Kzn industrial & business news issue 105 by The Media & Events Company

ISSN NO: 1562 -5702

june / july 2017 R20.90 (incl. VAT)

KZN gold mine teams up with Zama Zamas

LLEGAL miners are the scourge of mines across South Africa, but a KwaZulu-Natal gold mine is pioneering a new approach to Zama Zamas, bringing them on board as partners in a working arrangement that could, if successful, be replicated at other mines. Birrell Mining International (BMI) announced recently that it will reopen the recently acquired Bosveld Mining Klipwal gold mine in the Pongola area, about 70 km from the Swaziland border. BMI completed the purchase of Bosveld Mines from Stonewall Mining earlier this year, after having been responsible for the care and maintenance programme since early 2016. The transaction retains the BEE ownership structure whereby 26% is owned by predominantly community-based BEE partners. The BMI board, under the chairmanship of Graham Briggs, approved the transaction following indepth reviews of resource and operational potential across the mine. The mine has had an extensive operational history with substantial surface and underground infrastructure, providing an ideal platform for both current operations and further underground development. BMI has completed nine months of recommissioning of the plant and several levels underground as well as bulk test work. According to the company, production began in May. Initial results indicate stable production at reasonable grades with good levels of recovery. Bosveld has a long-term target production of between 12 000 and 15 000 ozpa.

An experienced management team, headed by Tony Knight, will allow rapid expansion. Under Briggs’s guidance, this will include the expansion of the mine and deeper level underground mining and development, as well as the recommissioning of lower levels from July onward. One of the priorities of Klipwal’s new owners from the outset was the management of the illegal mining activity which in recent months had plagued the underground workings, putting their future viability at risk. Safety was also a huge concern, with five illegal miners killed after a rockfall last year. The novel solution they came up with was to tap into the drive and determination of the Zama Zamas, rather than to continue trying to resist them. “Due to the high levels of illegal activity at Klipwal, it was decided to use the local illegal miners as the main workforce and keep the sophistication of mining at very low levels,” said Briggs. “This meant many ex-illegal miners could operate safely, within our strict safety regulations and managerial control, while earning a regular income and adhering to legislative requirements around contractor employment.” The ex-illegal miners now form co-operatives. They are contracted as legal entities by the mine to complete hand-lashing and tramming within portions of the mine that are rendered safe by the company. The co-operatives are trained and mentored and remunerated based on each ton lashed and trammed to Enquiry no: 1 a collection point.

Issue no: 105

Inside

Steel heavyweights meet to tackle industry challenges - page 3 Electrical & Electronics - page 7 Machine Tools, Metals, Alloys & Fabrication - page 10

From left, KZN Economic Development MEC Sihle Zikalala, Zulu King, Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu and Managing Director of ZAC, Vuslat Bayoglu

Colliery opens new wash plant

ULULAND Anthracite Colliery (ZAC) opened its new wash plant recently. It has 50-ton -per-hour capacity and is expected to wash three million tons of discard over the next five years. According to the company, the reclamation of the long-standing discard dump will decrease the rehabilitation footprint of ZAC and produce one million tons of salable product which will be made available for the export market. The mine represents a R100-million investment in the area and employs 1350 people. ZAC is located on the border of

the Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, close to Ulundi and is the sole producer of prime anthracite in South Africa. In a ribbon cutting ceremony held at the new plant, Zulu King, Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, and the Managing Director of ZAC, Vuslat Bayoglu, together declared the wash plant open. Afterwards, there were speeches from guests including KZN Economic Development MEC Sihle Zikalala and the king, who described ZAC as an important business in Zululand and said that it should be protected and supported by the community and workers. Enquiry no: 2

KZN Industrial Technology & Exhibition preview page 11

Construction, Civil & Structural Engineering - page 17 Sugar Industry page 21 Company & Product News - page 26

June / July 2017

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KZN Industrial & Business News

Expect the unexpected when moving into Africa S MALL to medium sized enterprises (SMEs) wishing to expand their operations into African countries beyond their borders need to have clear understanding of what they are trying to achieve. It is not a decision that should be taken lightly and even the best-laid plans can be stymied by unexpected challenges. This is according to Michael Duys, CEO of Duys Engineering, the South African-based operation, which expanded into Mozambique in 2002. His words are echoed by Mark Paper, chief operating officer at Business Partners International who has overseen the expansion of Business Partners Limited brand into five African countries, namely Kenya, Malawi, Namibia, Uganda, Rwanda and Zambia. Duys says in their instance, the expansion was organic. “We followed one of our major customers

to Mozambique. It was a bit of a naïve move and we probably set up in Mozambique two years too early. Fortunately, we were able to survive on small contracts in 2003 and 2004,” he says. Duys Engineering is a family owned and managed steel fabrication, manufacturing and design house, which was founded in Durban in 1960. The business focuses on solving the engineering, manufacturing and logistics challenges of their customers, who are largely in the mining, automotive and industrial industries. Today the company employs about 400 people and has operations in Durban, Port Elizabeth, Richards Bay and Maputo. When the engineering operation decided to move into Mozambique, Duys himself spent 18 months in the

country setting up the business and tackling various administrative and regulatory hurdles. “It was a steep learning curve, which required an entrepreneurial approach and the ability to be flexible and adapt quickly.” Africa is a huge continent made up of 54 countries, each with their own commercial codes and legal environments for conducting business. Duys says it would be a mistake to assume a deep knowledge of Dutch-based South African law would help business people in a country like Mozambique. “Too often, companies looking to set up in other African countries think they can place a carbon-copy of their business into a new environment and it will be business as usual. “Mozambique follows the Portuguese legal system and the state controls everything. Licences

are required every step of the way and they are not easy to obtain. The country has been trying to make it easier to conduct business over the past five years, but there is still a long way to go as is reflected in the Global Competitiveness Report 2016/2017 where the country ranks 133 out of 138 countries,” adds Duys. Getting to grips with local culture While language is not a major barrier for South African companies hoping to invest in Anglophone countries, those pursuing opportunities in Mozambique or Francophone countries will face additional challenges, perhaps missing out on important nuances in their business dealings. Paper concurs: “As a risk financier for SMEs, we have also adopted the same stance, choosing to venture into Anglophone countries as it makes it easier and quicker to do business.” Duys says one of the biggest mistakes South African businesses make when operating in the Mozambican business environment is adopting an arrogant stance. “South Africans are often viewed with suspicion because of their history of arrogance. Mozambique may not be a wealthy

Economic Growth

country, but many of its people are well educated and business savvy and do not tolerate any form of condescension.” “Perhaps the most important factor when considering new markets is understanding what will pull your business into the market,” says Duys. “For smaller operations this is critical, especially if you don’t have the deep pockets and luxury of patience that larger organisations might have.” In Duys Engineering’s case, the company had a potential revenue stream in the form of an existing customer. “This afforded us the foundation on which to build our business further,” says Duys. Local idiosyncrasies Duys says much of the company’s success can be attributed to persistence and learning on the ground. “When faced with challenges, the fastest way to overcome them is to tackle them head-on. We had to quickly learn about importing and exporting; getting goods across the border; the industrial relations environment; getting work permits and visas for expat staff; and managing finances in the face of currency Enquiry no: 3 volatility."

Tips on how to ship goods from China

S a buyer or a small business owner, you have decided to do business with China and import your specialised products back to South Africa, but how do you ensure the shipping process runs effortlessly? We have some tips as to how you can get your products from China to South Africa timeously and in a cost-effective manner. • Step 1: Acquire a quote from your shipping agent Before you even conduct business with your Chinese supplier or manufacturer, ensure that you acquire at least three quotes, before agreeing to import the products. As shipping prices may fluctuate, rather secure the cost and account for it in a budget prior to agreeing to the purchase of products from China. • Step 2: Confirm the quote Once you have found a reliable shipping company who can import your products at the right prices, sign the deal. This helps you fix your costs beforehand, as the price will not change when you do decide to ship the products and have finalised the details and contract with your supplier. • Step 3: Packing and Shipping – What you need Once the Chinese supplier has packed your products, account for at least two to three days for the products to be packed in the con-

tainer and on the ship. You can account for delays as shipment is weather dependent. Your shipping agent will help you with all the details but you can get ready for delivery by acquiring all the documentation you will need in order to collect your products when they arrive in South Africa. • Step 4: Administration and documentation While your products are sailing across the high seas, make sure to give the following documentation to your South African shipping agent at least seven days before your products land in the country: • Original shipping bill • Commercial invoice • Packing list • Packing declaration The supplier will release the original shipping bill once the payment is made. • Step 5: Clearing customs Your shipping agent will assist you with the import duties and customs tax when your shipment arrives in the country. It is your duty to ensure that all invoices are paid immediately so as to avoid delay when receiving the goods, and paying additional taxes.

These tips come courtesy of China Homelife Fair and China Machinex, and first appeared on the NSBC website, thesmallbusinesssite.co.za. Enquiry no: 4

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Disclaimer: The editor and management of KZN Industrial & Business News make every effort to ensure the accuracy of the contents of this publication. However, no warranty is made and no responsibility will be borne by the editor or management of consequences of any actions based on information published. The views and opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the editor and/or management.

June / July 2017

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KZN Industrial & Business News

Steel heavyweights meet to tackle industry challenges

INDING solutions to the risks facing the South African steel industry was one of the key focus areas of the inaugural Steel Industry Workshop, hosted recently by XA International Trade Advisors. It attracted 50 delegates including industry leaders and key role players. Among them were Arcelor Mittal, the largest steel producer on the African continent; the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI); a member of the Trade and Industrial policy strategies (TIPS); JV & Associates and the SA Institute of Steel Construction. “For South Africa to survive the infiltration of international competition, it requires synchronised efforts from all involved domestically. Hence the need for this workshop,” said XA International Trade Advisors Director Donald MacKay. “We need to focus on what can be done in the short term while a bigger strategy is being looked at.” Speakers included Wim de Klerk, the CEO of Arcelor Mittal, who also highlighting the importance of the industry working together and committed the company to assisting industry

participants in pursuing greater protection for the downstream industry. South African institute of Steel Construction CEO Paolo Trinchero encouraged delegates to work with tariffs and discussed how best to

apply them, just one of the practical remedies to influence what is currently happening in the industry. Considering the many different sectors affected, he too, emphasised the importance of working together.

Johnny Venter from JV and Associates, focused on a practical report to map out the way forward for the steel industry and Tapiwa Samanga, Chief Director of Mineral processing/Beneficiation, Oil and gas and Construction at the DTI, expressed their willingness to collaborate and indicating their commitment to upliftment in this important sector. MacKay believes that the domestic industry needs to find a way to work together to have any chance of surviving these challenges, which means more focus on the problem at hand and putting aside differences to ultimately achieve the goal of a stable steel sector. “Although this event is the first of many, it enabled the key industry leaders and the various stakeholders to come together in one room, providing a podium, not only for the leaders, but for the people in industry to have real face time, giving them the opportunity to voice their concerns and hopefully walk away with some answers. It also gave the relevant industry leaders insight into vital industry concerns, making the way forward a much clearer Enquiry no: 5 one.”

Flawed charter will further bedevil relationships

HE new Mining Charter is a flawed document that is the result of inadequate consultation with communities, and is set to further bedevil relationships among stakeholders in the industry, according to the board of the Bench Marks Foundation. Speaking after the release of the longdelayed Charter, Bench Marks Executive Director John Capel, said: “The Mining Charter has been dressed up as a masterstroke of empowerment and transformation. In reality, it is a weakened piece of legislation that provides little benefit for mining-impacted communities and will result in more protest action. It’s as dangerous to South Africa as an abandoned and unsafe mine shaft.”

The foundation is an independent non-governmental organisation mandated by churches to monitor the practices of multi-national corporations. Capel added: “The Department of Mineral Resources is being entirely disingenuous when it claims it has consulted with communities over the Charter. It boggles the mind that the DMR believes that speaking to a small number of chiefs in one mining area is representative of the views of mining-affected communities in South Africa. “The DMR is guilty of misleading the public in claiming it has consulted communities. There has been more than sufficient time for the DMR to engage with people throughout the country,

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in much the same way as did the poverty hearings that took place almost two decades ago. The arrogance and high-handedness of the way the department treats its own constituency is mind-blowing,” Capel said. More decision-making in the mining industry by all mining-impacted communities is needed, and a genuinely equitable distribution of wealth with them. The extension of the definition of a “black person” to include an African, Coloured or Indian person who has been naturalised as a South African is a thinly veiled attempt to promote the Guptarisation of the mining industry, thereby excluding communities from sharing in mining bounty even further, Capel said.

While on the face of it, 8% shareholding for communities and mine employees appeared to be a move forward, it should be remembered that these groups would have to buy their shareholdings. “This is an absurdity, given that most miningaffected communities are poverty-stricken and have precious few assets on which to raise capital,” he said. “There is also no guidance provided on how and on what basis communities will be represented in shareholding schemes, and on how this will be implemented and monitored. We note also that community shareholding is to be held in trust by the Mining Transformation and Enquiry no: 6 Development Agency."

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FROM THE DESK OF: Pumi Motsoahae Chief Executive Officer Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone

June / July 2017

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O achieve economic participation and independence for the majority, viable ventures should be developed to achieve the economic participation and freedom because every thought should be put into action to realize the desired outcomes. The nomination of Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ) to spearhead the Black Industrialists Programme forms the basis of the determination to ensure that it becomes a catalyst for radical economic transformation and inclusive economic growth. Importantly, a few months ago, captains of industry, heads of states, economists, financial institutions, policy makers and representatives of government entities attended the World Economic Forum on Africa. All delegates agreed that driving

KZN Industrial & Business News

Richards Bay IDZ to drive the Black Industrialists Programme in KZN

inclusive economic growth should be everybody’s responsibility. It is for these reasons that entrepreneurs and ordinary members of society are excited that RBIDZ has been nominated to be one of the pioneers of Black Industrialists Programme together with the Dube Trade Port. The urgency of this programme was demonstrated through the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and KZN Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs (EDTEA). The signing ceremony saw the launch of the KZN Black Industrialists Programme in Durban recently. These developments have brought hope to thousands of emerging entrepreneurs

who stated unequivocally that this was a dawn of a new era characterised by equal access to economic opportunities. According to Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies, the two departments will now establish a framework that will promote and ensure meaningful participation in the advancement of the industrialists. Through this memorandum of understanding, the DTI is committed to working with the KZN province to ensure the establishment of the supplier development Incubation Programme at the Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone and Dube Trade Port Special Economic Zone for the BI (black industrialists) Programme. The Programme seeks to ensure that initiatives that will accelerate the economic trans-

formation policies and compliance are implemented with the aim of empowering mainly women, youth and people with disabilities. The BI programme in the province will develop and prepare KZN enterprises and entrepreneurs to access national Black Industrialists Programme opportunities, leverage both private and public partnerships for KZN Black Industrialists, and further facilitate access to markets as well as ensure finance and procurement opportunities. Minister Davies highlighted that the MoU would also assist in establishing strategic linkages and partnership with key role players, provide black industrialists advocacy and information dissemination and conduct Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment research. This programme is also one of the many initiatives that the government has embarked on that form the basis for addressing unemployment, poverty and inequality to promote inclusivity and shared economic growth. I am delighted that RBIDZ was nominated to drive the motor force of change and ensure that this programme derives the positive desired results. We commend the province in its endeavour to accelerate inclusive economic growth. We see the programme as the solution to the frustrations that are encountered by emerging contractors which include access to funding and access to markets. Being identified as one of the main drivers of this critical programme is an indication that we carry the aspirations and hopes for many millions of people. We want to assure the people of KwaZulu-Natal that we will not disappoint them. We are inspired by being nominated as the drivers of this critical programme. We need to centralise the role of black people and promote ownership and the real sense of black people being visible and taking part in industrialization.

KZN MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Sihle Zikalala and Minister of Trade and Industry, Rob Davies

MoU boost for KZN black industrialists

HE Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the KZN Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Department recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Durban aimed at boosting black industrialists in the province. Minister of Trade and Industry Rob Davies said the DTI was committed, through the MoU, to working with the KZN Province to ensure the establishment of the Supplier Development Incubation Programme in the Dube Trade Port Special Economic Zone and Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone for the BI Programme. “Furthermore, the DTI will, in collaboration with the province, identify and implement joint programmes to accelerate the implementation of economic transformation policies and compliance, especially to empower women, youth and people with disabilities.” KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Sihle Zikalala said, “The BI programme in the province will develop and prepare KZN enterprises and entrepreneurs to access the national Black Industrialists Programme opportunities, leverage both private and public partnerships for KZN’s BIs, facilitate access to markets as well as ensuring finance and procurement opportunities for KZN Bis.” He added that the MoU would assist in establishing strategic linkages and partnership with key role players; provide black industrialists advocacy and information dissemination, conduct Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment research, monitoring and evaluation, including economic and market research to support the National Programme as well as to advance the KZN Enquiry no: 7 Support Framework..

June / July 2017

KZN Industrial & Business News

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New locally built tug for Durban port

OUTH Africa’s busiest port has a new tug – the sixth of nine powerful new vessels to roll off the production line in Durban, on time and within budget. Named Umbilo, the vessel is part of Transnet National Ports Authority’s (TNPA) R1.4 billion tug building contract awarded to Durban-based Southern African Shipyards – the largest ever awarded to a South African company for the building of harbour craft. TNPA Chief Executive, Richard Vallihu, said a new tug is exactly what the Port of Durban needs. “Over the past few years, the Port of Durban has seen larger vessels calling at the port. This has put a strain on our marine fleet. Currently the port has a total of eight tugs of which four are old shuttle tugs with only 32 and 38 ton bollard pull power,” he said. As a result of the tug shortage the port has been deploying a five tug operation to help guide vessels into the port instead of the industry request to use a six tug operation. Having a new and a powerful tug in the port will release pressure on the port’s marine operations and speed up turnaround times for vessels calling at the port. The TNPA tug procurement project also complements the skills development programme currently underway through TNPA’s Maritime School of Excellence. Speaking at the naming ceremony,

Vallihu said it was essential to have well-trained people in place to support Transnet’s major drive to ramp up infrastructure and efficiency at South Africa’s ports. Transnet has set aside a whopping R7,7 billon for training over the next 10 years. The port authority will contribute in excess of R56 billion of capital expenditure under Transnet’s rolling R300 billion-plus Market Demand Strategy, or MDS, which is now in its fifth year. Vallihu again praised the work of Southern African Shipyards, which he said was playing a proactive role in helping to unlock the potential of the Ocean Economy. The nine tugs are being built for TNPA over three and a half years, as part of a wider fleet replacement programme that also includes new dredging vessels and new marine aviation helicopters. The programme is aimed at improv-

ing operational efficiency in the ports. TNPA’s new fleet of nine tugs are each 31 metres long with a 70 ton bollard pull. They feature the latest global technology such as Voith Schneider propulsion which makes them highly manoeuvrable. Umbilo is among four tugs that will be deployed to beef up the marine fleet in KwaZulu-Natal’s ports of Durban and Richards Bay. Five tugs have already been delivered to Port Elizabeth, Saldanha and Richards Bay. According to African News Agency, Vallihu dismissed concerns that fasttracking the training of harbour pilots may have contributed to recent quayside crashes in Durban. Vallihu said boards of inquiry were scrutinising the two incidents, which together caused millions of rands in damage. The Mediterranean Shipping Company’s vessel, the Benedetta, struck a gantry crane at the container terminal, the Mercury newspaper reported, while on April 30, the bulk carrier Julian smacked into a ship loader while berthing at Bulk Connections on the Bluff. Damage in the first incident was estimated at about R100 million. On both occasions, pilots were aboard the vessels, as is mandatory. But Vallihu pointed out that in the Benedetta crash, “one of the most experienced pilots – he is near retirement” was on duty. The port author-

ity has in recent years made it a priority and invested in training a new generation of harbour professionals, including pilots. And

Vallihu said concerns over competency were “not an issue”. – Staff reporter and ANA

Enquiry no: 8

Empowerment legislation needs change for radical economic transformation

Brigitte Brun

ogether with one of the most progressive constitutions in the world, South Africa has a plethora of transformation related legislation to enable the economic empowerment of its citizens, previously (and currently) disadvantaged from the apartheid policies of economic exclusion. Recently, another term has been bandied about quite a bit by politicians and the media in general: that of Radical Economic Transformation. But what is Radical Economic Transformation? Unless it is unpacked and is linked to a measurement tool, it will remain nothing more than a political mantra. Recently at the World Economic Forum, President Jacob Zuma said when SA talks about radical economic transformation, it means a change that will lead to inclusive growth. The President has also alluded to the fact that this would include forced land distribution, black ownership and management of companies, and the hiring and training of Black people more importantly African and female South Africans. The existing transformation laws address all of the above except two crucial points – the matter of land distribution (although agricultural land is

partially covered in the Agribee B-BBEE Codes) and the focus on African vs. Black people in general. The most prominent empowerment laws in the country are: • Employment Equity Act (EEA), • B road-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) Act and Codes • Skills Development Act and Levies Act • Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (PPPFA) • One also needs to take into account various other sources and programmes such as the National Development Plan and the Black Industrialist Programme. Why then with these various forms of legislation in place since as early as 2008 (The EE Act), is economic empowerment still not a reality for the majority of South Africans? Perhaps the following issues contribute to the lack of Radical Economic Transformation: Presently the transformation laws are “managed” by three government departments. Employment Equity is the domain of the Department of Labour, Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment assigned to the Department of Trade and Industry and

the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act falls under National Treasury. This leads to complications and a lack of consistent application of the laws across the departments. There is little or no incentive for job creation in any of the above-mentioned legislation. Complexity of the B-BBEE Legislation - Not only are the Codes (the measurement principles) badly drafted with many interpretational issues, but the formula for establishing scores is complex. This leads to unscrupulous applications of the codes and with few experts in the industry, this is difficult to detect. No focus on African Economic Empowerment - The draft Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (PPPFA) Amendments to the Regulations introduced the concept of providing additional preference points for African Women Owned Businesses. However the final version of the Amendments reverted to the definition of Black as being African, Indian and Coloured. This is a hugely politicised area which needs to be dealt with boldly by the law makers if radical economic transformation is to be a reality in South Africa. Enquiry no: 9

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2017/04/07 9:51 AM

June / July 2017

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KZN Industrial & Business News

Smart factories: unlocking new global opportunities for local manufacturers A

Dereshin Pillay

S the likes of advanced robotics, machine learning, 3D printing, connected sensors and augmented reality transform the traditional manufacturing industry, some tantalising new opportunities emerge for local manufacturers. Recent research from Capgemini Consulting predicts that so-called ‘Smart Factories’ have the potential to add between $500 billion and $1,5 trillion to the annual global economy, within the next 5 years. These benefits will be achieved through radical improvements in automation, optimisation and digitisation within the manufacturing sector – as new factories come alive with networks of intelligent sensors, motors, machines and tools. Smart Factories allow for the easier integration of eco-friendly manufacturing methods, green energy, smart grid technology, and server-less Cloud Computing. For South Africa’s roughly 3500 manufacturing companies - some large and diversified, others smaller

and more specialised – Smart Factories pave the way for many new opportunities. Perhaps the most immediate of these is the opportunity to access new international markets – suddenly brought within reach, via digitised value chains and clear visibility into shipping and logistics. We’re now entering a manufacturing era where the world is fluid and borderless. Everyday South African consumers can purchase Internationally produced ready-mix with the same ease as local cement, for instance. With every manufacturer now competing on a global stage, it becomes crucial to take advantage of the latest and greatest in digital technology. By embracing Smart Factories and Smart Logistics, local manufacturers can quickly globalise their operations, breaking into new international markets and finding new routes to market.

Re-skilling your people and reshaping the organisation

With scalable, Cloud-based digital platforms, and the use of connected sensors, it becomes possible to take orders and execute the delivery of goods, to any corner of the world. With a reputation for producing components of excellent quality, and with a relatively cost-effective labour base, SA manufacturers have a golden opportunity to combine manual labour and human intelligence, with algorithm-driven Smart Factory principles. But to grab these opportunities, local manufacturers will need to commit energy and resources to bold digitisation strategies. Here, there are three key areas to address:

The knee-jerk reaction in South Africa is often that, because we’re a labour-driven nation, Smart Factories may not suit us. But the reality is that with a well-planned transition, and a concerted re-skilling programme, modern plants can create an increased number of higher-level jobs, while automating and digitising those at lower-levels. The very DNA of the organisation needs to shift towards one embracing learning, development, and reskilling. Over time, the processes and systems will continue to morph, until the entire outfit is reshaped for the digital era. Powerful, scalable digital platforms

reach and the depth of expertise to build a scalable digital platform. T-Systems South Africa, for example, already has built global enablement processes, developed in Germany (the world’s driving force behind the Industrie 4.0 movement), backed by a wealth of expertise in re-engineering industrial processes towards the Smart Factory vision. So, it is critical to have such type of partners within reach. Impenetrable cyber-security defences As you look to capture new digital opportunities and increasingly embrace digitised value chains, you inevitably expose yourself to greater risks of cyber-security attacks. With new attack surfaces in-play, you should invest in the technology and the partnerships that will minimise the risk of data breach, financial loss, downtime, or reputation damage.

