Humidifying control system for eco-friendly cement plant
July 2005System Integration & Control Systems Design
Designs Unique, a Johannesburg-based company specialising in data acquisition projects, was recently commissioned to install a laboratory humidifying system at the Lafarge Bamburi Cement plant in Mombasa, Kenya. The correct and efficient humidification of such laboratories and test facilities forms an integral part of the required processes.
Following the development of a sophisticated software package for the PC-based display, monitoring and logging of critical data in laboratories, chiefly for the cement and concrete industries, Designs Unique designed and produced the award-winning DTH-Sense-Aire temperature and humidity meter/transmitter.
This accurate instrument, together with the monitoring software, has already been installed at several plants including CSIR Miningtek, Holcim, Lafarge PAD, PPC, the Cement and Concrete Institute in South Africa, Circle Cement in Zimbabwe and Johannesburg Water.
The Lafarge Bamburi Cement plant is one of the early operations in Africa to undergo rehabilitation of the environment. As a result of limestone quarrying activities, which had been going on since 1954, huge tracts of land had been left bare and scarred.
To restore the land, Dr Rene Haller, an agronomist, was invited in 1971 to rehabilitate the quarries. The goal was not only to remove the eyesore, but also to create a more productive ecosystem that would also be a safe haven for the protection of endangered coastal species of plants and animals.
Today, one can walk around Haller Park and not even realise one is at a cement plant. Lafarge Bamburi is one of Kenya's largest manufacturing companies and the largest cement producer in East Africa, producing 1,3 million tons of cement annually.
For more information contact Bobby Holdcroft, Designs Unique, 011 646 1171, [email protected]
The state of the SI industry remains strong and is expanding
System Integration & Control Systems Design
The system integration (SI) industry is expanding with the adoption of AI, automation and data sharing, allowing companies to improve operational efficiency and competitiveness across diverse sectors.
Read more...The symbiotic relationship between OEMs and SIs Schneider Electric South Africa
Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
While businesses tend to turn directly to original equipment manufacturers OEMs or vendors when embarking on IT projects, the role of the SI as a key facilitator and partner cannot be overstated.
Read more...Flexible and precise dispensing technology Beckhoff Automation
System Integration & Control Systems Design
The Scheugenpflug ProcessModule axis system forms the basis of Atlas Copco’s dispensing and screwing cells and a flexible integration platform for general contractors and machine builders. Precise process sequences are ensured by TwinCAT CNC and servo drive technology from Beckhoff.
Read more...The time is now for systems integrators
Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
Integrators combine sophistication regarding technology innovation with practical, hands-on experience. Collaborating with systems integrators is the means to significant productivity improvement, powered by the convergence of automation and information and operations technology.
Read more...System integrators are a diverse market
Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
System integrators (SIs) combine expertise on emergent technologies with real world experience. Working with SIs, it’s inevitable that at some point someone will say, “We’re not a typical SI.” And in many ways, it’s true. SIs come in all shapes and sizes.
Read more...Avoiding the pitfalls of PLC and scada control system integration Iritron
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Upgrading your control system by integrating PLCs with scada systems should be a simple seamless process. Regrettably, the industry is plagued with control system integration and upgrade myths and misconceptions that can lead to liability issues, project delays, cost overruns and decreased plant performance.
Read more...EtherCAT measurement terminals for vehicle development at Mercedes-Benz Beckhoff Automation
System Integration & Control Systems Design
At the Mercedes Technology Centre plant in Sindelfingen, Germany, car axles are examined with the highest precision on four test benches, in parallel with road tests and simulations. All data is acquired using PC-based control from Beckhoff.
Read more...Loop signature 23: Tuning Part 2.
Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
It is my opinion that most tuning methods are very crude. They do of course also offer a starting point for tuning if one is not fortunate enough to have a sophisticated tuning package like a Protuner around.
Read more...PIC microcontrollers with integrated FPGA features in TME
System Integration & Control Systems Design
The new PIC16F131xx microcontrollers in TME’s offering from Microchip are ideal for the evolving and miniaturising electronic equipment market, offering efficient power management and predictable response times for controllers.
Read more...Five smart machine trends you need to know Adroit Technologies
System Integration & Control Systems Design
The last ten years have brought about dramatic advances in technologies that OEMs had never realised would affect their designs or the saleability of their machines, much less impact business models and profits so dramatically. The following discussion will cover key advancements and recommendations all OEMs should be adopting in their design processes to stay current and competitive.