SAIMC


SAIMC: Secunda branch

October 2019 SAIMC

At the technology evening on 1 August, Katlego Setwaba from Pepperl+Fuchs gave a presentation on ‘Explosion protection with a focus on purge and pressurisation’.


Johan Maritz (left) thanks Katlego Setwaba.

The effects of accidental fires or explosions can be devastating in terms of lives lost, injuries, damage to property and the environment, and to business continuity. An explosion is the sudden chemical reaction of a flammable material with oxygen with the simultaneous release of high amounts of energy. Flammable materials may be present in the form of gasses, vapours, mist or dusts.

In order for an explosion to occur three conditions must exist: flammable material, oxygen and an ignition source. Purge and pressurisation is a protection method used with Type 4X (SANS 60079-2:2015) enclosures in a classified area. The enclosure is initially purged to remove any internal explosive gases or dust. Once this is accomplished, the enclosure is pressurised with a protective air or inert gas, preventing volatile gasses from entering in order to avoid an explosion.

This was an educational discussion, which attendees found intriguing.

All instrumentation and control related mechanicians, technicians and engineers are welcome to attend the monthly technology evenings, planned dates for the rest of the year are: Thursday 3 October and Thursday 7 November. All presentations earn CPD points for ECSA registered individuals. Enquiries can be directed to branch chairman Johan Maritz (+27 82 856 3865).


Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Come and meet Pepper, the friendly humanoid robot
SAIMC News
Pepper, the friendly humanoid robot, is ready to welcome visitors at the SAIMC/SA Instrumentation & Control stand for an interactive glimpse into the future of robotics.

Read more...
Society for Automation, Instrumentation, Mechatronics and Computer Engineering
SAIMC SAIMC
The SAIMC NPC is committed to the success of its members. In doing so, it continues to look for ways to advance standards in the field of automation, instrumentation, mechatronics and computer engineering.

Read more...
SAIMC: Johannesburg branch
SAIMC SAIMC
he SAIMC Johannesburg March technology event was hosted by Comtest, the Fluke agent in southern Africa. The topic was Renewable Energy Resources.

Read more...
SAIMC: Secunda branch
SAIMC SAIMC
Here are some highlights from recent SAIMC Secunda meetings.

Read more...
SAIMC: Durban branch
SAIMC SAIMC
The Durban branch March technology evening was held on 5 March at the Premier Splendid Inn, and as is always the case with Paul Sikhakhane’s presentations, it drew a large audience.

Read more...
How to claim CPD points
SAIMC Supplier Advisory Council SAIMC
SAIMC makes it possible for you to claim CPD points for attending courses and technical meetings, or completing an online quiz on a SA Instrumentation & Control magazine.

Read more...
SAIMC: From the office of the CEO: Reality check
SAIMC SAIMC
“Never have so many owed so much to so few.” This phrase is a famous quote by Winston Churchill, referring to the efforts of the Royal Air Force pilots who fought in the Battle of Britain during World War II. It highlights the immense gratitude owed to the relatively small number of pilots who played a crucial role in defending the United Kingdom from the German Luftwaffe.

Read more...
SAIMC User Advisory Council KS4I event
SAIMC Supplier Advisory Council SAIMC
The SAIMC User Advisory Council started 2025 with its first event in the ‘Knowlege Sharing 4 Industry’ event series on the 19th of March.

Read more...
Knowledge Sharing 4 Industry
SAIMC Supplier Advisory Council SAIMC
In proud partnership with Innomotics, SAIMC will be hosting the first Knowledge Sharing 4 Industry event for 2025.

Read more...
SAIMC: From the office of the CEO: Quo vadis South Africa
SAIMC SAIMC
In the nineteen hundreds, South Africa built the country while strict sanctions were in place. Control instrumentation and other computer equipment were given codes to ensure the most powerful equipment ...

Read more...