same: jan 2010

THE SOUTH AFRICAN MECHANICAL ENGINEER VOL 60 January 2010 1

2 THE SOUTH AFRICAN MECHANICAL ENGINEER VOL 60 January 2010

THE SOUTH AFRICAN MECHANICAL ENGINEER VOL 60 January 2010 �

Chris ReayChairman of the Working

Committee: Communications(SA Institution of Mechanical

Engineering)

AN ENGINEER’S VIEW

The essence of the policy lies in the Acts issued by Parliament in 2000 governing the six profes-sions that are considered to be

responsible for the activities that create and manage the built environment. One of these is the Engineering Professions Act which would apply to the various

categories of engineering activities.

The implementation of registration is mandated to ECSA which essentially provides an administration role and relies heavily on the input and support of all the VAs, as well as from academia and industry. The bulk of the technical work is carried out by the latter bodies in various committees hosted by ECSA. Overall it works well when one considers the evolutionary challenges of setting and maintaining standards for a profession.

The key component of the process is the peer review role played by the largely voluntary persons who are appointed to the committees.

Readers may recall the collective objections to the recent SACBE Bill that got as far as the National Council of Provinces in Parliament before being withdrawn and effectively terminated. That fun-damental component of independent peer review of applications for registration was to be removed and replaced by a ministerial appointment. It would have lead to a disaster which could have literally reduced the profession to a low standard free-for-all. So much for the Act that focuses on the maintenance of public safety.

Two viewsHowever, we are now progressing to the stage where IDoEW may become a reality, and this depends on the CBE, ECSA and the VAs finding common ground in the structuring of the policy and its practical implementation. Currently there are two views on how it should work.

One, favoured by the CBE, is to ascribe competency

disciplines to all registered persons, the other, favoured by ECSA, is to follow a process which provides for a series of generic questions that need to be asked about defined job functions. If these conclude that the activities would have the need to comply with engineering competencies that relate to public safety, then that role is reserved for registered persons.

The selection of who is competent to carry out this role is then done by normal evaluation of potential candidates by the responsible employer body. The ECSA model ensures compliance with the Act, while that of the CBE introduces terms and roles not contained in the Act, and which would lead to enormous lists of competencies and disciplines that would need massive administrative and technical support bodies. It would require changes to the Act and the current registration process.

One hopes a constructive, collective solution to this challenging process will result but one thing is for certain. It will have an enormous impact and per-haps currently unknown effect on the employment of engineering resources. The VAs should evaluate how they can be relevant in this new order and provide employers of engineering resources with assistance.

Understanding the issuesIt would be advisable for all mechanical engineering based companies to consider joining the SAIMechE as Affiliate Members as well as to encourage their qualifying resources to register with ECSA, and become members of the SAIMechE as well. It costs the same to do both as it is to register with one only.

It will also benefit employers to form associations with those recruiting consultants who understand the implications of engineering qualifications and competence criteria. Too many job specifications are issued by those who patently fail to understand these issues.

Identification of Engineering Work (IDoEW)

The Council for the Built Environment (CBE) has recently issued a draft policy document on the application of the reservation of work for registered engineering categories. Commentary and suggested amendments have been requested from

ECSA (Engineering Council of SA) and the Voluntary Associations (VAs).

Could have literally reduced the profession to a low standard free-for-all

� THE SOUTH AFRICAN MECHANICAL ENGINEER VOL 60 January 2010


Monthly Column8 Naval Mine Warfare

Power Transmission13 Co-Generation15 Controlling Drives

Exhibition & Conference12 Focus on Cutting, Welding and Fabrication

Automation & Robotics17 Look Ma, No Hands

Reducing Emissions20 Carbon Capture and Storage

Produced by:PROMECH PUBLISHING,P O Box 373, Pinegowrie, 2123Republic of South AfricaTel: (011) 781-1401, Fax: (011) 781-1403Email: [email protected]: www.promech.co.zaManaging Editor Susan CustersEditor Kowie HammanAdvertising Pauline BouwerCirculation Catherine MacdivaDTP Zinobia Docrat/Sanette LehanieDisclaimerPROMECH Publishing and The South African Institution of Mechanical Engineering as well as any other body do not take responsibility for the opinions expressed by individuals.Printed by: Typo Colour Printing, Tel: (011) 402-3468/9

Official Publication ofTHE SA INSTITUTION OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERINGand endorsed by:

CORROSION INSTITUTE OF SA SA PUMP MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION SA VALVE AND ACTUATORS MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION THE SA INSTITUTE OF TRIBOLOGY NUCLEAR INSTITUTE SA INSTITUTE FOR NON-DESTRUCTIVE TESTING NATIONAL SOCIETY OF BLACK ENGINEERS INSTITUTE FOR CERTIFICATED MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL ENGINEERS SOUTH AFRICAN ASSOCIATION OF CONSULTING ENGINEERS ASSOCIATION OF SOCIETIES FOR OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH

Oils & Lubrication21 Transforming the Market

Filters & Filtration25 No More Hassles27 Clearing the Air

Regulars3 An Engineer’s View6 Institution News11 Consulting Engineers SA23 SAIT29 Nuclear Institute (SA Branch)30 Market Forum

Contents

The monthly circulation is 4 242

CopyrightAll rights reserved. No editorial matter published in “SA Mechani-cal Engineer” may be reproduced in any form or language without written permission of the publish-ers. While every effort is made to ensure accurate reproduction, the editor, authors, publishers and their employees or agents shall not be responsible or in any way liable for any errors, omissions or inaccuracies in the publication, whether arising from negligence or otherwise or for any consequences arising there-from. The inclusion or exclusion of any product does not mean that the publisher or editorial board advocates or rejects its use either generally or in any particular field or fields.

Jan 2010 VOLUME 60 NUMBER 1

Featured on the Cover

ESAB

Tel: (011) 240-4000Fax: (011) 240-4329

Email: [email protected]: www.esabasia.com


THE SA INSTITUTION OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Council 2009/2010

Office BearersPresident .......................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . G Barbic (George)President Elect ........................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... D Findeis (Dirk)National Treasurer ................................. K Nyangoni (Kudzai)

Branch ChairpersonsCentral ..................................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . M Cramer (Mike)Eastern Cape ............................. Prof Dr DG Hattingh (Danie)KwaZulu/Natal ........................................... AG Fileczki (Alex)Western Cape ........ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Prof B Collier-Reed (Brandon)

Portfolios:Communications .............................................. CD Reay (Chris)Education - Universities................... Prof JL van Niekerk (Wikus)Education: Universities of Technology............... E Zawilska (Ewa)Membership .................................................... E Zawilska (Ewa)Seminars and Workshops.................................. D Findeis (Dirk)Technology Programme ................................. SZ Hrabar (Steve)

Chief Executive Officer: Vaughan Rimbault

National Office Manager: Anisa Nanabhay PO Box �11, Bruma, 2026Tel: (011) 61�-�660, Fax: (011) �88-��6Email: [email protected] Website: www.saimeche.org.zaMembership: Central, Eastern Cape & KZN: [email protected] Membership: Western Cape: [email protected]

Company AffiliatesAlstom Power Service SABabcock Africa LimitedBateman Engineered Technologies Fluor SAGEA Air-cooled SystemsHansen Transmissions SAHatch AfricaHowden PowerIndustrial Water CoolingKHD Humboldt Wedag SAMegchem Eng & Drafting ServicesOsborn Engineered Products SARotek Engineering RSD a division of DCD-DorbylS.A.M.E WaterSasol TechnologiesSEW Eurodrive Siemens LtdSNC-Lavalin SASpicer Axle SASpirax Sarco SAThyssenkrupp Engineering Transvaal Pressed Nuts & BoltsUltra-Flow Engineering ServicesVital EngineeringWeir Warman AfricaWinder Controls

SAIMechE’s Technology Olympiad is fast becoming the only Technology awareness programme that schools can offer to learn-ers wishing to take technology subjects that

are free of charge to all participants.

Learners participating stand to gain a greater under-standing of the important underpinning principles of mechanical engineering. At the same time, participants learn to co-operate as part of a team while they find a feasible solution to the challenge set each year.

Advice to educatorsThe Technology Olympiad provides workshops through appointed facilitators, at no charge. Guidance and advice to schools is also offered to educators. Through these workshops, the learn-ers are instructed in presentation, report writing

2010 Challenge2009 was another exciting and vibrant year for the Technology Olympiad. Not only is the programme reaching more learners but it’s also working closely with the educators and the Department of Education to increase its

footprint across South Africa.

2010 Challenge Design and build a self-powered ball-shooter that can travel from the start area to the shoot-ing area and shoot a tennis ball at the goals without human intervention. The power source of the ball-shooter may be mechanical, gravity, pneumatic, hydraulic or any combination of these.

Invitations to par-ticipate in the 2010 chal-lenge were mai led in January to approximate-ly 8 000 high schools offer-ing Mathemat-ics, Science and Technology at a grade 10-12 level. We look forward to working closely with the donors, sponsors, schools, DST and Department of Education this year.

Encouraged to take up a career in one of the many disciplines of engineering


THE SA INSTITUTION OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

and are encouraged to take up a career in one of the many disciplines of engineering. It has been proven beyond doubt that these workshops play an essential role and add value to the overall learning process.

Therefore, in an effort to increase awareness and participation, the Technology Olympiad will place a greater emphasis and focus on facilitators and workshops in 2010.

Valid and relevantMuch thought and brainstorming has gone into designing the challenge for 2010. Besides meeting the stringent requirements of the current curriculum it must appeal to learners as relevant, it must al-low for a valid learning experience, it must be wide enough to allow creativity in generating concepts but specific enough that learners can understand what is required. It must have an appeal of fun to learners from all communities and it must be possible to adjudicate the result as objectively as possible.