You’ll need a specialised technology partner that has the global

Dereshin Pillay is Head of Manufacturing & Automotive at T-Systems South Africa Enquiry no: 10

Properties up for grabs in Port of Durban

RANSNET National Ports Authority in the Port of Durban is offering new lease agreements for more than 30 properties and operational sites in the Port’s Ship Repair and Bayhead Precincts. The commercial sites, which will be leasable for a minimum of five years, present opportunities for new

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entrants who have a minimum of 51% Black Ownership to participate in port related activities. Port Manager for the Port of Durban, Moshe Motlohi said this exercise was part of transforming the port space and making it more inclusive for interested businesses especially new entrants. “This is the first ever real estate

lease application exercise of this magnitude and we hope that it will be well received by the public, especially for communities residing in and around the Port of Durban,” he said. “As the national ports authority, we have a responsibility to the country to help address the three scourges plaguing South Africa - unemploy-

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Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, East London & Nelspruit Tel: 0861 GOSCOR (467 267) • lifttrucks@goscor.co.za www.goscorlifttrucks.co.za A proud member of the Goscor Group of Companies NEW Branch

NEW Branch

ment, poverty and inequality – by making business opportunities available for small and emerging businesses owned by previously disadvantaged individuals to operate within the port environment,” said Motlohi. The commercial sites range in size from 14m² to 5000m² and are mostly used for port and logistics related activities such as light industrial engineering workshops, repair operations and storage warehouses/sites. The properties up for grabs also include a restaurant which caters for the Bayhead industrial workers market and sites suitable for local sporting bodies, boating clubs and fishing clubs. “Currently the Port of Durban has been leasing these properties on a month-to-month basis to a group of businesses for more than 20 years. This will now change, as most of the lease agreement terms will be on a five-year lease term agreement,” explained Gary Young, Real Estate Manager at the Port of Durban. Young added that whilst most of the properties were still occupied, their lease agreements were soon coming to an end.

“Where the lease expires, we put them out to the market through a public process to identify new participants,” Young said. Current tenants are encouraged to participate in the process, however, further recognition will be given to new entrants and applicants who have a minimum of 51% Black Ownership. TNPA Chief Executive Richard Vallihu has repeatedly reinforced the view that the country’s ports are a catalyst for economic growth, pushing for what TNPA calls “Radical Port Reform”. This includes unleashing the potential of the ports to create jobs and open up the space for the participation of historically disadvantaged communities. The Port of Durban which has a land area of 985 hectares, has at least 352 lease agreements with a number of businesses operating within the port vicinity. Enquiry no: 11

Africa launch of batteries that recharge from saltwater

YDRA Light, an Australia company, has launched its innovative Hydra-Cell technology in Africa. Hydra-Cell is a proprietary oxygen fuel cell technology that powers flashlights and lanterns, or charges phones and powers USB devices. “Simply dip the HydraCell in regular water mixed with a bit of salt. Seawater works perfectly too,” the company said in a statement. Depending on the drying effects of the surroundings, re-dip the cells every 24 to 72 hours to maintain the energy output. For its Africa launch, Hydra Light was at SAITEX 2017 – Africa’s biggest retail products sourcing expo - seeking established distributors across subSahara Africa and Asia. Hydra Light management demonstrated their entire line of lantern, flashlight and charging products at the expo.

The company says a single replaceable Hydra-Cell will generate over 300 hours of light, delivering power output greater than 30 AA premium alkaline batteries. “It will change the lives of millions who live off the electrical grid: the light from a single Hydra-Cell can replace over seven litres of fuel used in a kerosene lamp. And, a kerosene lamp won’t charge your phone,” the company said. A replacement HydraCell, normally retails at a fraction of the cost of the 30+ premium AA alkaline batteries it replaces. SAITEX is co-located with Africa’s Big 7 - the continent’s premier food & beverage expo – and The Hotel Show Africa 2017, one of the world’s most successful hospitality event brands takes its inaugural step into Africa. The three shows together create the largest Retail & Hospitality gatherEnquiry no: 12 ing in Africa.

June / July 2017

KZN Industrial & Business News

ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS

Ingula rotor pole refurbishment commissioned

N probably the largest repair of this nature in Africa, rotating electrical asset specialist Marthinusen & Coutts, a division of Actom, recently refurbished 11 of the full set of 14 rotor poles of Motor Generator Unit Three at Eskom’s Ingula Pumped Storage Scheme on the Drakensberg escarpment. The rotor poles were extensively damaged during a fault at the station, and the return to service of the unit was of national importance. Working closely with stakeholders, an extensive local programme of testing, dismantling, inspection and repair was conducted by Marthinusen & Coutts within extremely tight time frames to accommodate the urgency of the project. A technical audit confirmed that facilities at both Marthinusen & Coutts’ 8 000 m² main workshop at Cleveland, Johannesburg, and its 12 000 m² Benoni Power Generation division were indeed up to the daunting task.

Under full clean conditions requirements, M&C team member and armature winder, Keith van den Heever meticulously lowers the next turn of the field coil onto the insulated turns below

All 14 main rotor poles were then collected from Ingula and dispatched to the Benoni works using Marthinusen & Coutts’ in-house transport. Each pole weighed 12 tons with the coil alone weighing in at over two and a half tons. It was vital that Marthinusen &

Coutts determined not just the electrical status of the windings, but the health and physical integrity of each entire rotor pole (body and coil). They were subjected to insulation resistance and inter-turn insulation tests, comprising both impulse and power frequency inter-turn insula-

tion tests. Extensive visual inspections were also conducted. The test results were analysed, resulting in the decision to refurbish 11 of the 14 poles; two coils were accepted as healthy and the station owned a spare universal coil. To facilitate the grinding procedure necessary to remove the support side brackets from the main rotor poles, a customised heavy duty jig was manufactured. After the severity of the damage was determined, various techniques and repair concepts were tabled and discussed in great detail. It was finally agreed that the coils be stripped of their existing inter-turn insulation layers and the coils be reinsulated, heat cured using 2 500 Amps, including pressing at up to 1 000 tons, and reassembled to the main poles. To fast-track the process, Marthinusen & Coutts prepared custom parallel operations at their two facilities; separating the dirty and clean processes with full clean conditions areas for

the critical pressing and heat curing processes. Manufacturing the tools and equipment for the work demanded Marthinusen & Coutts’ substantial engineering and sourcing capacity. Among the items that needed to be custom made were various tables and jigs to help move the coils in and out of the burn-out oven. A coil removal rig – to remove coils safely from the main pole body – was built, as well as two heavy duty consolidation rigs, with a set of 1 000 ton hydraulic jacks and their dedicated power control unit. Marthinusen & Coutts also designed and constructed a dimensionally accurate ‘dummy’ pole centre to help ensure correct fitment of coils to the main poles. Other items included a 2 500 Amp direct current controlled rectifier to assist with the curing cycle, heavy duty turning rigs, lifting assemblies, and a magnetic link for inter-turn insulation testing. Enquiry no: 13

Enhanced version of safety instrumented system

OKOGAWA Electric Corporation recently announced an enhanced version of the ProSafe-RS safety instrumented system. This latest release, R4.03.00, includes an improved engineering function for configuring fire and gas systems (FGS) and new operation faceplates for the FGS operation and monitoring screens. These enhancements make it easier to adopt and use ProSafe-RS in FGS applications. In the oil, natural gas, petrochemical, chemical, and other

energy and basic materials industries, various safety measures must be taken to prevent accidents and protect the environment. This includes the use of a safety instrumented system, which can secure plant safety by functioning as an emergency shutdown system (ESD) that detects abnormal conditions and safely initiates emergency shutdowns, and by functioning as an FGS. Yokogawa’s ProSafe-RS safety instrumented system can be integrated with the CENTUM VP

KZN company turns 18, celebrates relationship with Chinese brand WITCH Technique KZN startS ed trading in February 1999 as an agency and distribution

company. “Initially we tried our hand with various product ranges, some of which we still carry, and in 2004 we took on the Chint agency for low voltage products in the KZN region,” said Stevan Elion. “Having worked for an international manufacturer and having been to their European factories, I was curious to visit an Asian manufacturing facility and visited the Chint factories to compare their quality and reliability. “I was pleasantly surprised to see the dedication and work ethic of the Chint staff especially with regards to quality control from raw materials to the finished products and to see that every product is

individually tested and guaranteed with a two-year factory warrantee.” Since then, said Elion, Hangzhou, China-based Chint had developed into one of the fastest growing electrical manufacturers in the world, with an ever increasing global footprint and worldwide technical approvals from international test facilities such as CB, UL, FI,KEMA, VDE as well as ISO9001 quality system certificate, ISO14001 environmental system certificate, OHSAS18001 occupational health management certificate. Chint also manufactures HV & MV products in the T & D sector and is a rapidly growing solar company with manufacturing companies in China, Germany, Spain and Thailand. Enquiry no: 15

integrated production control system and is widely used mainly in ESD applications all over the world. “Based on an April 2017 Yokogawa survey, ProSafe-RS is one of the top selling safety instrumented systems on the market today. Since releasing this system in 2005, Yokogawa has continued to strengthen its functions to satisfy a variety of customer needs,” a statement from the company said. In response to the rising need for FGS solutions, this latest release includes features that make it easier to adopt and use this system in such applications. And by adding a new

input/output (I/O) module and enabling the use of an alternate control network topology, we are giving our customers a greater range of choices in their ESD and FGS applications. Cybersecurity has also been strengthened. Software components (function blocks) that define the operations and functions to be performed when smoke, heat, and/or gas is detected, an essential aspect of any FGS application, have been added to the ProSafe-RS engineering functions. Standard FGS faceplates have been added for the integrated display of smoke, heat, and gas detector information such as gas

concentration level and device status. In addition, the I/O module has a new function that can reset the detector that sends smoke and heat detection signals to the ProSafe-RS system. This eliminates the need for a reset circuit to restore communications after an abnormality is detected . Enquiry no: 14

June / July 2017

ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS

KZN Industrial & Business News

Still shining brightly after 50 years C ELEBRATING its 50th anniversary this year, Nordland Lighting is continuing its strong tradition of local innovation by launching its first Zone 2 LED luminaires for mining, oil and gas, and petrochemical applications. The industrial and hazardous lighting specialist is also making these new luminaires available in stainless steel for specific requirements, in addition to launching die-cast aluminium bulkhead Zone 2 LED luminaires. “There is a definite move towards LED technology in industrial and hazardous lighting, due mainly to the cost-saving and increased safety benefits,” Nordland Lighting Engineering Manager Eben Ferreira said. “There has been a dramatic decrease in the cost of LEDs, which means it is better to invest in the latest technology than in cold cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) systems, which are anticipated to be phased out completely over the next 10 to 15 years.” Sales Manager Johann Lamprecht said: “We

offer good reliable products with an affordable pricing structure. We look after our customers’ needs, ensuring we supply the best suitable product for their direct requirements, all in a highly competitive market.” The manufacturer also has a dedicated lighting-design team, including a qualified Lighting Practitioner accredited by the Illumination Engineering Society of South Africa (IESSA). “This is one of only a handful of similar experts in South Africa. While anyone can carry out a lighting design, only a registered Lighting Practitioner, with a practice number, can sign off on a particular lighting design. “It is important that our customers not only realise that we have this resource in-house, but understand that this means our recommendations and findings can be implicitly trusted,” Lamprecht said. Nordland Lighting also offers an applications engineering service, with Ferreira heading a product development team constantly refining products and looking at introducing the latest

New range of robust RF cables and assemblies

S Components (RS), the trading brand of Electrocomponents plc, a global distributor for engineers, has extended its portfolio of radio-frequency/microwave equipment with a new range of semi-rigid RF/ microwave cables and assemblies from Huber & Suhner that offer ultra-high speed of more than 26GHz. Key products in the range are the highquality flexible SucoFlex 126E coaxial cable assemblies, which are designed to provide enhanced optimal performance at up to 26.5GHz (depending on connector interface choice) with excellent return loss. The cables are ideal for applications that require electrical stability and low loss, such as in test and measurement and defence systems. They also feature a blue polyurethane (PUR) outer jacket, which offers excellent chemical and abrasion resistant properties and advanced protection in the most hostile environments including those with wide temperature ranges from –40 to +85°C. The high-grade assemblies are available in various lengths and connector types, including 500 and 1000mm lengths.

The range now also includes the Minibend 50Ω SMA plug-to-plug cable assemblies. These are designed for applications requiring low-profile connections between RF modules within communication systems. Available in 3-, 6- and 12-inch versions, the triple shielded cables have a robust high-temperature FEP outer jacket, stainless steel outer braid and an aluminium/polyimide barrier tape. Also available are the TLP-P 11716 highflex test leads, which are 50Ω TL-P passive intermodulation (PIM) test assemblies. They are constructed from chemical-, oil- and abrasion-resistant TPU armoured cable for protection in hostile environments, and also include moulded protection between connector and cable supporting IP67 ingress protection, when mated correctly. The optimised 4GHz test leads are available in many various lengths and connector configurations. Alternative test leads include the Sucotest ST18A armoured cable assemblies, which are 50Ω flexible leads that offer excellent electrical performance combined with low insertion loss, stability and exceptional return loss. Enquiry no: 17

innovations to the South African market. “We have decades of expertise across all lighting disciplines, and are therefore able to provide our customers with engineering-based, customised solutions,” Lamprecht said. Lighting design focuses on factors such as aiming and orientation angles of the specific product, the number and type of luminaires that are best, and the illumination levels achieved within the appropriate standards. “Our experience in applications engineering means we can turnaround lighting designs within a short timeframe and with limited information,” Lamprecht added. In addition, the manufacturer works closely with the SABS to ensure that all of its light fittings are not only approved, but comply with the latest specifications and regulations. “Our entire lighting range has retained its permit mark for application in potentially explosively areas since 1977, while our non-hazardous products comply with SANS/IEC 60598,” Enquiry no: 16 Ferreira said.

New exclusive portfolio of electrical fittings

EGRAND’S range of Arteor wiring devices now encompasses the new Arteor Exclusive portfolio, which has been developed for projects that demand more than standard electrical fittings. Arteor Exclusive combines electrical switch plates in a selection of stylish colours, materials and textures – with round or square rocker plates - to suit exact specifications in upmarket installations. This elite range is individually manufactured for each project, according to specific electrical functions and décor requirements,” a statement from the company said. "The Legrand team offers a personalised service, from initial planning of the project, product selection and manufacturing, through to delivery, installation and support after completion." Another advantage is Legrand’s flexibility of design, which allows for personalisation of cover plates to enhance brand image and boost customer loyalty. For example, the installation could include a corporate logo, icon or Enquiry no: 18 family crest.

Humidity no barrier to bearing O1D Laser sensor with PMD technology Ready for Industry 4.0

Optical distance detection with a range of up to 10 m 2 switching outputs; one output can be conﬁgured as analogue output Resistant to extraneous light upto 100,000 lux Can be used in applications needing background suppression IO-Link for easy setting and replacement of sensors

National: 0861 IFM RSA (436 772)

International: +27 12 450 0400

Centurion, Durban, Rustenburg, Port Elizabeth, Vaal Triangle, Klerksdorp, Richards Bay, Lydenburg, Cape Town, Northern Cape, Namibian Subsidiary

performance

ITH its latest generation of electrically insulated bearings, SKF says it has raised the performance standard to provide constant electrical performance, even in high humidity. SKF’s Insocoat bearings range comprises bearings with an electrically insulating coating on the external surfaces of its inner or outer ring, plasma-sprayed with an aluminium oxide coating. The coating, which is naturally hygroscopic, is sealed with a resin to protect against the conductive effects of high humidity and moisture ingress. These bearings are specially designed and manufactured for use in rotating electrical machines, such as industrial electric motors, traction motors and generators. They prevent the passage of harmful electrical currents from the rotor to the machine frame via the bearings, which causes progressive electrical erosion of the bearings’ rolling contact surfaces and ultimately premature failure. Following the introduction of an improved plasma spray coating process and optimised ceramic layer, SKF can provide this superior insulating coating as standard and off-theshelf across its entire Insocoat range. Insocoat bearings are now able to withstand voltages of 3000V DC sufficient to cope with the vast majority of stray bearing current problems in electrical machines. In addition, the upgraded moisture-resistant coating provides greater protection against humidity storage environments which can compromise a bearing’s insulating properties before it is even placed in service, making Insocoat bearings highly robust during transEnquiry no: 19 port and handling.

June / July 2017

COMPANY PROFILE: BECKHOFF AUTOMATION

KZN Industrial & Business News

Four automation milestones …

We look forward to seeing you at the Durban Exhibition Centre, Booth A19

Integrates HMI in Visual Studio®: TwinCAT HMI

Simple, open HTML5-based: TwinCAT HMI for Visual Studio®

This year, Beckhoff will exhibit numerous innovations at the KZN Industrial Technology Exhibition in all technology areas. As an expert in One Cable Automation, Beckhoff shows how users can reduce installation and material costs significantly: for example, with the new EtherCAT P technology for the field level. Another highlight: the integrated in Visual Studio®, TwinCAT HMI: in just a few steps without programming, a platform independent user interface can be created. It also adds new TwinCAT modules for Industrie 4.0- and IoT-projects. Beckhoff implements open automation systems based on PC Control technology. The product range covers Industrial PCs, I/O and Fieldbus Components, Drive Technology and automation software. Products that can be used as separate components or integrated into a complete and seamless control system are available for all industries. The Beckhoff “New Automation Technology” philosophy represents universal and open control and automation solutions that are used worldwide in a wide variety of different applications, ranging from CNC-controlled machine tools to intelligent building automation.

… expecting you at the …

Simple and standardised cloud communication

Beckhoff Automation globally has a strongly-integrated sales network with branch offices and distributors all over the world. The South African wholly-owned subsidiary, Beckhoff Automation (Pty) Ltd, is located in Johannesburg, and was opened in 2006. Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth branches cover their respective regions. Beckhoff South Africa has a highly-competent sales and technical support team, as well as a fully-equipped training centres and a Level-1 Service Centre. Beckhoff SA supports their customers directly through experienced staff, as well as through a network of certified system integrators. Beckhoff South Africa therefore guarantees proficient customer service and advice throughout the country.

… KZN Industrial Technology Exhibition, Durban Exhibition Centre …

XTS. eXtended Transport System: Drive Technology – Rethought

Headquarters Beckhoff Automation (Pty) Ltd 6 Ateljee Street Randpark Ridge, Randburg Gauteng, 2194

Sales Office Durban Beckhoff Automation (Pty) Ltd Suite 7A, 58A Beechgate Crescent Southgate Business Park Amanzimtoti, KwaZulu-Natal, 4126

Phone: 0861 BECKHOFF Phone: + 27 (0) 11 795 28 98 info@beckhoff.co.za

Phone: 0861 BECKHOFF Mobile: + 27 (0) 78 459 7555 info@beckhoff.co.za

Montreal Minneapolis London Rochester Milwaukee Detroit Boston Chicago Cleveland Denver Mechanicsburg Indianapolis N O R T H A M E R I C A Cincinnati San Jose Nashville Los Angeles Raleigh Phoenix Rogers San Diego Charlotte Dallas Atlanta Austin Houston Seattle

www.beckhoff.co.za

… Booth A19, on 26 – 28 July.

San Luis Potosí

Bogotá Quito

Lima

SOUTH AMERICA

São Paulo

Campinas

Johannesburg

Joinville Novo Hamburgo Santiago

One Cable Automation: Reduce costs and installation effort

Montevideo Buenos Aires

Cape Town

Durban Port Elizabeth

June / July 2017

KZN Industrial & Business News

MACHINE TOOLS, METALS, ALLOYS & FABRICATION BEE partnership for engineering products company

NERGY Engineered Products is taking its stainless steel business (Energy Metals), and valves business (Energy Valves) forward into a more inclusive, progressive and sustainable future with the recent conclusion of an empowerment share transaction.

In line with the black economic empowerment (BEE) ownership agreement, Edwin Gafele Bogopa, CEO of Metsana Goup, now holds equity in Energy Engineered Products and serves as a nonexecutive board member. Energy Engineered Products senior sales managers, Rowena Suneerchand

and Anesh Prithilall, have also tives, we are confident that he taken up a meaningful sharewill make a valuable contribution holding in the business. to our business.” “While we have been active Since Bogopa established on the BEE front for a number Metsana Engineering (Pty) Ltd of years through skills developin 2002, the business has grown ment, staff training and procureand evolved from a single comment, we recognised that the pany into a Group of companies. time was right to address one Metsana Group, formed in 2010, very important aspect on the looks at various aspects of the scorecard, that of ownership,” market including design, engisaid Graham Whitty, Director neering and project management Business Development. services in civil and electrical “At this juncture in our counengineering, natural gas extractry’s history, transformation of tion, hydro-power generation, the economy is essential and we environmental waste manageare fortunate to have talented ment, among others. Front row left: Rowena Suneerchand, Hugh young individuals who can add Whitty said that staff remains Whitty, Fiona Jacobs. Back row left: Graham value to the business as sharethe company’s most valuable Whitty, Ken Perel, Anesh Prithilall, Edwin Bogopa asset. “The development of talent holders.” Bogopa approached Energy and people skills from within is Engineered Products approxicrucial to the company’s sustainmately seven years ago, expressing Edwin,” said Whitty. “It is important for able growth and progress. Rowena an interest in obtaining equity in the us to enter into business agreements and Anesh have been with Energy business. While the company was not with people we know, like Edwin, who Engineered Products for twelve in a position to enter into any agree- has the experience and knowledge and nine years respectively and are ments at that time, the communication necessary to ensure a successful and among our staff who have shown channels were kept open. sustainable BEE partnership. Edwin true dedication and commitment to “When we were ready to move understands the industrial space and our businesses and it was therefore forward with our BEE responsibilities, because he represents the all-impor- a logical step to include them in our Enquiry no: 20 we did not hesitate in approaching tant outside influences and perspec- BEE plans.”

Steel construction aids speedy expansion for pig breeder

he official inauguration of the new Topigs Norsvin SA units in Villiers was held recently, just 24 months after construction commenced. This project is a notable expansion for Topigs Norsvin SA and consists of a multi-site 1500 nucleus sow unit, gilt rearing and weanergrower facilities. SpanAfrica Steel Structures began construction of the first steel structures, walls and roofs of the gilt rearing unit in March 2015 in preparation for the arrival of a selection of top genetic gilts from Dalplaas Nucleus

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units. While the installation of equipment at the gilt rearing units was being

Refineries

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JOHANNESBURG (HEAD OFFICE) Tel: +27 (0)11 298 2100 CAPE TOWN Tel: +27 (0)21 555 2535 DURBAN Tel: 087 351 6568

www.saiw.co.za SAIW KZN Bus News_160x135.indd 1

Automotive Industry

Railway Industry

HE latest Silent Tools milling adaptors from cutting tool and tooling systems specialist Sandvik Coromant are designed to offer improved damping characteristics. According to the company, these advanced adaptors have been developed in direct response to the need for greater metal removal rates and reduced vibration wherever long, slender milling tools are deployed. Thanks to the upgraded Silent Tools mill-

KZN Industrial Power-Control Data Cables & Accessories @ Factory Prices

Construction Industry

SAIW Southern African Institute of Welding

4/14/16 11:20 AM

Enquiry no: 21

Greater damping with latest milling adaptors

For further details refer to the Course Prospectus on our website.

Oil and Gas Industry

done, the sow units construction commenced. When insemination of the gilts started, construction of the sow unit was still in progress, but was finished in time for the first animals to be transferred from the gilt rearing unit. While the sow unit received its final touches, the weaner-and-grower facilities were being built. The expansion allows for a split of biosecurity risk, increase in genetic population size for data collection and Parent Sow production.

011 457 2500 info@psa-technology.net www.psa-global.co.za

ing adaptors from Sandvik Coromant, production engineers now have an effective way of enhancing productivity, process security and surface finish in vibrationprone, long-overhang operations. Benefits such as the significant reduction of chatter and vibration make them today’s first choice for any machine shop looking to optimise the performance of its long milling cutter assemblies. “Inside the adaptors is a pre-tuned passive damper - a counteracting mass that acts as a shock absorber,” said Pål A. Sollie, Product and Application Specialist at Sandvik Coromant. “The damper improves the dynamic behaviour of the tool assembly to a level where there is room to achieve the best milling tool quality and unbeaten metal removal rates for a variety of milling applications with slender tools, whether it is face milling (even at high feed), deep shoulder and side milling, pocketing, slot milling, profiling, circular ramping or helical interpolation.” Additional advantages include undersized shanks which, where required, allow side clearance between the adaptor and workpiece. This permits the use of a nominal diameter cutter – rather than an oversized cutter – which is advantageous because a lower mass cutter is more productive than a larger version on a long, slender assembly. Having this flexibility avoids the need to compromise component designs and productivity when the use of slender milling tool assemblies is required. Suitable for all ISO material groups, the new Silent Tools milling adaptors can be deployed on tool assemblies with useable lengths from Enquiry no: 22 4 x cutter diameter.

