, whether arising from negligence or otherwise or for any conse-quences arising therefrom. The inclusion or exclusion of any product does not mean that the publisher or editorial board advocates or rejects its use either generally or in any particular field or fields.

The multiple wheels and bearings in a wind turbine gearbox suffer tremendous stress because of wind turbulence and a small defect in

any one component can bring the turbine to a halt. This makes the gearbox the most high-maintenance part of a turbine.

The wind energy industry has experienced high gearbox failure rates from inception. Early wind turbine designs were fraught with fundamental gearbox design errors compounded by consistent under-estimation of the operating loads.

No gearbox!The industry has learned from these prob-lems over the past two decades with wind turbine manufacturers, gear designers, bearing manufacturers, consultants and lubrication engineers all working together to improve load prediction, design, fabrication and operation to come up with a highly-refined gearbox that works well, but still is a high maintenance item.

New Wind Technology for SA

Magnet technologyThe company has just established a permanent presence in Africa by opening an office in Cape Town where “SA Mechanical Engineer” speaks to the director, Daniel Kurylo, about this remarkable technology. “Goldwind is one of the world’s big five wind turbine manu-facturers with operations in Asia, Australia, Europe, the Americas and now Africa,” he says. “As the leader in Permanent Magnet Direct Drive (PMDD) turbine technology, we provide a full-service in power plant solutions.

One of the most important components in the wind turbine is the gearbox. It is also one of the most complex gearboxes ever developed for the task of increas-

ing the slow rotational speed of the rotor blades to suit the generator’s high rotational speed of 1 000 to 1 500 revolutions per minute.

At the launch of the company in Cape Town were (from left) Chunhua Li, deputy general manager Goldwind international, Daniel Kurylo, director Goldwind Africa, Tom Nielsen, project engineer, Garth Heron, director business development and John Titchen, MD Goldwind Australia

Do away with the gearbox altogether, a concept that everyone would have shrugged off as impossible

The only way out of this quandary would be to do away with the gearbox altogether, a concept that everyone would have shrugged off as impossible just a few years ago. However, Chinese company, Goldwind, has now firmly established unique wind turbine technology with several successful installa-tions all over the world with a revolution-ary new design where they’ve completely eliminated the need for a gearbox in large capacity wind turbines.


POWER GENERATION

“Our PMDD turbine is the ultimate differentiator that sets us apart from traditional gearbox turbine manufacturers,” he continues. “PMDD turbines produce high generator efficiency at partial load and they operate on a fraction of the parts that gearbox turbines require. This forward-thinking technology offers a solution based on removing the major mechanical problems and high cost repairs of the traditional gearbox machines.”

Weigh lessThe design concept of the PMDD turbine is to make the overall size smaller and lighter than conventional gearbox driven turbines. “It is a direct drive system with low rotational speed and, having no gearbox or mechanical couplings, significantly reduces maintenance requirements,” Daniel says. “As the PMDD has no high-speed rotating components, not only is there a decrease in failure rates, but noise levels are dramatically reduced compared with non-PDMM turbines. In addition, the high efficiency generator with a single bearing allows the design to fit into a compact structure.

The most significant cost reductions are in instal-lation, operation and maintenance because there’s no heavy and expensive gearbox to haul, lift or replace as is required when a traditional technol-ogy turbine breaks down. “By simplifying the wind turbine design and eliminating the gearbox, the weight of the nacelle is much lower which means the transport and construction costs to install a Goldwind turbine are reduced significantly. Due to the highly efficient design that runs on far fewer parts, the risk of power generation downtime caused by mechanical failure is also significantly reduced.

Gearless pitching“Maintenance has to been further reduced by using an automatic lubrication system as a standard feature on all our models,” adds Daniel. “Furthermore, the permanent magnet eliminates the need for carbon brushes and slip rings, thereby eliminating the high maintenance usually associated with these components in a gearbox driven generator.

The pitch system on Goldwind’s turbines is another major contributor to the cost- effectiveness and power generation efficiency of these machines. “The pitch system is belt driven which allows pre-

Goldwind’s GW 2500kW wind turbine

The smaller version, the Goldwind GW1500kW wind turbine with permanent magnet technology

By simplifying the wind turbine design and eliminating the gearbox, the weight of the nacelle is much lower


POWER GENERATION

cise control in terms of pitching the blade into the wind,” explains Daniel. “This means the load on the system is dispersed, resulting in much more stable pitching that, in turn, increases lifetime durability. Our belt-driven system is quicker and easier to replace if required. Because our system is a dry-toothed belt driven pitch system, there is no risk of oil or grease contamination as you’d find with the spu-geared pitching system used in conventional wind turbines.”

Ultra capacitatorsOne of the natural side effects of PMDD technology has been its proven adaptability for grid connectivity. “Our turbines incorporate a full power converter that enables superior low-voltage ride-through (LVRT) and high levels of reactive power control,” says Daniel. “There are no intermediate power transmissions which results in a higher output of the synchronous permanent generator without excitation losses and generally a better quality power output.

“When it comes to producing environmentally-friendly, green energy, we take our responsibility one step further. Unlike the traditional gearbox turbine manufacturers who use lead-acid batteries that can release hazardous substances into the environment, we use ultra capacitors for backup power storage for emergency turbine control. Aside from the safety benefit to the turbine and the environment, ultra capacitors can endure harsh environments and are virtually maintenance-free because there are no moving parts. They are highly efficient and extremely compact, all things that, in the end, benefit the operator.”

Financial partnership Goldwind's PMDD turbine technology certainly sets it apart from the rest, but the company’s approach to entering new markets is another notable differentiator.

A nacelle being lifted into position Components of the permanent magnet type wind turbine are much lighter than standard gearbox turbines

The turbines incorporate a full power converter that enables superior low-voltage ride-through

The Chinese-based company strongly supports its local offices by hiring local people with experience in their respective markets to work alongside them in reaching company targets.

“To further support their global expansion into lo-cal markets, Goldwind Science & Technology has recently established two subsidiary companies whose focus is dedicated to international business,” says Daniel. “Goldwind Capital is set up to be the long-term partner in projects by contributing equity and/or debt financing into the investment.

Different strokes“Goldwind International is the parent company for Goldwind Americas, Goldwind Australia, and Goldwind Africa and these companies are expanding rapidly, bringing with them the ability to do busi-ness locally,” Daniel says in conclusion.

“This is just one of the reasons we are achieving success with the company’s international expansion drive. We not only appreciate the cultural differences that local markets bring to the global organisation, but we also appreciate the reality that business is done differently around the world and that local project requirements and the political climate are just as varied. Therefore, we are unassuming and flexible in our approach to international expansion.”

Daniel Kurylo, Goldwind Africa, Tel: (021) 482-1-1829, Email: [email protected]

Promech Publlishing has

a BEE rating of 168.75%


POWER GENERATION NEWS

ISO 5001 publishedThe long-awaited launch of International Standard ISO50001 on 15 June 2011 adds further impetus to the energy management momentum that is building in South Africa. Energy is one of the most critical challenges facing the international community and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) estimates that the standard could have a positive impact on some 60% of the world’s energy use.

The development of ISO50001 over the last three years will now provide organisations with a recognised framework for integrating energy performance into their management practices. ISO Secretary-General, Rob Steele comments, “Individual organisations cannot control energy prices, government policies or the global economy, but they can improve the way they manage energy here and now.”