It is therefore with great excitement that we unveil the next challenge (see alongside).

Training Events Calendar - JANUARY - MARCH 2010Whilst every effort is made to ensure that events take place as scheduled, SAIMechE reserves the right to change the

sechedule as circumstances dictate. A registration form and full terms and conditions may be obtained from Carey Evans on email: [email protected] or Tel. (031) 764-7136. Detailed individual event programmes are available from Carey.

Corporations wishing to book In-House Workshops may contact Linda Robinson on email: [email protected] or Tel: (031) 764-7136.

Event Code

Full Title Date Region

C2110 The Management of Health & Safety Risks/Hazards 18-Feb-10 Cape Town

B1310 Structured Problem Solving Techniques 24-Feb-10 Port Elizabeth

A0210 Boiler House; Safety Valves 24 to 26-Feb-10 Durban

J0810 Finance for Engineers 3-Mar-10 Pretoria

D0210 Boiler House; Safety Valves 03 to 05-Mar-10 Vereeniging

C0210 Boiler House; Safety Valves 10 to 12-Mar-10 Cape Town

A1810 Materials- Selection Specification and Welding Technology 11-Mar-10 Durban

A3710 Pressure Vessel Design, Construction, Fitness for Service Assessment & Troubleshooting 12-Mar-10 Durban

E2610 Working in Confined Spaces - Safety Requirements & Guidelines 17-Mar-10 East Rand

F0210 Boiler House; Safety Valves 17 to 19-Mar-10 Secunda

A1310 Structured Problem Solving Techniques 18-Mar-10 Durban

B3610 Project Management - A Review of Essentials 24-Mar-10 Port Elizabeth

D3010 Root Cause Failure Analysis 24 to 25-Mar-10 Vereeniging

B4710 Capital Budgeting for Projects 25-Mar-10 Port Elizabeth

C4610 Value Engineering & Value Management 31-Mar-10 Cape Town

D0310 Steam Distribution; Pipeline Ancillaries; Steam Flow Metering; Desuperheating 7-Apr-10 Vereeniging

A2110 The Management of Health & Safety Risks/Hazards 8-Apr-10 Durban

F0310 Steam Distribution; Pipeline Ancillaries; Steam Flow Metering; Desuperheating 14 to 15-Apr-10 Secunda

A3310 Stainless Steel - Complete Overview for Engineers Including Design with Stainless Steel 20-Apr-10 Durban

A3410 Aluminium - A Complete Overview for Engineers Including Design with Aluminium 21-Apr-10 Durban

C0310 Steam Distribution; Pipeline Ancillaries; Steam Flow Metering; Desuperheating 21 to 22-Apr-10 Cape Town

A3510 Plastics - A Complete Overview for Engineers Including Design with Plastics 22-Apr-10 Durban

F1310 Structured Problem Solving Techniques 28-Apr-10 Secunda

J0610 The Engineer As Manager 28-Apr-10 Pretoria

SAIMechE and Promech Publishing wish all members and readers a memorable

2010


MONTHLY COLUMN

A lthough many of these mov-ies play off during WWII

when U-boats were a relatively new thing, the concept of min-ing rivers, harbours and bays to prevent access by the enemy dates back to the 17th century, and is still very

much general practice today. The simplicity of naval mine technology has allowed countries without much of a navy in terms of frig-ates and submarines to protect themselves against invasion via their waterways.

Naval Mine Warfare

In war movies, the

threat of naval mines

blowing the vessel

to smithereens any

second now, creates

suspense. A regular

‘ping’ adds to the

sinister ambiance as

the hull slowly drifts

past large spiky met-

al balls suspended

on a chain moored to

the sea floor.

A typical mine from WWII

What the first Naval mines looked like

Allowed countries without much of a navy to protect themselves against invasion via their waterways

KoreaDuring the Korean War, for instance, the North Kore-ans failed to adequately defend against the Inchon Invasion in mid-September 1950, but they were not to be caught out twice. Their Soviet supporters provided thousands of sea mines, plus technical advisors, and very soon, several USA and South Korean Navy ships struck mines off their east coast.

The threat of mines proved to be a serious problem for the US Navy throughout the conflict. In mid-Oc-tober 1950, with winter fast approaching, they urgently needed supplies for their men and equip-ment. Roads were in dis-repair from heavy bombing against the retreating North Korean Army, and rail links


MONTHLY COLUMN

were virtually unusable. Supply by sea through the port city of Chinnampo was the only possibility. The port’s approaches, however, were known to be heavily mined and opening the port became one of the top military priorities. History has it that an US Navy admiral wired Washington: “We have lost control of the seas to a nation without a Navy, using pre-World War I weapons, laid by vessels that were utilised at the time of the birth of Christ..”

Still a threatToday, naval mines, whether they’re built with sophisticated electronics or simple ‘home-made’ technology, are still one of the best ways of protecting shore areas from invasion via the open sea. To understand more about the domain of underwater security, “SA Mechanical Engineer” visits a division of Armscor Business, the Institute for Maritime Technology (IMT), in Simonstown to talk to their development manager Mackenzie Johnson.

“To build a missile and use it you need expensive sophisticated technology and equipment, but a naval anti-ship mine can easily be built by anyone with ac-cess to explosives and some electronics knowledge” he says.

“The sea mine is still far and away one of the most real threats across the world today especially because of the large numbers around,” Mackenzie says. “When the Iron Curtain fell it was estimated that Russia’s arsenal alone had between 250 000 and 425 000 naval mines. Today nobody can really account for exactly where all those mines are.“

HistoryMine warfare as we know it today began in 1776 when David Bushnell invented the ‘Bushnell’s Keg’. This primitive mine was composed of a watertight keg filled with black powder and a flintlock detona-tor which was suspended from a float. These kegs were placed in the Delaware River so that, it was hoped, they would float into British ships downriver. These early mines were called torpedoes as self-propelled torpedoes as we know them today had not yet been invented.

In 1829, a 14-year-old Yankee inventor named Sam Colt demonstrated how an underwater powder charge could be set off by electricity. The demonstration did not increase young Colt’s popularity because onlookers were showered with muddy water. However, Colt showed how devastating a small explosive charge could be when exploded against a boat A popular anti-ship mine

A fish-eye view of a mine field

under water. The water tamped the explosive, so that the greatest force of the explosion was directed against the boat.

How it worksSea mines are known to the general public as con-tact mines, those spiky balls moored just under the

Nobody can really account for exactly where all those mines are


Sweeping for mines with a helicopter

water surface which explode on contact with a ship’s hull. These still exist, but a modern mine is more likely to be one triggered at a distance. Convention-ally these mines can detect the target’s presence through three methods: magnetic, pressure, and acoustic influence. Many mines use any or all of the combinations. Magnetic influence mines sense the magnetic field caused by the iron in the ship’s hull. The magnetic field of a ship can be controlled by periodically degaussing (also called wiping) the ship, or in the case of specialised naval vessels, by means of electric coils integrated in the ship structure and controlled in such a way to cancel the ship’s magnetic field.

However, wiping is a time-consuming process which involves wrapping the entire hull in large cables and applying a magnetic field for several hours; control with coils is complex and expensive. Most ships

therefore have some detectable magnetic field and are vulnerable to magnetic influence mines.

Even ships made out of wood or fibreglass are not immune to magnetic detection as there are numerous other components of a ship’s structure that contribute to the magnetic ‘signature’ of the vessel. Furthermore, the mine can be made to dif-ferentiate between different types of targets on the basis of their magnetic ‘signature’.

Mines can also detect targets by the pressure (Bernoulli) effects caused by the forced water flow beneath a vessel. This effect is related to the speed of the vessel as well as the distance between the vessel’s keel and the sea bottom. To counter this effect, a “safe” speed for each vessel is determined by measurement under controlled conditions. Lastly, the mine may contain sonar equipment to detect the acoustic ‘signature’ of the ship. This too allows the mine to distinguish between many different types of targets.

After 50 years“The explosives in an old mine can still be effective after 50 years. It’s also relatively easy to take an old mine and fit it with modern electronic detection and detonation technology such as ship signature identification,” says Mackenzie.

“In the underwater security domain we focus on capability maintenance and the development of systems, by modelling the technologies related to naval mine counter measures, sea mines, underwater intruder detection and waterside security systems. In support of the South African Navy, we keep a close watch on mine counter measure systems the rest of the world develops. During the Gulf War, sea mines were used extensively and the United States Navy were dealing with this problem on a daily basis so they have a lot to teach us.”

DolphinsAmong the ingenious solutions used to counter mines is the use of dolphins to ‘hunt down’ the mines especially as 14 of the 19 USA Navy ships destroyed or damaged since 1950 have been as a result of mines. Dolphins have been trained to receive a cue from their handler before they begin to search a specific area using their biological sonar called echolocation. When a dolphin echolocates, it emits a series of clicks which bounces off an object and back to the dolphin, allowing it to construct a mental image of the object.

The dolphin reports back to its handler, giving one response if a target object is detected and a dif-ferent response if no target object is detected. If a mine-like target is detected, the handler sends the dolphin to mark the location of the object so it can be avoided by Navy vessels or dealt with by Navy divers.

Mackenzie Johnson, IMT, Tel: (021) 786-8230, Email: [email protected]

MONTHLY COLUMN

Even ships made out of wood or fibreglass are not immune


In this role he aims to focus on improv-ing the business environment for

consulting engineers. It is important to him that both Cesa mem-bers as well as their clients conduct busi-ness with integrity and in a professional manner. He strongly believes that consult-ing engineers should not be perceived by clients and the public as commodities, but as their trusted advi-sors.

