Welcome to the new print version SA Instrumentation & Control (SAI&C). The online version remains the same.
Our creative team has put enormous effort into the new design. As the official publication of the South African Institute of Measurement & Control (SAIMC), we want SAI&C to reflect our rapidly changing industry. We are also confident that you will find the progressive structure easier to read than the previous format.
Base metals and minerals
In Feb 2008, six factory workers in the Assmang ferro-manganese smelter in KwaZulu-Natal were killed when the furnace exploded. Late April 2008 the National Union of Metalworkers of South Africa alleged that the factory management knew in advance of the impending danger and instead of shutting the plant had “chosen to endanger the lives of workers just for the sake of profits".
Naturally, the management team has rejected claims of negligence. They have insisted that although they had been warned of a potential major explosion (in writing) and had been advised to “switch off the furnace immediately”, the explosion that occurred was unrelated to the warning they had received.
Whatever the outcome of official investigations, this accident is indicative of the enormous economic pressures being exerted on raw material suppliers as a result of China and India’s insatiable appetite for commodities. Our feature highlights some of the technologies that can be employed to give manufacturers a 'competitive edge'.
Environment
It also comes as no surprise that environmental control and monitoring is hogging more of the feature spotlight than ever before. An analysis of our online reader statistics shows a keen interest in energy management issues. No doubt this has been precipitated, at least in part, by our local energy crisis.
Air power
I have tried most of the adrenaline-junkie sports. The one that I have not yet had the guts to try is skydiving. The solution in 'Thrilling control' could well provide me with that extra motivation that I need to jump out of a fully functional aeroplane.
Reinstatement opportunity for ECSA registration
News
In 2023 the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) announced a special opportunity for engineers in South Africa to reinstate their registration status if it had been cancelled. This exclusive offer is available until the end of August 2024.
Read more...Hytec opens fifteenth Mandela Day library Bosch Rexroth Africa
News
Over 200 learners at Monene Primary School in rural Limpopo have received their own containerised library. This is the fifteenth library since 2011, provided by Hytec South Africa and the Nelson Mandela School Library Project to schools across the country.
Read more...CSIR survey on the state of cybersecurity in South Africa
News
The CSIR Information and Cybersecurity Centre has released four comprehensive national cybersecurity surveys. These delve into critical areas such as cybersecurity preparedness and resilience in the public sector, cybersecurity skills gaps, cybersecurity incidents, and the digital identity landscape in South Africa.
Read more...Referro Systems partners with Festo in Northern Cape
News
Referro Systems has been recognised as an Authorised Official Partner Candidate for Festo in the Northern Cape, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to delivering best-in-class automation solutions to customers.
Read more...Heavy-duty tablet achieves global certification Vepac Electronics
News
In a significant advancement for the company’s rugged tablets, the Teguar TRT-5380-10 heavy-duty tablet from Vepac has successfully acquired 11 international certifications, setting a new standard in quality, safety, and security across global markets.
Read more...RS PRO expands automation range RS South Africa
News
As automation continues to revolutionise production facilities, RS PRO, the trusted own brand of RS, is expanding its product range to meet the growing demand for smarter, more efficient processes.
Read more...From the editor's desk: Killer science Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
I couldn’t resist watching The World Industrial Reporter’s video on Ten Scientists Killed By Their Own Experiments. Some of them would have deserved the Darwin Award for taking themselves out of the ...
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