An energy management system can often be confused with a technical tool such as a datalogger or SCADA system for instance. ISO50001 is an energy management standard which stipulates a set of interlinked processes, practices and procedures driven by a clear policy, with the aim to reduce energy costs. ISO50001 requires organisational changes, both internally and externally, to optimally make a positive impact on energy use. From security person-nel who identify equipment in use outside of operating hours, to cleaning staff during their after-hour cleaning schedules, to the purchasing department that continues to purchase energy inefficient equipment.

ISO50001 is available on www.iso.org from the 15th of June 2011. For more information contact Gustav Radloff on (012) 369 9880 or email [email protected].

Yolanda de Lange, Energy Cybernetics Tel (041) 367-1041, [email protected], www.energycybernetics.com

Bursary applicationsSimon Alger, a second-year BSc Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Cape Town, walked away with one of two R15 000-00 Southern African Association for Energy Efficiency (SAEE) bursaries awarded at the organisa-tions’ Annual Banquet and Awards Ceremony in November 2010. The second bursary was awarded to Lisa Mniki, also

a second-year student, studying Town and Regional Planning at Durban University of Technology.

Bursary applications for the 2012 academic year are now open and the SAEE invites applications from students in their 2nd or 3rd year of study in the Engineering, Built Environment and Environmental fields of study, who do not have any existing financial assistance. The closing date for applications is 30 September 2011. Successful students will be invited to the SAEE Annual Banquet and Awards Evening and opening ceremony for the Energy Efficiency @ Work Convention and Exhibition on 16 November 2011 at Emperors Palace, Gauteng, to receive the bursaries. “SA Mechanical Engineer” will also be there in force.

The SAEE is in the business of optimizing energy which is a vital element in achieving successful sustainable energy supply in South Africa.

Danielle Badenhorst, Tel (018) 293-1499, [email protected], www.saee.org.za

Simon Alger from the University of Cape Town was awarded a bursary by the SAEE for 2011 academic year

Durban University of Tech-nology student, Lisa Mniki, received an SAEE bursary toward her studies in the Built Environment for the 2011 academic year

Costing millionsGermiston-based manufacturers may face the prospect of significant job losses, as businesses in the area are losing millions of rand in revenue on a daily basis, as a result of the frequent and unpredictable power outages occurring in the region.

DPI Plastics, which produces a range of water reticulation, drainage and pipe-fitting systems from its Roodekop manu-facturing plant, has reported losses of more than R6-million for 2011, which can be directly-linked to the unreliable power supply.

DPI Plastics manufacturing director Kallie Albertse points out that the company runs a continuous PVC extrusion process, and that the blackouts and power dips interrupt this process - resulting in a high amount of PVC scrap, with the need to restart each extrusion line. “The Roodekop area has experienced power supply problems throughout 2011; however, in the first two weeks of June alone, the region had already experienced nine major outages, and a number of power dips.”

Despite the fact that DPI Plastics purchased a R1-million 570 kW generator to minimise the effects of the power outages, Kallie notes that the 3 MW factory cannot afford


POWER GENERATION NEWS

to run solely on a generator. “The generator has helped to minimise the effects of the power cuts; however, this is not sustainable as a long-term solution.”

Lafarge Gypsum, a business unit of Lafarge Industries SA, which produces ceiling and partition solutions, concedes that the multitude of power outages have had a negative impact on its business and production in its Roodekop plant. In the month of June alone, the power cuts have resulted in approximately a 20% loss in production capacity for Lafarge Gypsum.

Monier Roofing, a business unit of the International Monier Group, which manufactures concrete roof tiles, confirms that the endless power cuts have had a negative impact on business. A company spokesperson points out that the power cuts in May and June have resulted in a total loss of production time of 28 hours.

Trident Steel, also in Roodekop, has reported that these power outages have created severe difficulties in meeting production requirements. The month of June was particularly severe as there were numerous and prolonged outages, fol-lowing one upon the other.

The general consensus among interviewed companies is that the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality should engage with all businesses in Roodekop, and urgently implement mutually-agreed measures that will ensure a constant elec-tricity supply. “If the power shortage is not addressed as a matter of urgency, the council runs the risk of massive job losses, as well as businesses locating to new areas that can guarantee a reliable and constant power supply,” Kallie concludes.

Kallie Albertse, DPI Plastics, Tel (011) 345-5600, Fax: (011) 866-2230, [email protected] , www.dpiplastics.co.za

Historic Chinese decisionIn May 2011, a Chinese Court handed down criminal sentences and monetary fines of unprecedented severity against two companies and their managers for counterfeiting Hopkinsons valves, which are manufactured and sold worldwide by The Weir Group PLC.

The cases were against two companies and responsible individuals who, since 2006, made and sold counterfeit Hopkinsons branded valves which quickly failed in service at Chinese power stations, causing serious injuries and dam-age, due to the defective nature of the product.

The counterfeiters were arrested by China’s Public Security Bureau (PSB) in late 2009 following in-depth investiga-tions, and placed in custody. Weir, along with customers and partners, provided information which assisted in the investigations and in the prosecution of the counterfeiters.

The case went to criminal trial in the Yangzhou Intermedi-ate People’s Court in Jiangsu, China in December 2010, and the prosecution proved that these valve products were counterfeit, failed to comply with compulsory national standards and were of poor quality. In addition, the defen-dants misrepresented their manufacturing location by telling

customers that they were imported from the UK. The total sales generated from this illegal business operation exceeded RMB 11 million (£1m).

The first company, Yangzhou Yikai Machinery and Engineer-ing Co. Ltd. ("Yikai"), was found guilty of making and selling substandard goods and engaging in illegal business, and has been ordered to pay a fine of RMB 7,000,000 (£666,000). Yikai's manager has been found guilty of the same crimes, sentenced to 15 years 6 months imprisonment and ordered to pay RMB1,300,000 (£124,000).

The second company, Shanghai Saimeng Mechatronic Engineering Co. Ltd. ("Saimeng"), has been found guilty of similar crimes and ordered to pay a fine of RMB 500,000 (£48,000). Saimeng's manager has been found guilty of the crimes of manufacturing and selling substandard goods, engaging in illegal business and counterfeiting trademarks. He has been sentenced to 16 years imprisonment and ordered to pay RMB1,350,000 (£129,000).

Alan Mitchelson, Legal & Commercial Director of The Weir Group says: “It has taken us more than a year of persever-ance, but the outcome of this case is reassurance to our employees, customers and shareholders that the unauthorised use of our trademarks will not be tolerated. Such high fines and long criminal jail sentences are very rare in China for intellectual property crimes.

Helen Walker, Weir Group PLC, [email protected]


NUCLEAR INSTITUTE (SA BRANCH)

Paragraph 4.2 triggers a familiar train of thought. The nuclear industry must be very clear on its case for existing. We have

now had Chernobyl and Fukushima. Nuclear guys like to point out, ac-curately, that more people have been killed falling off windmills than are known to have died at Chernobyl and Fukushima put together - but I don’t think that cuts much ice with public opinion. The public, aware of prohibited areas and tens of thousands of evacu-

ees, perceives both events as major catastrophes. Looking in from the outside I would expect to see pretty strong arguments from the nuclear industry for persevering with this dangerous technology. WWF and Greenpeace tell us, after all, that by 2050 all the world’s energy could be renewable – and no-one in the industry bothers to read what they write or to argue.

Five propositionsSo what is the case for nuclear? My version for South Africa rests on five propositions.

• Thepopulationisrising.Expectationsarerising.Demand will rise, efforts to economise notwith-standing. According to IRP2010, consumption in 2030 will be 454 TWh compared with 260 TWh last year. We’re going to need all the energy we can get.