To this end, Cesa and its members must engage with politicians and decision makers to guide, advise and assist them in creating a sustainable South Africa where all our inhabitants work towards the common goal of creating a future for our children.

Zulch was involved with the planning, design, rehabilita-tion and construction of roads and runways, as well as traffic engineering. Since 1984 Zulch has been a partner and later a Director of UWP Consulting. In April 1999 he was appointed Managing Director of the company, responsible for approximately 300 staff members situated in 16 offices across South Africa, as well as subsidiary offices in Zambia, Tanzania and Botswana. Zulch has served on the CESA Council and EXCO since 2003.

He has been Chairman of CESA’s National Liaison, Finance and Staff as well as Disciplinary committees. He is also a Director of two of the Section 21 companies created by CESA including the Project Development Facilitation Alliance (PDFA) as well as the Built Environment Profes-sionals Export Council (BEPEC).

Graham Pirie, Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA), Tel: (011) 463-2022, Email: [email protected]

Not Just Commodities

CONSULTING ENGINEERS SA

Zulch Lötter

Newly-appointed President of Cesa (Consult-ing Engineers SA), Zulch Lötter, says that the

presidency of Cesa is the most important office he has held outside of UWP Consulting and he

regards it as a great honour to be able to plough back into an industry in which he has been ac-

tive for close to 40 years.


F rom 16 - 18 March 2010, the 4th Subsahara Oil & Gas and Petrochem exhibition and conference – Oil & Gas Africa – will be co-located with the 13th Fish & Marine Africa expo for the first time.

As both the offshore oil industry and the marine industry are high users of welding, cutting, and fabrication technol-ogy, these combined events are showcasing a pavilion of relevant products and services called: “Focusing on cutting, welding and fabrication”.

“SA Mechanical Engineer” has been appointed to pub-lish an exclusive preview of the products and services of companies making up the pavilion in the February 2010 edition. In addition to its normal circulation, 1000 extra copies will be distributed to international visitors attend-ing the event.

In 2008 the 3rd Oil Africa was attended by 3522 trade visitors from 34 countries. 225 conference delegates came from 25 countries.

For advertising bookings, contact Pauline Bouwer on Tel: (011) 781-1401, Fax: (011) 781-1403 or Email: [email protected]. For more info on the exhibition and conference contact Saki Magoxo, Tel: (011) 783-7250 or Email: [email protected]

Focus on Cutting, Welding, and Fabrication

EXHIBITION AND CONFERENCE

THE SOUTH AFRICAN MECHANICAL ENGINEER VOL 60 January 2010 1�

Bagasse fuel is renewable and the gases it produces (essentially CO2) are more than used up by the new cane growing in the fields.

Using wasteAs a supplier of a large percentage of drives to the sugarcane processing industry, Zest saw the Brazil-ian technology as an opportunity to offer the South African sugar industry a similar solution.

“SA Mechanical Engineer” speaks to Coenraad Vrey, managing director of Zest Energy to learn more. “Zest has traditionally supplied every-thing from electric motors through to variable

speed drives, transformers, cabling and electrical installation work, but we

did not have anything to offer on the power generation side,” he says. “We therefore established Zest Energy and entered into an agreement with a Brazilian com-pany, TGM, to bring their technol-ogy of co-generation, specifically developed for the sugar industry in Brazil over the past ten years, to South Africa.

Total solution“As a result, we can now sup-ply everything from the drives through to the complete power generation plant to make a sugar processing plant self-sufficient and much more efficient from an environmental point of view,” adds Coenraad. “TGM manufactures a complete power generation system including the steam turbines and planetary gearboxes which they manufacture in-house. This means that we will be able to ‘customise’ every installation to the exact speed reduction and turbine pressures for each individual application, whether it is a sugar processing plant, a steel mill or a paper processing plant.

Coenraad elaborates, “One of Zest’s technology suppliers, WEG, has been supplying 90% of TGM’s requirements in terms of the alternator and electrical reticulation equipment to support

the operation of the steam turbine

POWER TRANSMISSION

Co-GenerationIn a sugar processing plant there are hundreds of electric motors for fans, conveyors, compactors and pumps,

all using electricity. But sugarcane processing produces a high percentage of fibre waste called bagasse which, in countries like Brazil, is widely used to generate the electricity used by these motors.

Very flexible and can be adapted to operate with other fuels as well

1� THE SOUTH AFRICAN MECHANICAL ENGINEER VOL 60 January 2010

unit that they manufacture. This now gives Zest Energy access to this technology and many years of expertise, thereby allowing us to bring proven technology to South Africa.”

Electric motorsThe steam turbine units TGM manufacture can generate up to 150 MW and for more power, units can easily be combined to increase the output. “In Brazil, the sugar industry alone generates about 80% of the energy required by the industry,” says Coenraad, “which is why we are focussing on the African sugar industry

as a start. In Brazil all the steam-driven mills and centrifuges on the sugar processing plants have been converted to more effective electrical drives, while the steam generation plants have been up-

POWER TRANSMISSION

Coenraad Vrey, managing director of Zest Energy

graded to the higher pressure needed for turbine power generation.”

Feeding the gridEssentially, the process involves the burning of bagasse to generate steam, which in turn generates electricity for all the plant equipment.

TGM’s steam power generation system is very flexible and can be adapted to operate with other fuels as well. “Many sugar processing plants also produce ethanol which can be used as a fuel,” says Coenraad. “Normally sugarcane estates only have accessible bagasse for about eight months of the year. To deliver constant power, we can now install dual boilers that can also run on coal for those short periods when no bagasse is available. In Brazil this translates to 97% power generation availability throughout the year, which is what we are now offering the local market.”

Other applicationsZest is not limited to providing equipment and solutions for the sugar industry only. They are also targeting industries that simply cannot scale down on the consumption of electricity. “You cannot sim-ply adjust a furnace to use less energy. For these industries, it will become more difficult to afford electricity as the tariffs increase and high penalties start being introduced in the future,” says Coenraad.

“In the case of a furnace, for example, we can take the gas from that furnace, clean it and then use it as a fuel in a co-generation configura-tion. The gas from a 20MW furnace could comfortably generate between 5 to 7 MW of electrical energy.”

Small steam power gen-eration and co-generation technology is not new to South Africa, but it has not been readily available until now. “The advantage of dealing with Zest is that we now offer a total in-house solution, where we not only supply the mo-tors, but all the mechanical and electrical equipment as well,” says Coenraad in conclusion. “All these systems are configurable to specific industries and their individual requirements and are backed up by the expe-rience and expertise of our Brazilian counterparts.”

Coenraad Vrey, Zest Energy, Tel: (011) 723-6000, Email: [email protected]

You cannot simply adjust a furnace to use less energy


we have Lenze gearboxes that cater for the smaller industry up to 45Kw. With Vogel we can cater for medium sized applications ranging from bevel gearboxes of 0.5 Nm to large planetary gearboxes rated for 400kW,” he says.

DesignDrive systems are designed for each individual application ranging from materials handling, bulk conveying, factory automation, automated produc-tion lines for the automotive industry to the high precision drives used in precision-controlled robotic applications. “Lenze as the second tier supplier just completed a project at an automotive plant where they supplied all the motors, drives, gearboxes, brakes and soft-start systems integrated with control systems such as Siemens for a complete automotive assembly line,” Marcus says.

“Drive based safety is one of our strengths. The use of safety engineering allowed us to save time and money with fewer devices and less wiring, optimise costs through the safety module’s scalability, and achieve shorter machine clock cycles thanks to short response times. The TÜV-certified safety satisfies the requirements of up to category 4 of EN 954-1. The cost savings achieved using these drives has resulted in this client standardising on this system for all their other factories around the world.”

OutletsFrom the humble beginnings of a single office and factory in Randburg in 1969, the company has grown to today having two branches in Gauteng, one in Durban, one in Port Elizabeth and two in Cape Town. “Because we have such a wide range of products covering applications in all industries, we’re planning to expand even further in Gauteng in order to cover the growing industries in the

POWER TRANSMISSION

Controlling DrivesLower cost variable speed units can be economically used to replace mechanical damping units, manage air and fluid flows with integrated PID, so reducing energy costs. It is however necessary to look at the complete system in order to achieve

the required results.

Marcus Gericke of SA Power

Drives in a cable manufacturing plant

Control panel for a VSD system

SA Mechanical Engineer” speaks to Marcus Gericke, Gauteng branch manager at SA Power, a company that offers a full range of mechanical and electrical products as well

as the design capability to optimise drive solutions for various applications. “On the mechanical side

The cheaper gearbox wastes a lot of energy due to the losses within


POWER TRANSMISSION

area,” says Marcus.

“For many industries, we can design, engineer and supply all the drive systems they may need including gearboxes, motors and control systems needed to improve efficiencies. We can integrate with many control systems that are in the field today and work with customers to ensure energy efficient systems”.

VSDIn the past, variable speed drives were big and bulky, but with ever improving technology the components used have become smaller and in turn have resulted in smaller AC drives.

“We assist customers by doing a site analyses to determine the exact power requirements for each application. We use Lenze software called “drive solution designer” that incorporates and takes into

A complete drive installed

Drive control

account the losses that occur both mechanically and electrically to assist us in sizing the cor-rect products for the application. This software takes into account life cycles of the equipment, energy consumption, wear and of course energy saving,” Marcus explains.

SavingsThe company is busy with a multi-stage project where IP65 inverters are installed on motors at a plant in KZN to improve the energy consump-tion of the plant. This is being achieved by replacing throttling valves used to regulate flow by reducing motor speeds, This has resulted in reduced mechanical wear on the pumps and less strain on the motors caused by lower current requirements. “Taking all of these actions into account, the actual saving by the customer is not only in electricity but also in maintenance costs as well,” adds Marcus.