June / July 2017

KZN Industrial & Business News

KZN INDUSTRIAL & TECHNOLOGY EXHIBITION PREVIEW

The definitive interactive platform for industrial technology solutions W ith a history spanning over 36 years, the KwaZuluNatal Industrial Technology Exhibition (KITE) has been the launchpad for a number of best practice technologies over the years and has provided a diverse market with a multitude of solutions. Held at the Durban Exhibition Centre from 26 to 28 July, KITE has a line-up of new and updated technologies for all industrial sectors in the province. The exhibition is characterised by its interactive nature, with ongoing demonstrations providing a completely simulated real-life experience for visitors. Technology for improved productivity and enhanced ROI Klüber Lubrication will be conducting demonstrations of its speciality lubricants by using a scaled working model of two worm gears, demonstrating how the lubricant will save costs on businesses’ monthly energy bills. WEICON GmbH & Co. KG will highlight its special adhesives and sealants, technical sprays and highperformance assembly pastes and greases for all areas of industry, as well as its range of stripping tools. Weicon has developed an adhesive that is especially suitable for bonding different types of plastic – RK-7300. It has a high-strength, high viscosity, is impact resistant and withstands

static and dynamic loads. Highstrength bondings are possible even in the case of low-energy plastics. Battery Experts carries one of the largest selections of rechargeable and non-rechargeable batteries in South Africa including laptop batteries, lithium batteries, power tool batteries, camera batteries, two-way radio batteries and sealed lead acid batteries, alkaline and zinc batteries. The company also repacks batteries for drills, shavers, dust busters, hobby packs, medical equipment. Toycoon’s setting tool – TURNIP (The Ultimate Rivet Nut Insert Puller) – is able to set all sizes of rivet nuts in any desired position. TURNIP is a two-handed actuator sold with a set of attachments for general use. IMSM delivers high-quality ISO consultancy services and standards to organisations of all sizes, from all sectors, all over the world. The company’s experienced assessors have a flexible approach that will help you to produce a set of procedures that are tailored to your business objectives. H.A.S.S. Industrial supplies custom-made hearing protection devices and hearing conservation management programmes and is the exclusive developer and manufacturer of the Noise-Ban™ product range with ISO 9001:2015 accreditation. Fair Plastic Packaging will be exhibiting shrink-wrap and palletwrapping machinery for end of line

packaging and will hold ongoing demonstrations. Vesco Plastics will highlight its proprietary brand of Vesconite bushings and wear plates that operate in dirty or wet conditions; Vesconite Superlube – an ultralow friction material; Hitemp 150 and Hitemp 230 bearing materials, designed to operate continuously in dry conditions of up to 150°C and 230°C, respectively. Schneider Electric EcoStruxure empowers end-user customers to implement scalable and converged IT/OT solutions that deliver innovation at every level. The company will also exhibit its Altivar Process variable speed drives, the world’s first services-oriented drives; and the new Modicon M580 Ethernet PAC (ePAC), an automation controller that uses open Ethernet standards to enable a new level of process efficiency and flexibility, while ensuring the highest level of cybersecurity through its Achilles™ Level 2 Certification. MiRO Distribution ICT offerings include durable and scalable solutions from Uniview, Axxess-E, BDCOM and EnGenius. EnGenius products include long-range cordless telephony solutions (coverage up to 2km) and highly scalable networking solutions; Uniview’s latest range surveillance products include features such as on-board analytics and remote viewing. Axxess-E offers

users an easy to install, wireless, cost-effective and intelligent alternative to traditional access control systems. Stab-a-Load specialises in the manufacture, supply, installation and maintenance of materials handling solutions for warehousing and distribution facilities, including docklevellers, insulated warehouse doors, aircraft hangar doors, scissors lift tables, good lifts, passenger lifts, high-speed freezer doors, fibre glass stacking doors, bug-screen doors, hydraulic tilt-up doors, dock sealing systems and pallet inverters. Modena Design Centres specialises in the supply of and training in premium design software in the architecture, engineering, construction and manufacturing industries. Modena provides accredited training certifications for building, civil infrastructure, process and power professionals. Acrow has opened a new division, extending its services in the strut and cable industries. Acrow will be showcasing all of its products through video, as well as physical examples at the exhibition, highlighting European technology working in an African environment. Technical Machine Suppliers will be launching Chen Hsong Group’s Jetmaster MK6 Servo Drive injection moulding machine. When producing power tools battery plugs in flameretardant PC+ABS, the cycle time

was 29 seconds, with an acceptance rate of 98.6%. On the production of nailer casings, the cycle time was 28 seconds and the acceptance rate Enquiry no: 23 was 98.8%.

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www.konecranes.co.za Durban branch: 031 914 0059 * 082 301 2389 mark.oconnor@konecranes.com Richards Bay branch: 035 789 0815 * 072 772 9184 ferdi.pieterse@konecranes.com

JOHANNESBURG Cnr Mentz Street and Booysens Reserve Johannesburg P.O. Box 9501 Johannesburg 2000, Tel (S/Board): +27 (0)11 240 4350/4364, Fax: 088 011 240 4350 PORT ELIZABETH Libertas Road, Stuandale, P.O. Box 919, 6000, South Africa Tel: +27(0)41 409 1400, Fax: +27(0)41 456 3128 HBPR/K124

DURBAN - FAN SOLUTIONS 1 Summerhill Road, Escombe, Queensburgh P.O. Box 39079, 4070, South Africa, Tel: +27(0)31 464 6257, Fax: +27(0)31 464 6280 CAPE TOWN 18B Dawn Road, Montague Gardens, P.O. Box 36509, Chempet, 7442, South Africa Tel: +27(0)21 552 5015, Fax: +27(0)21 552 6745

www.donkin.co.za | Email: sales@donkin.co.za | A Howden Group Company

KZN INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY EXHIBITION PREVIEW

June / July 2017

KZN Industrial & Business News

Industry 4.0 – the Fourth Industrial Revolution

Hilton Campbell

AVING the privilege of being involved in the sector of intralogistics for over 20

years, I have seen products developed at a steady pace, products with stricter hygiene conditions, with lower energy consumption and increased efficiency, and, of

Established in 1892, Transvaal Rubber Company (Truco) manufactures a comprehensive range of rubber products for mining, marine and general industries. Truco’s industrial rubber products include hoses for mining and industry, conveyor belting for all types of applications, rubber sheeting (made from a range of compounds), rubber bellows and rubber product accessories. Other solutions available include rubber extrusions, flanges, adhesives and marine fenders / mooring systems. Other products on offer from Truco are: VICTAULIC GROOVED JOINING SYSTEMS: As an official African distributor, Truco supplies the full range of Victaulic grooved mechanical pipe joining products. This range of Victaulic grooved joining systems includes a range of couplings, valves, fittings, and accessories. HOSE CLAMPS: Truco manufactures a range of hose clamps with custom-made end fittings for its entire range of rubber hoses, PVC hoses and composite hoses for a wide range of mining and industrial applications. COUPLINGS: Truco supplies a wide range of couplings for use in industrial, mining, petroleum and agricultural applications, and include Camlock couplings, Claw couplings, Pipe Couplings and Split Flange Couplings.

course, products with either no or very low maintenance and much higher mean time before failure. Interroll products are being continually re-engineered with these factors in mind. The Interroll Research Centre in Baal, Germany is busy every day testing, pushing the limits and proving our products. Industry 4.0 pushes the limits and our engineers are excited. We are now investing and developing products that are “smart” products. What does this mean? Looking into the future the relationship between mechanical and software performance will merge closer and closer, in fact many say it is the software that will be the new hard currency and bring about the differentiation factors. A first example for Interroll at the very early stage is the Interroll Multi_ Control Card. This device works handin-hand with our 24V DC products for efficient transport of goods weighing up to 50Kg and travelling at speeds in excess of 1.5m/sec. The controller was launched in 2014 with our new conveyor platform, and today thousands are installed worldwide. The controller gives our product intelligence. Already we have basic

function on board for managing the transport of goods in a basic way. Soon we will deliver new features that will allow the product to manage on a software level far more complicated junctions and transfers, the device will communicate with other external devices and based on this feedback, we will be able to influence transport behaviour. These new devices will in the future communicate with one another on a deeper level, in some cases even wirelessly, and be able to monitor and give feedback on the health and status of the mechanical component. This is the tip of the iceberg. Several cars today are autonomous, transporting goods and humans without human interface. In the future, why can conveyors not behave in the exact same way? In meetings with customers, I often compare the layout of conveyors, how they connect different processes within the operation and how all these different processes influence the design, to a traffic flow system. Before I travel today I often check out Google or Waze, since now almost all drivers have mobile devices with

one of these applications loaded. We can now see the what is ahead and what route to take, we can make decisions as they occur or even better we can make predictions of what lies ahead. I see our internal logistics movement of goods as no different. Devices will monitor movement throughout the system, sophisticated software will bring a higher degree of intelligence, feedback will change how the conveyor behaves and ultimately goods will move faster and more efficiently. They will think for themselves. We know today already of “dark warehouses.” While we are sleeping, goods are being moved about, getting prepped for the next day with nobody in the room. AGV (Automate guided Vehicles) are already used in many factories and in e-commerce companies, bringing goods to humans in a manner that saves time. This new industrialisation is already upon us. Hold onto your seats. We will witness developments we thought never possible in the world of internal logistics.

Hilton Campbell is MD, Interroll SA Enquiry no: 24

Durban key to pump leader’s SA growth plans

USCH South Africa Durban range,” the company said in a stateopened its doors in June 2014 ment. These include Liquid Rings, with the aim of expanding its Side channel Blowers, Screw pumps East Coast market share. A major and its Roots Blowers. focus is bringing awareness to the “Being the only Major Vacuum pump local market of Busch Vacuum Pump manufacturer directly represented on & System’s globally recognised prod- the African continent, it gives South uct range. African companies the chance to deal The company says it has been suc- with the OEM thus giving them direct cessful with the Oil Rotary Vane and access to the latest market trends and Claw pumps, which are recognised as globally competitive pricing.” 23 Durban Busch branch has a workhorse product in the market. Enquiry no: The “By building on this success, Busch service department which caters for will create more awareness of its high- on-site services and service cenquality pumps in the rest of its product tre repair of all Busch products and

various competitor vacuum pumps and blowers, including Becker, ElmoRietschle, Edwards, PVR, Robuschi and Nash. A limited amount of loan units are available, while a pump is being repaired. Requests for centralized systems or special applications are also be catered for. Busch have their head office in Johannesburg with a branch also located in Cape Town and an agency in Port Elizabeth. Enquiry no: 25

Safety first for Durban lifting equipment supplier

UQUIP supplies and distributes lifting, lashing and rigging equipment, together with marine and safety equipment as well as associated services. Having grown from an entity of four people to a team of over 60 since 1994, management has a collective 100 years' experience in the lifting industry. “In this industry, knowledge means safety. It is essential that the correct equipment is supplied for the application together with the required certificates and regular three-monthly inspections thereafter,” the company said in a statement. To this end Nuquip is registered with the Department of Labour as a Lifting Machine Entity (LME), supported by

six Lifting Machine Inspectors (LMl's) in various categories. It is also a member of the UK-based Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA). The company acts as agents for a range of manufacturers including Teufelberger (Austria) and Berkart-Bridon (UK manufacFrom left, NuQuip's, Anwar Cassim, interturers of high performance ropes); Cortland PLASMA 12 stranded syn- nal sales manager and Glenn Janse van Vuuren, divisional manager. thetic ropes; Pains Wessex marine distress signals; Viking life jackets; Jason's Cradles; Yale manual and in 2001 for IS09001 :2000. The compneumatic hoists, lever hoists and pany is in the process of changing to Yaletrac rope winches; and Laschtech IS09001.•2015. sea container lashing equipment. Nuquip became a division of Nuquip is a level 2 BBBEE con- Brandcorp in July 2015 which was in tributor (AAA) and was first accred- turn acquired by the Bidvest Group in Enquiry no: 26 ited by Dekra Certification Services October 2016.

company profile: rs components

June / July 2017

KZN Industrial & Business News

RS Components

Pioneers of industrial distribution

S Components is the market leader in the distribution of industrial parts and electronic components. RS collaborates with its customers to help them reduce their Total Maintenance, Repair and Operations (MRO) spend by taking the hassle out of indirect procurement. The company specialises in meeting the maintenance, repair, low volume production, and research and development purchasing requirements of engineers, buyers and maintenance professionals. The RS offer is facilitated by a world class website and e-commerce platform that gives customers access to over 500 000 products

across 2500 global suppliers that specialise in industrial, mechanical, automation and control and electronics products. The company is committed to ensuring that their 1 million customers have fast access to a broad range of products and technologies all under one roof. RS has operations across 32 countries whilst serving a further 80 markets through third-party distributors and a global network of distribution centres worldwide, that ship more than 44 000 parcels daily. RS’s customers, are able to order a single or multiple units of a product and can experience a quick, easy, secure, and cost effective process. With free access to thousands of

datasheets customers can easily compare and select the correct product which they require. Locally held stock is delivered to customers within 24 hours, and products that need to be ordered from other global distribution centres, are delivered within 4-6 working days to customers in South Africa. RS South Africa also services countries in sub-Saharan Africa where there is strong demand for a distributor with their capabilities and range of products. In a study conducted with RS Components and the Manchester Business School in London, it was highlighted that procurement departments traditionally spend close to 80% of their time sourcing indirect products that

account for only 20% of their total procurement spend. RS is focussed on reducing the time and effort that customers spend on indirect procurement processes by consolidating supplier bases and giving customers a multitude of options and alternatives to select from. By facilitating this process customers don’t need to make multiple calls to various companies to source products, thereby significantly reducing supplier related administration and improving efficiency, so that time is freed up to concentrate on the more important business tasks.

RS Components SA turns 21!

S Components is the trading brand of UK based Electrocomponents PLC, an 80-year-old company listed on the London Stock Exchange. It is globally renown as one of the first distributors to successfully transition into an e-commerce business within the B2B space and continues to win awards for innovation and supplier development. RS Components SA turns 21 this

year, having opening its doors in this market in 1996. “How things have changed,” says Brian Andrew, GM for RS South Africa. “In 2009 we took the decision to print our last paper catalogue. It was a big risk to take in a market where e-commerce was just taking off and where the industry was still quite traditional with engineers wanting our 3000 page catalogue to physically search for their favourite parts.

We started off with just 5% of sales coming through the website in 2009 and this has steadily grown to 65% of all sales coming through our website currently. That 3000 page catalogue is now available on our website with over 500 000 products for our customers to choose from, and a further 5000 new products being added on a monthly basis. The shift has been phenomenal with unbelievable efficiencies gained

through the use of technology. We were fortunate enough that our leaders saw what the future held and were prepared to invest in an organisation that needed to change to meet customer demands. So what’s next for RS? Anything is possible, from drone deliveries, automated factories that self-monitor and maintain themselves and even virtual warehouses.”

RS Pro: Performance, quality and choice at a fair price

S Components, is placing a greater focus on their private label business with the launch of the new RS Pro brand, creating a single unifying value proposition for the private label product range, which will be on show at the KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition taking place between the 26-28 July 2017. The RS Pro range of more than 40 000 high-quality, competitively priced industrial products and electronic components will evolve and expand over time. The RS Pro range offers customers a

ously introduce new products. Kurt Colehower, President of RS Pro, commented: “We want to build a global product brand that is synonymous with quality, performance and value. RS Pro provides the platform to offer customers a clear value option and allows us to work closely with our key suppliers to fill out specific product categories. RS Pro represents our legacy of more than 75 years of offering our customers proven products at competitive prices.” For more information on RS Pro go to www.rspro.co.za.

Mobile and digital tools

o add to the website and e-commerce platform, RS has developed a new and improved mobile website that is optimised for mobile devices to support its growing mobile user base. The company has seen a fourfold increase in mobile traffic to its website year on year and the new site enables customers to more easily search and buy products whenever and wherever they need. The new mobile-optimised website provides a much-improved user experience for customers accessing the RS portfolio of over 500 000 products on their mobile devices, making it easier and more convenient for them to research, browse and purchase on the go.

choice where the combination of quality, performance and price create exceptional value. To ensure customers have complete confidence in the RS Pro offering, all products and components will now be backed by the RS Seal of Approval, representing leading industry standards for audit, inspection, test and certification. The RS Pro range will be more visible and accessible to customers and will be easier to purchase online. The size and reach of the range around the world will be grown by identifying opportunities in the portfolio to continu-

Developed using Agile methodology, which has enabled the enhancements to be implemented quickly and efficiently, the website allows customers to check real-time stock availability, pricing, view technical specifications and datasheets, manage their basket and checkout using their RS account or pay by credit card. Alex von Schirmeister, Chief Innovation Officer at RS, commented: “The mobile-optimised RS website is another key step in our ongoing efforts to improve the online experience for our customers. With our mobile user base expanding, providing an enhanced mobile-optimised experience is vital and is already helping us to drive more traffic onto our site than ever before.”

Other digital tools that RS provides for free are its RS Toolbox and DesignSpark. The RS Toolbox App combines electronic product reference material with calculation and conversion tools available in an easy-to-use format. It also offers an extensive range of functions, including a multitude of engineering calculators, converters and lookup tables. DesignSpark.com is an online community for engineers that share the latest product and technology trends and ‘how to’ information on engineering challenges. The site also offers free software downloads for PCB, Electrical and Mechanical design projects making it easier to bring an engineer’s designs to life.

Free downloads @ www.designspark.com

Plant maintenance products and solutions

he company recently announced a range of plant maintenance products and solutions designed to help companies with planned and emergency maintenance requirements at manufacturing or processing facilities, to equip themselves to maintain operations and extend system life for as long as economically viable. Key product areas for plant maintenance include tools, consumables, chemicals, cables and cable management, test and measurement, HVAC systems, lighting and a range of automation and control products including sensors and machine guarding. One important area is enabling engineers to find and deal with electrical problems safely and quickly in hard to reach places inside pan-

els, cabinets or equipment. Key product solutions include wireless inspection and thermal imaging cameras, such as the FLIR CM174 all-in-one clamp meter with built-in thermal imager, power measurement tools from Fluke, lamps from Osram, RS Pro safety lockouts, tools for working at height from Facom, and other electrical devices including cables and sockets. It is essential that production line systems be continuously maintained, as having an early indication of when a unit is operating outside of

normal parameters can help avoid equipment failure and reduce downtime. RS offers solutions designed for production line maintenance, covering areas such as process control using sensors, relays and beacons, plus a large range of products for predictive maintenance. Important for predicting failure is the integration of sensors into existing systems or equipment, such as the SKF CMSS 200 vibration sensor, which can be placed on machinery to measure vibration above a pre-set limit and trigger an alarm condition.

RS also provides information on a range of essential workshop products, such as adhesives, tapes, tools, personal protection equipment and labels. For the general identification of items such as bins, beams, and drawers, a standard industrial-strength label can be used, but other applications require more specific types of labels. The Dymo XTL range of labelling products is an example system that makes it easy to create customised labels simply and quickly. Finally, RS also offers a large range of key RS Pro products targeting plant maintenance applications including heavy-duty cabinets and tool modules, lead-acid batteries, LED lamps, extension reels, cable ties and fastener kits.

For more information contact RS Components SA, 086 000 7772, sales.za@rs-components.com www.rsonline.co.za

June / July 2017

KZN INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY EXHIBITION PREVIEW

Educating stakeholders about best practices in manufacturing

ESA Africa is the African M Chapter of MESA International, based in the US. It is a non-profit

post-graduate level programme to introduce engineering students to the application of MES and MOM in the industry. Special Interest Group meetings are held throughout the year (entry is free) where keynote speakers present on topical issues relating to the industry. MESA Africa holds its annual conference on 16 and 17 November. The topic is BIG MOM, BIG DATA, BIG RESULTS. Manufacturing Solutions for the Digital Revolution, with Chris Yelland, MD of E E Publishers and Alec Jannou, CEO of Sasol lined up as speakers.

KZN Industrial & Business News

Innovative modular power solution

BB has a scalable power distribution and protection solution for use in mission-critical applications such as data centers. The company says its MNS-Up solution integrates uninterrupted power supply (UPS) and switchgear technologies into a single, modular system, which can lower footprint up to 30%, increase uptime, and significantly reduce maintenance costs. As a highly integrated, fully scalable solution, MNS-Up allows switchgear and UPS modules to be safely and rapidly exchanged without disconnecting power. Responsible energy consumption and facility growth is ensured through planned incremental

Association and has an executive committee of 12 members from all areas of industry. It hosts a user group for the African continent where industrial manufacturing and plant engineers, managers, integrators, business analysts and technology vendors are introduced to solutions with best practices and the latest technologies. MESA Africa has a joint initiative with ECSA (Engineering Council of South Africa) and is collaborating with a South African university no: 27 regarding development a Terex - KZNthe Industrial & BusinessofNews TER003_500 000 June Enquiry 2017.qxp_Layout 1 20

Intelligent motor protection relay

HE Metasol Intelligent Motor Protection Relay is a digital device with an onboard MCU (Microprocessor Control Unit) that guarantees high reliability with real-time data processing, superb precision and anti-surge functions. Replacing thermal overload relay is an electronic motor protection relay which is used to protect the low voltage motor and is also called an electronic overcurrent relay or an electronic overload relay. As a digital motor protection relay with MCU, the IMP series is billed as the optimal solution for protecting and monitoring motors in complex

additions. Overcapacity is just as serious an issue for data center operators as downtime. To be most effective, a data center and its power supply must grow simultaneously, as the business expands. MNS-Up can be quickly scaled to support this requirement. “As a pioneering technology innovator, we deliver solutions that meet our

customers’ most complex challenges. MNS-Up is a modular solution that can help data center operators scale up their business as required,” said Graham Abrahams, Vice President of the Electrification Products division for Southern Africa. “As part of ABB’s Next Level strategy, we are focused on supporting our data center customers with their rapid growth with a range of innovative solutions.” Pilot applications by ABB’s global counterparts in Switzerland include Green Datacenter AG of Switzerland, which uses a 5.2 megawatt MNS-Up system at its 7,265 m² facility in ZurichWest and the University Hospital in Enquiry no: 28 Basel.

industrial fields for high safety and productivity. It offers real-time data processing and high precision. The IMP can secure a motor’s safely with various functions such as a wide and accurate electronically controlled current setting with option of internal CTs or external CTs, as well as a RS485 Modbus or 4-20mA communication and is applicable to inverter circuits with a 20-200Hz frequency. This 3-phase digital ammeter system provides ground fault protection with fault storage for easy checkups and a detachable display for remote fitment or ease of access. It provides the option of manual,

automatic and electric reset functions with password protection for customer convenience. It’s been tested and approved to operate safely without any malfunction caused by electromagnetic wave and surge. Most of the models have received CE Mark and UL certification based on its product reliability. In addition to all the features of the IMP series, an add-on Earth Leakage Unit (RCD) for the LSis Susol Moulded Case Circuit Breaker, is also available. This is a convenient way of earth fault protection without compromising the MCCB characteristics. This unit features a 3-pole residual current protection and may also be used on 2-pole applications. Enquiry no: 29

The benefits of marking and coding

ARKING and coding is the method of printing essential product and traceability information on packaging, labels and other manufactured materials. Everyday examples include barcodes, serialisation codes, and expiry or ‘best by’ dates. According to on pack promotion specialist Pyrotec PackMedia, there are several reasons why product owners need to print marks and codes on their product packaging, cartons and so forth. These include: • Meeting traceability requirements: By printing barcodes and serialization codes on every

THE PLUG VALVE

product owners product that is manufactured, use marking and as well as the cartons that are coding to prove used to transport these goods, the authenticity product owners can trace their of their products. products as they move through This makes it posthe supply chain. This enables sible for retailers, anyone who is involved in the consumers and supply chain to identify individual anyone else in the lots, shipments and packages – supply chain to telling them where the products immediately trace have come from and where they the product back are destined. This also allows to its point of origin to check that it is genuproduct owners to quickly recall ine and safe to transport, sell or use. products if they need to. • Providing assurance on prod- • Providing information on product freshness: Shoppers check the expiry, ‘best-by’ uct authenticity: In the pharmaand ‘use-by’ dates on the products they buy ceutical industry, for example, to ensure that they are safe and fresh to where counterfeiting is an issue, consume. These markings help consumers to derive the maximum value from their basket of goods, as well as reduce food waste. “Ultimately, the purpose of marking and coding is to keep everyone in the supply chain, COMPANY retailers and shoppers 100% informed about ARMATUREN the product – providing details on its origins, free of cavities & maintenance authenticity and freshness,” said the company. It offers a comprehensive range of coding and marking equipment and consumables from international industry leaders MarkemImaje, ALTech and Harland Machine Systems, Enquiry no: 30 among other brands.

Valves with UOP & SIL 3 Approval for Highest Demands

Type ISO-FSN-HF Hydrofluoric Alkylation Plug Valves

AZ-Armaturen South Africa Pty Ltd 28 Derick Coetzee Street, Boksburg 1459, South Africa Tel.: +27 (0) 11 397 3665, www.az-armaturen.co.za

Making their mark

ARKING Engineering, leaders in the marking and tractability sector, have added several products to their range. These include the Couth pin marking range, the Pryor hand stamp and bench dot marking machines, the ronmas hot ink-jet system, the HG fiber/Co2 range of lasers and recently the Rottweil industrial ink-Jet marking system and the Universal CO2 laser system for the South African and sub Saharan markets. “We offer full key solutions with regards to integration and serviceability, we have a full-service team and back-up support from our versatile team,” the company said in a statement. Customers range from automotive, industrial, FMCG, food and packaging industries to Aerospace and weaponry, as well as various Enquiry no: 31 financial institutes.

