Exporters - are you ready for VGM? - KZN Industrial & Business News

ISSN NO: 1562 -5702

JUNE / JULY 2016 R20.90 (incl. VAT)

Exporters - are you ready for VGM?

O

verweight and mis-declarations of contents of containers has caused serious accidents and incidents such as collapse of stacks, loss of containers from ships and related damage, including damage to and loss of small craft. Overweight containers played a key role in the breakup and beaching of the MSC Napoli in the United Kingdom in 2007, the capsizing of the Daneb, a 500-TEU feeder ship, in the Spanish port of Algeciras in June 2011 and the 3450 TEU M/V Ital Florida lost at least three fully laden containers in severe seas in the Arabian Sea, on her maiden voyage. The new IMO SOLAS (Safety of Life at SEA) Regulation came into effect on 1 July globally, and as of then, non-compliant containers are not allowed port access. Shippers are required to state the Verified Gross Mass on the pre shipment advice documents to the ports for the ships stowage plans. From now on, this document must include, the 3rd party Inspectors (appointed by SAMSA) Accreditation number issued by SAMSA – SA Maritime Safety Authority, the Verified Gross Mass and the Shippers certification, without which containers will not be allowed into the ports, posing a serious problem for exporters. The deadline has passed, yet despite continual information sharing of this, many organisations,

appear to be neither aware, nor yet prepared for this significant change to global container operations. The South African Maritime Safety Authority stated at the end of May that only 7 organisations out of the thousands that export each month had been certified as compliant to VGM. Under the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), the IMO has agreed on two methods for verifying a freight container’s gross mass: Method 1: Weigh the container

and its contents on a calibrated and certified instrument such as a weighbridge or other piece of suitable equipment. Method 2: Weigh all of the cargo items being packed into the container along with dunnage, securing and lashing materials and the tare weight of the container and aggregate them together to arrive at an aggregated weight. It is vitally important to note that it is the shipper’s responsibility to ensure compliance, hence it is essential for monitoring and enforcement on the

New LEEASA to launch in Durban

T

he Lifting Equipment Engineering Association of South Africa will be hosting a conference at the Westville Country Club in Durban on 29 July in order to launch the new LEEASA in Durban. The aim of the association is to

inform people on safe lifting, provide training, work with the Department of Labour to make the OHS Act more meaningful and useful, assist with developing good SABS standards in South Africa, and in general, to significantly improve safety and

Use a circuit breaker in the management of a microgrid?

Certainly.

safe practices in lifting in this country. The conference is open not only to members of LEEASA but all users of lifting equipment (from cranes, to hoists, to winches to lifting tackle) and other interested parties (eg trainers), and is aimed at informing attendees on a wide range of aspects of lifting, including

roads, as this is the starting point to rail and sea transport. All ports in South Africa are ready to deal with this new legislation. In fact, TPT is ensuring that no container is allowed into the port without the verified gross mass provided on the shipping documents. Port authorities have been instructed to ensure that no exceptions are made and any non-compliant loads will be turned away. TPT and the Department of Transport have conducted a number of road shows and workshops with customers in order to ensure they are all aware of the new legislation, however time will tell over the next few months, as to the level of awareness amongst exporters. For those that do not comply, it has been suggested that the shipping lines will be able to impose large penalties and although as yet undefined, there has been mention of something similar to those in the UK and European which are £4 000 or up to 2 years in jail. For further information on the IMO and SAMSA Guidelines see SAMSA Marine Notice MN 25 and MN 26 to see the 10 companies currently accredited to do 3rd Party Assessment on their behalf, or contact the RPMASA – info@rpmasa. org.za Enquiry No: 1

legal aspects, training plans, SANS standards and generally bringing everyone up to date with the Driven Machineries Act and the future thereof. It should be of value and interest to anyone who is associated with lifting equipment in any way. For more information or to attend the conference, e-mail arni@leeasa. Enquiry No: 2 co.za