• Whateverourpersonalviewsonthereasonsforglobal warming, we will be obliged to cut back on fossil fuels.

• Renewableenergycannotfillthegap,farfromit.

• Nuclear energy is evolving and successivegenerations of reactors are becoming ever safer. As a result of Fukushima, reactors will be further hardened against flooding. Further attention will be given to the blackout scenario. Extra safety will be built in. There are indeed other aspects of concern, for example weapons proliferation and waste disposal, but these are manageable.

• Nucleargeneration isnomerestopgap. Theworld has readily recoverable uranium for the life-times of about a thousand more of today’s ‘thermal’ reactors. Considering breeder reactor technology to

The Case for NuclearGoing through the IRP2010 report in the final version gazetted in May, I was startled by the

wording of paragraph 4.2. ‘The scenarios indicated that the future capacity requirement could, in theory, be met without nuclear... . Heresy!

create plutonium and the proven transmutation of relatively abundant thorium to fissile uranium 233, it is very probably true to say that nuclear fission can take us forward for thousands of years. And then there’s nuclear fusion. In the parlous world energy situation, nuclear technology is not to be ignored.

Item 3 is likely to be the most contentious of these arguments because many good people want so strongly to believe in renewables - and because many others will make money from festooning the countryside with the hardware. Cynicism apart, who could not enjoy the idea of renewable energy? Would it not be splendid if all our energy could come from windmills spinning gaily on hilltops along the Garden Route and from vistas of photovoltaic panels baking in the sunshine of the Northern Cape?

Must supply the restI could quite happily accept the visual impact of windmills, in particular, if I thought they were producing good electricity and could meet our growing energy needs. But I know that the power is intermittent and unreliable. What is not clear to me is the extent to which such unsatisfactory energy can be tolerated by the grid. When does quality of supply begin to suffer?

The Eskom website contains a report which sug-gests that with ‘limited’ strengthening, the grid in the Cape could accept 6700 MW. There is a suggestion somewhere in JC MacKay’s splendid book ‘Sustainable Energy – without the hot air’ that a ‘smart’ grid could take 25% but that such a grid would be enormously costly. There is also a statement in the UK Royal Academy of Engineer-ing book ‘Generating the Future’ to the effect that managing a smart grid is a ‘hugely complex issue’ and mightily expensive.

The most optimistic assessment I have seen is in the green ‘EcoFys Energy Scenario’ commissioned by WWF. It includes a diagram indicating that up to 60% of power input into the world’s grids could come from ‘supply-driven sources’, in other words from wind and sun. I’m not sure that I believe any of these figures. My point is that if one accepts that we have to get away from fossil fuel and that grids can only accept a limited percentage of in-termittent energy, one has to accept that nuclear must supply the rest.

John WalmsleyNuclear Institute (South Africa Branch)

John Walmsley

We’re going to need all the energy we can get


On behalf of all of my colleagues at Engen and the SAIT, I would like to take a few moments to reflect on Arthur’s career and the person we got to know and love

over the years.

Personally I had the privilege to start working with Arthur 20 years ago when I just started in the oil industry. At just over 70, when normal people have already retired, I met a man with a passion for lubrication and tribology, also a passion and desire to live life to the fullest.

To try and reflect on almost a century of a remark-able career would be rather difficult. As such we touch on some highlights. Arthur was very proud to have worked for Mobil for most of his life. He also worked in the mining industry (Anglo and Goldfields) and with Iscor where he gained a tremendous amount of experience and application knowledge. He ultimately then started a consultation company Petroleum Technical Services and among several, Samancor and Chemico were part of the list.

During this time, the Engen company was formed with the heritage backbone of Mobil which pleased Arthur who was back in a familiar environment.

He came through a full circle to end up back in an industry he clearly loved to be part of.

Arthur is well known as the “father of rock drill grease” or Mr Rockdrill. Arthur’s ability to adapt to a changing market was outstanding, always looking for a new angle to overcome the issues that needed to be resolved.

Technology mattered to Arthur but so did people. His unselfish ability to mentor, train and teach with absolute patience and repetitive practical testing makes his contribution to society remarkable.

Arthur often spoke about his family, his love for them clear. We felt his pain when his dear wife passed away many years ago and yet Arthur kept going. Servicing his own cars, driving himself, living at his own house….

Arthur has raised the bar, he was a true legend and his contribution will go on into the future.

A Honorary Membership from the SAIT was awarded to Arthur during April and this was handed to his son Tim.

Written by Anton Allner (Engen Petroleum)

Arthur LangdonObituary:

SAIT

www.zest.co.za


SAIT

SAIT AwardsSAIT Annual Awards Dinner and Conference Banquet, 6 April 2011

The SAIT Annual Awards Dinner of 2011 was combined with the Banquet of the SAIT’S 10th International Tribology Conference. It was a sparkling event, attended by many members of the Institute as well as interna-tional delegates to the Conference. It was held in the Reception Hall at the University of Pretoria’s Conference

Centre on 6 April 2011.

Sej Mutau of the DA with SAIT President, John Fitton

Sej Motau, Shadow Minister of Energy with the DA, gave the informative and entertaining keynote address on Tribology and Energy.

The presentation of the Awards was, naturally, the highlight of the evening

An Honorary Membership was awarded posthumously to Arthur Langdon in acknowledgement of his long loyalty to the Institute. Arthur, sadly, died on the morning of 6 April 2011.

Anton Allner of Engen accepted the award on behalf of Arthur Langdon and his family

Dave Gamble, on the right, received the Louw Alberts Award in recognition of his extensive contribution to and ongoing support of Tribology through the years, passing on his knowledge, expertise and experience to the next generation. He is pictured here with Thomas Surmon, SAIT Executive Committee Member

Makhwathana Ntakadzeni was awarded the Best Student Award for his final undergraduate year, BscEng in Metallurgical Engineering 2010, on ‘Three body abrasion of annealed WC-17wt%Co HVOF Thermal Spray Coatings’. He is pictured here with Dr Natasha Sacks of the University of the Witwatersrand

For more information contact Gill Fuller at 011 802-5145 or at [email protected].


Upcoming course dates Lubrication Engineering 74 – 5-day course, 15 – 19 August 2011,

Cape TownIntroduction to Lubrication Engineering – 1-day course, 7 September

2011, JohannesburgIntroduction to Wear & Materials – 1-day course, 8 September

2011, JohannesburgFor more information contact Gill Fuller at 011 802-5145 or at

[email protected].

Annelie Lombard receiving the Best Presentation Award for her paper, ‘Transformer Oil Chemistry affecting the South African Market’

The team from Sasol, with their award for Best Technical Achieve-ment. This was presented as a result of their work on “Fully Synthetic Jet Fuel – Impact on Wear, Emissions & High Altitude Relight & First Flight in SA”

SAIT Secretary, Gill Fuller, with Polish delegate to the SAIT 10th International Tribology Conference 2011, Wojcieck Zurowski

Past-President of the SAIT, Patrick Swan, with his wife JeanChairman of the SAIT 10TH International Tribology Conference 2011, Professor Philip de Vaal, with his wife, Corné.

Renno Veinthal, Conference delegate from Estonia, with his wife, Kaire

SAIT President, John Fitton, With SAIT Secretary, Gill Fuller (left) and her assistant, Isabel Bradley.

SAIT


TRAINING

Says Sean Jones, a director of IFTA; “There is an unfortunate perception out there that artisan work is just too heavy or dirty for women, but we do necessarily agree.”