June / July 2017

KZN Industrial & Business News

Gas leak detector reduces potential utility equipment damage

DENTIFYING leaks of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), which is used as an electrical insulator in extremely high-voltage utilities applications, generally requires the purchase or rental of an expensive gas detector or hiring an outside consultant. The alternatives are shutting down equipment and using a sniffer, which after some time, can determine only the approximate area of the leak, or coating the entire equipment in soapy water and inspect, which is extremely time consuming and also

KZN INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY EXHIBITION PREVIEW

requires the equipment to be powered down. Fluke, locally represented by Comtest, has the new Ti450 SF6 gas leak detector that combines a highquality infrared camera with an SF6 leak detector that visually pinpoints the location of SF6 leaks without shutting equipment down. The Ti450 SF6 allows utility crews to include it as a normal part of their maintenance routine, allowing them to conduct both infrared and gas inspections whenever and wherever necessary. It eliminates the need to wait for special annual or

bi-annual leak inspections — and the corresponding expensive equipment rentals or contractors — so maintenance work can be done as required, reducing potential equipment damage. “Leak detection in utility equipment has always been a disruptive operation that requires expensive equipment and equipment downtime,” said Brian Knight, Fluke Thermography Business Unit Manager. “The Fluke Ti450 SF6 makes it incredibly convenient to make leak detection part of regular maintenance identifying the problems so leak corrections can

be performed during a scheduled maintenance period.” The pistol-grip Ti450 SF6 makes diagnoses of issues point-and-shoot convenient, even in hard to reach or high overhead locations. With the Ti450 SF6, technicians can monitor leaks more frequently allowing maintenance to be scheduled at a convenient time without unplanned downtime. The leak detector can also be used to quickly verify that the repair was fixed. The infrared camera includes the award-winning LaserSharp Auto Focus that delivers instant focus on

a single target using a built-in laser distance meter to calculate and display the distance to the designated target with pinpoint accuracy. LaserSharp Auto Focus enables technicians to precisely target up to 100 feet away for infrared readings and SF6 gas detection no matter how awkward the position of the target. This makes it safe to measure around high voltage areas and potentially dangerous areas. It also features Fluke IR-Fusion technology, which combines both digital and infrared images in one for better clarity. By adjusting the blending of the image, technicians can easily detect then pinpoint the exact location of the SF6 gas leak. The Ti450 SF6 comes complete with 2x telephoto smart lens, tripod holder for mounting. Enquiry no: 32

Take control of your assets

AILING to manage tools and equipment can have serious consequences. In terms of tool and equipment losses due to theft, a recent survey found that this issue costs industries in the US a whopping $600 million per year. Eskom approached Traceability Solutions in 2010 to help them improve their tools management. Taking into consideration all the potential consequences of failing to effectively manage tools, Eskom wanted to move away from their paperbased system to a more sophisticated and reliable system. “In a recent white paper published on our website referring to the tool management installation at Eskom, 2010, we addressed the problems experienced when managing tools as well as highlighted the latest technology and processes available when implement a tool and equipment management system,” the company said

in a statement. Traceability Solutions confirmed Eskom’s belief that its paperbased system was ineffective. “This approach renders the organization vulnerable to the actions and competences of its employees. So, an alternative tool management system was proposed and introduced at Eskom’s training centres.” The system that uses a 2D code scanner and individual biometrics to issue and return items at Eskom’s training centre was delivered to manage tools and equipment issued to students. The organisation requested that the implemented system also keep track of the movement of tools across different locations. “The results were remarkable. One of the most beneficial features of the system implemented, are the fact that it requires minimal human intervention to record information as well as

the fact that responsibility for items is established through scanning fingerprints of the issuer and receiver. Human error in recording, describing, receiving and/or issuing the tools/ pieces of equipment is minimised. “Knowing who has what tools, and having the peace of mind of knowing that record is kept of service and calibration dates is so vital. At the end of the day, if a system can deliver on these objectives, the system is deemed to be effective. "There is no better system to establish accountability and responsibility than one that uses fingerprints and permanently marked 2D codes to do so,” the company said. Using a standardised method of capturing and storing information supports storeroom managers, and help them keep track of services and calibration requirements of tools. Enquiry no: 33

Choose the right clamp meter

EFORE purchasing a new clamp meter, it is advisable to consider the worst-case scenario you might come across in your job and then determine which category is needed. That’s according to Werner Grobbelaar, Major Tech’s Sales Manager, who says this means you should choose a clamp meter designed for the highest category you could be working in. “Then, look for one with an amperage rating and category matching your needs. Modern clamp meters are designed to meet the IEC 61010-1 must clearly mark all the Category information and the max voltage rating,” he said. “Major Tech’s clamp meter range includes CATIV 600V rated clamps with NCV, and ranges from high resolution DC mA measurement for process loop up to 3000A AC for heavy industry.” They are available in AC/

DC, true RMS and average reading. The range includes various jaw sizes i.e. 6mm process current clamp, 10mm open jaw clamp and up to a 150mm flexi clamp. Grobbelaar said clamp meters are ideal tools for making spot checks and verifying system conditions before deploying more specialised tools and incurring additional costs. “The functionality of the CATIV rated clamps are ideal

for the hazardous and arduous work conditions.” Major Tech’s MT750 is just one of their clamp meters available and is a slimline tool that measures AC current to 1000A including measurements such as ACV, DCV, resistance, and continuity buzzer. This instrument has been designed, manufactured and tested according to IEC 61010. Enquiry no: 34

PLC HMI ALL IN ONE

Top certifications for locally made valves

Z-Armaturen South Africa, recently, A achieved SIL (Safety Integrity Level) 3 and UOP Honeywell HF Alkylation Valves

certification, demonstrating that its manufacturing and design process complies with international standards and can be used in severe and dangerous applications. Safety Integrity Level (SIL) is a unit of measurement for quantifying risk reduction. The SIL principle is used to reduce risk posed by technical equipment and is defined within a range from 1 (lowest) to 4 (highest). The SIL 3 capable rating which has been achieved by AZ-Armaturen South Africa is designed to provide their customers with reliable actuation solutions in critical applications without compromising their Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS). The Hydrofluoric (HF) Acid Alkylation process is mainly used by refineries to produce more environmentally friendly fuels. This process is demanding and requires the highest reliability from the valves used in this process. UOP Honeywell invented this process in 1941 which tests and approves whether equipment reaches its high requirements. AZ-Armaturen has achieved this accreditation for various piping classes for their plug Enquiry no: 35 valves.

Vision1210™ Advanced Supports up to 1000 I/Os PLC + integrated HMI Options for high-speed, temperature and weight measurement

12.1"

Variety of communication options Software & support included

USB programming port

SD card

CANbus SNAP I/O Module (optional ) Digital, analog and temperature

I/O Expansion port

For More Information Contact: Eastcoast Solutions CC, Tel: +27 31 765 6754, www.eastcoastsolutions.co.za Visit us at the KwaZulu Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition Stand C24

RS232/RS485 Ethernet

June / July 2017

KZN INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY EXHIBITION PREVIEW

KZN Industrial & Business News

Take a LEAP forward with ‘intelligent’ pumps T APFLO has introduced a new series of intelligent diaphragm pumps fitted with LEAP technology developed by the company.

LEAP or ‘Low Energy Air Pump’ is a patented technology used in AODD pumps to reduce the operating air pressure by reducing internal losses and friction found in

Full digital factory IT, cloud Factory automation network

HMI NA Machine Controller NJ

Software Sysmac Studio

Real-time machine network

Motion

Intelligent sensing

1S Servo MX2 NX I/O system inverter

I/O

GX I/O (IP67)

Horizontal integration M2M - Machine to Machine Safety

Vision

NX Safety

Sensing Vertical integration

E3Z photoelectric sensor

E3S-DC mark sensor

LD mobile robot

E2E/Q proximity sensor

Assured compatibility Providing a complete smart factory system, we offer everything you need from sensors and IO masters to controllers and HMIs. Everything is Would you like to know more? +27 (0)11 579 2600 info.sa@eu.omron.com industrial.omron.co.za

designed, developed and manufactured to work perfectly together. All products integrate easily and compatibility is guaranteed.

Visit us @ KITE Stand C12

conventional AODD pumps. The technology was developed for an ultra-low flow, high-pressure applications utilising a double diaphragm pump with an electric hydraulic power pack. Key Benefits of the TC Intelligent pumps include ultra-low-pressure operation which makes for reduced energy consumption, improved lifespan, control technology which prevents stalling, pulsation reduction which minimises the need for a pulse dampener, noise reduction and simplified maintenance – The company says the main air valve can be changed in less than two minutes without removing the pump from the process line. The company also announced a range of products from its new partners JEC Ltd and Salvatore Robuschi, which it described as “two of the most reliable companies in the market”. South Korea-based JEC Pumps’ JRZL , JRZP, JRZW and JTP series

are designed for a broad applications spectrum covering dairies, foods, beverages, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, bakeries, detergents, liquors, chemical industries and LCD/PDP manufacturing , winemaking process, truck unloading and loading. JEC twin-screw pumps are suitable to industries that require precise control of the filling fluid with a very low pulse and gentle handling. It is applicable to a variety of industries that handle low to high viscosity fluids. This range conforms to the international standards of EHEDG, 3-A. Italy-headquartered Salvatore Robuschi’s centrifugal pumps with open impeller include the RG series, suitable for use in the chemical, food, pharmaceutical and paper industries,

and the HG, for use in the chemical, food and pharmaceutical industries. Salvatore Robuschi centrifugal pumps with closed impeller include the RN, designed to meet a wide range of industrial and civil applications and are hence also suitable to be used anywhere that requires a safe and continuous operation, and HD designed to meet difficult applications needs with reduced costs. When it comes to centrifugal pumps with vortex impeller, the Salvatore Robuschi RC series are suitable for liquids containing suspended solid, even filamentous matter, ideal for paper, sugar, food and waste water conditioning applications, while the RS line is suitable for the pumping of clean liquids as well as liquids containing solid matter having a size of up to 60% of the delivery Enquiry no: 36 outlet diameter.

Flying motion solutions flag at KITE 2017

MRON will showcase its flagship Sysmac motion solutions, incorporating robotic and visual inspection control, at the KwaZuluNatal Industrial Technology Exhibition (KITE) from 26 to 28 July at the Durban Exhibition Centre in Durban. Victor Marques, Country General Manager said Omron said viewed the exhibition as a major platform for its product offerings and solutions. “We believe there is a lot of potential in KwaZulu-Natal. KITE has a good track record of attracting the relevant stakeholders in most of our target industries, creating an ideal opportunity for us to highlight our presence in, and offerings to, the region,” Marques said. Omron products to be exhibited are Sysmac motion and PLC control, NX remote I/O, vision systems, safety

products, servos and Variable Speed Drives, Human-Machine Interface (HMI), and various general control components The main target for Omron at KITE 2017 is OEMs and food and beverage end-user customers, agro-processing stakeholders, and the automotive industry. “Essentially, we are focusing on any customer looking for cost-effective and highly-innovative automation and motion and control solutions that meet, and even exceed, their requirements.” This is specifically because Omron has strong experience and references in areas such as motion and drive control, PLC and HMI, automation networks, visual inspection control,

and robotics. Field sales engineers will be on the stand to interact with customers personally, while application engineers will be available to field highend technical queries, and to share their wealth of product and application experience. “Management will also be on hand to demonstrate our total commitment to our customers, from the top down,” Marques said, adding that KITE 2017 will provide an informal, yet professional, platform for customers to approach Omron concerning specific solution enquiries. "We offer one of the most, if not the most, comprehensive variety of products and solutions to meet our customers’ industrial automation needs."

Enquiry no: 37

New PLC with multi-touch screen

NISTREAM, the rugged All-in-One PLC + HMI from Unitronics, is now available with a 10.4-inch embedded multi-touch screen. Multi-touch is a method of input on a touch screen that allows two or more fingers to be used on the screen at the same time, enabling that are familiar from cell phones and tablets. These include pinch and stretch to control zooming, two-hand gestures for increased operating safety, press and hold, double-tap, swipe and more. The new multi-touch screen model offers all the rich features of the UniStream line: Auto-tuned PID, datalogging, data tables and recipes, data sampling displayed via built-in trends and gauges, alarms, multi-level passwords, multi-language support including Asian languages, communications with any device via CANopen, CAN Layer2, MODBUS, EtherNet/ IP, and more. UniStream also supports Industry 4.0/cloud technology via its advanced communica-

tion features, including SNMP, SQL, VNC, FTP, SMS, email, and communications via GSM/GPRS modem and the ability to access your application locally via HMI program, or remotely via Web browser. UniStream controllers are programmed in UniLogic, the all-in-one software which the company claims slashes setup and programming time. The built-in Design and Re-Use paradigm enables you to build Ladder and C functions, design HMI screens, and create Web pages in multiple languages, and save it all in a Library to reuse in other projects. Another benefit to the bottom line for the OEM and system integrator is Unitronics standard policy of customer care, no hidden costs, no paywalls or tiers. All software, utilities, and support including membership in Unitronics’ Community Forum are provided at Enquiry no: 38 no additional charge.

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June / July 2017

KZN Industrial & Business News

construction, civil & structural engineering

Leveraging technology for sustained socio-economic transformation

YDRAFORM International, a leading alternative building technology company in the developing world since 1988, is well known for its unique interlocking building system which eliminates the use of mortar in 70% of the building structure. Making use of the oldest known building material, earth, to produce interlocking soilcement blocks, Hydraform’s innovative and sustainable building technology is used to build a wide range of buildings, including upmarket housing, low-cost housing, estates, schools, universities, clinics and commercial structures across the world. It makes use of natural raw material (earth) to manufacture a building block stabilised with just 10% cement. The blocks are interlocking, thus eliminating the need for mortar joints in much of the structure. According to the company, this innovation has resulted in an extremely competitive building system suitable for any type of construction and has been approved and used by relevant authorities in South Africa. The blocks are manufactured by mobile or static blockmaking machines. The added

advantage these machines bring to the Hydraform value proposition is that the blocks can be produced on site, resulting in reduced transport costs. The use of local soils also helps reduce costs and increases local impact. “The business value proposition speaks highly to the current demands and objectives of government at both local and national level, since the impacts are not only financial but socio-economic,” the company said in a statement. The system differs from conventional bricks in that it replaces the traditional ‘brick and mortar’ type building with interlocking, drystacked blocks. With the potential to save up to 30% on general construction costs, the Hydraform system is simple enough to be used by unskilled persons. Each Hydraform interlocking block consists of 90% soil (which can be sourced on site) and only 10% cement, and makes for faster, easier, more cost-effective construction. The Hydraform interlocking block making system comes with a host of construction benefits that make it well positioned to serve communities in the developing world. As a dry-stacking interlocking system, no mortar is required and the end result leaves a high quality face brick finish that can readily accept a painted finish if desired. A block yard can easily be established on any suitable land space, making block production using Hydraform technology a viable and potentially lucrative entrepreneurial endeavour. “An active block yard using the system has the potential to make a significant socio-economic impact on the surrounding community which stands to benefit from job opportunities

Company scoops first and second at SAICE Branch Awards

G Afrika’s Western Cape-based projects secured first and second place in the branch programme of this year’s prestigious annual South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) Awards. The high-profile SAICE annual awards recognise well-engineered projects that truly demonstrate the art and science of the civilengineering discipline to the general public. “This year’s panel of judges agreed that the New Horizons Energy Project in Athlone met all of these criteria. This project showcases the important role that engineers play in overcoming complex challenges, further motivating the decision to award it the overall winner of the Western Cape branch programme,” the company said in a statement. JG Afrika was part of the team that comprised project initiators and developers, as well as the engineer, procure and construct contractor. The leading firm of engineers and environmental consultants undertook site-

development planning, traffic and transportation, as well as the civil and structural contract and design elements of the integrated wastemanagement project. JG Afrika also integrated certain designs with environmental and building plans, undertook essential stormwater and effluentmanagement planning. It was also the lead consultant in the mechanical, electrical, IT, ventilation and fire teams, as well as for architectural and building plan approvals. JG Afrika’s second entry, the residential property development at 145 Kloof Road in Clifton was runner-up. As the civil and structural engineer for this project, JG Afrika designed a reinforced-concrete box comprising internal tension anchors to resist horizontal forces and vertical piles to intercept the slip-circle plane to excavate a three-level basement for the structure. Enquiry no: 40

and skills development; approximately 30 to 40 direct jobs in block and paving production are possible through a commercial or communitydriven block yard.” A block yard powered by Hydraform technology is capable of producing 3000 blocks per day

using the Hydraform M7MI Super Auto, which translates to nearly 500 000 blocks manufactured annually. Some 5000 interlocking pavers can be manufactured daily using the Hydraform V3SE, which is roughly over one million pavers Enquiry no: 39 a year.

CONSTRUCTION, CIVIL & STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING

Earthmover marks 20 years S OUTH Korean earthmoving brand Doosan celebrates 20 years of operating in South Africa this year. “Doosan maintains its strong position in today’s highly competitive earthmoving sector through its reputation for reliable engines, a robust chassis structure, quality components that ensure extended service life and features for easy serviceability that reduce downtime,” said Rod Watson of DISA Equipment, trading as Doosan, part of the Capital Equipment Group of Invicta Holdings Limited. “What’s also critical to Doosan’s success is the technical support and repair and maintenance service we offer our customer base throughout the country. Doosan equipment is also supported by extended warranties. “Our commitment to meeting exact market requirements, includes the launch of new machines locally, which are designed to cope efficiently and safely in Africa’s tough conditions.” Doosan earthmoving equipment, which is manufactured in South Korea, encompasses track, wheel and mini excavators, articulated dump trucks

(ADT’s), as well as wheel loaders and various attachments. A leading machine in the range is the heavy-duty Doosan DX225LCA hydraulic excavator series, one of the biggest size class of equipment in South Africa. These excavators are known for improved fuel efficiency, enhanced productivity, minimal maintenance requirements and greater operator comfort. The DX225LCA series has notable design features especially for the African market. These include a 6-cylinder water cooled engine that is optimised and electronically controlled to

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boost production, maximise fuel efficiency and ensure harmful emissions remain well below the values required for Tier II engines. The company says this machine also boasts the most efficient fuel consumption of this size class of equipment, consuming less fuel for the same production. A heavy-duty boom and arm have increased material thickness which limits element fatigue, which increases reliability and extends component life. This series has a longer undercarriage than competitor machines. Although a shorter undercarriage reduces manufacturing costs, stability of these machines is compromised. All welded structures of the Doosan undercarriage have been designed to limit stresses. The lateral chassis is welded and rigidly attached to the undercarriage. Tracks locked by mechanically bolted pins, are composed of sealed, self-lubricating links, which are isolated from external contamination for dependability in all conditions. The hydraulic track adjuster has a shock absorbing tension mechanism. Enquiry no: 41

If you’re looking for robust, reliable construction equipment at affordable prices then you need to look no further than SDLG. When it’s time to think about buying a new machine, remember this name: SDLG.

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Portable LED light towers

TLAS Copco Portable Energy says its latest range of portable HiLight light towers incorporates cutting-edge LED technology and delivers reliable and efficient lighting solutions with up to 25% more light compared to metal halide lamps and average savings of 60% on fuel consumption. Heavy-duty applications like construction rely on rugged, reliable and efficient equipment to maintain uptime and keep projects on-track to ensure profitability. More and more sites are operating 24/7, working day and night to meet deadlines and avoid penalties. “Metal halide lamps can simply no longer compete with the ground-breaking features and cost saving elements offered by LED technology within the heavy-duty arena,” said David Stanford, Portable Energy Business Line Manager at Atlas Copco Construction Technique. “In line with Atlas Copco Portable Energy’s forward-thinking philosophy, we endeavour to constantly add value by anticipating the future needs of our customers and developing products to meet and even exceed these needs. We recognised early on that LED lighting, driven by extreme durability, superior performance and super-efficiency, is no longer a technology of the future but the preferred light source of today and immediately got to work to incorporate LED technology into

Babcock International Group: Head Office Tel (011) 230 7300 Fax (011) 397 2686 enquiries@babcock.co.za

our HiLight light towers.” Stanford said it had taken the company approximately two years to design and perfect its HiLight range of LED light towers. The LED lamps are designed for both portability and performance. The heavy-duty floodlights benefit from high ingress protection (IP) and impact protection (IK) ratings. Additionally, LED lamps offer higher durability without any deterioration in lux level while providing instant light. These features are as a result of the right combination of LED chips and LED optics. Manufactured from glass, the LED directional optics offer the correct light distribution, guaranteeing both the length and width of light coverage and significantly increasing the complete efficiency of the light tower. HiLight LED lamps’ high CRI (Colour Rendering Index) score of > 85 (out of 100) is close to natural light sources and deliver the correct tone of light. Colours are better than standard metal halide lamps and the fully directional optic lens maximises practical light coverage while minimising ‘dark spots’ resulting in improved visibility on the job site and enhanced worker safety and comfort. Furthermore, the extended lighting-reach of the LED models means that larger sites can reduce the number of light towers required. Depending on the model, a single HiLight LED light tower can illuminate an area up to 5,000m² with an average brightness of 20 lux while offering a run time between refueling of 260 hours and consuming less than 0.5 litres Enquiry no: 42 of fuel per hour.

Engineering scholarship

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June / July 2017

KZN Industrial & Business News

boost for KZN pupils

WENTY high school pupils from KZN came closer to realising their dreams of studying civil engineering after attending a scholarship induction programme hosted by the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) in Durban recently. The scholarship programme is offered to students from grade 10 to 12 who excel in mathematics and science and already has a strong track record. Shaheil Khoosal, a project manager in training in SANRAL’s Eastern Region, joined the agency’s bursary programme in 2010 in his final year of university studies. “SANRAL provided me with tuition fees and vacation work which led me to graduate in 2011 from the University of KwaZulu-Natal,” he said, adding that civil engineers had many options to choose from such as designing of roads, construction, as well as structural, geotechnical and design engineering. Khoosal said as a graduate engineer he gained experience and mentorship while working on the Umgeni Road Interchange and acquired time management, 100 analytical thinking and decision making skills. 95 Ntando Ngidi, SANRAL’s Eastern Region Human Resource Professional said: “We pres75 ently have 20 graduate students in training at SANRAL Eastern Region offices and 12 of them are at the Centre of Excellence in Port 25 Elizabeth. “The Centre of Excellence not 5 only provides intensive postgraduate training, mentorship and 0 coaching, but also assures muchneeded exposure to a broad variety of disciplines to graduates and engineers.

“Traditionally, civil engineering is a male dominated sector, although females are progressively being recognised and are successfully breaking through each year.” Gcina Sentletse, Scholarship Co-ordinator for SANRAL’s regional offices, said: “The scholarship programme is a pipeline to the university programme and scholarship holders stand a better chance at getting SANRAL bursaries. However, they also need to apply as the bursaries are open to all external students.” Thabiso Dladla, a project manager in training and former SANRAL bursary holder, said he obtained his undergraduate degree and Master’s degree in civil engineering, specialising in structures. “I am currently based on site, at the R900-million upgrading of the N2 between Mtunzini toll plaza and the Empangeni interchange. I was motivated by a documentary called ‘Megastructures’ that featured extreme construction projects globally. I was encouraged to pursue a career in design engineering.” Dumisani Nkabinde, Operations and Maintenance Manager at SANRAL’s Eastern Region addressed pupils at the Durban event: “Civil engineering is a fulfilling career and engineers will always leave a trademark. Maintain perseverance and you will achieve great success.” Anele Ngidi, a grade 11 student from Durban Girls’ High School, said she enjoyed biology and mathematics. The 16-year old plans to pursue a career in civil engineering as she loves the challenging aspect and the SANRAL scholarship is a stepping stone to Enquiry no: 43 her dream.

June / July 2017

KZN Industrial & Business News

CONSTRUCTION, CIVIL & STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING

Crane, hoist compliance safety vital D

Safe lifting practice is essential when erecting a tower crane

EPLOYING tower cranes and construction hoists on work sites raises the pace of the project through higher productivity, but any non-compliance with the numerous safety regulations will have the opposite effect. That’s according to Brenden Crous, SA French’s manager for Safety, Health, Environment and Quality (SHEQ). “This is why we, at SA French, take as much of the administrative load as possible off our customers’ shoulders when it comes to lifting-related safety compliance. Our expert knowledge ensures that we cover all the bases with the necessary procedures and documentation, so that everything is on hand for inspection.” Crous cautioned that a Department of Labour inspector may consider a site shutdown if there are any significant gaps in compliance, leading to costly and inconvenient delays.

“Both our product lines, Potain tower cranes and SA French construction hoists, involve high risk activities, so one of our main priorities is to control the risks associated with working at height. All areas of risk in relation to tower crane or hoist safety procedures must be identified, assessed and mitigated so that our customers are not exposed to that risk.” He stressed the importance of the fall protection plan, which must be compiled by a competent person with the necessary training and experience. The plan must address all risks relating to working from a fall-risk position, and provide procedures and methods that eliminate the risk of falling. While tower cranes must comply with both the Driven Machinery regulations and the Construction regulations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), construction

Timber roof trusses and fire regulations

HILE there are some misconceptions around timber’s fire performance, structural timber for roofing is both commonplace and performs well under fire conditions. That’s according to the Institute for Timber Construction South Africa (ITC-SA). It qualified this, however, by saying that as with every aspect of building, timber roof trusses must be manufactured and erected in line with the National Building Regulations and SANS 10400, which provide for fire safety. “Building regulations, set in place by bodies such as the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) after extensive research and consultation with industry experts, consider all aspects of a given building material’s composition and properties to ensure that it meets the same safety and performance standard as any other building material in the same application,” the institute said in a statement.

Fire regulations relating to timber roof trusses state that each independent dwelling unit situated on either side of a fire wall must have its own bracing system within its roof structure, regardless of the fire wall projecting above the roof covering or not. The fire regulations do not state the size of a permissible gap between timber members bearing on either side of the fire wall. However, trusses passing through a fire wall must be split into separate trusses. The regulation states that “No part of the roof assembly, made of wood or any other combustible material shall pass through the separating wall”. No tile underlay or insulation may pass over the fire wall. The Department of Public Works’ revised Guide to Architects on the subject of fire safety addresses the matter of fire walls in roof spaces as follows: “Fire walls, where required, shall be carried up tightly against the underside of the floor except that

combustible minor structural members, such as battens, to which roofing material is directly fastened, may be permitted. “Purlins must not penetrate a fire wall for a distance greater than 80 mm, but if they penetrate from both sides of the wall, at least 80 mm of non-combustible material must separate them.” The ITC-SA said that while it does not make the regulations governing timber construction in South Africa, as part of its endeavours to promote and protect the industry, its players and the general public, it interprets and disseminates them. “It is the responsibility of all players, from the manufacture to erection and inspection of timber roof trusses to enforce the regulations; even engineers who sign off on a non-compliant roof structure could well be put to task by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA),” the institute said.