“Energy saving is not as easy as just installing VSD’s. You need to take into account many factors that change from company to company, application to application. Thinking about it, we have, in fact, been doing energy saving for many years now by designing our systems correctly, by using the best suited products for the job, be it synchronous motors to soft starters. Each project has its unique design features that must be taken into account and an “energy saving drive solution” needs to be made.

GearboxThe overall energy efficiency of a drive train is, however, not only dependent on the motor efficiency and its control. The choice of gearbox used in the system is as important. Explains Marcus, “Usually people first ask after the price when it comes to the gearbox, but if you compare a low-cost worm gearbox with an efficiency of 50 to 60% to that of a moderately priced helical-bevel gearbox at 97% efficiency, the cheaper gearbox wastes a lot of energy

due to the losses within.” Further improvements in efficiency are achieved if a smaller motor and gearbox can be used thanks to the improved efficiency of the gearbox. In the end it all boils down to designing the drive train optimally for each specific application. For instance hydraulic drives are well known for their comparatively low efficiencies and hydraulic oil is hazardous to the environment. Advances in electric drive technology have meant that in many cases these obstacles can be overcome and these drives can be replaced with VSD’s.

“The crux of the matter is; design your drive system correctly and incorporate energy saving drive solutions from the start and your footprint will be greener,” Marcus says in conclusion.

Marcus Gericke, SA Power, Tel: (011) 908-7060, Email: [email protected]

Obstacles can be overcome and these drives can be replaced with VSD’s


Compared with the rapid evolution of auto-mated handling systems and robots, AGVs seem to have lagged behind a bit in some countries, but this does not mean the de-

velopment of technology has stagnated altogether. While conveyors and lift trucks are the most com-mon handling solutions in warehousing as well as in manufacturing plants, automatic guided vehicles are increasingly becoming a viable alternative in both of these situations.

In South Africa there have been a couple of AGV installations in both the manufacturing and ware-housing environments. To learn more about these and the latest technology available, “SA Mechanical Engineer” meets with Willem Prinsloo of Varic.

“Apart from our original installation at SA Mint’s plant, we also installed AGVs at an engine as-sembly plant and some for the handling of large rolls of paper,” he says. “The installation at the SA Mint, in terms of security, is the ultimate solution because it eliminates human presence from high security areas.

Laser technology“Original technology ‘steered’ AGVs via circuitry built into the floors, but today we use laser technology. By simply working out routes on a CAD-type pro-gramme and feeding this into the AGV’s system, the vehicle’s routes are now easily managed,” explains Willem. “Depending on the type of environment and how many AGVs are operating in it, we fit certain levels of sensors on each one in order to prevent collisions with people or other moving objects that may not be keyed into the system.

“If the AGV senses something in the distance, it will slow down but not necessarily stop. As it gets nearer the ‘unknown’ object, the second level of sensing will slow the AGV down even more and a third level of sensing will bring it to a stop if the object does not move out the way at all,” Willem elaborates.

The vehicle communicates with the main controlling PLC system on a continuous basis while continu-ously reporting back to the system on, for example, its battery condition.

Artificial intelligence“In plain language, an AGV will, for instance, get to a station and tell the system: I am AGV 3, I have completed my delivery to dispatch, my battery is still fine, standing by. The AGV will then wait there until the system tasks it for the next job,” explains Willem.

“At the point when it reports that its battery is low, the system will instruct the AGV to go to the battery bay for either a recharge or a freshly-charged bat-tery replacement. Today we even have technology which allows the battery to be recharged without attaching any cables. The AGV will simply park on a spot where high induction coils are embed-

AUTOMATION & ROBOTICS

Look Ma, No HandsIn an automated manufacturing environment, the AGV (auto-matic guided vehicle) usually completes the loop in order to make a particular production line fully automated. The AGV does not become hungry, or tired, or prone to absenteeism.

Willem Prinsloo of Varic

Picking up loads at the production line

Ultimate solution because it eliminates human presence from high security areas

18 THE SOUTH AFRICAN MECHANICAL ENGINEER VOL 60 January 2010Advanced Materials Today September 2007 39


SGV Tugger with Optional man Aboard platform

processes or high temperatures, an AGV system can be engineered to fulfil the task much more effectively. The technology has matured and it’s available as a cost effective solution to complete the automated production line of today.”

Varic, Willem Prinsloo, Tel: (011) 918-4590, Email: [email protected]

SGV2000 Side loaders have handheld PCs which are used to monitor and adjust the SGV system by floor personnel

ded in the floor. Through this induction process, the battery is charged while the AGV is parked on that spot.”

Four basic typesWhen it comes to traditional AGVs there are four basic types of vehicles most commonly used. “Tow vehicles, also known as tuggers, are simple and inexpensive and they pull rail trailers or carts. By adding multiple trailers you can move more loads at one time than with a single lift truck. Tow vehicles are used where you have a set path with distinct pick up and deposit locations. They follow a route and stop at stations for loading or unloading,” explains Willem.

The second type are unit load vehicles that carry pallets, slip-sheet, cartons or sub-assemblies on their decks. These decks may be raised or lowered with lifts, or have a conveyor to interface with other equipment. Alternatively, the vehicle may have multiple compartments to carry two, three or four pallets at one time.

The third type is a forklift-type vehicle which op-erates just like a lift truck, but without a driver. Finally there are custom vehicles which can be engineered to handle very large loads, like a twenty ton steel roll, or unusual loads, like the whole body of a school bus.

Conclusion“South African industry has still not fully embraced AGV technology, yet there are many instances where they can benefit from it” says Willem in conclusion. “In any manufacturing situation where the driver of a vehicle is endangered, such as toxic chemical

Simply park on a spot where high induction coils are embedded in the floor

AUTOMATION & ROBOTICS


REDUCING EMMISIONS

Sasol and Gassnova SF, a Norwegian state-owned enterprise responsible for managing governmental interests related to Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), signed a MoU in November last year at

the Union Buildings in Pretoria that will enable Sasol to explore the possibility of becoming a participant in the European CO2 Technology Centre Mongstad (TCM) currently under construction in Norway.

The signing of the MoU by Sasol CE, Pat Davies and Bjørn-Erik Haugan, CEO of Gassnova SF and chairman of TCM DA, took place in the presence of South African President,

Jacob Zuma and visiting Norwe-gian monarchs, King Harald V and Queen Son-ja, during their state visit to South Africa.

TCM is a unique internat ional t e c h n o l o g y coopera t ion, established to test, verify and

demonstrate technology suitable for deployment at large scale CO2- capture facilities. The current TCM partners are Gassnova SF, A/S Norske Shell and Statoil ASA, with Gassnova SF representing the Norwegian State in the project.

The technology centre is currently under construction at Mongstad on the west coast of Norway and will be in operation by the end of 2011. The test facili-ties are planned to capture 100 000 tons of CO2 per annum.

Sasol is proud that South Africa will soon be repre-sented among the world’s leading nations in the fight against climate change. “The signing of this MoU is an important development that will support our com-mitment to reducing the company’s greenhouse gas emissions,” says Pat Davies.

Sasol aims to reduce its CO2 emissions by 15% by 2020 (based on 2005 as baseline) as well as lower targets at the absolute level for new CTL projects (30% down by 2030 on a 2005 baseline).

Sasol and Gassnova SF. For further information, please contact: Sasol, Jacqui O’Sullivan, Tel: (011) 441-3252, Email: [email protected]. Nothemba Noruwana, Tel: (011) 441-3295, Email: [email protected].

Carbon Capture and Storage


OILS & LUBRICATION

Amidst this shortage, Engen decided to do something about it by investigating the possibility of entering the market by producing this precious commodity using

imported ingredients combined with the flexibility of local blending to produce various grades.

Oil plant“SA Mechanical Engineer” speaks to Anton Allner, industrial lubricants strategy manager at Engen. “At the time there were only two suppliers of transformer oil in South Africa and when it became scarce, it was really difficult for us to fulfil the demand from our customers while at the same time competing with these suppliers on the local market,” he explains.

One of our two lube oil blend plants in Durban had capacity to produce transformer oil on a small scale, but lacked the technology and capacity to produce higher volumes. “We partnered with Apar Industries in India and began the process two years ago to start producing enough transformer oil to at least keep our existing customers wet”.

The oilTransformer oil, or insulating oil, is a highly-refined mineral oil that is stable at high temperatures and has excellent electrical insulating properties. It is

used in oil-filled transformers, some types of high voltage capacitors, fluorescent lamp ballasts, and some types of high voltage switches and circuit breakers.

It functions to insulate, suppress corona and arcing. The oil also helps to cool the transformer. Because it also provides part of the electrical insulation between internal live parts, transformer oil must remain stable at high temperatures for an extended period.

To improve cooling of large power trans-formers, the oil-filled tank may have external radiators through which the oil circulates by natural convection. Very large or high-power transformers may also have cooling fans, oil pumps, and even oil-to-water heat exchangers.

Growth“When the expansion in the power gen-eration industry started we decided to address lubricant needs in this industry sector specifically by establishing FluidLink

Transforming the Market

There are still many commodities that South Africa has to import which makes us

vulnerable when there are shortfalls. A few years ago, violent storms in the USA directly affected the production of the base oils that

are used to make transformer oil, rapidly leading to a serious shortage in South Africa at a time when demand was particularly high in

the power distribution industry.