Sean says the country is facing an artisan skills shortage running into tens of thousands over the next five to 10 years but the number of women artisans being trained by IFTA during the past three years is “definitely on an upwards curve of around five percent growth per year.

“It is true that some employers do not believe it is an environment for women. Mining bosses, for instance, are pretty reticent, given the rigors of mining – particularly underground – as far too onerous. Here the discomfort index is seen as a major negative, as well as the possibility of sexual harassment issues. “Another negative issue is the possibility that a woman worker could fall pregnant- but this worry is true of any industry.”

He adds there is “really no reason” why a woman cannot perform as well, or better, then her male contemporaries in a number of artisan-focused disciplines.

“There could be the same concerns by earthmoving and tractor companies, for example, where per-sonal safety concerns for women could be seen as a problem. In these industries workers often have to travel at night and into rural areas. In addition, the equipment they could be carrying may pose a problem. In some instances a battery could weigh in excess of 20 kilograms, or more, and it would be hard for women to compete in scenarios such as these. But in many of the industries, and in many scenarios, I see no reason why the training and deployment of women artisans should not be focused on more acutely.”

Sean Jones, IFTA, Tel: 083 777 2892, www.ifta.co.za

Women Artisans

Up to 25% of the total number of artisans being trained by leading black-empowered artisan training institution, IFTA, are now women - a trend that the company hopes

to see grow.

www.irsa.co.za

www.spray.co.za


As part of their service offering, a new compressor company on the South African market, Renner Agents SA, will size a compressor for customers and prospec-

tive clients according to their individual specific needs. “SA Mechanical Engineer” meets with Ian Couper, director of Renner Agents at the company’s headquarters in Alrode south of Johannesburg to find out more.

“Although the German-made range of compressors we offer covers the full spectrum for all industries, we aim to differentiate ourselves in the industry by offering services that nobody else does,” he explains. “Our staff is made up of people who have been in the compressor industry for many years and we intend using this experience to the benefit of our clients.

Compressor Support ServicesSizing a compressor for a specific application not only requires a mathematical engineering approach combined with years of experience, it’s also a critical factor in ensuring that the right

machine is picked for a specific duty in order to optimise energy consumption.

“It’s a matter of matching the machine and the air treatment necessary for each individual requirement which should ideally be done by people who have a thorough understanding of compressor installations.

“In South Africa there are not many suppliers who do this or have the personnel to undertake these tasks, hence we decided to focus on the service aspect,” he adds. “The all important issues we’ll be concentrating on are sizing, air quality, power requirements and reticulation systems.”

Energy wasteTraditionally engineers have over-sized the com-pressor to be on the safe side, especially when the air demand fluctuates through highs and lows constantly. “In essence it’s very wasteful in terms of energy consumption to oversize as a matter of course,” Ian warns. “We often come across com-panies where the compressors are twice the size they need to be which results in a huge waste of electrical power. Even if the machine is fitted to automatically regulate according to demand, there is still a power requirement when the system is doing nothing. The closer you can get to sizing the compressor to the peak demand cycle, the more efficient the system will be in terms of energy consumption.”

Simplicity first With maintenance in mind, the Renner range of compressors are robust machines designed with simplicity as a foremost feature. “We have already installed several of these machines locally and are now awaiting our second batch of machines,” Ian says. “Being simplistic in terms of routine main-tenance has impressed every client using these machines. Even so, we have established highly-streamlined communications with our principles in Germany which helps to get quick answers as far as technical and application issues are concerned.”

Ian Couper, director of Renner Agents

Sizing is critical“With the general skills shortages as it is, compres-sor users simply don’t have the experience within the company to size a compressor correctly, for example,” adds Ian. “Let alone ensuring the right air quality and seeing to it that regular maintenance and servicing of the machines and air systems is carried out correctly. This expertise is on tap here and is offered to clients 24 hours a day, seven days a week, something you don’t easily find in the local compressor industry.

“One of the advantages of having an extensive knowledge base lies in our ability to design air systems correctly right from the start,” says Ian. “Each compressor installation and the air system around it, has to be designed for each specific ap-plication otherwise you’re bound to end up wasting precious energy.

Service aspect“Today you hardly get a factory which doesn’t use compressed air and, for each of these, the air quality requirements are different,” Ian elaborates.

With the general skills shortages as it is, compressor users simply don’t have the experience within the company to size a compressor correctly

COMPRESSORS, AIR MOTORS & VACUUM PUMPS



The Renner copmpressors

Big fluctuations in air demand are often a problem, so we have an option in the Twin Power Pack configuration

But simple doesn’t mean inadequate. The Renner range of compressors covers all types of machines including an option where the air treatment system is built into the machine as one integral unit. “Big fluctuations in air demand are often a problem, so we have an option in the Twin Power Pack configuration where two compressors are built into one self-contained unit,” explains Ian. “Both compressor units have their own air end, motor, cooler and controls, allowing them to run individu-ally, depending on the customer’s air requirements.

Other options“This design can save more energy than a variable speed unit in a number of operating conditions,” he adds. “The cost-efficient operation of compressors depends on their energy balance which is why our packaged solution goes a long way towards en-suring that maximum output is achieved with the minimum use of energy. Other advantages include the fact that the air supply does not depend on one compressor only - this is also true for motors, cool-ers and other components. So, if one compressor stops operating, the flow from the other is always at the ready to carry on supplying until the system can be attended to.”

Although Renner’s range of compressors has de-liberately been kept simple, there are more than enough options to extend functionality such as frequency control to optimise energy consumption. “Many companies spend a lot of money on training but they continue to battle with poor maintenance,” Ian remarks in conclusion. “With our system, users require only the minimum amount of experience from their maintenance staff. In addition, we offer maintenance contracts and service support to all our customers.”

Ian Couper, Renner Agents SA, Tel: (011) 900-2771, Email: [email protected]

www.compressed-air.co.za

www.yellotec.com



The South African market has not been exposed to all the types of vacuum pumps available in the world, let alone pump technology that requires hardly any maintenance and is today

much more energy efficient than the technology of just a few years ago,” Joe Jagger, managing direc-tor of Busch Vacuum Pumps & Systems, tells “SA Mechanical Engineer” when we visit the company’s head office in Benrose, Johannesburg.

In terms of the development of vacuum pump technology, South Africa has been left in the dark for many years, simply because local distributors keep on selling the old technology while cashing in on old machines that require lots of maintenance.

says Joe. “Starting from a zero client base, we’ve since grown to a 20 million a year business, a clear indication of just how starved the local industry has become for the new vacuum technology we’re introducing to the market.

“It’s not that Busch pumps weren’t known in South Africa, the printing, paper processing and petrochemical industries have used our pumps for many years, but the pumps had to be imported at a huge cost and there wasn’t much locally in terms of backup, spares and service,” adds Joe. “We’re now able to offer the latest technology at about 30% less compared with what clients paid previously for technology that wasn’t necessarily up-to-date, never mind being designed specifically for an application.”

FeaturesOne example is a low maintenance pump series which has been flying off the shelf in South Africa, the Merlin and Mink series of rotary claw pumps. “Once set up and filled with half a litre of oil, this pump can be left for seven years without any routine maintenance,” Joe elaborates. “Typically this system reduces overall electrical consumption by 30-40% during peak loads and by more than 90% during non-peak loads. Since there is no need to perform any routine maintenance, the costs incurred from regular oil and exhaust filter changes have been eliminated.”