New transparent sealant a clear choice for DIY and contractor projects

IKA has launched a new transparent sealant that it says can be used for all DIY and contractor projects. “Sikaflex Crystal Clear is a onecomponent, transparent adhesive and sealant. Solvent-free, this multipurpose product complements the industry-renowned basket of Sikaflex -11 FC, Sikaflex Pro-3i and Sikaflex AT Façade,” the company said in a statement. It added that the sealant is suitable for use on most surfaces including metal, glass, concrete, plaster, plasterboard, wood surfaces, painted enamel, polyester and plastics. “It is ideal for use on transparent surfaces such as glass, plastic or acrylic, due to its crystal clear application, but will invisibly blend into any coloured surfaces as well.” As a joint sealant, it offers excellent workability on vertical and horizontal joints, connection

joints as well as for caulking between partitions, sealing of metal and wood constructions, ventilations and soundproofing of pipes. “The versatile product can be used whenever a transparent bond line is needed. “Sikaflex Crystal Clear is 100% crystal clear and transparent. It offers good workability and low shrinkage during cure. Especially designed for the home improvement sector, it is the ideal product to keep at home for most sealing or bonding jobs, but is perfect for contractors needing a transparent multipurpose adhesive.” It is waterproof and watertight so can be used for sealing in bathrooms, kitchens and areas exposed to moisture. Sika AG, is a globally active specialty chemicals company with its South African Head Office based in Durban, and branches in all Enquiry no: 46 major SA cities.

Enquiry no: 45

hoists must also meet OHSA’s Lift, Escalator and Passenger Conveyor regulations as they can carry both passengers and materials. “These stringent requirements demand compliance with a range of South African National Standards relating to the construction, installation, maintenance and operation of passenger conveyors,” said Crous. He said that any construction related equipment which is used to move people must be registered with the Department of Labour before it can be legally installed. SA French facilitates these various procedures and permissions by working closely with qualified and independent inspectors, who themselves must be legally and professionally recognised in terms of their scope of expertise and operation. Enquiry no: 44

June / July 2017

CONSTRUCTION, CIVIL & STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING

KZN Industrial & Business News

Junk status impact on construction industry ‘widely exaggerated’

ONCERNS about the impact on South Africa’s downgraded status by international agencies on the local construction sector are “widely exaggerated”. That’s according to Nikita Lalla (pictured), Partner at Dentons SA, a global law firm that advises on a wide range matters including infrastructure, disputes, energy, natural resources, private equity and project finance. Lalla said whilst the cost of borrowing and raising other forms of credit may have increased due

to increased beta factors, this will not have an impact on a sponsor’s ability to fulfil its contractual obligations. “While I agree that investment coming into South Africa will be significantly impacted by our country’s new status, the money the South African government has allocated to infrastructure and energy projects isn’t going to disappear. There are also contracts in place to ensure that contractors on these projects receive timeous payments,” said Lalla.

According to National Treasury, energy expenditure by government is expected to total R180.7billion over the next three years and there are countless other large-scale infrastructure projects, such as the Gautrain Commuter Expansion, the Johannesburg-Durban HighSpeed Rail Link and the Gauteng Freeway Improvement: Phase II Bulk Distribution System, for example, that are all underway. “Contractors shouldn’t have a kneejerk reaction to the junk status analysis being published in the media and terminate current contracts due to fear of non-payment, because infrastructure and energy projects are part of the country’s long-term development

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plans and strategies.” Government allocates funds at the start of the project and many of the projects will take many years, even decades, to complete. A good example of this is our country’s nuclear strategy, which has recently been in the media after Energy Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi announced that Government will be renegotiating its inter-governmental agreements with vendors. “South Africa’s nuclear plans aren’t being put on hold indefinitely; the purchasing and acquisition processes are simply being restarted.” While non-payment is rarely an issue on these types of projects, there are instances where payment dis-

putes arise. These disputes are generally due to inconsistencies in claims that need to be resolved, but even under these circumstances, contracts and processes are in place to help contractors proceed with work in a cash neutral position as soon as possible. “Our advice to contractors is to avoid terminating contracts. Engage in mediation, pursue an amicable solution and research ways to fast track your dispute. There are many long-term infrastructure projects in South Africa’s pipeline and it’s financially beneficial for contractors to continue working on these projects and follow the right channels if a payment Enquiry no: 47 dispute arises.”

Concrete in the spotlight

T’S all systems go for the first ever Concrete Conference, a joint initiative of South Africa’s concrete industry associations to bring concrete professionals together in the interest of developing the industry. The conference aims to discuss and discover concrete technologies that will set the country apart in the provision of quality construction materials. It will leverage the technical expertise of the Southern Africa Readymix Association (Sarma), Concrete Manufacturers Association (CMA), The Concrete Institute (TCI) and the Concrete Society of Southern Africa (CSSA) to deliver insight into the world of concrete. “This is an important milestone in the industry as it marks the first truly integrated event of all four concrete bodies working in alliance,” said Johan van Wyk (pictured), lead organizer of the event. “Concrete is changing and building techniques are too, so we will be looking at uncovering advancements that will impact

concrete producer’s offerings and improve construction techniques,” He said the conference was for professionals involved in the procurement, specification and manufacture of concrete and is CDP accredited through the Engineering Council of South Africa. It would also provide companies involved in the manufacture of concrete with an opportunity to exhibit and showcase their products alongside the conference proceedings. The event is anchor sponsored by four major cement producers, Afrisam, Lafarge, PPC and Sephaku, taking the opportunity to show their support for the industry. With the focus on high performance concrete (HPC), the speakers will include professor Hans Beushausen, who is responsible for writing the high performance concrete section in the Concrete Institute’s “concrete bible” Fulton Concrete Technology reference book. He will discuss the crite-

ria for producing high performance concrete and how to produce and procure it. Dedicated speakers on the subjects of precast, readymix and structural concrete will add further insights. A panel discussion involving executives from the professional construction bodies, including the South African Forum of Civil Engineering Contractors (SAFCEC), South African Institution of Civil Engineering (SAICE) Master Builders Association (MBA) and Consulting Engineers South Africa (CESA) will look at concrete possibilities in the current economic climate. Industry Insight economist, David Metelerkamp will then provide an overview of the economy and insight into what the future holds for the industry and the country. Another unique feature of the conference will be talks presented by entrants and winners of the Concrete Society’s Enquiry no: 48 Fulton Awards.

Moving ahead in the field of hybrid technology

OLYURETHANE and silicone sealants or adhesives deliver significant adhesion, good movement capability and durability. However, these high-

performance products have their limitations and disadvantages but, through research and technological advancement in hybrid technology, Den Braven has now elim-

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inated these and produced a range of new high-performance sealants and adhesives. That’s according to the company’s National Sales and Marketing Manager Michael Berg, who added that new technology, silylated urethane-based hybrid adhesives, brings with it exceptional performance characteristics beyond those of conventional polyurethane sealants. “The new breed adhesives have increased chemical resistance as well as high and instant tack properties” said Berg. “Hybrid polymers have better weathering characteristics than conventional polyurethane sealants and come without the odour and paintability problems of conventional silicone sealants. These new generation hybrid sealants and adhesives provide better adhesion, abrasion resistance and low temperature extrudability.” Sustainability and the harmful effect of VOCs are top of mind in the built environment today and Den Braven’s product range of isocyanate, solvent-free systems generally has a very low VOC content allowing for conformity to the South African Green Building Standards. Den Braven recently held a hands-on workshop in Durban to educate their clients from a wide range of market sectors on the advantages of hybrid technology. Some of the products demonstrated at the workshop were: • Hybriflex-540 for sealing building joints: expansion and connection joint sealing to precast concrete, brickwork and masonry, perimeter pointing and well sealing. • FP Hybrid Sealant: provides up to four hours of fire resistance in linear and horizontal joints between walls and floors or ceilings to create a secure seal. • Crystalflex-530: a transparent sealant and adhesive for interior use on many different construction and building applications. • Mirrorfix-MS: especially developed for bonding mirrors and decorative and acoustic tiles on all classic building substrates. • High Tack: a universal adhesive with extremely high initial grab bond for use on many building materials without the use of Enquiry no: 49 clamps and or fixing tape.

June / July 2017

KZN Industrial & Business News

sugar industry

Durban-made equipment key to big Zambia mill expansion project

New refinery pan floor

HE Nakambala Product Alignment and Refinery (PAAR) project at Nakambala Sugar Mill in Mazabuka, Zambia, is one of the largest projects Bosch Projects has undertaken to date. Illovo Sugar appointed Bosch Projects as engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) consultants for its subsidiary Zambia Sugar’s Nakambala expansion project. This contract, which involved the expansion of the raw house production capacity and the installation of a new sugar refinery, sugar conditioning plant and packing plant, was commissioned in May 2016, on time and within budget.

“Scope of the project for Bosch Projects encompassed the design and construction of a modern, high specification refinery, required to more than double the factory’s annual refined sugar production capacity, to 90 000 tons,” said Steve Rosettenstein, director: sugar, Bosch Projects, part of the Bosch Holdings group of multidisciplinary engineering companies. “As a result of the factory upgrade and implementation of the latest processing technologies, annual sugar production capacity at Nakambala is expected to increase from 420 000 to 450 000 tons.” Bosch Projects was also awarded the contract to design and supply

sugar processing equipment for the project, which was manufactured to pristine quality standards in Durban and transported by road to Zambia. State of the art processing equipment was designed in-house by the Bosch Projects team for high productivity, cost efficiency and extended service life at Nakambala. This equipment includes a continuous vacuum pan (CVP), clear juice heaters, a vacuum seed receiver, condensate flash vessels, condensers and a press water clarifier. A refinery evaporator, a 50 m high refined sugar conditioning silo and a lime and liquor wheel were also supplied. During construction of the PAAR project, over 1 200 tons of structural steel was erected, 1,6 km of piles were installed and 3 400 m³ of concrete was poured. Expansion of the Nakambala sugar mill and refinery has consolidated Zambia Sugar’s position as Africa’s single largest cane sugar producer and forms part of Illovo Sugar’s strategy to focus on growth within its domestic and regional markets. This project has also boosted the development of small holder cane farmers in the area and provides employment opportunities for the local community. Bosch Projects received a CESA commendation award for the Nakambala Product Alignment and Refinery project, in the category of “Best International Project”. The annual CESA Excellence Awards event gives recognition for engineering excellence.

Drought takes centre stage at SA cane grower body’s 90th anniversary AGM cane growing sector.” According to Murray, the crippling drought continued for most of 2016 resulting in the 20162017 season being one of the toughest experienced in the history of the South African sugar The board of directors for the 2017-2018 season industry. The relativeHE South African Cane Growers’ ly small crop also meant that farmers Association (SA Canegrowers) did not make good returns and this recently hosted its 90th Annual had the risk of putting some farmers General Meeting at the association’s out of business. head office in Mount Edgecombe, In terms of statistics, during the Durban. 2016-2017 season: Celebrating the landmark year since • Fourteen sugar mills crushed a crop the association as founded on August of 15 074 610 tons of cane. 9, 1927, outgoing Chairman Tim • The crop was 213 215 tons larger Murray reminded growers that while than the 2015-2016 crop of 14 861 the challenges facing the industry had 395 tons. intensified they were not that different • The total saleable sugar amounted from those identified almost a century to 1 539 739 tons of which 1 534 ago. 741 tons were sold on the local “The association was created then market, leaving no sugar available to protect the interests of growers and for export. that still applies today,” he said. Another challenge was the high con“In 1927, sugarcane growers in centration of eldana in the Midlands South Africa were addresses challeng- and the emergence of the Long Horn es of land, production, droughts, pests Beetle in the Eshowe and Entumeni and floods. This too is as applicable regions. The sugarcane growing sectoday as it was 90 years ago. The tor highlighted diversification as a key objective for the future remains one of focus area, but expressed disappointensuring a sustainable South African ment at the rate at which ethanol,

cogeneration and biofuels regulations were progressing. One of the highlights of the 20162017 season was the launch of the SA Canegrowers Benefit Scheme. “This is in line with our social accord,” explained Murray. The first product under the SA Canegrowers Benefit Scheme provides base funeral benefits and a death in service pension for permanent and seasonal workers and extended families. “The underlying principle of the scheme is to acknowledge farm workers as the most vulnerable in our sector and to provide them with a comprehensive basket of affordable, customised, innovative benefits. With time the surpluses will be ploughed back into the scheme to further enhance farm worker benefits,” The board of SA Canegrowers for the 2017-2018 season comprises: Graeme Stainbank (Chairman), Rex Talmage (Vice-Chairman), David Littley, Sabelo Magagula, Thulani Majozi, Sam Mashaba, Tim Murray, Suresh Naidoo, Greg Nelson, Dipuo Ntuli, Andrew Russell, Roy Sharma, Grant Taylor and Walter Visser. The South African Cane Growers’ Association is a not-for-profit organisation and individual growers are members through their grower associations, which make up the member organisations. In each mill area all member organisations are represented by a Local Grower Council. SA Canegrowers represents about 20 000 sugarcane growers in Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal. Enquiry no: 51

Apart from sugar and ethanol engineering, Bosch Projects also offers solutions in water and waste water, energy and industrial

plants, roads, land and building developments, as well as ports and terminals. Enquiry no: 50

June / July 2017

SUGAR INDUSTRY

KZN Industrial & Business News

SUGAR TAX: THE CASE FOR

A bold move and the right thing to do

Hettie Carina Schönfeldt, Beulah Pretorius and Nicolette Hall

outh Africa’s planned sugar tax has come under severe scrutiny from its parliamentarians. The questions they’re grappling with are whether the country needs a tax and how effective it will be. The tax is designed to reduce sugar intake from sugar-sweetened beverages by upping the price with a 20% fiscal tax. The South African health authorities’ plan to issue a sugar tax must not be seen in isolation. It is part of the South African National Department of Health’s strategic plans to prevent and control noncommunicable disease, and obesity. These strategies have set the ambitious target of reducing obesity by 10% by 2020. And they

include salt reduction legislation, trans-fat regulations, and stricter label and advertising regulations. The reality is that the move to introduce the sugar tax is necessary because of the scourge of non-communicable diseases and obesity in the country. The rise of non-communicable diseases It is not unusual for populations that modernise as a result of socioeconomic development to have changes in their dietary patterns. But the move from traditional foods to more processed and convenience foods is linked to weight gain and an increased risk of developing diet-related non-communicable diseases such as high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. Non-communicable diseases have become the leading causes of death in low- and middleincome countries. South Africa

is no exception. It has the highest rates of overweight and obese adults in Africa. Nearly one in every seven South African women is affected. And 40% of deaths from non-communicable conditions among men occur before they turn 60. In its second National Burden of Disease Study South Africa’s Medical Research Council tracked mortality levels and trends for non-communicable diseases between 1997 and 2012. It found that by 2010 non-communicable diseases had become one of the top causes of death in the country. They accounted for 39% of all fatalities putting them on par with the number of people dying from HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis combined. The World Health Organisation predicts that by 2020 these diseases will account for 80% of the global burden of disease. They will be responsible for seven of every 10 deaths in developing countries. Currently, a third of these premature deaths in lower income countries occur in people under the age of 60. In high income countries the proportion is only 13%. The impact of non-communicable diseases has a significant impact on economic development. The accumulated loss to South Africa’s gross domestic product between 2006 and

2015 from diabetes, stroke and heart disease was estimated at US$1.88 billion. The World Economic Forum has estimated that other industrialised countries such as Brazil, China, India and the Russia lose more than 20 million productive life years annually to non-communicable diseases.

An obese nation In addition to sharp increase in noncommunicable diseases, obesity has also risen at an exponential rate. The number of overweight and obese children in South Africa has increased from 1.4% in 1994 to more than 15% in 2004. And the obesity phenomenon has come about before South Africa has been able to win the battle against under-nutrition. While there has been a rise in the number of overweight and obese people, many are still undernourished because their food choices deprive their bodies of essential nutrients (energy, vitamins and minerals). The changes in South Africans’ die-

tary patterns over time have included: more foods rich in total and saturated fats, less legumes and vegetables, and more energy-dense, micronutrient-poor snack foods, convenience foods, vegetable oils, and more sweetened products and beverages. Adding salt, sugar, fats and oils during food preparation has also increased. Although studies show that people are eating more fruit and meat than 10 years ago, people are still not consuming enough variety of foods to meet all the recommended macro- and micro-nutrients for optimal health and wellbeing.

Global commitments As the world continues to win battles against HIV/AIDS and other communicable diseases, the national burden of disease attributed to non-communicable diseases is expected to intensify. In the next 10 years, it is estimated that the global non-communicable disease burden will increase by 17%. In Africa, this figure will be closer to 27%. Globally governments are being forced to pay more attention and intensify their actions against these dietrelated diseases. As a member state to the United Nations, South Africa has signed various global resolutions and commitments on food and nutrition. By implementing the sugar tax, South Africa is simply heeding to its international commitments. Associate professor Hettie Carina Schönfeldt, Beulah Pretorius and Nicolette Hall are researchers in human nutrition and food composition at the University of Pretoria. The article was originally published in The Conversation. Enquiry no: 52

Sweet coating solutions

HERMASPRAY, a surface engineering and thermal spray coating technology specialist, offers a range of high quality coating techniques that assist the sugar industry in reducing maintenance costs by protecting both new and worn equipment parts and components against abrasive, adhesive, erosive and corrosive degradation. Maintenance costs for the multiple-process sugar industry which includes the crushing, refining and packing of cane and beet sugar

can make up as much as ten percent of the value of goods produced. Equipment maintenance as a direct result of abrasion, adhesion, erosion and corrosion leading to rapid wear and corrosion and subsequently expensive downtime can account for up to one third of plant maintenance costs, including replacement and/or repairs. Thermaspray Managing Director, Dr. Jan Lourens, said, “The excellent protection offered by our superior quality, highly dependable coating solutions against surface

wear and corrosion delivers numerous cost saving benefits including the enhancement of equipment lifespan, a reduction in downtime, replacement and maintenance costs, and improved equipment and plant uptime, productivity and production”. Methods applied by Thermaspray to overcome abrasion, adhesion, erosion and corrosion specifically in the sugar industry include: • Thermal Spraying, a generic term used to define a group of processes that deposit fine metallic or non-metallic materials onto a prepared substrate to form a coating. The coating material may be in powder, rod or wire form. The different processes include: • High Velocity Oxy-Fuel (HVOF): Operates on a continuous steady-state basis with • continuous powder feed. Thermaspray offers two processes - gas and liquid fuelled. • Wire Arc Spraying (Also known as twinwire arc spray process). Direct current (DC) electric arc is used to melt the feedstock with compressed air behind the arc atomising the molten material. Higher thermal efficiency is achieved as wires are melted directly. Coatings are coarse with higher porosity. • Powder Plasma Spraying: Plasma (4th state of matter) consists of neutral and positive atoms and free electrons. Plasma gasses are heated as they ionise in the arc and high degree of melting and relatively high particle velocities are achieved. Finely structured coatings with high adhesion strength. • Plasma Transferred Arc (PTA) welding and hardfacing process - a versatile method of depositing high quality metallurgically fused deposits on relatively low cost substrates. • Polymer Applications • Plasma Coatings (Non-Stick and Traction Coatings): Thermaspray has undertaken a strategic partnership with Plasma Coatings in the USA to offer the South African market a new range of surface technologies and coatings to tackle industry. Enquiry no: 53

June / July 2017

SUGAR INDUSTRY

KZN Industrial & Business News

SUGAR TAX: THE CASE AGAINST

Ineffective blunt tool will harm rural poor

Martin Mohale

ongaat Hulett supports the objective of the South African Government to reduce the incidence of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in our population, and its efforts to reduce obesity, a known risk factor for these diseases. We oppose the proposed tax on Sugar Sweetened Beverages (SSBs), called the “Health Promotion Levy” (HPL) as we believe that it will be completely ineffective in achieving these objectives, while inflicting harm on the rural social economy of parts of South Africa. The HPL will not reduce obesity or NCDs in South Africa because: Globally and in South Africa the consumption of food energy exceeds requirements in the developed world by 50% and in the developing world by 23%. This overconsumption of food energy is the primary cause of obesity. Sugar makes no special contribution to obesity, other than its contribution to food energy (like any other food). This fact is supported by the overwhelming majority of mainstream science. The consumption of added sugar in the form of liquid products is 3-4% of the daily energy intake of the average South African. As the impact of the tax on SSB is likely to achieve only 0.24% to 32%1 reduction of the total food energy intake it will have no discernable impact on obesity. If the key underlying drivers of obesity are not addressed, they will continue to drive obesity up. Without a favourable impact on obesity, there will be no improvement in NCD levels. The total per capita sugar consumption in South Africa has been steady over the last 10 to 15 years whilst obesity levels have been rising There has been a gradual shift from direct consumption to indirect

consumption but the overall sugar consumption has been largely There is no correlation between per capita sugar intake and either obesity or NCD trends. We believe that the HPL will cause harm because: The sugar industry is a mainstay of the rural economies of KZN and Mpumalanga, providing economic opportunity and employment. These rural economies offer very limited job-intensive alternatives to sugar cane farming. As South Africa has the lowest local market sugar prices in the Southern African region, the margins of sugarcane farmers and millers are already very small. The impact of the HPL will be to reduce domestic market sugar volumes and shift this sugar on to the dumped world export market, which will have a substantial impact on the viability of farmers and millers. The impact of the HPL on domestic market volumes may be multiplied by the beverage manufacturers substituting other ingredients for sugar (reformulation), in order to reduce the impact of the tax. Also, by making the HPL part of a Money Bill, the Minister of Finance can change the future rate. National Treasury has already stated on many occasions, that if obesity will not come done, the level of the tax will be increased. As already argued, the HPL will not reduce obesity, which makes future increases in the tax rate likely. The key concern is that, once introduced, that the HPL is uncapped and increases are unfettered. The Rates and Monetary Amounts and Amendment Bill is revised annually and the HPL will be increased way above inflation (in real terms) as has been the case for the so-called “sin taxes”. The HPL at current level could drive many numbers of smaller farmers (the most vulnerable) out of business. The HPL at possible future levels will drive large numbers of small to

medium scale farmers (the most vulnerable) out of business and possibly lead to closures of sugar mills. The final rural job losses could be severe with no real alternatives. Over time the HPL is likely to have dire consequences for the rural poor in KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga. The following should be noted about the process to date: The sugar industry will be the most negatively impacted by the HPL and yet concerns raised and recommendations put forward by the sugar industry on the tax, have been ignored. No direct consultations between Government and the sugar industry have taken place. SASA and Tongaat Hulett, through BUSA, are participating in the NEDLAC SSB task team convened by the Public Finance and Monetary Policy chamber. Government has not issued a Socio-Economic Impact Assessment Study (SEIAS) on either the proposed HPL or the National Strategy for Prevention and Control of Obesity Government issued a Technical Appendix to a SEAIS on 15 May 2017 to the NEDLAC task No engagements on this have yet been possible. The new proposed level of the tax and changed economic assumptions have materially reduced the potential health benefit but none of this has been updated. Issues as required to be considered by SEIAS still need to be addressed. For example pro-active mitigation issues still need to be considered. The engagements at NEDLAC have not progressed as anticipated due to delays by government in sharing a version of the SEIAS. Notwithstanding various attempts, the task team has had only two successful meetings and remains some way from engaging substantively on key aspects of the policy. Tongaat Hulett view is that an increasing taxation of sugars in SSBs

New close-coupled pump

SB Pumps and Valves recently added the new generation Etabloc close-coupled pump range to its line-up of efficient water pumps. The newly enhanced series comprises 43 pump sizes, which can be driven by either 2-pole or 4-pole motors. With further additions to the selection chart, the pump size can now be selected even closer to the best efficiency point. KSB close-coupled pumps have applications in a wide range of industries including agriculture, industrial and municipal water pumping. Different material types and seal and nozzle types available for the range also extends its usage into other materials ranging from foodstuffs, to chemical, waste and a number of other usages. According to KSB Pumps and Valves Regional Sales Manager, David Jones, the discharge nozzles are fitted with more connection options for pressure gauges as standard, so several measurements can be conducted at the same time. The flanges of suction and discharge nozzles are optionally drilled to EN 1092 or ASME dimensions, for all materials. A large variety of nozzle positions and installation options enables maximum flexibility. Confined gaskets ensure reliable sealing between pump casing and casing cover, even in highly varying operating conditions. Another feature of the updated type series is its particularly service-friendly design. The conical seal chamber, for example, allows easy access and provides more space for maintenance work. The new, spacious design facilitates dismantling and reassembly of the mechanical seals. Forcing screws provided at the lantern make dismantling of the drive train much easier. Easy-to-replace casing wear rings protect the impeller and the casing cover from wear. The drive lantern comes in standardised mating dimensions, offering the operator maximum choice in selecting an electric motor. In line with KSB’s common practice for industrial pumps, every pump will be supplied to the customer with the impeller diameter trimmed exactly to the duty point. Impeller trimming combined with the large range of pump sizes available for selection is the only way of keeping the pump

set’s energy consumption to the minimum necessary. The latest generation of the Etabloc type series meets strict global standards including the EU requirements of Commission Regulation 547/2012/EU for Enquiry no: 55 water pumps.