Anton Allner, industrial lubricants strategy manager at Engen

The transformer oil plant

Enough transformer oil to at least keep our existing customers wet


as a technical service that looks after all lubrication requirements at power stations,” says Anton. “Set-ting up a transformer oil production plant fitted in perfectly even though the intention originally was

purely to serve our existing customers. However, the demand just kept on growing and systematically others also started asking for transformer oil due to the general shortage.”

The growing demand soon led to a decision to re-vamp the plant altogether and today Engen is the

OILS & LUBRICATION

The dedicated facility in Durban is equipped for bulk import, storage, blending of the various grades of transformer oils

Blending 6 million litres of transformer oil per year

second biggest supplier of transformer oil in South Africa, blending 6 million litres of transformer oil per year.

“We spent 5 million on upgrading the old plant that originally only produced uninhibited oil,” says Anton. “After consulting with power generation companies and transformer OEMs, we took it even further and extended the plant to include a separate facility that now also produces inhibited transformer oil. The demand for both types has since continued to grow by the day.”

The facilityPoweroil, Engen’s transformer oil brand, is one of only two approved Eskom products. It is made from carefully-selected Naphthenic base oils which are produced using wax-free, low-sulphur naphthenic crude, along with selected base stocks that are refined to meet stringent international and local specifications.

The dedicated facility in Durban is equipped for bulk import, storage, blending of the various grades of transformer oils as well as facilities to dispense for bulk distribution and a packaging line for 210L drums and 20 L pails.

“While our competitors only import finished products, we have the flexibility to blend product locally for different applications and customer or manufacturer’s specific requirements,” says Anton. To further enhance this service, Engen remodelled the price structure around transformer oils.

Price mechanism“The crude oil for transformers is totally different from that of Brent and has a price mechanism of its own,” explains Anton. “Most of our customers have long-term contracts to supply oil that extend as far ahead as 2015, and with this market being very volatile, it makes it difficult for them to quote years ahead. The challenge for us was to develop a price structure that considers the price of the relevant crude oil, the exchange rate and other in-dices such as fluctuating transport costs and labour related costs. We now have a system whereby we can quote a client for delivery in 2012. This price adjustment mechanism is linked directly to the vari-ous indices and as they fluctuate, so does the price of our transformer oil which is clearly specified in our client’s contract with the end-user. This system was introduced over the past six months and has been welcomed by all the players in the market.

“Our clients usually incur heavy penalties if they don’t deliver on time, but now that they’re no longer solely dependent on overseas suppliers, they can be sure that the product complies with specifications, is delivered on time and that it is available when they need it,” Anton says in conclusion.

Engen’s Customer Service Centre at 08600-36436, Email: [email protected], www.engen.co.za. Your dedicated sales contacts are Desmond Naidoo or Ashwin Perumal on Tel: (011) 480-6111

Makes it difficult for them to quote years ahead


THE SA INSTITUTE OF TRIBOLOGY

W ith the environment at the top of the agenda, SAIT recently held a one-day seminar at Science Park entitled ‘Lubes & The Environment’. Expert subject

presenters dealt with topics ranging from managing used oil in South Africa to micro-dosing lubricants, correct lubricant storage and handling, identify-ing and management of Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCB) in insulating oils, low friction bearings and energy-savings in hydraulic systems – to name a few of the key issues.

ROSE foundationThe Rose Foundation is Africa’s only used oil recov-ery programme ‘ROSE’, which stands for Recycling Oil Saves the Environment, is a Section 21 (Non profit) company established in 1994 consisting of 19 members from the lubricants Industry. In spite of their structured efforts at used lubricant recovery, the Foundation provides a sobering perspective for used oil pollution in South Africa.

“Annually around 300 million litres of new lubri-cants is sold into the South African market. This in turn results in approximately 120 million litres of used oil becoming available. The Rose Foundation through their partners NORA-SA only recover an estimated 70% of the 120 million litres of used oil. 36 million litres of used oil remains to pollute our waterways and underground water. This is a cumulative problem that will only grow and it concerns everyone.”

PCB what?On the green front, Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are a whole subject on their own that few

are aware of. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a class of organic compounds with 1 to 10 chlorine atoms attached to biphenyl, which is a molecule composed of two benzene rings. The chemical formula for PCBs is C12H10-xClx, where x = 1-10. PCBs were widely used for many applications, especially as dielectric fluids in transformers and capacitors and coolants. Due to PCB’s toxicity and classification as persistent organic pollutants, PCB production was banned by the United States Congress in 1976 and by the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants in 2001.

It’s no wonder then that Eskom imposed a trade ban on PCBs in 1977 and has a special-ist program dealing with this poison. Note that PCBs are governed by SANS 0290 – a National Standard on the management of polychlorinated biphenyls, mineral insulating oils. Recently published in 2007, SANS 0290 provides a na-tional best practice guide on the management and phase-out of PCBs in dielectric fluids. This indicates the stuff is still out there and waiting to contaminate unsuspecting handlers.

MQL – it’s a ‘no-brainer’And if you like to believe that less can be more, then look no further than lubricant micro-dosing. This subject flies in the face of an African com-monplace practice of over-lubricating to prevent excessive wear and failure. Micro-dosing is the technique whereby minute quantities of lubricant are applied in an industrial operation, leaving an almost dry product and production environment. Micro-dosing is also referred to as “near dry” or “Minimum Quantity Lubrication or MQL” or “mist lubrication”.

MQL requires special micro-pumps that can deliver between 3 and 30 micro-litres per pulse – 30 mi-cro-litres is an average volume of a drop. By adding pumps, changing the pulse rate, dosing parameters can be established to meet the specific needs of the operation, ie, metalworking, lubrication of bearings, chains, dies etc. Dosing is accompanied by carefully-controlled air to disperse lubricant at the exact point of lubrication, to blow away chips (metalworking) and to provide cooling of the tool.

Hydraulics – an unexplored frontierPatrick Swan, CEO of Aswan Consulting, points out

Tackling Tribology Greening ChallengesTribology is an ancient science but was only recently defined in the mid-sixties by Dr H Peter Jost. It’s the study of fric-tion and wear that goes well beyond lubrication to include

the properties and nature of the surfaces that are rubbing to-gether. We require friction – either increased or minimised– in every aspect of our lives, such as vehicle braking systems or the rolling resistance that a tyre pattern creates. Tribological

output is wear, heat and waste by-products. And a sound prin-ciple of well-applied tribology is that less is more. One litre of used oil has the potential to contaminate one million litres of

water.

Only recover an estimated 70% of the 120 million litres of used oil

Raj LochenCEO of the ROSE Foundation

2� THE SOUTH AFRICAN MECHANICAL ENGINEER VOL 60 January 2010

in a paper on hydraulic efficiency that ‘Hydraulic fluids account for approximately 14% of all lubricants marketed in South Africa, but over time hydraulic fluids have entrenched themselves as commodity fluids, generally sold on price, where a minimum of technology is expected and received. Hydraulic fluids are not only lubricants, but are also the prime medium used to transfer energy in hydraulic sys-tems, and over the past few years have become a major research area to reduce energy losses when transferring energy in a system.’

Careful attention to hydraulic fluid specification can result in significant savings in the energy required to move payload units.

In most cases these energy savings are combined with other performance benefits such as oxidation stability, wear protection, corrosion resistance and improved air release. Case studies have proved that modern, widely cross-graded hydraulic fluids are no longer commodity items, but if used correctly, have the capacity to contribute significantly to overall energy efficiency.

CascadingAnd then there are many other savings from using

THE SA INSTITUTE OF TRIBOLOGY

low-friction bearings, effective storage of lubricants and becoming 14001 compliant – it’s for serious minders of the planet.

SAIT has rubbed a vast knowledge surface that needs cascading into every aspect of life. How to get these strong messages into the market – that’s the challenge!

Dave Scott, SAIT MemberGill Fuller, Tel: (011) 802-5145, Fax: (011) 804-4972, Email: [email protected], www.sait.org.za


SA Mechanical Engineer” speaks to sales engineers Philip Craig and Joe Pinheiro about the comprehensive filtration solutions they’re now offering into the fuel/oil industry.

“Today’s engines are much more sophisticated

Sales engineer Joe Pinheiro (left) and Philip Craig

Considering the cost of capital equipment and the demand for cleaner fuel, fuel suppliers are under pressure to guarantee quality especially for remote locations where delivery trucks travel hundreds of miles on dirt roads to the end user. The supply of clean fuel/oil is a problem of the past for many fuel/oil companies, as they’re using a bulk fuel filtration system developed and built by Operational Marketing in Johannesburg.

No More Hassles

The four-way filtration system

making contaminated diesel a huge problem that often affects plant availability,” they say.

“End-users such as mining companies are increas-ingly demanding a cleaner supply of fuel/oils which presents a great opportunity for fuel/oil companies to gain the edge by guaranteeing the delivery of clean product on site.

Dirt“There are many ways that fuel/oil incurs contamina-tion, particularly when it’s taken to remote mining sites by road on rough roads, agitation loosens rust inside the tank, while dust from the sand roads or water condensation entering into the tanker is at times unavoidable.

“For these reasons, we filter the product on site before it goes into the storage tanks and,

in some cases, we even filter it again before it is delivered to

mining equipment or another source of demand. Another option is to continuously

filter the product in storage through a kidney circulation / multi-passing system to ensure acceptable cleanliness levels.”

Know-how“Each site, environment and system is different

requiring each filtration system to be adapted or modified accordingly,” both Philip and Joe concur. “As the sole agents in Africa for the Mahle range of filters made in Germany, we use their complete scope of supply on offer to us to provide best cost effective filtration systems. In addition to these

FILTERS & FILTRATION

Once water ingress occurs, bacterial growth within the diesel forms


The pre-filter system

systems is the inclusion of a pre-filter, sourced locally, which extends the life of the fine Mahle filtrations ele-ments. Other items such as the pumps and valves, are supplied internally within the Omsa group, who are agents for many other high quality products.