The Busch Mink series rotary claw vacuum pump

Vacuum for AfricaVacuum for Africa

Joe Jagger, managing director of Busch Vacuum Pumps & Systems

The Merlin vacuum pump

“We deduced that the technology was never intro-duced to the local market because the new products don’t have the high maintenance value of the old machines ensuring good business for the local distributors of vacuum pumps.”

Local branchBusch, inventors of the rotary vane vacuum pump, has the biggest pump portfolio in the world. Based in Germany they traditionally relied on local dis-tributors to promote their products in South Africa. “Two years ago they approached me to start a direct affiliate branch in Johannesburg and since then we’ve opened one in Cape Town as well as Durban,”

The technology was never introduced to the local market because the new products don’t have the high maintenance value of the old machines

A new local installation with new technology vacuum pumps


has a unique non-contacting, rotary claw design where no energy is wasted from internal friction and therefore brake horsepower is lower compared with conventional pump technologies. Additionally, when matched with PLC based variable speed controls, energy efficiency is further enhanced as the pumps only run at the speed required to match demand.

Low maintenance“We even have a low-maintenance option that’s been available for some years now, but it’s fairly new to the South African market,” explains Joe. “This system has vane technology where the carbon vanes take about two years to wear down. This means the pump only needs maintenance attention

All brands of vacuum pumps are serviced at Busch’s workshop

A vacuum pump for the printing industry

A 3D model of a new design enables customers to visualise the system

The pump only needs maintenance attention after about two years


www.yellotec.com


PIPES, PUMPS AND VALVES

after about two years with major overhauls every three years. This is a very sought-after pump in the printing industry where it’s been snapped up because our price is 40% less than the going rate the industry has been paying in the past.”

Looking down at Joe’s hands it’s immediately clear that, even as managing director, he’s a hands-on man who knows how to solve a vacuum pump problem right there on site. “We’re a small unit of about ten people right now, but we’re all hands on and can solve most problems in situ,” he says with a smile. “We’ve been lucky to get involved in a couple of projects now where we’ve taken part in designing new systems and upgrades as industry becomes aware of the technology now available to them.

Value adds“We’ve just completed a big installation at a new pharmaceutical plant in Cape Town where we in-stalled high-end, high vacuum systems for a new unique method of manufacturing pharmaceutical products,” adds Joe. “We also did a major upgrade for one of the largest capacitor manufacturers in South Africa where vacuum plays a multiple role in the process of manufacturing and treating the resins used in capacitors. In terms of large pumps, our company was involved in a major upgrade of the vacuum pumps used in a mine cooling system where they use snow machine technology to make ice.”

Walking through the workshop we see old and new vacuum pumps of all sizes and all makes being assembled, stripped and tested. “Originally we only worked on our pumps, but customers soon started asking whether we could service, repair or exchange all the other brand pumps they had on their plant,” says Joe.

Complex plantRounding the corner of the workshop, we’re sur-prised to see a scaled-down model of what appears to be a complete vacuum plant. Joe explains that prototyping a complex plant is one of the services they provide so that the client can clearly see what the design will look like in terms of layout. “Once we’ve finalised the design, the drawings are sent off to Germany where they produce an absolute precise scale model of the entire plant in prototype 3D printing,” he says.

In terms of value-add, Joe and his team have the full backing of specialist application engineers in Germany who have experience in all the industry sectors and the specific vacuum requirements of each application. “So far we’ve not had to rely on them a lot because our team is pretty experienced in the vagaries of South African industry,” Joe says in conclusion. “When it comes to chemical processing applications, however, we’ll probably call for help because it’s highly specialised, but once we’ve done the first one, we’re on our way.”

Joe Jagger, BuschVacuum Pumps & Systems, Tel (011) 856-0650, Email: [email protected]

Vacuum pump units built in Busch’s workshop


www.renneragentssa.co.za


Engineer Placements is to implement a strategy to support the urgent re-deployment of semi-retired and retired Engineers back into the industry. Since establishing the business in 2004 a large, live da-tabase of engineering resources has been created that significantly differs from any other types we have witnessed.

We are inviting self employed, semi-retired and retired Engineers to join us as Networking Affiliates. At the same time we are supporting SAIMechE’s Professional Development Programme (PDP) provid-ing Mentors to industry.

Those interested are invited to register on the Engineer Placements website (www.engineerplacements.com) and include in their skills selection “Affiliate role for EP” and/or “Mentorship role for PDP”. We will then communicate individually with each applicant.

Chris Reay Pr Eng FSAIMechE, CEO Engineer PlacementsCouncil Member SAIMechE, Member of the ECSA Professional Advisory Committee on Pr Eng registration

Maintenance Managament

One-Day Seminar

held jointly by ICMEESA and

Promech Publishing

14 September 2011Johannesburg

(venue to be advised)

Tel: (011) 781-1401Email: [email protected]

www.promech.co.za

Calling Retired and Semi-retired Engineers

www.engineerplacements.com

www.promech.co.za

www.engineerplacements.com


Market ForumAirport fuel consortiumEffective 1 July 2011 BP Southern Africa (BPSA), through its aviation marketing division AirBP, assumed the respon-sibilities of managing participant and operator of the OR Tambo International Airport fuel consortium, taking over from Chevron. These responsibilities include managing the consortium’s into-plane fuelling activities carried out by 70 employees based at the airport. The consortium is comprised of BP, Chevron, Shell, Engen, Sasol and Total.

AirBP will hold the managing participant and operator posi-tion for five years with the option to extend this period for a further three years.

AirBP has been a member of the consortium since its forma-tion over three decades ago and will be bringing its global technical expertise and safety standards to the continent’s busiest airport, which will benefit customers.

Morena Sithole, AirBP’s Performance Unit Leader in Africa elaborates, “The first six months of the operation under our leadership will be focussed largely on establishing the BP way of doing things, particularly on increasing safety aware-ness on the ramp and improving operating standards for the benefit of the aviation industry and customers in particular. We also look forward to working closely with the consortium members and ACSA to realise the airport’s full potential”.

Morena Sithole, Tel (011) 488-5111, Fax (011) 488-5336, www.bp.com

Restore worn shafts quickly SKF’s Speedi-Sleeve solution has been introduced to provide the fast and effective refinishing of seal-worn shafts, eliminating the need to dismantle the machinery in which they are used, and without the need for costly re-grinding.

The device is simply pushed into position over the worn shaft to provide a brand new sealing surface, significantly reducing both maintenance costs and expensive plant downtime.

Furthermore, the shaft requires no prepara-tion or pre-treatment, making installation fast and straightforward; the only tools needed are a mallet, a pair of pliers and the fitting tool supplied with the sleeve.

Providing a perfect seal, even in the harshest environment, the SKF Speedi-Sleeve fills the gap between standard sleeves and expensive custom shaft treatments, such as diamond coating.

Samantha Joubert, SKF South Africa, Tel (011) 821 3500, [email protected], www.skf.co.za

Cable and wire markingGrafo Wiremarkers Africa is now marketing Brady Jet-ID industrial inkjet printer to manage all marking systems to print tags for cable and wire identification. Both black and white and colour graphics printing allows the user to create custom tags with logos and images.

This quick and easy, high performance printer can be used for cables, terminal blocks, instrumentation, push buttons, rating plates and components in sectors such as process au-tomation, and industrial, electrical and machine tool plants.