in isolation, without any accompanying mitigating measures, would be a blunt tool with many unintended consequences, including undermining Government’s deep desire and articulated policy to develop the rural economy and create rural jobs. The seriousness of the likely impact of the proposed tax on rural livelihoods warrants spending more time to develop a comprehensive and sustainable approach to address the real challenges of reducing food energy intake, reducing obesity and related health impacts, improving agriculture and

food supply and increasing rural development, transformation and job creation. We believe that a win-win approach is possible, in which obesity may be targeted without putting at risk the direct and indirect sugar industry jobs on which approximately one million South Africans depend. Martin Mohale is the Managing Director of Tongaat Hulett First published on the PASA website: www.politicalanalysis.co.za

Enquiry no: 54

June / July 2017

SUGAR INDUSTRY

KZN Industrial & Business News

No rest for mill team during off-crop season T here was no rest for the Umfolozi Sugar Mill (USM) team during the past off-crop season, with a hive of activity around the numerous projects that had to be completed in time for the new season. This includes repairing equipment in dire need and enhancing the mill’s capacity and workload with new installations as well as kick-start the full automation of the plant. We sat Alan Williamson, Technical Liaison Director, down to hear first hand, more about the most important off-crop projects this season at USM. Replacing DCS in boilers and front end The current DCS in the factory is no longer supported by the supplier and will be replaced and updated. In 2015 the tender was awarded to Yokogawa the Raw house system was installed in 2016 as phase 1, while phase 2 entailed the upgrade to the boilers and extraction system. These are the first steps in upgrading the automation of USM over the next few seasons to enable more control over the plant by the operators, resulting in improved efficiencies. Retubing evaporator vessels The sugar department is busy retubing some of the evaporator vessels which became blocked as a result of the low throughputs and time efficiencies during the 2016 season. It is necessary to retube these vessels to ensure the evaporators are operating at their highest

efficiency. Poor evaporator performance will result in low brix syrup which will increase the coal burnt and the undetermined loss. The low brix will slow down the throughput on the Pan Floor eventually resulting in a slower crush and longer season. Vapour and juice piping replacement

The vapour, cooling water and juice pipes in the factory corrode over time due to the various products, resulting in energy (steam) losses and high undetermined losses as well as a safety risk to personnel. The LTA is directly impacted especially when the plant has to be stopped to replace a section of piping or to repair steam and juice leaks. To rectify this problem and alleviate down time and loss of production, USM has embarked on a programme whereby pipes are identified during the season and replaced during the upcoming off-crop. A scope of works is defined and it may require an external contractor to be contracted. At present the cooling water piping requires attention. This is the large bore piping feeding cooled water to the Pan and evaporator floors to create vacuum for respective vessels. The leaking pipes consume many labour hours on a stop day and leaking products end up on the floor or in other products. With a major failure the factory will have to be shut down for repairs taking 10 – 24 hours. Diffuser chain inspection and maintenance The existing diffuser chain was installed in

Sugar screening The sugar screen was installed in 2011. Since then the quality demanded by our customers and accreditation bodies necessitate a relook of USM’s screening process. The existing rotary screen was below standard and the redesign of a flat vibrating screen was installed. The flat screen has a higher efficiency and lumps cannot bypass this screen as before. The bypassing of lumps is a major concern to our customers, resulting in USM reworked 2 200 tons of sugar at a cost of R105 per ton. 84’’ improvements the 2012 off-crop and has run for four seasons. The life expectancy was 5 - 7 years. Towards the end of the 2017 season the diffuser chain was tracking towards the south side - a sign that the chain is beginning to stretch and individual chain components (pins and bushes) are starting to wear. After an inspection with consulting experts the decision was to run it for one more season. During this off-crop,

Major work was done over the last off-crop season and during the recent off-crop a flat plate was installed. New primary cane knife rotor installation Rotor was sent away for refurbishing and was installed as normal maintenance.

Article published courtesy of Umfolozi Sugar Mill, Umbonowethu, April 2017, Volume 27 Enquiry no: 56

Hard-working pump finally gets a break

FTER pumping molasses at a sugar mill for nearly two decades without a proper overhaul, a hard-wearing pump is finally being replaced. That’s according to Richard Gatlish, General Manager at Natal Pump Services (NPS) who said the company had received a request recently from Maragra Sugar in Mozambique for a replacement Viking LL125 which had run since 1998.

Barry Parkin, Engineering Manager for Illovo Sugar Limited, majority owner and operator of the Maragra mill confirmed that the pump had indeed been in use since 1998, one of two pumping final molasses from a storage tank to road tankers. “Flow rate and pressure is not measured, but pump efficiency slowly got worse as the pumps wore out causing slower filling of tanks resulting in complaints from hauliers. The road

PART OF THE PROCESS

Quality Components Technical Expertise Superior Service

Dedicated to Brilliant Service

PART OF THE SUGAR PROCESS. PRODUCT RANGE INCLUDES: • • • • •

random pins and bushes have been removed to confirm the wear rate on the components. The excessive wear on pins and bushes need to be addressed urgently. Those that have been identified as critical will be replaced now and the maintenance staff will continue to replace the lesser worn pins and bushes during the season.

Knife & Shredder Bearing Housings Carrier & Diffuser Chain Custom Sprockets Gear Couplings Clutches & Backstops

• • • • •

Steam Gaskets Enerpac Hydraulic Tools Diffuser & Mill Gearboxes Heat Exchangers Mill Lubrication & Hydraulic Systems

BEARINGS • SEALS • POWER TRANSMISSION • DRIVES & MOTORS • MATERIALS HANDLING • FASTENERS & TOOLS HYDRAULICS PNEUMATICS • FILTRATION • LUBRICATION • VALVES • TECHNICAL RESOURCES • FIELD SERVICES

tankers come in all sizes from small 200 l tanks on back of Bakkie extra heavy trucks transporting 30 tons. “Until last year we only had two molasses despatch pumps, the Viking and the other unknown pump. Neither of these pumps has been ‘properly; overhauled since the Viking was done by NPS in 1998. The plan is to install the new pump and release one of the other pumps and send it away for overhaul,” Parkin said. According to Gatlish Viking pumps are utilized throughout the sugar and molasses manufacturing process, from squeezed cane juice and first and second boil syrups to packaging molasses into bottles, as well as in many downstream applications of molasses. One of those downstream applications is in animal feed, where molasses is sprayed onto fodder or grain to improve livestock yields, as well as onto dry foods for dogs, cats, poultry and horses, to improve taste. “In these facilities the dry material usually moves along a conveyor, with molasses applied in proportion to the speed of the conveyor, by use of a Viking pump with variable speed drive, controlled by an output signal from the conveyor drive. Molasses is also an ingredient in many other products where you would least expect it. Viking has experience pumping molasses as a jet fuel additive, in polyols (for making polyurethane

foam), in corn syrups, in toothpaste, transmission fluid, turbine oil, paint, wax and bitumen, to name a few.” According to Gatlish, the most difficult thing about handling molasses is sealing the liquid inside the pump where the rotating shaft passes through the pump casing. The most reliable and inexpensive means is shaft packing, which uses multiple rings of material including PTFE (fluorocarbon) fibers and graphite, mounted around the shaft, and compressed with a packing gland. “This packing must be loose enough to allow a small amount of leakage to cool and lubricate the rotating shaft. If leakage is not allowable, then a mechanical seal is required, in which two ‘faces’ are compressed together with a spring, one face stationary and one face rotating with the shaft. The spring keeps liquid from leaking out between the faces, but because sugars in the molasses will crystallize, the abrasive sugar crystals can quickly wear out the mechanical seal. Or, when stopped, the sticky syrups can glue the faces together so that the seal is destroyed when restarted.” He said Viking had developed many solutions to these mechanical seal problems and other “sticky” issues over more than 100 years of pumping syrups, molasses, sugar magma and other sweeteners such as high Enquiry no: 57 fructose corn syrups.

Protect Components and Extend Service Life with World-Class Surface Coating and Specialised Welding Solutions

Thermaspray’s wide range of surfacing techniques protect components against severe environments such as: corrosion erosion abrasion sliding wear chemicals high temperatures oxidation Thermaspray’s coatings extend equipment life cycles, maximise uptime and productivity for lowest total cost of ownership. Johannesburg: Tel: +27 (11) 316 6520/8/9 Fax: +27 (11) 316 752

Website: www.thermaspray.co.za

June / July 2017

SUGAR INDUSTRY

KZN Industrial & Business News

Drones in sugarcane D

Richard Howes SA Canegrowers

RONE technology is being adopted by the agriculture sector at a rapid pace. Drones, using near infra-red cameras, can accurately monitor crop stress. This allows growers to detect irrigation system problems much earlier than was possible in the past and address these issues timeously to reduce yield loss and prevent wasting precious water allocations. Irrigation monitoring is not the only place drones add

value. Crop stress can come from many sources including pests and disease. Drone technology can detect these issues early and earlier intervention saves money, and where early detection can prevent a disease outbreak, these interventions can prevent disaster. Another area drones add value is in measuring yield. The drone is used to get highly accurate ground levels when fields are harvested and can then measure crop growth over time and measure yield gain. More accurate crop estimates allow for more efficient harvesting, and on an industry

level, more accurate estimates can save millions of rand for both growers and millers as accurate crop estimates are an essential data point to allow efficient season planning and resource utilisation. Future applications of drone technology are numerous, and one of the most exciting is crop spraying using drones. Crop spraying drone technology is in its infancy however the potential benefits are significant as crop spraying can be done at night when climatic conditions are ideal, can be used in areas where risks are too high for manned aircraft (for example where there are a large number of power lines), and can be significantly more cost effective as pilots are not required to be paid to wait for favourable

weather conditions. SA Canegrowers has partnered with Aerobotics in Cape Town to develop the capabilities of drone technology specifically targeted at sugarcane farming. The partnership is working to address the unique needs of the sugarcane grower community and ensure sustainability of the sector. One day in the not too distant future it is going to be a common sight to see unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones as they are commonly referred to, operating regularly in the skies above our farms. The cost and productivity benefits will help keep farmers on the land, workers in the fields, and food on our tables. Enquiry no: 58

Busy time for field service team

MG’s KZN field service team has been involved in a number of field service projects in the local sugar industry during recent off crop seasons, as well as dealing with urgent breakdowns in sugar mills and refineries. A recent field service project completed during the previous off crop season was a turnkey in-situ replacement of diffuser head shaft bearings and the complete refurbishment of the multi misalignment couplings driving each end of the head shaft. “BMG’s design and installation team faced many challenges during this project, including the lack of engineering drawings required for the manufacture of replacement components. This meant bearing sleeves could only be final machined after the extraction of components, some of which had been in operation for approximately 20 years,” said Chris Johns, regional manager, KZN and Swaziland, BMG. “Restricted space for moving enormous components, added to the difficulties of the project. Due to extended reach of the head shaft, it was not feasible to use the conventional approach of using mobile cranes. Instead, support structures were specially manufactured and placed under the 126-ton head shaft and used to jack the shaft up and out of the pedestals, allowing the team access to replace the 900

mm bore diameter bearings. “BMG coped with extremely tight timeframes to manufacture replacement components and complete project, which also involved the installation of new bearings and adaptor sleeves, as well as new keys and connector arms for the couplings.” The field service team has recently attended to a failure on a mill gearbox in KZN, where the coupling box had seized, causing excessive axial loading on the final drive bearings, resulting in failure of these bearings. The complete mill gearbox had to be dismantled, all gearing dressed and damaged components repaired. Scope of operations also included fitting and mounting of all bearings, re-assembly of the gearbox and alignment and blueing of all gearing. BMG supplied new bearings, adaptor and withdrawal sleeves, seals and grease

for this project. Recent breakdowns in the sugar industry involved attending to a Dorstener mill gearbox in Swaziland and a shredder failure in KZN. A wide range of products, selected especially for the sugar industry, is available from BMG, throughout Africa. These components include carrier and diffuser chain, knife and shredder bearing housings, custom sprockets and gear couplings, as well as steam gaskets, heat exchangers and hydraulic tools. Diffuser and mill gear boxes, in addition to mill lubrication and hydraulic systems, form a critical part of this range. BMG’s specialist services to the sugar sector include bearing and gearbox inspection, bearing and chain refurbishment, large size bearing assembly and alignment and balancing, as well as customised product design. BMG also offers a troubleshooting and maintenance service, condition monitoring and training.

The Boiler and Environmental Specialist

Enquiry no: 59

Cost-efficient grease solutions

Utility boilers: installation, maintenance and upgrades for power stations

Watertube boilers: fossil fuel- and biomass-fired up to 350 t/h, 110 bar, 540°C

Firetube boilers: coal-, oil-, gas- and biomass-fired up to 40 t/h and 32 bar

Air pollution control: from engineered turnkey systems to unit dust collectors

for sugar industry

INCOLN Lubrication, part of the SKF group, has supplied a number of progressive systems to the local sugar industry for bearing lubrication on sugar mill trains located at the mill front ends. Progressive lubrication systems consist of a pump connected to at least one primary metering device. The pump supplies lubricant which can be oil, fluid grease, grease or compound, to the metering device which splits the lubricant into even or predefined amounts. Lincoln Lubrication’s Regional Manager for KwaZulu-Natal and Swaziland, Kevin Mills, said that the local sugar industry is facing a number of challenges. “In addition to the prolonged drought which has affected sugar cane quality and throughput, depressed sugar prices and stiff competition from other producing countries is placing severe pressure on local sugar producers’ revenues and profit margins with debilitating effects on plans for investment in refurbishing or expansion projects. Consequently, capital expenditure over the last few seasons has focused on only what is deemed necessary for safe and economical operation.”

Mills added that in an attempt to counter the high cost of lubricant for mill bearings, many mills were experimenting with different types and brands which can affect machinery reliability. “A seemingly inexpensive lubricant can, in the long run, cost the mill dearly in downtime to allow for repairs or replacement of damaged or failed machines,” he warned. Most sugar mills do not have a single brand of lubrication system in use to cover all their lubrication requirements making it difficult to create a standard and maintain spares inventories. “With suitable repairs and maintenance back-up for the lubrication systems compromised, the resultant poor standards of lubrication system maintenance and lubricant management can result in contamination of

lubricants and lubrication systems leading to premature failures of machinery and components. “We are able to assist the sugar industry in nullifying these challenges with the installation of the Highpressure Lincoln ZPU-02 progressive system with Powermaster 4 series 50:1 ratio high volume drum pump with auto filling capability.” In addition to eliminating lubricant wastage, constant control and monitoring further ensure reliable and correct lubrication supply which, by reducing the risk of mill roll bearings damage or failure optimises plant availability. Mills said data download capabilities are also available from such systems, allowing constant analysis and trending of any system problems as well as indicating exact quantities of lubricants dispensed to the mill bearings. The progressive system monitors mill bearing grease points for blockages/flow as well as grease levels in the lubrication pump reservoir. Analogue alarm signals are sent via a PLC to the mill control room for pro-active intervention by the mainteEnquiry no: 60 nance team.

At John Thompson we design, manufacture, install and maintain watertube & firetube boilers and environmental plant for process steam and power generation and industrial applications.

Tel: +27 (0)31 408 9700 | Email: infodbn@johnthompson.co.za | P.O. Box 32292, Mobeni 4060 John Thompson a division of ACTOM Pty Ltd | www.johnthompson.co.za

June / July 2017

KZN Industrial & Business News

COMPANY & PRODUCT NEWS

Youth under spotlight at exporter awards

OR over a decade, the Durban Chamber of Commerce and Industry F has collaborated with Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) together with other strategic partners to highlight successful exporters in Kwa-Zulu Natal, through the annual KZN Exporter of The Year Awards. This year the Chamber and TPT are encouraging youth-owned enterprises to enter and entries are now open to all exporters within KwaZulu-Natal and not only restricted to Durban Chamber members. Award categories include New Exporter, Small Exporter, Medium Exporter, Large Exporter, Africa, Service Provider, Manufacturers, Agriculture sector & Agro processing, Creative Industries and Services sector. Entries close on 1 September. The award winners will be announced at The KZN Exporter of the Year Awards 2017 Gala Dinner to be held on 19th October at the Durban International Convention Centre. Youth-owned companies wishing to find out if they’re eligible to enter should call 031 335 1000 or email vallir@durbanchamber.co.za.

Enquiry no: 61

Sustainability the focus of forest science symposium HE Institute for Commercial Forestry Research (ICFR) in South T Africa is holding the 7th Forest Science Symposium from 18-20 July 2017 in Pietermaritzburg. This event will showcase the depth and breadth of forestry research across southern Africa, and aims to provide a unique opportunity for the southern African forest research community, to interact with international partners and share knowledge around the work being carried out across the region. The 2017 Symposium is co-hosted with the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO), and with the South African Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, as well as with our Enquiry no: 62 research partners including FABI, NMMU and SUN.

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Condition monitoring app an SA first for local company “ Ground-breaking”, “highly innovative” and “revolutionary”. These are some of the reactions to the recent launch of a brand new interactive customer application pioneered by Durban-based condition monitoring specialists, WearCheck. Managing director Neil Robinson believes that WearCheck is one of only a handful of condition monitoring companies in the world, and possibly the first in Africa, to develop and launch an app of this nature. He is confident it will substantially improve customers’ benefits from their condition monitoring programme by allowing them to make virtually instantaneous maintenance decisions based on reliable data which is highly accessible. The company’s customers can now download WearCheck Mobile and, at their fingertips via their mobile device, access a host of critical information pertaining to machinery condition. This data is immediately available even while patrolling the factory floor or inspecting mining machinery onsite. It is no longer necessary to wait until returning to a desktop computer to view test results, and maintenance decisions can be made there and then based on live data. “Our investment in the creation of

the app is in line with the company’s dedication to technical innovation and continuous improvement,” said Robinson. WearCheck’s IT manager Eddie Perumal (pictured) said, “Using the app is straightforward as we have designed it to be intuitive and logical, allowing for ease of use by all generations. The design is an extension of our website look and feel, so the WearCheck branding lends a sense of familiarity”. “All data is secure and the login process uses the same username/password credentials as our WearCheck Online website. Those customers registered on the website can start using the app immediately.” Once the app is downloaded, customers can access reports and view their current samples list. As an optional feature, this keeps track of unread web/app reports, and notifications about items on this list are sent out as reminders. Sample reports can be viewed on the mobile device as either one-page or two-page pdf documents. Single or multiple pdf reports can be emailed to different recipients simultaneously.

Sample data can be submitted, either via the equipment/component search option (recommended), or via the “submit samples” option, where equipment/component verification is needed for currently-listed machinery. Where applicable, new equipment/components information is created in the WearCheck system. Customers can also view their fiveday submission history. “One of the highlights and unique features of the app is the interactive key, where customers can ask a diagnostician about a specific sample, and receive an emailed reply on their mobile device,” Perumal said. “Another useful feature is the ability to enter feedback about a sample result, component condition or maintenance event. Various search options and filters are available, including sample history and equipment or component searches.” The free app is compatible with both Android and Apple (iOS) mobile devices, and is available on Google Play Store or the Apple Store. At around 40mb in size, it’s a modest download and uses minimal data when in use. Enquiry no: 63

The mettle of metal packaging

HE newly formed organisation tasked specifically with looking after the interests and recycling of steel, tin plate and aluminium packaging, MetPac-SA, says metal packaging is arguably one of the most reliable and versatile types of packaging used in South Africa and the world today. “Metal packaging comes in a wide range of sizes – from a small can for tomato concentrate, to a steel drum for bulk tomato transport, and everything in-between. Despite holding a relatively small share of the total packaging market, factors such as innovation, new introductions and significant promotional activity are driving the ever-increasing demand for cans,” said Delanie Bezuidenhout, CEO of MetPac-SA. Bezuidenhout said metal and aluminium cans are becoming increasingly popular as a packaging option, owing to the multitude of sizes, shapes and printing designs can be manufactured to individual customer requirements. “Innovation sells packaging and packaging sells products. The lightness of aluminium packaging helps to save resources during filling, product transportation, storage and the transporta-

2017-03-06 12:15:05

tion of scrap at the end of a product’s life. Thanks to its unique attributes, cans act as food warehouses that have unrivalled shelf lives. “They are able to protect their contents over many months, with no refrigeration, and therefore helps to save food, energy and prevent wastage. Furthermore, metal and aluminium cans are unbreakable, impactresistant and puncture-resistant and able to withstand extreme temperatures and pressure.” She said that although the market share for metal packaging had traditionally been relatively small (216.8 tonnes of 3 490.1 tonnes, according to the latest stats available to Packaging SA) MetPac-SA believed it was poised for growth as South Africans were increasingly choosing

cans when it comes to both their drinking, food and general packaging preferences. “Beverage cans today are among the lightest beverage packages, while at the same time being extremely robust and protective of their contents. Today, cans can be produced with a wall thickness of 0.097 mm – as thin as a human hair.” Metal or aluminium cans offer brand owners a proven safety and sustainability record and excellent performance through the supply chain. Because metal cans are designed to meet the demands of our modern lifestyles, they are unbreakable and reduces the risk of leaking or tearing during transportation. “The lightness of aluminium packaging helps to save resources during filling, product transportation, storage and the transportation of scrap at the end of a product’s life. The weight of aluminium cans has been dramatically reduced over the years thanks to technological innovations. Sixty years ago, the first beverage can weighed more than 80 grams. Today a 330 ml aluminium can only weighs about 13 grams,” Bezuidenhout said.

Enquiry no: 64

June / July 2017

KZN Industrial & Business News

COMPANY & PRODUCT NEWS

500t mobile crane hero of KZN mill project O PERATING a 500t mobile crane for 24-hours a day, at heights of 50 metres and a load exceeding 100t in highly constricted work conditions is no mean feat. Despite these challenges, Babcock’s plant services business concluded an economiser replacement project in March for Sappi Saiccor four days ahead of schedule. Babcock was contracted to provide cranage and full rigging services for the economiser replacement project by Austrian-based company, Andritz, who was commissioned by Sappi Saiccor to replace four economisers for their MGO2 recovery boiler. Babcock’s scope of work began on 14 March 2017 and was completed less than a month later on 6 April, and included: • Strand jack system and rigging service at a roof level of 50 metres to lower the old economiser units onto a 27m high sliding platform, with the heaviest unit weighing 160 tonnes • Cranage and rigging services to lift the

economiser units from the sliding platform to ground for scrapping and removal • Installing the new economisers and precisely positioning the new units at ground level for welding together. The crane configuration had to be changed four times during the project and the conditions

were tough. The clearances when lifting the original economisers from the sliding platform proved challenging. The team had to be mindful of the limited space available and the crane’s lifting capacity. Despite these challenges, the boiler was returned to full operational capacity three days ahead of schedule. Additional work required for the pre-lift and post-lift consisted of the installation and removal of the 17-tonne sliding platform, removal and replacement of the boiler venturi pipe through the roof level, and the removal and replacement of various roof steel and other support beams. “The star of this achievement was the Liebherr LTM 1500, a universal-use mobile crane with an extensive range of boom systems,” Babcock said in a statement. “Liebherr’s award-winning VarioBase system allows the crane to be used flexibly and efficiently with precise measuring and control.” The crane has a maximum lifting capability

of 500 tonnes at a 3-metre radius. The telescopic boom extends to a limit of 50 metres in length and the lattice jib can be utilised in lengths from 21 to 91 metres. Its load capacities can be increased even further with its Y boom guying (a cabled anchor system). The Sappi Saiccor mill is situated 50 km south of the port of Durban and is one of the production facilities for Sappi Specialised Cellulose. The mill has the capacity to produce approximately 800 000 tonnes of elemental chlorine-free (ECF) dissolving wood pulp (DWP) per annum, mostly for the export market. A large amount of steam and electricity is required by the mill which is produced by six coal-fired boilers and a chemical recovery boiler, with economisers used to reduce energy consumption by recycling energy produced or by leveraging environmental temperature differences to achieve efficiency improvements in a safe and environmentally sound process. Enquiry no: 65

Africa switches on to advantages of dry-type transformers

The high safety rating of dry-type transformers allows them to be installed indoors ODERN manufacturing efficiencies and greater market demand has narrowed the price gap between dry-type transformers and traditional oil-filled units, giving customers around Africa the opportunity to benefit from the many advantages of tried and tested dry-type technology. That’s according to Trafo Power Solutions Managing Director David Claassen, who said these transformers are safer and more efficient than their oil-filled equivalents, factors that make them a cost effective and versatile choice in a range of applications and sectors. “The high safety rating of dry-type transformers allows them to be installed indoors, avoiding the cost and inconvenience of the special

New SA distributor for top filter brand

ILCON Filters, one of the leading liquid filtration companies in South Africa, has been authorised by Nano-Purification Solutions to sell and promote their compressed air and gas solution products. Based both in in the US and UK, NanoPurification Solutions’ background is in air and gas purification and their experience in this field spans a wide range of industries. “This knowledge and experience ensures that their products and services are designed and provided to meet the objectives and expectations of their customers,” Filcon Filters said in a statement. The product range is extensive and includes industrial filters, process filters, desiccant dryers, refrigerated dryers, process chillers, nitrogen generators, oil vapour removal systems, breathing air systems, oil water separators and lab gas CO2 removal modules. “Filcon looks forward to offering to the South African market these world class quality products backed up by quality service provided by Nano-Purifications Solutions.” Filcon Filters was established in June 2000 and has offices in both Johannesburg and Cape Town. In addition to representing a number of international filtration product manufacturers, Filcon Filters has a wide range of filtration products manufactured to its design in Johannesburg. This range includes the Dirt Gobbla (a centrifugal separator), back flushing automatic strainers, in line basket strainers, purge strainers, and bag & cartridge housings.

structures normally required to accommodate the safety and environmental hazards related to oil-filled units,” said Claassen. The rise in awareness of safety at work in all sectors of the economy has led to greater utilisation of safer technologies like these. “Dry-cooled transformers are categorised as F1 in terms of international fire resistance ratings, making them low-risk as they are selfextinguishing and flame-retardant by nature.” The technology also serves a growing demand for more energy -efficient solutions, especially as the price of electricity has risen dramatically in South Africa and many economies on the continent. “End-users will benefit from the reduced energy consumption of these transformers, which is another factor that has attracted attention to these units in new and existing markets. The higher efficiency of the cast resin design means lower electricity bills, and also lowers heat losses. These units therefore require only a minimal movement of air across the windings to cool them down, although forced air options can also be employed where necessary if ambient temperatures are high.” He said dry-type transformers were also low maintenance and could last for 25 years without significant attention, while oil-filled transformers require regular maintenance including oil sample analysis to ensure operational consistency and safety. Claassen, an electrical engineer with broad ranging and high-level experience in many sectors, recently established Trafo Power Solutions to distribute and service transformer products in Africa from Canada-based

Hammond Power Solutions (HPS). His experience includes turnkey power installations, high voltage sub-stations, continuous and standby power generation, transformers, and control and instrumentation; he has worked in mining, infrastructure, renewable energy, and oil and gas.

