The July Technology Evening was held at Umhambi Lodge and sponsored by Endress+Hauser. Business development manager for the gas analytics division, Camine Canale, gave a presentation on the topic modern gas analysis techniques for process applications. Camine pointed out that obtaining representative reproducible samples has long been identified as the most difficult problem in the field of process analytics, regardless of which system is being used. He went on to explain the host of sampling problems ranging from distance between the sampling and measurement points, particulates in the sample, moisture, corrosive chemicals. Distance from the sampling point, as he explained, is key to the equation, and hence the closer the measurement to the sampling points the better.
Camine then went on to introduce a new system known as DRS (dynamic reflux sampler) which has been developed to solve these problems. The DRS can be mounted at or near the process, thereby eliminating the need for sample conditioning. The optical sensor uses Raman technology and an optograf analyser can be used to evaluate the sample. There are various applications from syngas production to underground coal gasification. For more information contact George Dyman, [email protected]
August Technology Evening – Wonderware
Mervyn Govender (left) and Steven Jeffery after the August presentation.
Wonderware Southern Africa hosted the August Technology Evening, where account executive Steven Jeffery gave a presentation on the topic 'Situational awareness'. Steven kicked off the presentation by explaining the industry trends including increased data size and complexity, levels of automation, education challenges and remote operation.
Coupled to trends are changes in the control room, mobile devices, alarms and events management, as well as operational excellence. With this introduction, Steven then went on to outline what constitutes an effective user interface and pointed out most people are violating the prudent use of colour and too many alarms, which in turn overloads the operators. According to Steven, all this information needs to be rolled out in what Wonderware terms 'Situational Awareness' which encompasses alarm management, control loop performance, and factors key to operational excellence. The talk was well presented and enthusiastically received by the members.
From the office of the CEO: Introduction to GRIP SAIMC
SAIMC
Industry has long been concerned about graduates who have no understanding of the modern equipment they will face in industry. This has triggered an investigation into the possibility of creating a facility whereby graduates register with the SAIMC and rotate through all the vendors to obtain experience on modern equipment.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Durban Branch hosted a technology meeting featuring a presentation by Abacus Automation on the practical role of AI in industrial automation, drawing considerable interest from attendees.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
Instrotech recently hosted a technical presentation on load cell technology and applications at the SAIMC Johannesburg Technology Evening, presented by Trevor Salzwedel. The session covered load cell fundamentals, selection and installation, mechanical considerations and calibration methods.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg Golf Day SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Johannesburg Golf Day on 22 May 2026 brought together 16 four-balls for a day of golf, networking and fundraising, with generous support from sponsors across the instrumentation and control sector.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The Johannesburg Branch had the privilege of being hosted by Phoenix Contact for our technology event in May. Shamil Surbun, BU manager for Automation, presented a CPD-accredited session on ‘From Sensor to Cloud: How SPE and APL Are Transforming Industrial Connectivity’.
Read more...From the office of the CEO: Power Hour goes national SAIMC
SAIMC
South Africa’s automation, control, mechatronics and computer engineering community is changing fast, and the SAIMC is changing with it. I am excited to announce a new national initiative that will reshape how we deliver technical knowledge, strengthen branch identity and bring our community together like never before.
Read more...SAIMC: Zambia branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Zambia executive committee met recently, and confirmed several strategic updates aimed at strengthening governance, membership engagement and professional development activities.
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