ISI complete Matla and Matimba upgrade - and take on a world-first

September 2001 System Integration & Control Systems Design

Industrial Systems Integrators has succeeded in upgrading the Matla power station outside water plant, the Majuba power station simulator and the Matimba power station precipitators, all to Citect in the last 12 months.

Perhaps of even more interest is the R8m 'fully automated DNA lab project' that it is doing for the SA Police in their fight against rape. It is claimed to be the world's first fully automated forensic genetic processing system. Off-the-shelf equipment being used includes: genetic analyser, Peltier thermal cycler, two automated laboratory plate sealers, three robotic liquid handling workstations. The remainder of the systems' analysis equipment is being designed and custom-built for the application.

Fail-safe sample tracking and control systems will follow the location of every DNA sample from submission to storage while recording whatever happens to the sample - effectively serving as a complete audit trail for all DNA samples from beginning to end. It logs lot numbers of reagents used, identifies the instrumentation used, records dates, time and process conditions. It is an inventory system that provides quality assurance.

The Marshal system managing the reference index (RI) of the SAP Service's DNA Criminal Intelligence Database (DCID) will be up and running on 28 November 2001. This will constitute the first phase of automation at the SAPS FSL Biology Unit. Future developments will deal with the automation of the DCID's crime index (CI). The CI will deal with evidence recovered from crime scenes, eg body fluids (blood, semen, saliva, etc), human tissue (body parts, skeletal remains, hair, etc).

Future use of the Marshal system need not be limited to forensic work - it also has possibilities in fields such as the study of hereditary diseases, veterinary identification of stock, determination of pedigree, and others.

Industrial Systems Integrators

(011) 704 3080

[email protected]

www.isi.co.za

Further reading:

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.

Read more...

---

36 years of innovation and success
SAM Systems Automation & Management Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
Systems Automation & Management was established in 1988 at a time when there were no other systems integrators (SIs) in the process business. SA Instrumentation & Control’s editor caught up with managing director, Claudio Agostinetto to find out more about how this thriving company has prospered over the last 36 years.

Read more...

---

Understanding the role of AI in generative engineering design
System Integration & Control Systems Design
When a design engineer sets out to design a new part, component, or assembly, the intent is to meet the design requirements for fit, form and function, and also incorporate a certain degree of innovation and elegance to the overall design. There is no reason to re-invent the wheel by introducing a new design.

Read more...

---

PCS stays up so you don’t have to
PCS Global System Integration & Control Systems Design
Maybe it’s time to look at a solution that stays online 99,99999% of the time so you don’t have to. This the world of Stratus computer platforms, tailor-made for your critical applications.

Read more...

---