There are two desktop versions: the smaller Jet-ID that is sized at a compact 430 x 630 x 300mm and weighs only 14kg and has 768 nozzles, and the bigger-capacity Jet-ID Basic with 1440 nozzles that weighs in at 22kgs and is sized at 595 x 280 x 530mm.

The Jet-ID printer connects to a PC via a 2.0 high speed USB port.

Darryl Crampton, Grafo, Tel (011) 704-3295, Fax (011) 462-1340, [email protected]

Hits South African shoresA new refrigeration unit has recently been launched in South Africa by Metraclark. The “ZX” unit has been designed using vapour and liquid injection technology to significantly increase the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle, and reduced power consumption for the refrigeration system, ie, cabinet tem-peratures will be achieved with less compressor running time. The scroll compressor used in the ZX unit has a significantly flatter performance curve than reciprocating compressors, due to its high volumetric inefficiency. This brings inherent advantages: Smaller unit selection - higher output from a


Market ForumGrowing portfolioFesto South Africa is proud to announce that it is the latest Festo di-vision to have signed a sole agency agreement with GSR Ventiltech-nik GmbH & Co. This agreement gives Festo South Africa the sole distributorship of GSR products for the South-ern African Development Community (SADC), East African Community (EAC) and Indian Ocean Isles.

For more than 35 years, GSR Ventiltechnik has been devel-oping customer-orientated, special valve solutions, with a range of over 3 000 special valves.

Brandon Skinner, Festo Process Automation Manager, believes that this partnership with GSR Ventiltechnik, which adds solenoid valves and pressure control valves to the portfolio of process automation products, is an exciting development for customers. “The benefits are clear; one-stop procurement, quality of product and the trusted service they are used to getting from Festo.”Tracey Swart, Tel (011) 971 5560, Fax (011) 974 4203, [email protected], www.festo.co.za

Wolfgang Heil, Managing Director GSRVentiltechnik, and Richard Teagle, Managing Director Festo South Africa, celebrate the signing of the sole agency agreement

given power input; Lower operating cost - The ZX unit deliv-ers capacity closer to the actual cooling load; and product freshness - delivering a constant evaporator temperature difference due to the load matching the demand improves the quality of food.

The ZX unit incorporates a self diag-nostic rou-tine into its e l e c t r o n i c con t r o l l e r. By the time a technician ar r ives to attend to a problem, the unit will indi-cate to him where the problem is, saving time. Designed to

work in Middle Eastern ambient temperatures, the ZX unit has capably proved its reliability across the world.

Rodney Taylor, Metraclark, Tel: (011) 681-3900, Fax (086) 639-9356, [email protected]


World first filter pressMultotec has developed an environmentally-friendly filter press believed to be a world first. The new filter press, the result of a significant investment in time and funding, was developed in response to the increasingly critical need to recycle waste water from mining operations in South Africa, specifically acid mine drainage.

Traditionally hydraulically operated filter presses are used in metallurgical processes and water reclamation plants, but these conventional products are associated with a high risk of contamination from oil and other lubricants during operation.

Multotec’s state-of-the-art fully automatic filter press, based on the successful Seprotech Rapid Filter (SRF) press, elimi-nates the risk of any contamination in this application. This exciting new product has been developed using patented technology, with components sourced internationally to ensure long life and spares availability. The new filter press has been 100% locally manufactured at Multotec’s ISO 9001 accredited facility.

The hydraulic power pack has been replaced with a water pressure system which, while achieving the same clamp-ing force, ensures optimum sealing of the plate pack while dramatically reducing noise pollution. The filter cloths have been further developed to ensure longer life, in turn achiev-ing lower consumable consumption. Components have been designed to ensure safe operation, while finite element analysis has been applied to substantiate the integrity of the machine. The filter press is characterised by its energy efficient electric motors.

Bernadette Wilson, Multotec Group, Tel (011) 923-6193, [email protected], www.multotec.com

Service levelsA new South African research study into the mining sector’s supply chain strategy reveals much about the industry’s re-sponses to the shifts in the global resources market, and in particular the competition the local industry is experiencing from other emerging economies such as Russia and China.

The research this year demonstrates that a particular em-phasis on squeezing supply chain efficiencies and costs predominates. While Russia and China in particular are lower-cost producers, they also have logistics advantages in their proximity to their major markets, with China still a major consumer of its own commodities.

The overall report this year features a strong focus on increas-ing service levels to customers as the top objective for the industry. By contrast, the top mining objective is lowering procurement costs, at 62% of the sample, versus the 39% of the total who opted for this. Increasing service levels to customer is a distant third as an objective, with 38% as op-posed to 53% of the total sample. Reducing order lead times appears as a new objective this year, in second place overall. This undoubtedly reflects the increased competitiveness of the global mining landscape, since volatility in demand and fluctuation in price makes it imperative that the supply chain can respond. This is difficult when the lead time for much mining equipment can be measured in years.

The industry’s challenges are largely unchanged from last year, except in two important respects: planning and fore-casting has increased in importance, to become the leading industry challenge – as it is for the general sample, but at a significantly higher level in mining. The second biggest chal-lenge did not feature at all last year, and that is the return on capital investment in the supply chain. This tallies with the

objective to reduce order lead times in this year’s industry objectives. The upturn in demand across the

board for mining resources – either as a currency hedge for precious metals or as construction and infrastructure commodi-ties in a post-recession environment – is likely to be driving the need for additional

investment in delivery mechanisms and equipment, and the need to mitigate the risk

First installationThe Horne Group has reported mid-year sales of R12-million to Canada’s mining sector, the result of a focus by Barrie-based subsidiary, Horne Conveyance Safety, on Levelok and Technogrid product lines.

The sales include two group firsts. At Vale Inco’s Totten mine in Ontario, two Levelok systems, one for skip-clamping and one for

cage-clamping, have been installed for the first time world-wide on a single mine shaft conveyance.

At Rocanville mine in Saskatchewan, the first sale of Tech-nogrid into a Canadian over-wind application has taken place against a competitive product priced at 70 percent below the Technogrid tag.

André du Preez, group managing director at Horne, says that he believes both successes can be attributed to the technical superiority of the products involved.

“Horne Conveyance Safety is taking off,” said du Preez, “and we are gearing up for Canada’s accelerating order book.

Andre du Preez, Horne Group, Tel: (011) 974-1004, Fax: (011) 392-5650, E-mail: [email protected]

Market Forum


Market Forumof large investment in equipment and mining infrastructure by seeing more immediate returns.

Encouragingly, as with the overall economy, the sector can see freight volumes increasing appreciably this year – with 54% of Mining respondents expecting freight increases of some proportion. The proportion of this freight that could be moved by rail from the current dominance of road freight transport is not surprising. A massive move to rail if capacity exists with fully 45% of respondents willing to move over 40% of their total freight by rail. Transnet, predictably for this key sector, is once more seen as failing to provide the necessary infrastructure and freight management capacity.

Barloworld Logistics, Tel: (011) 445-1600, Fax: (011) 445-1630, Email: [email protected], www.barloworld-logistics.com

Application needsArrow Bearings & Transmission has once again proven itself as a solutions provider to the mining and power industry. Arrow Bearings was called in at one of its largest clients to identify the reason for significant usage of bearings on its crusher application. After some investigation, it was determined that shock loads and severe contamination were the primary reason for the bear-ing failures.

Arrow Bearings introduced its Rexnord 5000 Premium Series Bearing range to the application and has since August 2005, cut usage down by more than 50%. The savings in Rands does not only stop at the reduction of usage but extends to the overall downtime of the plant. Rexnord 5000 Premium Series Bearings can be fitted within a mere 20 minutes using one tool compared with conventional bearings taking more than 60 minutes and an assortment of tools.