The systemFiltration for diesel starts with a simple manifold design, incorporating very fine particulate filters followed by a coalescer and separator filter for water in diesel. A pre-filter was then included into the system and has been developed further to a full-on self-containerised filtration system that is tested and commissioned in house before being supplied to the client. “This fil-tration system incorporates a pre-filter that removes all the coarse particles, followed by a filter manifold or housing to remove the finer ingress of particles,” explains Philip.

“The diesel then travels through a coalescer and separator filter housing to remove water, which at a later stage is then drained from the housing through lockable ball valves. To ensure that the coalescer and separator system operates efficiently, the diesel flow rate has to be regulated and controlled precisely. Once water ingress occurs, bacterial growth within the diesel forms. A jelly-like substance can then be formed in the diesel that can only be treated with a chemical additive which transforms the bacterial growth into a solid.

This jelly-like substance, which quickly blocks filters, increases the cost of filter spares and poses huge prob-lems downstream at point of delivery to equipment.

EnhancementsTo ensure the system is more flexible, each filter manifold is purposely designed to ensure that the inlet and outlet pipes are symmetrical and can be rotated 180 degrees to accommodate the piping installation on site. Isolating valves, which are critical, are fitted to the manifold so the delivery line can be isolated in order to change filters without stopping the operation altogether.

A further enhancement is an in-line particle counter which shows the level of contamination in fuel or oil. There’s also an in-line filter with a magnetic cartridge and aluminium housing available for thick oils which cannot pass through a normal filter cartridge. The magnetic filter cartridge is re-useable ensuring zero cost on replacement of spares.

Understanding filters“In our experience, most systems incorporating filtra-tion are neglected with regards to maintenance. Filtra-tion is merely the “kidney” or “liver” in the system, without this, failure will eventually occur” says Philip in conclusion.

Philip Craig, Tel: (011) 793-5562, Email: [email protected]


Can be isolated in order to change filters without stopping the operation altogether



However, it’s not just a matter of choosing a high efficiency filter. In fact, the pressure drop of a higher efficiency filter is higher than a lower efficiency filter which means

more energy is used to move the air against the higher resistance of a high efficiency filter. Until now, there has only been an efficiency classification for filters, where the higher number indicates more par-

ticles being taken out of the air, but not much about op t im i s i n g energy con-sumption.

FiltrationFreudenberg F i l t r a t i o n r ecogn i sed this dilemma and has come up with a new system whereby fil-ters are not only classed in pressure drop rang-es, but also grouped into energy effi-

ciency classes. “SA Mechanical Engineer” speaks to Dr Daniel Schmitt, managing director of Freud-enberg Filtration in South Africa.

“Although mainly developed for ventilation systems, our classification also holds true for compressors and gas turbines,” he says. “Traditionally the fan in a ventilation system runs at a fixed speed and is specified according to the pressure drop in the system. If a variable speed motor is used, we can then regulate it to run at different speeds as the pressure drop varies. This alone significantly reduces energy consumption.”

StudyHe elaborates, “We did a lifecycle cost (LCC) cal-culation for an air filter and found that between 70 to 80% of the LCC of the filter is actually the energy it consumes when the fan has to overcome its pressure drop. Only 20 to 30% of the cost is related to purchase price, change-out, labour and waste management. So, obviously, we tackled the matter of filters. As mentioned, there is an efficiency classification for filters according to the various European and American rating standards which we’ve cross-referenced with the performance ratings,” explains Daniel.

“Now you can select a filter according to particle removal efficiency together with its energy efficiency ratings. By selecting a specific energy efficiency rated filter and combining that with the energy savings of a variable speed controlled fan instead of the constant speed fans that are still being used widely in South Africa, you can comfortably save between 15 to 20% in energy consumption. This has been proven in various ventilation system installations in Europe.”

MiningDaniel and his team of engineers are taking the

energy efficiency filtration concept further in terms of specific industrial ap-plications in South Africa. “We’re working closely with end-users and compressor OEMs to look at the air in-take compressors on mines which is a huge energy item for them,” he says. “Up here on the Highveld, the air is thin to start with which affects compressor performance. If you also

Clearing the AirAir ventilation systems often account for a large percent-age of a building’s energy consumption. Even more so if

the pressure drop in the air filters results in a larger total pressure drop in the ventilation system. Therefore, to op-timise energy efficiency, the choice of air filters is vital

without compromising filtration requirements.

Dr Daniel Schmitt, managing director of Freudenberg Filtra-tion in South Africa

Energy efficiency for Viledon air filters of Filter Classes G3 to F9 in the first or second filter stage

You can select a filter according to particle removal efficiency together with its energy efficiency ratings



have an air intake that has a high pressure drop because the filters are not properly selected, you’re dramatically reducing the performance of the system in terms of energy consumption.

“The mines, from the cost as well as availability point of view, are keen to reduce energy consump-tion and have been very open to the discussions we’ve had so far,” says Daniel. “In this instance we

The particularly energy-efficient Viledon Compact pocket filters and MaxiPleat cassette filters

can’t produce a standard reference grid like we did for ventilation applications because each mine is different from the next one, so we’re analysing each one individually. It depends what they have in place as far as compressors, fans and filtration systems are concerned. In these studies we consider all pos-sibilities that will help to reduce the pressure drop such as simply making the intakes a little bigger at the cost of a little bit of sheetmetal work.”

New equipmentThe very latest they’re working on at Freudenberg’s workshop in Edenvale is actually building complete energy-efficient pressurisation units designed for local conditions. “Basically they are fan-filter units equipped with variable speed fans, something not as common in South Africa yet as in Europe,” explains Daniel.

“We’re in the process of building the first one and are working closely with a number of fan and electric motor manufacturers to bring a ‘green’ pressurisation unit to the market. The unit will come complete with variable speed fans, the control unit built in and already equipped with the best filters accord-ing to the energy classification. It is a concept we designed locally and each unit will be customised for each individual application. The first one will be completed for tests early in 2010.”

Although energy consumption is the hype right now and shortages appear to have been resolved, chances are there may very well be shortages again when the economy picks up again. Daniel says in conclusion. “Now is the time to familiarise yourself with the technologies that are already available to help you. Don’t wait until the crisis hits before you react.”

Dr Daniel Schmitt, Feudenberg Filtration Technologies, Tel: (011) 929-4500, Email: [email protected]

Not as common in South Africa yet as in Europe


NUCLEAR INSTITUTE (SA BRANCH)

In Nov/Dec 09 issue, Matzner presented his vision of our electri-cal future. Base-load (60%) is to be shared between coal, nuclear

and imported hydro. Mid-merit (30%) is to be solar (with energy storage) and closed-cycle gas turbines. Daily peaks are to be shared by pumped storage fed possibly by wind genera-tors, and by the present open cycle gas turbines. One may want to argue, and the vision will certainly evolve as technologies mature and their relative merits – and costs – become apparent, but this surely is the type of picture that anyone interested in

energy should have in mind. It’s something tangible to argue about.

One of the components of the Matzner vision is CSP, concentrated solar power, with energy stor-age. This country has no external back-up from powerful neighbours and, in my book at least, intermittent solar energy and unreliable wind do not have a place unless associated with some form of large-scale energy storage. Molten salt is evidently flavour of the month.

In quantityMolten salt is, it seems, a well-known heat exchange medium. 40% potassium nitrate, 60% sodium ni-trate, common names saltpetre and cubic saltpetre, melting point 221 °C. In the power tower layout the salt operates between about 300 and 560°C and, with the parabolic mirror system where there has to be an intermediate oil loop, between about 300 and 370°C. Even with the higher temperature system, a plant designed to give a steady 50 MW for 18 hours per day needs at least 25 000 tons of salt.

To replace Koeberg’s 1800 MW you would there-fore need over 600 000 tons, much more if your mirrors are parabolic. But then it seems that both constituents are fertilisers as well as, in the case of potassium nitrate, gunpowder and are therefore,

Travelling-wave Reactorby implication, available in quantity.

As far as I can gather, there are so far just two 50 MW plants in operation, both rather recently commissioned in Spain. Others are on the way. The system is therefore still in the developmental stage.

For South Africa, without external back-up but with abundant sunshine and relatively abundant uranium and thorium, solar (with storage) plus nuclear ap-pear to be the obvious paths to pursue.

January is a good month for crystal ball gazing and in respect of nuclear also, it seems to me that we are looking at a step change in the technology. As a result of TMI and Chernobyl, nuclear plateaued for some twenty years at around 16% of world generation. We are now starting to move forward again – but there are issues. The safety record is excellent – apart from Chernobyl. But another Chernobyl must become inconceivable. Waste is an issue, at least in the public mind, as is the risk of weapons proliferation. All can now be addressed by advanced reactor and fuel cycle design. Uranium reserves are limited but, together with thorium, they can be used vastly more efficiently in advanced designs to the extent that the resource will become virtually infinite.

Without refuellingAn entertaining example of the new concepts is the ‘travelling-wave’ reactor described in last September’s ‘Nuclear News’. To understand it you have to appreciate that in any reactor, uranium 238 nuclei absorb some of the chain reaction neutrons to become uranium 239. This immediately decays into neptunium 239 and, after two or three days, into plutonium 239 - which is again fissionable. Up to 40% of Koeberg’s output stems from fission of second generation plutonium nuclei formed within the fuel in this way.

