Inauen Schätti, a construction company whose areas of specialism include ropeways, is working to improve piste safety for skiers. As part of a pilot test project on the Parpaner Rothorn mountain, the company installed an avalanche mast for the selective remote-controlled detonation of charges above the snow pack. Triggering controlled avalanches protects winter sports enthusiasts and walkers from potentially hazardous snow build-up. Ensuring failsafe operation of the detonation mechanism is a controller from the Siemens portfolio. The controller is continuously self-monitoring, and operates without problems even under the most inhospitable mountain weather conditions at temperatures as low as -40°C.
Five kilograms of explosive are required for each charge. A standard hand grenade contains just 200 to 300 grams. As this enormous quantity of explosive triggers a detonation creating a pressure wave of up to 4000 metres per second, Inauen Schätti needs absolute assurance that a charge can only be detonated once the relevant command has reached the communication module on the avalanche mast via the cellphone network. As the consequences of any malfunction could be fatal, it was the absolute reliability of the Siemens solution that prompted the company to choose fail-safe components from the Siplus portfolio for the project.
Failsafe even in sub-zero conditions
High up on the mountain side, a magazine loaded with 32 explosive charges rotates using the same principle as a revolver. The charge slips into the detonating mechanism, the flap opens and the descending explosive device detonates around two to three metres above ground level, triggering the avalanche. Operators working on the computer down in the valley are able to monitor the detonation. To ensure a reliable, trouble-free detonation without any chance of a misfire, the entire process is protected by safety mechanisms: to be precise, the failsafe Siplus variant of the Simatic ET 200SP CPU controller from Siemens used in combination with the Logo! CMR2020 communication module.
“Obviously, this type of mechanism only guarantees absolute safety if the controller is reliable and fully functional at all times,” emphasises Deputy CEO of Masora, Thomas Tschudin. Masora was responsible for development of the control, communication and power supply systems for the pilot project. The entire technical system is designed to operate at very low temperatures and even works reliably at 100% humidity. Moreover, the controller can even be used at altitudes of over 5000 metres.
Next-generation AI-enhanced electronic systems design software Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Siemens Digital Industries Software has launched the latest advancement in its electronic systems design portfolio. The next-generation release takes an integrated and multidisciplinary approach, bringing a unified user experience that delivers cloud connectivity and AI capabilities to push the boundaries of innovation in electronic systems design.
Read more...Field service regime key for effective PDS/CPS operation
IS & Ex
While their primary objective is to ensure the safety of people, proximity detection system and collision prevention system installations also have a direct bearing on other critical parameters such as equipment availability and productivity.
Read more...Development of motor control units for automotive industry Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
SEDEMAC has adopted the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industry software, which is used in the development of its motor control units and engine control units. The motor control units are used in EVs, hybrids, ebikes and power tools, while the engine control units are used for off-road and on-road engines.
Read more...Sustainable last-mile delivery electric trucks Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Workhorse Group, an American technology company focused on pioneering the transition to zero-emission commercial vehicles, has adopted the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industrial software as it builds electric trucks for sustainable last-mile delivery.
Read more...Chocolate manufacturing with Siemens Xcelerator Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Freybadi, one of the largest chocolate manufacturers in Indonesia and a trusted supplier of chocolate in the Asia-Pacific, Middle East and African regions, has adopted the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industry software to optimise its manufacturing and production processes.
Read more...Electrical and electronic systems design software in the cloud Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Siemens Digital Industries Software has released its new Capital X software as a service (SaaS), the cloud-enabled suite for engineering of electrical and electronic (E/E) systems.
Read more...World’s first 5G smartphone for ATEX and IECEx zone 1/21 Extech Safety Systems
IS & Ex
i.safe MOBILE has launched the world’s first 5G smartphone for ATEX and IECEx zone 1/21. The intrinsically safe mobile device, which was also developed for use in 5G campus networks, offers companies great flexibility thanks to its wide range of possible applications, especially in the automation sector.
Read more...Digital twin technology gives the edge in America’s Cup Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
The Orient Express Racing Team is using the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industry software to aid in preparation for the upcoming 37th America’s Cup, and to gain competitive advantage.
Read more...Process control system for the entire plant lifecycle Siemens South Africa
Editor's Choice Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
The automation of process plants has been characterised by IT silos for a long time. The high level of IT security required was achieved through strict isolation from the outside world. However, this made unlocking the opportunities for digitalisation very difficult. This is a compelling reason to opt for Simatic PCS neo – Siemens’s completely web-based process control system with state-of-the-art IT security concepts.
Read more...Reshaping the future of air freight with Siemens software Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Aerospace company, Natilus has adopted the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industry software. The company is focused on transforming the world’s supply chain with its next-generation blended-wing body aircraft, and through its use of Siemens software it has reduced the development time to build its first prototype aircraft by 50%.
printer friendly version