Issue no. 99

Inside State of the art polymer testing facility page 3

Focus on Sugar - page 7

Construction, Civil & Structural Engineering - page 13 Electrical & Electronics - page 17

Metals, Alloys, Fabrication & Machine Tools - page 20 Environmental Management & Control page 22 Company & Product News page 23

Light up the future with the SACE Emax 2. Not just a circuit-breaker, but a true power manager that controls every electrical system, raising the efficiency. SACE Emax 2 protects the system, manages loads and generators, measures and analyses energy quality, with the simplicity and reliability you would expect. Circuit-breakers switch power, SACE Emax 2 manages it. For further information: www.abb.co.za/lowvoltage

ABB South Africa (Pty) Ltd. Electrification Products Tel. +27 10 202 5880 E-mail: [email protected]

June / July 2016

news

2

Durbanites’ payment device goes national D urban-based entrepreneurs that developed a cheap payment device to transform mobile phones into a secure mobile Point of Sale (mPOS) terminal have begun distributing their fintech product nationally in a move to help SMEs process customer payments cheaply, easily and safely. An innovation of father and son team Matt and Clive Putman, and close friend Ramsay Daly, the iKhokha device is aimed at small business owners so they can use their phones to process debit and credit cards, cash and mobile payments. The device is cheap, safe and can be used anywhere as long as there is a cell phone signal. The customer enters his or her pin on the device as he or she would do in any other

buying and selling environment. The innovative low-cost payment system caught the attention of Dominique Collett, Rand Merchant Insurance Holdings’ (RMHI) senior investment executive and head of the ground-breaking AlphaCode club for fintech startup entrepreneurs and next generation financial services providers. “iKhokha is the kind of product and service that show South Africa’s potential to become a fintech centre of excellence as well as the power of fintech to unlock barriers to economic development. SMEs demand simple, low cost, convenient product offerings. iKhokha, now an RMHI AlphaCode gold member, delivers this with their simplified pricing structure and plugand-play offering.”

KZN Industrial & Business News

iKhokha’s dissemination beyond Kwa-ZuluNatal has been made possible through a partnership with the JSE-listed Massmart subsidiary, Game. It is being sold in 11 Game stores nationwide and will be rolled out into 35 stores over the next few months. iKhokha managing director, Matt Putman, says: “The device is manufactured in Pinetown west of Durban, providing employment to 180 people, and iKhokha’s head office is based in Umhlanga Ridge where some 30 people are employed. Over 2,500 merchants are now using the solution nationally, so additional staff and channel partners are coming on board as Enquiry No: 3 iKhokha expands.”

T

NAACAM show dates announced

he National Association of Automotive Components and Allied Manufacturers of South Africa (NAACAM) recently announced that the inaugural NAACAM Show will take place at the ICC Durban from April 5-7 2017. The Show will be hosted every two years as a platform from which to grow the automotive component and related manufacturing sectors in South Africa, and will run concurrently and in partnership with the Durban Automotive Cluster’s National Localisation Indaba, NAACAM President Dave Coffey said. Coffey said a unified effort was required from all South Africa’s automotive stakeholders, including government, to respond to the challenges facing South Africa’s manufacturers. These include increased market access, higher local content and export readiness, which must be underpinned by appropriate enabling legislation and the supply chain’s efforts at continuous improvement and maintaining international certified standards, he said. “In the context of weak local new vehicle sales, an increase in the range and volumes of local manufactured components is essential to the survival and growth of component manufacturing companies in South Africa and the NAACAM Show has a big vision in driving this objective,’’ Coffey said. Coffey confirmed that following an open tender process Inkanyezi Events would, under the guidance of NAACAM’s Steering Committee, manage the NAACAM Show, which would include an exhibition, workshops and networking functions. “We are confident in the experience of Inkanyezi to deliver NAACAM’s vision of the NAACAM Show as a powerful platform for trade, investment and meaningful engagement between suppliers and buyers,’’ Coffey said. Coffey said the NAACAM Show would be closely aligned with the objectives of the Automotive Supply Chain Competitiveness Initiative (ASCCI) and the Department of Trade and Industry to grow local value added, exports, employment and GDP. The NAACAM Show was open to all stakeholders in the automotive value chain, including non-NAACAM members. He added that the local vehicle manufacturers, through NAAMSA, had endorsed their support for this Enquiry no: 4 important event.

