January 2024Editor's Choice
Electrical Power & Protection
The AX8820 only starts feeding power back into the grid just before the overvoltage threshold of the connected devices is reached. Several AX8820 regenerative units can be operated in parallel to adapt the regenerative power optimally to the needs of the machine.
Image copyright: Beckhoff.
No communication via EtherCAT is required to carry out energy recovery. However, extended parameterisation is possible via EtherCAT – to adapt the voltage levels to the connected devices, for example. With the help of the extended diagnostics via EtherCAT, the current regenerative energy can also be analysed. The online data can be used to record the timing of the machine processes. This means that an investigation can be carried out to see whether the efficiency of the machine can be increased by staggering the machine processes.
The thermal combustion balancing act
Editor's Choice
From carbon taxes to export tariffs, and cost containment to security of supply and sustainability, companies are under increasing pressure to switch to greener fuel sources. Associated Energy Services warns that this pivotal change has some potentially serious knock-on effects.
Read more...What’s driving the IE3 motor revolution? WEG Africa
Editor's Choice
The International Efficiency 3 (IE3) motor standard will soon become South Africa’s legal minimum standard, mandating that local suppliers offer more efficient electric motors. What is driving this change, and how does it affect the many industries that rely on these modern electric workhorses?
Read more...Unlocking the smart factory ElectroMechanica
Editor's Choice Motion Control & Drives
At ElectroMechanica, we recognise that transitioning to smart automation isn’t just about adopting new technology; it’s about solving real challenges. Labour shortages, rising costs and downtime due to outdated machinery make digital transformation essential for long-term competitiveness.
Read more...Case History 197: Bad reboiler temperature control. Michael Brown Control Engineering
Editor's Choice Flow Measurement & Control
It is very important that reboiler temperature controls operate well in petrochemical refineries, or the product quality can really suffer. I was asked to check such a control in a refinery where they were having problems with one of these controls.
Read more...The future of industrial automation: fieldbus and industrial networking LAPP Southern Africa
Editor's Choice
As a global leader in integrated solutions in the field of cable and connection technology, LAPP recognises that fieldbus and industrial networking technologies are pivotal in shaping the future of manufacturing and production processes.
Read more...AI-driven innovations with CCTV and cyber security RJ Connect
Editor's Choice Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
The fast progress of artificial intelligence (AI) and video analytics is redefining the rail surveillance landscape. Advancements have bolstered proactive event detection, predictive maintenance and enhanced situational awareness.
Read more...Compact drive and control technology Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
When custom machine builder Lehnen Industrial Services introduced a filling machine for lip balm, the company was surprised by the amount of interest in this premium system. In order to meet this demand, they decided to standardise the machine. The necessary adaptability is provided by the scalable control technology from Beckhoff.
Read more...Loop signature 27: SWAG tuning of simple integrating processes.
Editor's Choice
The chief control engineer of one of the largest petrochemical refineries in South Africa once sent me an email after a course at his plant. He wrote that he had found the section on SWAG tuning of simple integrating processes one of the most informative of the whole course.
Read more...Industrial PCs with new processor generations and increased performance Beckhoff Automation
Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
PC-based control technology from Beckhoff has always benefited from the convergence of automation and the IT world. Current examples include the use of the latest industry-standard processor generations, high-quality and demand-optimised flash memory, and the long-term availability version of Windows 11.
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