In operation for 100 years, HPS is an acknowledged leader in this increasingly popular technology. The company also has state-ofthe-art design and manufacturing facilities in Europe following its acquisition of Italian companies Euroelettro and Marnate Trasformatori. Enquiry no: 66

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Enquiry no: 67

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2017/06/08 11:32 AM

COMPANY & PRODUCT NEWS

E-bulletins a pipeline to the digital age

Tailor-made pumps

PP Pumps are customised and designed to meet the needs and the requirements of sugar industry applications and are installed in various sugar mills around the world from Africa to India. That’s according to the company’s Tralone Khoza, who said, “Our pumps guarantee operational efficiency, save downtime and installations is done within the shortest time possible”. She added that as a subsidiary of Kirloskar Brothers Limited, a market leader in the manufacture and design of centrifugal pumps for over 135 years, “we have access to the latest research and development, modern in-house foundry and machining and testing facilities. We have established good partnerships with global customers and OEMs in the industry”. She said their pumps are reliable and meet all ISO accreditations for quality and environmental requirements, “We have access to spares through our wide network of dealers throughout the country and can provide service support 24/7. We take great pride in the fact that we are the only pump manufacturer that caters for all the sugar indusEnquiry no: 68 try requirements.”

June / July 2017

KZN Industrial & Business News

S part of what it describes as a “valueadded service” to its clients, Incledon disseminates regular bulletins containing technical information on its extensive range of fluid conveyance products. The technical bulletins are aimed at generating awareness about particular product ranges and their specifications, standards, advantages and applications, Incledon Chief Marketing Officer Kelly Wilson said. “Changing customer needs in the way information is received has spurred Incledon to adopt a digital approach to product aware-

ness,” Wilson elaborates. The decision to go electronic not only gives Incledon a far wider reach, but also appeals to young upcoming engineers who rely on smartphones, computers, and tablets as their main sources of information. The technical bulletins are aimed at external customers and staff on a national basis, in addition to professionals in the engineering and built environment fields. “There are no email attachments that clog mailboxes, but rather an embedded link that connects to the particular product catalogue that sits on the Incledon server,” said Wilson, who oversees the creation and dissemination of the technical bulletins. All catalogues are available for download from www.incledon.co.za, should any end user

miss a technical bulletin, or require a specific link not yet emailed to staff and customers. Wilson added that anyone can subscribe to the email list to receive the technical bulletins. “Incledon works closely with its key suppliers and business partners to ensure that the latest technical information is made available.” Wilson added that all technical bulletins issued would be unique to the specific product being communicated. The information covers manufacturing standards and material designation, product applications and uses, product specifications, relevant certification (where applicable), advantages and benefits, technical details (such as size in mm, OD, ID, and wall thickness), and CAD drawings (where available), Enquiry no: 69 showing the technical details.

Municipal stainless steel solutions could save SA millions in water losses

ITH the Western Cape government having now declared the entire province a disaster zone in order to deal with the ongoing drought crisis and dam levels effectively at 11.2%, few are aware that as much as 65% of the country’s purified municipal water is being lost to leakages, within certain municipal hotspots, due to inefficient maintenance procedures. The Department of Water and Sanitation is now not only appealing to consumers to conserve clean water but also insisting that all Water Service Authorities implement water conservation and water demand management strategies. This has put a spotlight on the solution of using stainless steel in water distribution and service pipes at municipal level in South Africa to reduce the ongoing leakages and save as much as R851 million of purified water being lost to infrastructural leakages. The high losses have been attributed in part to the use of inferior or inappropriate metals in pipe joints and other fittings being used by municipalities including flanges, tee-pieces, reducers, and bolts and nuts, all bearing short lifespans, further compounded by high pressure systems and high corrosion levels in South African soils and resultant challenges in leak detection.

Southern Africa Stainless Steel Development Association (SASSDA) Executive Director John Tarboton said, “There is high value potential of using stainless steel material for service piping and all fittings predominately manufactured using grade 316 stainless steel in the service delivery of municipal water that can potentially save millions of rands currently lost in leakage and filtration costs as well as see a reduction in the usage of water per capita”. “With the use of corrugated stainless steel piping, the need for joints in the system is reduced, allowing the corrugated stainless steel pipes to maintain their strength, improve workability and extend the piping systems

service life. There is a clear case of cost savings both on the treatment of water that is lost through leakage as well as water that municipalities are unable to charge service fees for its distribution and use. Stainless steel is an optimal material in water system applications and while it comes at a price, it is an investment in the country’s infrastructure, the benefits and cost-savings which will still be seen 100 years from now.” The Drakenstein Municipality in the Western Cape is just one of a handful of municipalities taking advantage of stainless steel applications. Municipality Senior Engineer: Water Services Andre Kowaleski said, “Since 2002 we have applied grade 316 stainless steel in all the metal we use in our underground network or grade 304 in above-ground applications. We also use stainless steel in all our refurbishments, including the recent refurbishment of the Meulwater Reservoir, Paarl Mountain and Van Blerk Reservoir in Wellington”. “This stems from the fact that when it comes to replacement maintenance, it would be unwise to put a pipe in the ground that has an operating life of between 50 and 100 years and then have to replace fittings". Enquiry no: 70

Cable carrier range beefed up with new RSC system

MG’s extensive portfolio of cable carrier systems and safety cables now includes Tsubaki’s new Kabelschlepp Roller Supported Chain (RSC) system, suitable for long travel and cranes. Kabelschlepp cable carriers are designed to enhance productivity and minimise repair costs in various applications - from computer plotters and micro sensitive test and measurement equipment, to offshore drilling rigs and high-speed automated machining centers. “The new RSC rolling system, where the upper run does not come into contact with the lower run, has 90% less force compared to a conventional gliding system,” said Renier Slabbert, product manager – Linear Way and Cable Carrier Systems, BMG Power Transmission. “This self-aligning system, which ensures quiet operation and low vibration, offers high travel speeds and acceleration, ensuring minimum stress for the cable carrier and cables. “Other benefits include long travel distances, easy installation and low maintenance.

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No fix distances of the support structure are necessary.” BMG’s Kabelschlepp range, which extends from standard individual components to complete system solutions, is enhanced by custom manufactured systems to meet exact requirements in diverse sectors. These systems are available in heavy-duty steel and durable, lightweight plastic materials. BMG supports this range with a technical advisory, installation and repair throughout Enquiry no: 71 Southern Africa.

June / July 2017

KZN Industrial & Business News

COMPANY & PRODUCT NEWS

Dust explosion prevention

hen probability becomes reality, it reminds all of us to revisit assumptions made on safety in our facilities. It unfortunately sometimes takes real incidents to shine the light on how design best practices help us achieve the required integrity. The SABS and industry volunteers serving on technical committees endeavour to bring South African industry the latest world best practices to implement in our facilities in combination with our existing national standards. A topic that stood out again in recent press is explosion prevention and hazardous area certification. In our field of work, we often get questioned on the importance of dust hazards versus gas explosion prevention.

The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) identified 281 combustible dust incidents between 1980 and 2005 that led to the deaths of 119 workers, injured 718, and extensively damaged numerous industrial facilities. South Africa shares many of these identified critical industries and has world best practice legislation based on IEC standards to control this risk. Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Electrical Installation Regulations state that a “specialised electrical installation” means electrical installation in Explosive atmospheres (SANS10086-01) or Hazardous locations (SANS10108). These standards in

turn refer to SANS 60079. In the classification standard (SANS 60079-10-2) it is highlighted that dusts are hazardous “when they are dispersed in air by any means, they form potentially explosive atmospheres. Furthermore, layers of dust may ignite and act as ignition sources for an explosive atmosphere”. These dust hazards should be treated with the same gravity as a hazardous gas atmospheres. A few extracts from the inspection and maintenance standard (SANS 60079-17) stand out in particular: “Electrical installations in hazardous areas possess features specially designed to render

29 them suitable for operations in such atmospheres. It is essential for reasons of safety in those areas that, throughout the life of such installations, the integrity of those special features is preserved.” “Correct functional operation of hazardous area installations does not mean, and should not be interpreted as meaning, that the integrity of the special features referred to above is preserved.” “The inspection activity shall be sufficiently independent of any immediate demands of maintenance and/ or other activities so as not to prejudice the reliability of any report findings from the inspection.” Elizma van der Walt is Principal Engineer, Control and Instrumentation at Proconics Enquiry no: 72

Complete ventilation solution launched

LT ACTOM aims to offer South Africa’s mining and power sector more than just innovative ventilation fans – their customised systems ensure that working conditions are safe and energy efficiency maximized as part of a holistic Total Ventilation Solution that aims to reduce total cost of ownership. Operations Director, Craig Johnston believes that TLT ACTOM’s approach is ideal for addressing the concerns of the Southern African market. “We have come to realise that in Southern Africa power is becoming a far higher input cost in our industries and processes than it was in the past,” says Johnston. “TLT ACTOM prides itself on applying innovative, lateral thinking to solutions that save energy by offering the best efficiency selections for the applications. We can supply products that are not only more efficient in their performance but are also tailored to deliver the required air at the required time. For example, a fan that is designed to have different degrees of control in order meet the specific levels of ventilation required for increased ambient temperature or activity

New safety lock and tag carrier for lockout/tagout

OCKOUT/Tagout is acknowledged as an effective procedure to enable safer machine interventions by isolating the energy supply for machinery that is being serviced. Brady Corporation recently launched a new safety lock and tag carrier which it describes as “highly practical”. It enables users to keep lockout/tagout padlocks and tags close at hand, and to quickly isolate energy points when needed. The new carrier can hold up to 12 safety padlocks and keys, as well as lockout hasps and procedure tags. It is available in four colours and offers a convenient and organised way to transport and store lockout/tagout tools, and to avoid misplacing locks and hasps. According to the company, it also helps improve workplace safety by enabling coworkers to keep the necessary devices on hand to quickly isolate energy control points before servicing machinery. A single carrier can hold up to 12 padlocks and includes a key strap and a carabiner to carry keys and lockout hasps. Two lock and tag carriers from Brady can easily be held back-to-back to quickly double the number of locks that can be carried comfortably in one hand. The design also enables users to clip one or more carriers on their belt, or to mount them on a wall for lockout tool storage.

Enquiry no: 75

or when measured pollutants move beyond a pre-set tolerance.” TLT ACTOM’s Total Ventilation Solution approach aims to provide complete solutions to the challenges of subterranean mines, thermal power plants and numerous industrial process applications including cement production and waste incineration. According to Johnston, the main focus will be on making clients’ operations more efficient in terms of both performance and energy consumption, thereby having a significant impact on total cost of ownership. “Capital cost is one aspect that clients are most heavily focused on but TLT ACTOM strives for excellence in power efficiency, maintainability and life expectancy – all factors that can easily outweigh the initial purchase price. To do this we rely on superior technology derived from our parent company TLT-Turbo,” Johnston explains. “The most innovative suppliers can help their clients to look beyond the initial capital cost and to consider the short, medium and long term running costs which include absorbed power and maintenance.” Johnston elaborates with an example of how their innovation ensures that clients see a return on investment. “As part of a recent study, TLT ACTOM proposed to replace two

existing mine ventilation fans with a single axial fan. Because of its higher efficiency, it will save approximately 500 kW. The calculated annual energy saving is R 3.6 million making the payback extremely attractive.”

The current installed base of process and ventilation fans is aging, and in tough times this equipment has to be carefully maintained to achieve the expected life of product. Enquiry no: 73

June / July 2017

COMPANY & PRODUCT NEWS

KZN Industrial & Business News

Bullet-resistant doors bad news for criminals B ITCON Industries, currently celebrating 50 years of operation in South Africa, is perhaps best known for the thousands of hinged and sliding fire doors produced and supplied for new and existing developments all over sub-Saharan Africa. But Bitcon’s range of specialised doors also include several other types of industrial and commercial doors which have been widely used for decades. Bob Vollmer, Director of Bitcon in Jet Park, said apart from fire doors, the company is a major supplier of security doors, lead-lined doors protecting personnel in environments where potentially dangerous X-ray equipment is used and transformer room doors, providing security and protection of essential high voltage electrical transformers in both urban and rural locations. Bitcon’s Anti-Bandit security doors, designed to protect personnel and equipment vulnerable to small armed attack, have been tested in accordance to SABS test standard 1658 (1996) for weapons and ammunitions. Ideal applications for this range include offices, banking halls, internal doors of embassies and private residences. Bitcon’s Polar and Hippo security doors - which have also been tested according to the same SABS test standard - can be used as both exter-

nal and internal access doors. Typical applications for these include access doors to power stations, sub-stations, embassies, diplomatic residences and financial institutions. The security doors all have a reinforced bullet-resistant core to suit specific applications, with a veneer or steel finish, stainless steel channel surround, and a stainless steel stile to the leading edge of the door to limit access to the locking mechanism. Viewing panels can be fitted to the Anti-Bandit doors if required. High profile corporations that rely on Bitcon security doors include the SA Reserve Bank, other banks and casinos as well as juvenile care centres throughout southern Africa. Bitcon lead-lined doors protect personnel from X-rays in environments where X-ray equipment is used by

reducing the level of exposure to an internationally-acceptable level. The doors feature a laminated core with a lead sheet lining sufficiently thick to cope with varying degrees of radiation. The doors can be clad in a variety of finishes, including masonite, timber veneer, or steel sheeting. The frames are manufactured from 1,6mm mild steel or galvanised sheeting in a rebated profile to suit relevant wall thicknesses. The internal rebate of the frame is lined with lead of a thickness compatible with the lining in the door. Bitcon lead-lined doors have been installed at many hospitals and oncology and other medical centres throughout Southern Africa. The doors are also widely used in the metalworking industry for radiation protection during welding X-ray tests. Finished with a red oxide primer, Bitcon transformer rooms feature frames pressed from 1.6mm steel sheeting or pre-galvanised steel sheeting for coastal conditions, fully welded in a double rebated profile. The doors are fitted with 100mm heavy-duty 4mm thick flanged brass hinges. The doors include louvred ventilation, lined on the inside with verminproof mesh screen. Finally, Bitcon also produces on a smaller scale, mild and stainless steel doors as well as frames. Enquiry no: 76

APE pumps - Pumps at the heart of Africa Mining

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clients’ needs as well as the market requirements, Morris is best suited to fulfil all expectations. “Keeping abreast of changing regulations as well as the latest technological advancements within the lifting industry keeps Morris at the forefront of the market in Africa and enables us to offer our clients high quality and extremely safe lifting equipment. Quality and safety are virtually the only two areas within our company that are definitely not negotiable,” Bryn said. With a product range from 250 kg to 300 tonne capacity, Morris continue to service and maintain all makes of crane through its 15 Morris and Crane Aid branches throughout Africa. These branches are staffed by trained technicians and lifting machine inspectors. With an in-house training school, Morris has also embarked on a continuous training regime. “The training not only provides for continuous skills development of existing employees but also serves the requirements to support the ongoing apprenticeship scheme where young South Africans are given the training to fulfil and qualify within their chosen career. This apprenticeship scheme aims to provide Morris with the skills that are required well into the future.” Enquiry no: 77

Inline rubber sleeve changing without lifting equipment

FRIVALVE, a division of eDART Slurry Valves, now offers a simple patented design of the Red Roc Hi-Lift pinch valve, which allows for inline changing of the rubber sleeve without the use of lifting equipment. This feature offers a drastic reduction in downtime and manpower to replace worn sleeves, eliminates the need for lifting and rigging equipment in remote areas as well as removing the pipework and re-alignment requirement The Red Roc Pinch valves, which are manufactured at eDART Slurry Valve’s facilities in Jet Park, Gauteng, range in sizes from DN150-DN600 with larger

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ORRIS has been supplying lifting equipment to the South African Market since 1952 and has secured an enviable record within the SubSaharan region for quality and reliability. That’s according to Projects Director Bryn Jones, who attributed the company’s success to being able to understand the individual requirements of each client process and engineer specific solutions to suit their individual needs. The Morris product range is predominantly based around the ABUS range of lifting equipment, supplied from ABUS in Germany. “These units are manufactured to the highest of European Standards and Morris have had the Sub Saharan Agency for this product range for over a decade and the units have proven themselves in thousands of different environments and applications and the challenging and brutal South African market.” Bryn added that in his 48 years with Morris, he had found South Africa to be a market full of challenges in the crane industry, particularly in the fields of mining and smelters, challenges which only really exist in the Australian and South American markets. “These challenges are certainly different to the European markets. By understanding our

End suction pumps Power Generation

An African lifting leader since 1952

sizes on request, with pressures ranging from PN10 to PN40 depending on the size. Afrivalve’s Group Marketing Manager, Gregor Hopton said, “The fact that we are a 100% local manufacturer allows us to tailor our valves to exact customer requirements and we can offer the Red Roc Hi-Lift Pinch Valve in higher pressures and sizes than the DN600 to meet specific requirements”. “Although predominantly used in the mining industry, Red Roc Pinch Valves are suited for use in various other industrial applications such as in the power generation, sewage and effluent and fertilizer industries.” Enquiry no: 78

2016/09/02 12:43 PM

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2016/05/20 2:09 PM

June / July 2017

COMPANY & PRODUCT NEWS

KZN Industrial & Business News

Sixth-generation compactors roll out

D Improving aggregate standards

GGREGATE producers need to embrace quality across all areas of their quarrying operations in order to obtain the kind of consistency required on modern construction sites. That’s according to Saartjie Duvenhage of the Aggregate and Sand Producers Association of Southern Africa (ASPASA). Duvenhage, who chairs the association’s technical committee on Quality Management said cooperation and communication are the key ingredients to delivering aggregates that conform to standards. She added that authority should also be vested in those responsible for maintaining quality at every step of the process from the pit, to production, transport and ultimately sales and delivery of the product. A slip at any one of these stages could undermine efforts and may lead to the delivery of inferior products. It follows, therefore, that ultimate responsibility should also be vested in managers of these departments who should have the authority to halt processes at any stage if there is a deviation from the set requirements. “It is easy to see how conflicts can arise when you look at a typical operation in which production staff are often preoccupied with pushing production, sales staff with pushing sales and logistics staff making arrangements to store and transport the aggregates. On the other end, you have the quality inspectors and laboratories slowing down the process and getting in the way of reaching targets. “To avoid conflict, however, we have found that quality should be placed at the forefront of divisional managers’ key performance indicators (KPIs). They need to understand that without consistency and quality, their efforts are misguided. After all, quality gives marketers something unique to sell. Consistency gives them a good reputation.” Duvenhage warned that it does not help to have lots of product if your market is diminishing if you are losing clients due to quality concerns. “Nowadays, buyers in construction firms are increasingly being tasked with finding quality rather than the cheapest materials. The aggregates industry is now being judged on quality as much as it is on price. Therefore, the channels of communication between seller and buyer needs to be clear to ensure the right product is delivered at the right price. “If for whatever reason there is a variation in quality, this also needs to be communicated to the client who may either make allowance for the variation or not use it until the situation is remedied.” She recommended that quality inspectors and laboratory staff tasked with the monitoring of aggregates be empowered to act and communicate directly with manager to make well informed decisions. If there is a comeback or a court case it will be decided by the results of the laboratory tests and the action taken by those in authorEnquiry no: 79 ity to remedy the situation.

YNAPAC has introduced the sixth generation of its CC4000 - CC6200 large asphalt rollers. “These extremely operator friendly machines offer unmatched ease of operation, excellent visibility and highest quality compaction,” the company said in a statement. The engines incorporate the latest emission reduction technology and performance is enhanced by high vibration frequency and an optional active front drum steering system with big off-set, significantly improving maneuverability. “With the introduction of the first generation Dynapac large asphalt roller, the CC40, in 1964, Dynapac is able to include a wealth of experience and know-how in the development of this latest generation machines.” The single seat, steering and operation module has 180-degree swivel as well as a left/right slide-able mechanism ensuring a versatile driving position and excellent visibility, and eliminates only forward or reverse working directions.

The new electronic mini-steering wheel further facilitates smooth and accurate steering, setting a new benchmark in ergonomics and maneuverability. The latest technology simplifies roller operation, ensures optimised handling and increases the quality of the compaction operation and result. The start-up procedure is another example of simplicity where the machine intelligence takes care of the preheating and the engine starts automatically when ready. The offset is increased to 520 mm; using the front drum for offset as opposed to the rear ensures even better driving accuracy. “This advanced steering gives unmatched maneuverability resulting in a very small turning radius when used in combination with the steering hitch.” The increased offset also improves roller stability when compacting weaker road edges,

increases the rolling surface capacity when making the final static passes to rid the mat of any marks, and improves operator control of the front drum to follow curb edges and any other obstacles with a high degree of accuracy. “The efficient and effective compaction of the sixth-generation asphalt rollers make it ideal for modern thin layer applications which require to be compacted fast due to the very short material cool-off window,” the company said. The Dynapac asphalt roller’s successful compaction concept of ‘high vibration frequency with low amplitude’ feature to maintain high efficiency on modern thin asphalt layers is continued in the latest generation. While this gives very effective compaction for thin layers, the rollers can also be used for thick layers.

Enquiry no: 80

CE quality marking for Ghana-bound steam generator

OWARDS the end of 2016 John Thompson a division of Actom (Pty) Ltd, was contracted by a European-based company to supply a 12 t/h 14 bar(g) steam generator – complete with CE marking, the European Union (EU) quality approval stamp – to their processing plant in Ghana. CE (European Conformity) marking is a mandatory conformity marking for some products sold within the EU. The European Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) 2014/68/EU is a set of jurisdictional rules and regulations which aim to eliminate or mitigate the potential dangers and risks associated with pressure equipment with a maximum allowable pressure greater than 0,5 bar(g). This is achieved by mandating that manufacturers, suppliers and importers of pressure equipment for use in the EU adhere to the regulations, essential safety requirements (ESR’s), hazard categorisation and conformity assessment modules set forth in the PED. Compliance with all applicable requirements bestows on the manufacturer the right to affix the CE marking to the pressure equipment. The first step a manufacturer has to perform to meet the requirements of PED 2014/68/EU is to conduct a risk assessment of the pressure

equipment in question. This process aims to identify and analyse potential hazards as a result of the equipment pressure, design and build. A typical risk assessment for a John Thompson steam generator includes consideration of the potential loadings, the mode of operation, the possible failure modes and any foreseeable misuse. In addition to identifying and analysing the risks, John Thompson had to illustrate that design solutions had been adopted in order to eliminate or reduce the hazards, show that appropriate protection measures had been implemented against the hazards and that users were informed of all residual hazards. This was achieved by tabulating the adopted solutions against the ESR’s as listed in the PED. The ESR’s John Thompson had to comply with included design, manufacturing, materials, pressure equipment requirements for fired equipment, piping and quantitative requirements for certain pressure equipment. In order to adhere to the ESR’s, John Thompson made use of harmonised European health and safety standards (HSS) in the form of EN 12953, EN 13445 and EN 13480. The next step was to determine the risk category of the steam generator in accordance

with the PED. To achieve this, the nature of the fluid (i.e. gas or liquid) as well as its hazard group had to be determined, in addition to the steam generator design pressure and volume. The steam generator hazard/risk category was found to be Category IV pressure equipment. This knowledge was used to determine the applicable conformity assessment module in order to establish the scope of the Notified Body involvement and the level of technical documentation required. (The Notified Body is an inspection authority that acts independent of the pressure equipment manufacturer to ensure that pressure equipment is designed and manufactured to the requirements of the relevant HSS and PED). Upon completion of all design, manufacturing, inspection and testing procedures, and after verification of conformity, John Thompson could issue an EU declaration of conformity with PED 2014/68/EU and affix the CE marking to the steam generator. According to the company, the award of the CE marking opens up a wide range of opportunities in the export market. Enquiry no: 81

COMPANY & PRODUCT NEWS

Battery supplier at core of SA power stations

HE complexity and importance of power stations across South Africa is matched only by the reliability and steadfastness required of its interconnected parts. If not run with utmost efficiency, power stations cannot and will not function at capacity – leaving communities and industries across the country without power. The result of which, is devastating losses to the economy at large. As the country’s oldest battery manufacturer, First National Battery has been at the heart of power stations for decades, the company said in a statement, adding that it takes a depth of technical knowledge, applied to the manufacturing of solid and reliable specialised batteries to be able to maintain a leading role in the functioning of power stations. “The resulting losses from even a minor fault in the intricate power station infrastructure can have substantial consequences to the functioning of the system as a whole,” said Ntsumbeni Mavhungu, Director of Industrial Product Marketing. “Any kind of power dip within the power station is compensated for and stabilised by robust First National Battery UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply) units. This protects the balance of power within the station.” First National Battery units perform the same function – protection of infrastructure for uninterrupted functioning – at South African nuclear power stations.