Bearings represent the continuation of 90 years of bearing technology and experience built upon the original Shafer de-sign, consisting of an inner ring race which forms a segment of a sphere; roller shaped concave to run on the spherical surfaces of the inner and outer races; spherical outer races to contact the rollers. This design allows the inner ring to misalign freely in any direction up to 1-½ degrees.

Ian Robertson, Bearings and Allied Products, Tel (011) 345-8011, [email protected]

Optimal conditionsDeman`s SDV range of controllers ensures that the optimal thermal indoor climate of today`s modern building and working environment is maintained. These controllers can be used for a variety of HVAC applications which include the option of stand-alone or as part of a LonWorks network, with or without a user interface. The con-troller has a power input of 230V or 24V AC, and a specific configuration by specifying plug-in options that extend these options to include analogue, air volume monitoring, 3x relay at 3A, 1x relay at 15A,variable speed fan, and proportional heat control.

Heinrich van Niewenhuyzen, Deman, Tel (012) 403 8000/12

Rigorous valvesBMG Hydraulics distributes a wide range of valves that withstands operation in rigorous applications, ensuring reliable and continu-ous performance in the most demanding industries.

“The company’s leading range of hydraulic valves, manufactured abroad by Eaton Vickers,

extends from simple shut off valves to precise direc-tional control valves used in advanced motion control

systems,” says Mark Johnson, national sales manager for BMG Hydraulics, part of the Bearing Man Group. “Hydraulic valves work in tandem with hydraulic cylinders, pumps and motors, to contain the flow and pressure of hydraulic fluid in hydraulic power systems. Typical applications are found


Market Forumin machine tools, mining, automotive, metalworking, power generation and construction.”

The company’s range of valves consists of spool type direc-tional control valves (from NG 6 to NG 32), proportional valves in directional, throttle and pressure control types, slip-in cartridge valves (from NG 16 to NG 80) and modular screw-in cartridge valves.

Compact slip-in cartridge valves improve the efficiency of the latest hydraulic machines and equipment. Leading new cartridge valve and system technology enhances the flexibility of the system; ensures reliability, offers greater resistance to contamination and eliminates external leakage.

In order to streamline a hydraulic system, hydraulic valves can be incorporated into a manifold block. These blocks are custom designed by BMG Hydraulics on an Autodesk Inven-tor and manufactured on NC machines at BMG’s fabrication facility in Johannesburg. These blocks are manufactured from aluminium, mild steel or imported Durabar. Special coatings are applied to blocks designed for use in corrosive areas.

Other valves in the BMG Hydraulics range include Galtech hand control valves, Pister high pressure ball valves, Bieri high pressure directional control and Oleoweb control valves, as well as Enerpac high pressure equipment.

Mark Johnson, BMG Hydraulics, Tel (011) 614-2004, [email protected], www.bmghydraulics.net

Biggest surface top hammer drill rig The first of Sandvik’s revo-lutionary new DPi Series surface top hammer drill rigs — the biggest top hammer of its kind on the continent — has been commissioned at Independent Quarries in East London and two more are on order. The intelligent self-propelled, self-contained crawler has been introduced to meet the rigorous contem-porary demands of production drilling, quarry and mine development, pre-splitting and dewatering. There are already 15 DPi rigs operating in other parts of the world.

“The new DPi Series reflects 20 years of experience in quarrying and open pit mining

in the hole range of 76 to 152 mm, drilling deeper holes more accurately than ever before,” Cornel Burger, Sandvik’s general manager operations & construction, says. The machine’s 33 kW rock drill is now the biggest available on the market.

“A big advantage of this machine’s rock tools is the shoulder drive system on the couples, which results in a far more rigid string. This, in turn, makes for straighter holes and more efficient use of energy from rod to rod.

Alice Ward, Sandvik, Tel (01)1 929-5400, Fax 086 638 2616

All togetherIn line with its corporate strategy to unite GEA companies into a single entity and strengthen its corporate portfolio, GEA Process Engineering South Africa, a subsidiary of the GEA Group, has announced that it will be taking over the responsibility for new sales, spares and technical support for all GEA Niro equipment in South Africa and sub-Saharan Africa.

GEA Niro are world leaders in industrial drying, supplies drying process systems and process lines for powder produc-tion to the food, dairy, pharmaceutical, mining and chemical industries. This includes spray drying, freeze drying, and fluid bed processing as core technologies.

GEA Nirowill joins GEA Messo (suppliers of process solution for crystallisation and related concentration technologies) and GEA Barr-Rosin (suppliers of drying technology) as one of three new brands represented by GEA Process Engineer-ing South Africa.

Wendy Capelin, GEA Process Engineering South Africa, Tel (011) 541-0508, [email protected]

Stubborn residues and skim linesThe powerful TankJet 190D motor-driven tank cleaner from Spraying Systems Co provides powerful 180° downward cover-age and outperforms other units especially when removing sticky residues/skim lines and cleaning heavy sludge from the bottom and shadow areas of tanks. The TankJet 190D operates at pressures up to 69 bar and uses high-impact solid stream nozzles to clean tanks up to 10.4m in diameter.

It provides consistent, reliable cleaning with virtually no maintenance. Since the


Market Forumunit is powered by a motor rather than fluid, clogging is eliminated. Plus, the motor is positioned outside the tank away from harmful caustics.

The unit can be customised to meet various application requirements. Air, electric or explosion proof versions are available, powered by a range of motors. Shaft length op-tions range from 0.9 to 1.8m and standard, 150# raised face and sanitary tri-clamp flanges can be specified. TankJet 190D tank cleaners can be installed permanently or easily moved from tank to tank and are ideal for cleaning chemi-cal reactors, food processing tanks and vats, paint tanks, pharmaceutical processing tanks and tanker trucks.

Spraying system, Tel (011) 618-3860, [email protected], www.spray.co.za

Smart relay More than 200 innovative WEG SRW01 smart relays have been installed at the new Twangiza gold plant in the Democratic Republic of Congo — the first operation in Africa to install this reliable low voltage electric motor management system with state-of-the-art tech-nology and network communication capabilities.

Thousands of SRW01 smart relays are already operating in several other parts of the world to protect motors of high value and prevent extended downtime. Measuring only 45 mm wide and 100 mm high, the WEG SRW01’s compact size and modular design makes it ideal for applications where space is limited.

However, what sets it apart in the marketplace is its ability to communicate with three different networks: ProfiBus DP V1, DeviceNet and ModBus-RTU. This advanced communication technology opens up a spectrum of previously impossible design options. Using plug-and-play technology, operators are able to change the communication protocol quickly and simply, while the system automatically recognises which protocol is in use.

Jamie Wilson, Zest Electric Motors, Tel: (011) 723-6000, Fax: (011) 723-6001, www.zest.co.za

First in AfricaCoca-Cola South Africa has opened its new Valpré plant, in Heidelberg, southeast of Johannesburg.

The new Valpré plant is undergoing Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification – an interna-tionally recognized program that is the accepted benchmark for design, construction and operation of high-performance green buildings. The design of the facility maximizes re-cycled materials and makes optimal use of water and solar energy. It has a “zero to landfill” target. The Company has also launched Coca-Cola’s innovative PlantBottle packaging. This packaging has revolutionized the beverage industry as the first-ever recyclable PET plastic beverage bottle made from up to 30 percent plant that is 100 percent recyclable. This is the 10th market to launch the bottle in the world and the first in Africa.