Now imagine a cylinder formed of natural or de-pleted uranium fuel assemblies with a uranium 235 starter pack at one end. Fission neutrons from the uranium 235 evidently penetrate up to 40 cm into the body of the cylinder, there in due course to create plutonium 239. Sooner or later there is enough plutonium to become critical in its own right and to generate fission neutrons some of which travel another 40 cm into the cylinder, there to create still more plutonium. Waves of plutonium creation and then fission thus travel slowly along the cylinder – the heat being removed by molten sodium. Evidently you can design the system to move sufficiently slowly to generate, say, 1000 MWe for several decades - without refuelling. Cor!

John Walmsley

In Enrico Fermi’s New Piles Committee in the USA at the end of WW2, Farrington Daniels, head of metallurgy in the Man-hattan Project, advocated a power reactor system based on

spherical fuel elements cooled by helium. He later left nuclear technology and became a prominent advocate of solar energy. It’s therefore somehow neat to find Dieter Matzner, formerly chief engineer with PBMR, now extolling solar energy on be-

half of Hatch.

John Walmsley

Molten salt is, it seems, a well-known heat exchange medium

�0 THE SOUTH AFRICAN MECHANICAL ENGINEER VOL 60 January 2010

Market Forum

Ventilation contractsMikroPul of Johannesburg, a member of Actom, was re-cently awarded its biggest ever HVAC (heating, ventilation & airconditioning) project by way of two contracts together worth over R100m.

The contracts, for the manufacture and supply of fans and auxiliary equipment for ventilation of all the turbine halls of both of Eskom’s new six-pack 4800 MW coal-fired power stations, Medupi and Kusile, were awarded to MikroPul at the end of July by Alstom Power, the manufacturer and supplier of the turbines for both plants.

In bidding for these prized contracts MikroPul faced competition from a host of other reputable companies, including several interna-tional contenders. However Alstom Power found it to have the requisite expertise and track record for project managing contracts of similar magnitude.

“Although these are the largest HVAC contracts we have won to date, we

This schematic diagram shows the positioning of the various elements of one of the turbine hall ventila-tion systems on any one of Medupi power station’s six generation units

were able to demonstrate that we have previously executed large dust control and gas-cleaning contracts. This, among other key factors, satisfied Alstom Power that we have the experience and expertise to handle the project,” says Woitek Liberda, MikroPul’s general manager.

Alstom Power was also impressed by the fact that MikroPul was able to com-mit to 88% local content for all the primary equipment involved, of which the bulk is to be procured from BEE sources, including black women owned (BWO) companies.

Des Tuck, MikroPul, Tel: (011) 478-0456, Fax: (011) 478-0371, Email [email protected]

The Quick Fix Clamp, available from Multotec Wear Linings, provides an appropriate and convenient solution for leaking pipes which demand immediate attention

Fast first aidThe Quick Fix Clamp, available from Multotec Wear Linings, provides an appropriate and convenient solution for leaking pipes which demand immediate attention. This innovative product straps easily around the pipe with the minimum effort sealing the leak for later long-term planned repair.

THE SOUTH AFRICAN MECHANICAL ENGINEER VOL 60 January 2010 �1

Market Forum

Clearing the wayCombat-proven Vehicle Mounted Mine Detection (VMMD) systems, engineered and manufactured by RSD (a division of DCD-Dorbyl, have again been selected by the United States Armed Forces for route clearance activities.

RSD, in partnership with Critical Solutions International Inc, has been successful in securing an order for 150 VMMD systems for supply to the United States Army Tank and Automotive Command (Tacom). These vehicles will be supplied on a phased delivery programme through to April

The VMMD system is a blast survivable, overpass capable, field repairable, mobile mine detection system.

Since its introduction several years ago, the Quick Fix Clamp has become popular in South African process plants as a no-fuss, low cost “band-aid” relieving maintenance personnel of crisis demands and providing the necessary stop-gap to keep production on the go until planned repairs can be done.

The red polyurethane pad with ceramic skeleton and its bright yellow belt is sufficiently conspicuous that it is not likely to be missed during maintenance reviews.

Applying the Quick Fix Coupling is a simple procedure. Scaling on the pipe external surface at the leak must be removed and cleaned, and then the belt is placed around the pipe with the sealing pad covering the hole. The ratchet, which forms part of the coupling itself, is then used to tighten the clamp so that it fits snuggly. No bonding or sealing compounds are required and the coupling is reusable.

Bernadette Wilson, Multotec Group, Tel: (011) 923-6193, Email: [email protected], www.multotec.com

2011, with future orders on the cards.

This recent order follows on others to the United States Army, United States Marine Corps and Canadian Forces, which since 2005 total over 200 VMMD systems of varying configura-tions. Prior to 2005, a total of 46 systems were supplied to South Africa, France, Australia, the United Kingdom, Uganda and the United States Armed Forces.

Carl Rehder, executive director of RSD, says the original VMMD system, known as the Chubby, was developed to solve South African land mine problems in the 1980’s during that country’s period of isolation. “The innovative design of this locally engineered and manufactured system has proven to be a huge success story, both on the African continent and internationally,” he adds.

The VMMD system is a blast survivable, overpass capable, field repairable, mobile mine detection system. The innovative design protects the operator on encountering an explosive device, the vehicle itself breaks apart in a predictable fashion. It is the only such vehicle designed to provide this level of protection to the operator.

Carl Rehder, RSD (A Division Of Dcd-Dorbyl (Pty) Ltd), Tel: (011) 914-1400, Fax: (011) 914-3885

Pipe handling systemHytec Marine and Offshore Services, a member of the Hytec Group, has completed a project involving the redesign of the pipe handling system and the construction of the control valve modules to be used on a drill ship. The vessel services the

petrochemical industry off the west coast of Africa.

The project, valued at R3.1 million, has been completed under tight deadlines and has demon-strated Hytec Marine and Offshore Services’ ability to deliver high quality solutions with maximum speed and efficiency.

The control system for the ship’s onboard robotic pipe handling system was redesigned, supplied and constructed by Hytec Ma-rine and Offshore Services. The system supplies the ship’s drilling rig with the riser pipes necessary for reaching the ocean floor. Riser pipes are stored on the stern of the vessel, while the drilling rig is located


Market Forum

Hytec Marine and Offshore Services recently fitted a drill ship, servicing the petrochemical industry, with an improved pipe handling system

amidships. The supplied solution is capable of forward and reverse movement as well as articulation on a vertical plane.

The system has been designed using Bosch Rexroth components throughout to ensure maximum precision and reliability under harsh conditions. The new pipe handling system affords two advantages over the previous system, namely improved stability at sea and the elimination of damage to riser pipes during the handling process. The new system has resulted in a safer, more efficient vessel from which to conduct marine drilling.

Hytec Marine and Offshore Services also supplied 189 litre Hydac hy-draulic accumulators to be used on the ship’s blow out preventor (BOP) systems.

Clynton Sutherland, Hytec Marine and Offshore Services, Tel: (021) 551-4747, Fax: (021) 551-2575, E-mail: [email protected]

THE SOUTH AFRICAN MECHANICAL ENGINEER VOL 60 January 2010 ��

Market ForumVaries with demandLowara has developed a number of products that play a key role in managing water delivery through all ele-ments of the HVAC cycle.

Lowara Pumps are manu-factured from fabricated stainless steel or cast iron depending on the range and application. Use of laser welding technology in the case of stain-less steel fabrication ensures pumps that are resistant to ag-gressive chemicals and guarantees that the production process respects the natural en-vironment.

Examples in the Lowara port-folio of pumps for HVAC include the FC Series pumps used mostly in commercial HVAC applications which incorporate the Hydrovar.

Lowara can provide a wide range of pumps that create an end-to-end water solution not only for HVAC building services, but all applications including water sup-ply, wastewater pumps, borehole or submersible pumps, and fire-fighting systems.

The Hydrovar variable speed controller is a great example of realising energy efficiency. By varying pump speed with demand, savings in pump power usage combine with longer pump reliability for a lower life cost across commercial and domestic HVAC applications.

Lanelle Wheeler, ITT Water & Wastewater, Tel: (011) 966-9300, www.flygt.co.za

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Small but MoreDriven by a future generation element and using the most advanced development techniques, Atlas Copco has redesigned its smallest oil-injected screw compres-sor range GA 5-11/GA 5-15 kW Variable Speed Drive (VSD). This new range sets a new industry standard in the 5 to 15 kW compressor range. An 8% increase of air delivery, noise levels as low as 60dB(A), new VSD voltage variants, an extended operating range, a new Elektronikon controller and an additional tank-mounted GA 15 VSD model, boost the possibilities of this new range.

This range is used in a variety of applications as general assembly and manufacturing and in a broad range of industries including automotive, water treatment, air segmentation, construction and many others.

More PerformanceSince energy costs account up to 70% of the compressor’s lifecycle cost (LCC), it is Atlas Copco’s commitment to

reduce this cost drastically with every new compres-sor generation. Their engineers have succeeded in lowering SER (Specific Energy Requirements)

by up to 8% by integrating the new screw compressor element in an enhanced packaging.

At the same time, FAD (Free Air Delivery) is increased with up to 8%, resulting in

remarkable savings on electricity.

When the compressed air demand is fluctuating, the advanced control

algorithms of VSD create average energy savings of 35%. The entire range has been equipped

with new saver cycles on both fan and dryer, increasing the average

energy savings even further.

More FlexibilityInstallation flexibility is characteristic for this

GA 5-11/GA 5-15 VSD Premium-range. The GA Workplace Concept is reinforced with noise levels

starting from 60 dB(A)*. This GA-range is the most silent in the complete Atlas Copco GA-portfolio, allowing

for installation close to the point of use. Installation cost is further minimized by extending the standard operating range to up to 46° Celcius, making a dedicated compressor room unnecessary.