“Although our batteries are manufactured to the highest standard according to a triedand-tested process, we pride ourselves on flexibility within these structures. Batteries can be produced specifically for the industrial need at hand.” Experts predict SA will see a significant growth in renewable energy in the next few years, eventually contributing a total of 18.2FW by 2030 – around 42% of new energy generated. First National Battery plans to rise to this challenge. “As alternative and renewable energy solutions become increasingly viable and power stations increase in number, we aim to provide the same safety and protection for newly built infrastructure.” Electricity generation is dependent on a series of uninterrupted functions, implemented through hard-working infrastructure. The interplay of various parts relies heavily on technology that is unfailing. This is why First National Battery has been manufacturing units for power stations – almost exclusively – for decades, Mavhungu said. “No budget can build reliability and trust overnight. And that’s where First National Battery is in a league of its own. Take the wealth of knowledge applied to cutting-edge technology and combine it with an extensive history of consistency, it’s a no-fail solution. This is what’s required in the technical and Enquiry no: 82 critical electricity grid.”

ISO 9001:2015 accreditation for pneumatics company

MC Pneumatics has been awarded ISO SAnnouncing 9001:2015 accreditation. the development recently, the

company said: “Having invested substantially in South Africa, SMC remains true to its three pillars of product and supply, technology and development and its service network. “Receiving its ISO 9001:2015 was no over-

night process. The operations team together with the management team worked tirelessly to meet the requirements in conformance with the International Quality System Standard and today. SMC is proud to announce that accreditation has now officially been received.” Enquiry no: 83

June / July 2017

KZN Industrial & Business News

Effective dust control

LT SA’s Samson travelling Eco-Hoppers have an effective dust control system that minimises the escape of dust during the grab discharge cycle in bulk materials handling. “Environmental pollution, caused by fugitive dust, is a major problem in dry bulk handling,” states Charity Gumede, marketing director, BLT SA. “Eco-Hoppers are designed to suit the characteristics and flow properties of virtually any bulk material, including coal, iron ore, gypsum, copper concentrates, soda ash and wood chips. “These robust grab unloading hoppers, which are manufactured to withstand tough conditions in bulk handling, offer handling rates to 5 000 tonnes per hour, depending on grab crane performance. This low maintenance system also reduces investment and operating costs.” Eco-Hoppers have an upper and lower sec-

tion, separated by a dust retention feature, the ‘Flex-Flap’. This divider, which comprises a series of pressed steel sections and vertical rubber flaps, opens to allow the free flow of material into the hopper and closes to prevent the flow of air out of the hopper. When bulk material is released by the grab, it falls through the Flex-Flap and accumulates in the inner hopper below. The hopper system automatically closes as a result of the newly created pressure differential between the hopper and the atmosphere, forming a seal to contain the dust contaminated air. Integral reverse jet filters are positioned around the hopper inlet to extract and clean the dust laden air. Collected dust is then re-cycled into the mainstream of material. The Flex-Flap feature reduces the volume of exhausted air necessary to control fugitive dust and requires the use of small, compact filters rather than a large de-dusting system. The standard Samson Eco-Hopper series includes circular hoppers, which are designed to accommodate grab capacities between 1 and 37m³. Each hopper size has a corresponding high or low level framework, depending on the chosen discharge option. Discharge of materials from the Eco-Hopper may be direct to a belt conveyor for a fixed installation. In this case, the bulk material is reclaimed by a gravity discharge unit which feeds the material onto the conveyor at the required output rate. By using a dust controlled loading spout, the hopper can discharge direct to tipping trucks. For handling difficult materials, one or multiple Samson feeder units can be integrated with the Eco-hopper, to provide controlled rate feeding of virtually any material. Eco-Hoppers can be rail mounted or bolted to suitable concrete foundations. Enquiry no: 84

Demand for quality expanded metal products

HE trend towards ‘zero harm’ in all industries has resulted in an increased demand for quality expanded metal products that comply with the requisite standards. That’s according to Lance Quinlan, marketing manager at Andrew Mentis, who says that it is essential for contractors to ensure that its expanded metal supplier meets all the necessary quality control criteria. In addition to manufacturing an expanded metal product that meets SABS 190: Part 1 – 1983, Andrew Mentis’ facility in Elandsfontein holds ISO 9001 accreditation. Quinlan said Andrew Mentis regularly submits expanded metal samples to the South African Bureau of Standards, while its manufacturing facility is audited every six months to maintain current certification in order to verify that its products meet all criteria in terms of short way mesh, long way mesh, strand thickness, material thickness and bendability. “In all instances we subject our products to extremely stringent testing to ensure they are capable of withstanding specified loads without compromising on the structural integrity,” said Quinlan. Both Mentex and Flatex are manufactured from high quality local mild steel, but can also

be manufactured from any other ductile metal. While product is normally supplied unpainted, additional finishing processes such as painting, stove enamelling, plating and galvanising can be applied if need be. In addition, products can be produced in 3CR12 and stainless steel depending on the application. A comprehensive range of sizes, mesh sizes and thicknesses is available. The mesh can be bent, shaped to radii, angled or notched while still maintaining its inherent rigidity. Sizes range from mini meshes with small openings of 1.4 mm by 2 mm and with a thickness of 0.4 mm to larger meshes with 115 mm by 300 mm openings and a 6 mm thickness. Corrosion resistant RS40 (40/40) floor grating and handrailing from Andrew Mentis is available in 304, 316 and 3CR12 stainless steel and is ideally suited to harsh environments. These products are designed and engineered for optimum strength-to-weight ratio for applications where the integrity of the structure is critical. Enquiry no: 85

June / July 2017

COMPANY & PRODUCT NEWS

KZN Industrial & Business News

Mega dump truck order B ABCOCK’S equipment division will be delivering 19 new Volvo machines to Stefanutti Stocks Mining Services (SSMS) in a sales agreement that is not only noteworthy for its size, but also as it’s the first time this leading construction consortium will be utilising Volvo construction equipment. Mark Barrett, Sales Representative for Babcock’s equipment division, said that Babcock’s contract comprises the delivery of 15 A40G dump trucks and 4 EC750 crawler excavators for a new open pit coal mining project outside Ermelo. The agreement also includes a 5 000-hour service contract from Babcock. Stefanutti Stocks’ mining operations include drilling explorations, blasting and load and haul of the various material types, and the Volvo machines are needed to meet monthly production targets on the mine. The Volvo A40G articulated haulers with their 39 000kg payload will be used to transport the coal from the pit while the EC750D excavators with their increased bucket capacity will be utilised for loading the A40Gs. Freddie Strydom, Stefanutti Stocks Mining Services contracts director, said that price, reliability, after-market service, availability of spare parts and cost of spare parts all played a role in the final decision to purchase Volvo construction equipment from Babcock.

Babcock is the exclusive regional distributor of Volvo construction equipment in southern Africa and is well established as one of Africa’s industry leaders in building long-term relationships with its customers by delivering to the highest standards, long after sales have been concluded. Barrett believes that this, together with Babcock’s competitive pricing and strong reputation of the Volvo brand, gave the company an edge over competitors. The Volvo A40G articulated hauler boasts design features such as a unique steering system and load and dump break for directional stability, enhanced productivity and safety; beneficial body design and high tipping angle for efficient material ejection; and powerful hydraulics and precise dumping controls that ensure short cycle times and safety in all applications. Other unique features include Volvo CareTrack as standard; differential locks providing 100% locking capability; powerful brakes and retardation; heavy-duty front and rear frames and maintenance-free rear suspension; Volvo Care cab with ergonomically positioned controls; easy service access; an environmentally friendly and electronically controlled, powerful diesel engine; and efficient cooling that lowers fuel consumption and noise.

Volvo’s EC750D features a powerful D16 engine and electro hydraulic system delivering increased horsepower and fuel efficiency; constant high system pressure for greater digging force and reduced cycle times; robust parts and easy service access; a reinforced heavy-duty boom and arm built from high strength tensile steel;

33 and purpose-built attachments to work in perfect harmony with the machine. The open pit coal mining project outside of Ermelo has an estimated life span of eight years over which approximately 10,1-million tonnes of coal and 53,6-million bank cubic metres of waste material will be moved. Enquiry no: 86

Training raises skills bar for optimal plants

unique platform for sharing experience and practical knowledge. This level of engagement is also vital for bolstering skills levels in industry, as solutions can be shared, adapted and implemented in differing conditions.” He said that fault-finding techniques are included in the training, as these are key aspects of effective plant optimisation. Factory and laboratory visits give participants insight into how technologies are applied and adapted to best effect. “Endorsement from tertiary institutions and mining sector bodies further underpin the value that Multotec’s training facility brings to the mining sector,” Combrink said.

Brent Combrink, Multotec training facilitator presenting a training course

Enquiry no: 87

PTIMISING process plants to achieve the best possible efficiencies and throughputs needs not only good equipment; it needs skilled and experienced operators who have both a theoretical and practical grounding in process-related disciplines. That’s according to Brent Combrink, process engineering training facilitator Multotec, who said this requires bridging the gap between theoretical learning and practical experience. It’s a task he believes Multotec has tackled head-on with its substantial investment in a new, modern training facility at its Spartan head office in Gauteng. “While there are not many companies prepared to put their money where their mouth is when it comes to this type of facility, Multotec believes firmly in the value of practically orientated skills training. The basics or fundamentals are often forgotten and must be reiterated, and our training does that; it should also be remembered that lessons learnt from experience are not always found in text books.” Combrink said the centre gives customers access to application-specific and productspecific training, which helps participants explore the best optimisation options for their particular conditions. “Our product and process training provides technical knowledge that gives customers a firmer skills foundation on which to manage their operations day-to-day, but it goes further than that. The way we train also gives customers a platform to engage one-to-one with industry experts so they can ask questions about their specific challenges and objectives.” The facility creates a knowledge-sharing environment in which experienced trainers facilitate the exchange of valuable information, not just between trainers and participants, but between the participants themselves. “Having customers from various plant operations under one roof really does provide a

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June / July 2017

COMPANY & PRODUCT NEWS

KZN Industrial & Business News

Co-operation key to unlocking benefits of smart mobility

ROM ride sharing and driverless cars to electric vehicles and shifting ownership models, advances in technology are set to change the way billions of people across the globe get from point A to point B each day. Against this background, African private sector stakeholders and governments will need to co-operate with one another, both within national boundaries and across borders, if the continent is to reap the full benefits of the opportunities presented by a rapidly shifting mobility landscape, advises Dr. Thomas Schiller, Europe, Middle East & Africa Automotive Leader at Deloitte. “While the form these changes will take in Africa is likely to be radically different from developed

countries, forward looking private sector and state decision makers here now have a unique opportunity to shape the future of public and private transport and, in the process, boost automotive manufacturing on the continent,” said Schiller after attending the recent World Economic Forum (WEF) in Durban. But this would require the main role players to work together, he said, as a winner-takes-all approach was likely to lead to fragmentation and inefficiency, particularly in African markets which, individually, did not have the scale of the United States or China. “And even in China, when it comes to ride sharing we’ve seen that there’s only room for one dominant player,” said Schiller, referring to

Uber’s sale of its China operations last year to homegrown competitor Didi Chuxing. “I’m heartened to note from my attendance at WEF that there’s a growing realisation among key role players – not just in the automotive sector, but among telecommunications and digital players - that a cooperative approach is the best way to leverage the many benefits these changes promise to bring,” Schiller added. Deloitte’s Automotive Leader for Africa Ruwayda Redfearn said more

efficient and affordable transport options would be a powerful tool to address one of the major challenges facing African economies raised at WEF, inequality. “Research we’ve done at Deloitte shows that wider access to transport isn’t just a nice-tohave, it opens up access to job opportunities, education, health care and other vital services. It also promotes social mobility. As such, it’s one of the routes we need to explore

in our efforts to turn the tide of inequality,” Redfearn said. She added that numerous other opportunities would arise as the face of mobility changed, with internet and telecommunications providers likely to play a significant role, given the vast quantities of data that would be generated and shared by both individual vehicles and fleets of vehicles within the increasingly connected ‘smart’ transport networks. “Infrastructure enablers like smart tolling, traffic flow management and network security will be required and there will be many opportunities for companies offering services like in-vehicle entertainment, targeted advertising and food delivery,” Redfearn said. Enquiry no: 88

Logistics partnership extended

irports are busy places. People moving here and there checking in, pulling luggage from one side to the next, buying books, hailing taxis, going through security checks … and the rest. Yet this is nothing compared to the movement of cargo that happens mainly behind the scenes. One of these ‘behind the scenes’ giants at Cape Town International is the Imperial Retail Logistics (IRL) 14 400m² warehouse facility - including a 4000-pallet chill room - which handles the product of several well-known firms like Diageo, Heineken, Lindt, beacon, GSK and others. The work-horses that pick, pack, lift and carry the merchandise are a range of Doosan and Crown material handling equipment (MHE) from InServe’s Goscor Lift Truck Company (GLTC). “We have 20 Goscor machines in total,” says Frans Kapp, IRL’s compliance manager, “and they have certainly lived up to their performance expectations.” Kapp adds that in complying with food regulations, all the Goscor MHE is electrically-powered. “We are not allowed any gas or diesel-powered equipment in this warehouse. All the equipment is battery-powered and this necessitated some extra services like, for example, a state-of the art battery bay,” he says. The fact is this could be one of the most advanced battery bays in the country. Built by Jotin Steel in consultation with GLTC, it ensures the mini-

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mum time-loss when changing batteries. “There are two batteries for every machine and Jotin manufactured special roller beds to hold the batteries

and installed their home-grown bulldog, adjustable change-over units, which are push-pull hydraulically operated systems that ensure the batteries are at the right height for any particular machine,” says Grant Laight GLTC Western Cape regional sales manager. “The net result is an efficient battery-change system which is crucial to the efficient operation of the warehouse.” One of the key machines in use at the IRL facility is the Doosan B25S-5, which Laight says is a real boon to the overall efficiency of the facility. “Productivity in an electric truck is a function of three things: speed, control and low energy consumption. All these things have been achieved in the Doosan B25S-5 through a number of exclusive Doosan design innova-

tions,” says Laight. For example, Doosan’s revolutionary “Active Control Technology” underlines why the Doosan B25S-5 – and the entire Pro-5 series - is “one of the most intelligent forklifts ever made”: Active Heat Control means the system self-protects if overheating is ever detected and the Active Energy Control function means the truck maintains consistent performance through 80% of battery charge life. Laight says one of the most impressive features of the Doosan B25S-5 is that it has a much bigger battery compartment than other four-wheel electrics. “This allows for a larger battery with higher amperage, which significantly increases operating time enabling a full shift from one battery charge,” he says. Laight adds that operator comfort and safety is another big plus with the Doosan B25S-5. “Operators like working with the machine, which is critical. It is exceptionally driver-friendly and the braking system is a good example of this. As the operator removes his foot from the accelerator the brakes automatically engage, adding to the ease and safety of operation,” he says. In terms of Crown, the worldrenowned name in quality MHE, IRL has taken a range of order pickers, reach trucks and counter-balanced forklifts. “For Imperial, we were able to almost double the reach height of the reach trucks from the standard." Enquiry no: 89

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June / July 2017

COMPANY & PRODUCT NEWS

KZN Industrial & Business News

Lifting tackle and hoist plant audits

IFTING tackle and hand operated hoists, which include chain blocks and lever hoists, are subjected to general abuse in day to day lifting operations in the work place. It is therefore essential that these products are always safe to use and are legally compliant in all respects as far as quality, marking, certification and inspection is concerned. To assist users of lifting equipment to implement and maintain a safe lifting program in the work place, and be legally compliant, proper audits on lifting equipment should be conducted so that any shortcomings and unsafe practice can be identified and corrected. That’s according Piet Otto from Phakamisa Safety Consultants, who added that the scope of such an audit will depend on the different types of equipment used at a mine, factory, plant or installation. “The audit must be conducted against either the requirements of the OHSA or MHSA Lifting Equipment Regulations, depending on which Act is applicable. It is essential for all users to have up to date written operating procedures and these are also used during the audit to ensure that the user complies with their own standards.” For users of lifting equipment across the South African border, cognisance has to be taken of local legal requirements in that particular country.

Otto said the issues to be covered on such a visit should include: • Perusing and scrutinising all lifting equipment documentation. • Perusing purchasing procedures, vendor and product specifications. • Examining all written appointments and responsibilities. • Viewing all storage facilities to determine legal compliance. • Viewing all, or selected lifting applications in the work place to ascertain legal compliance or identify any dangerous or illegal lifting practices. • Inspecting all lifting practices and equipment used in the various operations for legal compliance and product conformance. • Investigating the condition of all lifting equipment used on site for safe operation, quality, marking, certification etc. • Investigating existing training requirements and shortcomings. He said all visits should start with an opening meeting with all concerned. “At the end of the visit, a closing meeting is held to summarise the visit as well as to express findings, recommendations and opinions. It is essential to prepare for such a visit so that all parties can cooperate.” The following documentation will be scrutinised, where applicable: • Inventories or asset registers of lifting tackle and hoists in use; • Supplier’s test or conformance certificates for all products used;

• U p to date and proper Inspection registers and check lists; • Existing Codes of Practice or written Operating Procedures; • Stores control documents and registers; • All written appointments for operators, inspectors and lifting equipment users, based on appropriate proof of training; • Purchasing procedures, approved vendors and brands; • Lifting plans/rigging studies where applicable; • F unctions of all appointed Responsible Persons • •LME/LMI verification for service providers who do load testing; • Contractor files for crane and lifting operations; • Instructions for the safe use of lifting equipment; • Training records, contents of training programs etc. If these documents are not available or up to date, a reputable safety consultant will assist in compiling them and implement the necessary steps to ensure compliance. At the end of the visit, a comprehensive written report is submitted, with comments and recommendations. “This report should then be used by the user to compile an Action Plan allocating various actions to be taken, to different persons and target dates should be set to complete the project,” Enquiry no: 91 Otto said.

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Rugged mining cables and connectors reflective tape, under an outer extraheavy duty ICEA S-75-381 compliant TPU jacket, ensures easy identification, especially at night, which increases personnel safety and also reduces the risk of cable damage.” The cables’ insulation consists of ethylene propylene thermosetting compound and features a strippable semi-conducting core screen (triple extruded). The core assembly comprises three tinned copper/nylon braid screened power cores and three unscreened pilot cores. The 67.4mm diameter cables which have a minimum bending radius of 550mm and a maximum recommended tension of 4.3kN, are suitable for use across a wide range of mining and industrial applications including electrically driven machines, movable

electric apparatus in hazardous areas, portable electric apparatus, section feeders, medium sized draglines, shovels and drills. “The cables are also suitable for underground reeling applications,” said Marks. Proof Engineering, market leaders in the manufacture and supply of flameproof and explosion proof products, have incorporated the latest technology design into their Opencast range of connectors. The IP 65 rated connectors are corrosion resistant for improved safety and reliability in the field and are ideal for use on equipment such as drag lines. Proof Engineering also supply a quality range of connectors suitable for underground applications. Powermite is a division of Hudaco and has been a leading supplier of world class components, equipment Enquiry no: 92 and systems.

Nature of business: ___________________________________ Issue 105 - June/ July 2017 1

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OMPONENTS, equipment and systems specialist, Powermite, alongside sister company, Proof Engineering, bring end-to-end cable and connector solutions for mining and industrial applications. Powermite’s rugged range of TPU mining cables with flexible Class 5 tinned annealed copper wire conductors has been specially designed to withstand the hazardous conditions typically found in open cast mining. The copper-screened mining cables’ rugged design which incorporates a tough sheath, reduces the risk of cable damage and extends component service life. “The resultant low maintenance leads to increased uptime and improved productivity for the end-user,” said Powermite Director, Donovan Marks. “In addition, the cables’ orange/silver

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Keeping Africa running smoothly. Engen is committed to an African success story. In Africa, industries operate under extreme conditions different from any other place in the world. That’s why we do more to develop our tailor-made range of lubricants. We use top-of-the-line technology and only the best ingredients. The result is an advanced technology product that meets industry requirements and reliability expectations. And our dedicated team on the ground ensures that you have access to what you need when you need it. Contact the Engen Customer Service Centre (CSC): +27 21 403 5090 or visit www.engenoil.com.

INDUSTRY PEOPLE

Entrepreneur’s passion for farming breeds success D o what you love and love what you do,” are words Loyiso Pepeta, owner of Copperfield Farm in Kokstad, lives

by. The dairy is the result of a dream Pepeta, 44, had and which was fulfilled by Ithala Development Finance Corporation, KwaZulu-Natal’s provincial development agency. Pepeta, formerly the Chief Financial Officer of Ingquza Hill Local Municipality, fondly recalls the short turnaround time for his loan to be approved by Ithala – “four months to be exact and it was all systems go”. Copperfield Farm supplies supermarkets and wholesalers across KZN and the Eastern Cape with dairy milk, maas and yoghurt. A factory is currently being built to include long-life products such as butter ghee and to sterilize milk for which there is demand. The company, which Pepeta co-owns with his wife and uncle, has been in operation for five years and currently affords 40 people a living and boasts an impressive 810 hectares of land on which more than 200 cattle graze. Pepeta is the son of a pastor and was born in Bizana in the Eastern Cape. It was when he joined Ntabankulu Junior

Secondary School that he discovered his love for numbers, choosing commerce as a subject which proved to be instrumental in his later life. He matriculated from Mthatha Technical College and studied accounting at Port Elizabeth Technikon. He later acquired his BTech in accounting from Durban University of Technology. “I have always enjoyed farming and being

out in the fields. Even though I went to university and got a qualification, I always wanted to be out in the open and not officebound. “I love grazing and mechanisation, and enjoy the fact that I can still apply my accounting skills set to the business.” At some point in Pepeta’s career, he decided to change his BMW for a Range Rover but gave careful consideration to the debt this would impose on him. He decided that a tractor would be a better option for him. While still employed full-time, he put the tractor parked at his home in Bizana to work on land in rural communities for the benefit of trusts and co-operatives. The objective was to generate income and fast-track his loan instalments. “After my office job from 6pm to midnight, I would work on the land to generate revenue and build capital towards buying my own farm.” His advice to budding entrepreneurs is: “Find what you love and are passionate about and work hard to make it a success”. Pepeta is one of four category award winners in Ithala’s 2017 Business Achiever Awards. He scooped the “Agriculture Business of the Year” award. Enquiry no: 93

Seen at the KZN Industrial & Technology Exhibition briefing held in Durban recently from left

June / July 2017

KZN Industrial & Business News

New appointments

Dennis Vietze Managing Director Wacker Neuson South Africa

Chris Baloyi Managing Director Bosch Capital

Steve Rosettenstein, Senior Director, Sugar Bosch Projects

Tim Parle , Managing Director Mitsol

Graham Clare Regional Sales Manager BHBW South Africa

Switch to win! Craig Muller, Magnet Service Binder; Gary Corin, Specialised Exhibitions; Danny Schultz & Dean Van Dyk, Station One

Stevan Elion, Switch Technique; Valerie Govender, KZN Industrial & Business News and Anthony Hittler, IFM Electonic

Seen at a recent SAIMC meeting held at the Durban Country Club from left are:

Switch Technique KZN is offering readers a chance to win a GoXtreme Action Camera. To enter look out for our article inside and answer these three easy questions: 1. When did Switch Technique KZN start trading? 2. What birthday is Switch Technique KZN celebrating? 3. How many years warranty is given on Chint Circuit Breakers? Rules: • Enter online at www.switchtechniquekzn.co.za • Draw will take place at the KZN Industrial & Technology Exhibition on 28 July 2017

Elecktronics.pdf 2017/05/19 09:54:59 AM Hennie Prinsloo 1and Howard Lister; SAIMC

Simiso Ntanzi, Hulett Refinery and Anil Lonappan, Andile Buthelezi, Ralph Naidoo and Mlondi Mkhize; all of Mangosuthu University Technology

Winners will be published in the August/ September 2017 issue.

Quality. Innovation. Efficiency.

Driving the World – with innovative drive solutions for all industries and applications. Products and systems from SEW-EURODRIVE are used all over the world. Be it in the automotive, mining, food and beverage or water and wastewater industry – the decision to use drive technology “made by SEW-EURODRIVE” stands for reliability for both functionality and investment.

We drive the Automation Technology

SEW-EURODRIVE’s inverters meet the challenge of avoiding industrial accidents while maintaining trouble-free and economical system operation.

CMY

SEW-EURODRIVE – Driving the world

Cape Town Branch Tel: +27 21 528 7600

Durban Branch Tel: +27 31 902 3815

Nelspruit Branch Tel: +27 13 752 8007

Port Elizabeth Branch Tel : +27 41 372 2244/6

SEW-EURODRIVE (PTY) LTD Eurodrive House Cnr. Adcock Ingram & Aerodrome Roads, Aeroton Ext 2 Johannesburg P.O. Box 90004 Bertsham 2013 Tel: +27 11 248 7000 Fax: +27 11 248 7289 www.sew-eurodrive.co.za