Angela D Harrel, Coca-Cola, [email protected], www.coca-cola.co.za

Drive AcademySEW Eurodrive has launched a local Drive Academy in South Africa as a result of an increased need for customer training. The concept is modeled on the Drive Academy which stems from the head office in Germany. Training is practice orientated and demand specific. It covers theory but customers also have the opportunity to practice on up to date equipment. Here they can simulate what they experience in the field.

A wide range of training courses are available and covers topics such as geared motor maintenance, condition moni-toring and the basics of drive engineering. Other courses are more product specific and offer customers the advantage of a subject matter expert who is fully versed in the SEW Eurodrive product range and their applications.


Market Forum“As a result of the higher level of skills shortage you find that persons who did not have to operate the machinery in the past, now find themselves in this situation, this combined with the dynamic landscape of technology make training a necessity in today’s business world. Adequate training means less downtime for the customer” comments Rose, general manager coomunications.

SEW Eurodrive pride themselves in the caliber of trainers. Trainers have received expert training from Germany in ad-dition to being operational in the field. They therefore offer a wealth of knowledge on the SEW products.

The company is also offering demonstration models to compa-nies who wish to do their own training. This is often the case with companies in Africa who send their trainer for training and then transfer the knowledge to the staff at the plant.

Rene Rose, SEW, Tel (011) 248-7000, Fax (011) 248-7289, [email protected], www.sew.co.za

High-precision torque calibration The importance of accurate torque measurement in test bench applications, for example, continues to increase. This means a corresponding increase in the significance of calibration for the torque transducers used in these test benches. An addition to the proven TB2 torque reference transducer family of products now makes it possible to obtain accurate, traceable measurements much more quickly, as measurement is direct, unlike the familiar lever-arm calibration, where weights have to be put on and taken off by hand.

The type TB2 torque reference trans-ducer from the measurement specialists HBM allows traceability to the national standards, and therefore totally safe and reliable calibration of the torque measurand. It can now also come with 100 Nm and 200 Nm measuring ranges. The reference transducer is suitable for non-rotational use in the laboratory, or in an industrial environment.

Also available as an option is an IP67 version, which can then also be used in a harsh industrial environment. TB2 transducers are already typically achieving best class 0.5, as per DIN 51309 or EA-10/14, for the minimum torque values of the measuring range, starting from 2%. The standard for this class usually only requires a range of 20 to 100%.

Elton Murison, Esteq, Tel (012) 809-9500, [email protected], www.hbm.com

AirtightAirconduct CC duct manufacturer based in Pretoria, Gauteng recommends all their customers opt for TDC flanges for ducting joints. TDC stands for Transfer Duct Connector, and was developed by Lockformer (USA). These types of joints are much more cost effective than the conventional slip on flange, for example, Mez or Duct lock flanges. Using TDC flanges saves on storage costs that would be needed for slip on flanges, require less manufacturing and assembly time and less sealant than slip on flange frames thus sav-

ing on cost.

The TDC flange is rolled onto the edge of the duct making use of a TDC roll-forming machine so there is no need to purchase expensive separate slip on flanges. TDC Corners simply get crimped onto the back of the flange. Ducts are then connected making use of M8 bolts and nuts, and are airtight. This is the ideal flange to use when shipping in a knocked down form because there is no need for the handling of separate loose flanges as the TDC flanges form part of the duct.

TDC has been tested and approved for use to SMACNA, DW144 and LUKA specifications for rectangular

duct production and also meets current European standards.

Airconduct, Gert Wibbelink, Tel: 012 804 0626, Fax: 086 692 7433, Email: [email protected]


Market Forum

Long-term air dryer hire Compressed air users now have a cost effective option for clients when they are faced with an air dryer failure. A large fleet of high capacity air dryers is now available for medium and long term hire.

Refrigeration air dryers with capacities from 1 to 110m3/min (3900 cfm) are available at short notice and at com-petitive rates.

Traditionally clients who found themselves facing this prob-lem, would only be able to hire a number of small capacity chemical dryers from a traditional hire fleet service provider. This often meant hiring four or five units and suffering the purge air wastage associated with chemical adsorption air drying and paying a per shift hire rates. This solution is expensive not only in compressed air purge wastage, but also in hire fees.

Artic Driers has the ability to provide medium and large capacity refrigeration air dryers to solve this immediate air quality problem. With a rental unit in place, clients can plan a long term air treatment strategy without the immedi-

ate pressure of contaminated air infecting their airlines, says Allen Cockfield CEO of Artic Driers.

The system is geared towards long term hire for clients who operate standard stationary compressor sets and that operate within a radius of 300 kilometres of Johannesburg, and generally require hire periods of a month or more.

Allen Cockfield, Email: [email protected]

Promech Publlishing has

a BEE rating of 168.75%

Allen Cockfield’s Artic Driers offers medium and large capacity refrigeration air dryers for hire


Market Forum

Index to AdvertisersAirconduct 38Artic Driers 10AST Pyroshield Inside Front CoverAtlas Copco 12Bearings International Outside Front CoverCeccato 25Compressor Valves 32Engen 14Esteq 18Festo 16Garnett Cross 10Horne 44Hytec 4Ingersoll 30Metraclark Inside Back CoverMonitor Engineering 30Nkosi’s Haven 42SEW Outside Back CoverSigma/Renner 35Watson Marlow 20Yellotec 32, 34Zest 27

Please fax us if you wish to subscribe to “SA Mechanical En-gineer” at R400,00 (incl postage and VAT) per year; R945,00 per year for Africa/Overseas. We will post you an invoice on receipt of your fax.

PROMECH PUBLISHING Fax No: (011) 781-1403

From:......................................................................................

(insert your name)

Title: ......................................................................................

Company: ..............................................................................

Address: ...............................................................................

...............................................................................................

...................................................................Code: ..................

Telephone: ( ) ....................................................................

Fax: ( ) ................................................................................

Email:.....................................................................................

Subscription

Khulekani Ngcobo has been appointed manager of the Engineering Support Division (ESD) at Mintek.

Kobus Marais has been appointed managing director of Robor’s Pipe Systems Division with effect from 1 July 2011.

The OMSA Group has appointed Rudi Erasmus to the position of product manager: instrumentation and Jan Warnken as their new project manager: lubrication systems and Jan Grobler to the position of Technical Sales Engineer.

BP Southern Africa has made two senior leadership appointments. Gerard Derbesy has been appointed as the company’s new CEO, Alph Ngapo will be joining BP as Chief Operating Officer in a newly-created position from 1 August 2011.

Bruce Garner, managing director of Genflex Hydraulics has been appointed to the committee of the South African Fluid Power Association (SAFPA).

Kevin Pillay has been appointed as sales engineer at peristaltic pump specialist Watson Marlow Bredel SA’s head office in Johannesburg.

Juri De Rooster has been appointed as sales engineer - JHB, SEW Eurodrive, and Wesley Bartholomew is logistics manager.

On the Move

Khulekani Ngcobo Kobus Marais Rudi Erasmus

Jan Warnken Jan Grobler Gerard Derbesy

Alph Ngapo Bruce Garner Kevin Pillay

Juri De Rooster Wesley Bartholomew


www.metraclark.co.za


www.sew.co.za

sa mechanical engineer july11

Documents

carbon dioxide reduction

carbon reduction programmes

carbon issue

real impact of carbon

mechanism of decision

welldeveloped engineering

effective dictatorship

voting system