More VSD models, including a tank-mounted GA 15 VSD

�� THE SOUTH AFRICAN MECHANICAL ENGINEER VOL 60 January 2010

Market Forum

BMG’s comprehensive range of Tsubaki chain products includes low noise drive chain that combats noise pollution, ensuring an improvement in the work environment. SN roller chain can be used in applications where the strength of a roller chain is required, without the accompanying noise. The low noise SN series is fully interchangeable with standard roller chain

Noise reductionBMG’s comprehensive range of Tsubaki chain products in-cludes low noise drive chains that combat noise pollution,

and new standard Voltage 200/575 variants, reduce instal-lation costs even more, extending the VSD offer towards our customers.

Atlas Copco South Africa Pty Ltd, Tel: (011) 821-9000, Telefax: (011) 821-9106, Website: www.atlascopco.co.za

ensuring an improvement in the work environment.

“Reduction of noise generated by machines and equipment significantly improves efficiency in the overall workplace,” says Scott Larson, general manager for BMG’s chain division. “Belts were considered a counter measure to noise, but with limitations in terms of application, strength and overall costs, low noise chains provides the perfect solution.”

Noise levels of Tsubaki’s new SN roller chain are 6 ~8 dB lower compared with the standard pre-lubricated RS roller chain. When SN roller chain engages with the sprocket, the new spring roller absorbs the force of the impact. This lower impact force results in lower noise levels. Another advantage is that the SN series is fully interchangeable with standard

roller chains.

Tsubaki high performance chains with special materi-als, coatings and lubrications, undergo an immacu-late manufacturing process to ensure dimensional accuracy, constant geometry, high surface quality and extended service life.

Scott Larson, BMG, Tel: (031) 576-6200, Fax: (031) 576-6582, Email: [email protected], Web: www.bmgworld.net

Hands-freeSKF’s laser-based and wireless shaft alignment tool, Fixturlaser Upad, is the first tool of its kind that is truly portable.

“The wireless display unit is worn on the arm; the user therefore has his hands free and can work in complete freedom,” explains David Ramnath, SKF South Africa’s Business Development Manger, Reli-ability Systems.

David continues, “It may be small in size, but it can handle everything that its big brother, the award-winning shaft alignment tool Fixturlaser XA, can do, ranging from advanced shaft alignment applications to geometric measurements. The user interface guides the user during the entire measurement and align-ment process by using color-coded measurement values, icons, and arrows. These units also have a touch screen, which makes it easier for the user to navigate through functions.”

“The consumer market for electronics has long been driven by making products smaller and portable. Elos Fixturlaser, with 25 years of experience in developing laser-based system for alignment of rotating machinery, considers it is high time that the maintenance sector benefits from this development, and SKF South Africa is in full agreement,” elaborates David.

Elos Fixturlaser are also proud to be the only manu-facturer of laser based shaft alignment tools with a measurement method for Fixturlaser UPAD that


Market Forum

Large valve orderVoith Turbo South Africa (VTZA), the South African represen-tative of the Martin Lohse GmbH range of valves, recently secured an order for six large 400mm diameter valves for

is based on the CCD technology, recently awarded with the Nobel Prize.

Samantha Joubert, SKF South Africa (Pty) Ltd, Tel: (011) 821-3500, Fax: (011) 821-3501, Email: [email protected], www.skf.co.za

the process control of liquid products at a prominent local liquid product processing plant.

The order, estimated at R1m, specified Martin Lohse water knife gate valves: valve type CDSP/G with through going plate fitted with a double acting pneumatic actuator, flanged, drilled to ASA 150 and a 316 stainless steel body and blade. A maximum pressure of 6 Bar and maximum temperature at 120 degrees C were also specified.

The Martin Lohse range of superior quality valves is, apart from successful utilisation in water

treatment applications, also used extensively in the paper and pulp industries and Voith

Paper was actively involved in finalising the order to customer specification because of this division’s extensive experience with the product application.

Subsequent to the initial order, Voith Paper received an enquiry for an ad-

ditional 32 smaller Martin Lohse valves, from the processing plant. A Voith Paper

spokesperson says that product superiority, a good business relationship and excellent after

sales service undoubtedly led to the enquiry, which will, when ordered and delivered, be worth an ap-proximate R2m.

Voith Turbo, Roy Webster, Tel: (011) 418-4036, Email: [email protected], www.voith.com, www.rsa.voithturbo.com

Water loss manage-mentMunitech, which focuses on municipal operations and maintenance management, has recently established a specialist leak detection department in response to heightened awareness of water loss management in this country.

Muinitech has initiated an innovative GIS based management system for leak detection and repair. By using GIS to manage the process, a strong platform from which to analyse data from subsequent sweeps of an area, has been es-tablished.

Active leak detection encompasses activities ranging from walking the reticulation lines and ob-


Market Forum

Ndumiso Kubeka and George Iliev from Munitech interpret a filed correlation as part of Munitech’s leak detection programme, which is designed to improve water loss management throughout South-ern Africa

serving visible leaks, to the deployment of sophisticated acoustic sensing equipment that “listens” for leak noises on submerged pipes.

The company has recently completed a contract for leak detection and repair services in the southern operational area of eThekwini. Field teams, which have undertaken numer-ous leak detection sweeps of rural, peri-urban, suburban and industrial areas, have contributed to a reduction in real loss as part of eThekwini’s Non-Revenue Water Reduction Programme.

George Iliev, Munitech, The B & A Group, Email: [email protected]


Market Forum

Log onto www.promech.co.za to read back issues of

“SA Mechanical Engineer”

Set and sealed The Spirax Sarco SV615 range of high performance safety valves for over pressure protection in steam, gas and liquid applications has been upgraded to achieve even higher setting accuracy and greater reliability. Furthermore, SV615 valves are set and sealed to the customer’s pressure specification with the same day dispatch on urgent orders.

The upgrades include reduced friction of the valve movement, flatter seats and less spring relaxation, resulting in more accurate setting, extremely predict-able opening and crisper closing.

To ensure reliability and continuing good performance, valves are randomly chosen and independently tested on a fully instrumented test rig. The SV615 range meets European Pressure Directive requirements and the integrity of shut-off complies with ANSI/API STD 527-2002. Unique serial numbers and traceable set pressure certificates are issued with every valve.

Spirax Sarco SV615 safety valves have a high dis-charge capacity and can be used to protect steam boilers, pipeline and pressure vessels, compressors and receivers and most general industrial service applications.

Emily Heath, Spirax Sarco, Tel: (011) 230-1300, Fax: (011) 393-1922, E-mail: [email protected], www.spirax-sarco.com/za

The tsunami early warning system includes tide gauges, wave sen-sors and network communications to the media, which can quickly spread confirmed details about approaching tsunamis

Early warningFesto has supplied FEC 440 PLCs to PT Bernama Infor-matika Nusantara, a Bandung-based IT company. The company is using the PLCs in the construction of tsunami early warning modules used in Padang, Sumatra.

On 26 December 2004, a seaquake 150 km west of Sumatra triggered a devastating tsunami and fears of another catastrophe still run high. For this reason, the government in Padang has developed a tsunami early warning system in which numerous systems are inte-grated. The system includes tide gauges, wave sensors and network communications to the media, which can quickly spread confirmed details about approaching tsunamis.

The electronic modules for the network and control sys-tem are installed at nine locations in Padang City. Each module contains a Festo FEC 440 PLC which acts as the module’s controller. One of the modules acts as the Master Operation Control & Monitoring Unit, monitor-ing system components in other locations. Its ability to communicate with other devices using the TCP/IP protocol is a large benefit. The PLC also has the key task of controlling the activation of warning sirens.

Joanne Dix, Festo (Pty) Ltd, Tel: (011) 971-5560, Fax: (011) 974-4203, Email: [email protected]


Index to Advertisers

Association of Arbitrators 19

AST Inside Front Cover

Bearings International Inside Back Cover

BMG 20

Donaldson 24

EMS 4

Engineer Placement 12

Engen 36

Esab Outside Front Cover

Eskom Outside Back Cover

Feeling at Home 26

SAID 18

Tegnon 32

WCNDT 11

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Subscription

On the Move

Gert van den BergChristo van Rooyen

Sabelo Shabalala

Bosch Projects (Pty) Ltd, part of the B & A Group, has made the following ap-pointments: Andy Church is business manager, agricul-ture; Deric Dignon is process engineer;

and Mzingaye Mthethwa is senior mechanical engineer.

Gavin Phillips has joined Metric Automotive Engineering as the company’s IPD parts specialist. IPD products are Caterpillar replacement parts which are manufactured in a quality controlled environment.

The Omsa Group of companies has appointed Jacky Wilson as their internal sales representative specifically to handle the valve sector of the group.

The following new staff have joined SEW Eurodrive: Sabelo Shabalala as internal sales engineer (Pinetown branch), Christo van Rooyen as sales engineer for the Pietersburg area as well as Gert van den Berg as sales engineer for the Northern Cape region.

Mzingaye MthethwaDeric DignonAndy Church

Gavin Phillips Jacky Wilson

There, I fixed it!

Brand Pretorius

Sincere ApologiesThe “On the Move” section of the August 2009 issue mistakenly had McCarthy Heavy Equipment’s Materials Handling Division appointing Brand Pretorius as CEO of McCarthy Ltd. Mr Pretorius has, in fact, been CEO of McCarthy Ltd since 1999 with McCarthy Heavy Equipment as one of their divisions.

We regret the error


121300ESKD EE Motors 210x297.indd 1 11/5/09 2:46:41 PM

same: jan 2010

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