Meet the sleek SY series from SMC Pneumatics The SY series of Valve Manifolds (Valve Terminals) is manufactured on-site at SMC South Africa’s

P O Box 1322 Wandsbeck 3631 Tel: (031) 266 7511 Fax: (031) 266 7514 Email: [email protected] www.mediaevents.co.za

brand new production facilities. The unique, all-purpose valve is available in three sizes, namely the SY3000, SY5000 and SY7000.

Managing Director: Janet Coom Editor: Jacqui Harris Email: [email protected]

Thanks to its innovative redesign and smaller size, a reduction of 29% is achieved in installation space offering greater flexibility, increased flow rates and a more economical operation. With flowrates of up to 1500 litres per minute, most industry applications can benefit from this manifold.

Sales & Marketing Manager: Cheryl Murphy Email: [email protected]

Units can be hard wired or are compatible with most industrial field bus types.

Any news items, press releases, articles and photographs relating to business and industry in KwaZulu-Natal are welcome. All contributions will be considered for publication.

Customers can achieve air savings as a result of driving bigger cylinders with reduced cycle times without the need to use larger, more expensive solenoid valves.

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.

positiv/graffictraffic/KZNIN/06-0716

Contact us for a free consultation on +27 11 568 2407 or [email protected]

PUBLISHED BY: Hentiq 1910 (Pty) Ltd t/a THE MEDIA & EVENTS CO Reg No. 1999/019445/07 COPYRIGHT: All rights reserved

SMCRaisesTheBar

SMC_06-07 2016_KZNIndNews.indd 1

2016/06/13 03:02:46 PM

June / July 2016

news


3

State of the art polymer testing facility C ontinental Compounders (Pty) Ltd has recently unveiled its upgraded, stateof-the art polymer testing facility located at the company’s head office in Pinetown, KwaZulu-Natal. One of only a handful of similar facilities in South Africa, the new testing laboratory is specifically aimed at product testing and new product development for Continental’s local and international customers. “The world of engineering polymers is both exciting, diverse and dynamic. New compounds are continuously being developed in this ever-evolving industry in order to meet the requirements of the engineering fraternity. Globally, compounding companies are at the forefront of these developments, pushing the envelope of machine and materials."

"In order for Continental Compounders to remain on the cutting edge of these advance-

ments, we invested a significant amount of finances, technical innovation and intellectual capital into creating a laboratory that is capable of offering our customers a highly specialised, technical service, which goes hand-in-hand with our recent investment in a new engineered polymers compounds facility,” explains George Dimond, Chief Executive Officer of Continental. Continental manufactures engineering polymers that are primarily used for injection and extrusion in white goods, automotive, metal replacements and other high performance products. They have also recently expanded their range and product offering by adding polypropylene (PP) and nylon (PA66 and PA6) to their local compound range. “Our new, expanded Engineering Polymers

Every credit provider will soon need to register as such

A

person must register as a credit provider in terms of the National Credit Act, 2005 (“the Act”) if the total principal debt owed to that credit provider under all outstanding credit agreements, other than incidental credit agreements, exceeds the threshold prescribed by the Minister in terms of section 42(1) of the Act. At present, the threshold prescribed by the Minister is R500 000. This means that a person who provides credit to another must register as a credit provider only if the total principal debt owed to that credit provider under all outstanding credit agreements, other than incidental credit agreements, exceeds R500 000. This is about to change. With effect from 11 November 2016 the Minister has prescribed the new threshold as nil (R0). In other words, every person who provides credit to another is required to register as a credit provider, no matter how much credit he or she has provided. Registration as a credit provider is crucial because a credit agreement which is

concluded by a credit provider who is not registered as such, but is required to be so registered, is an unlawful agreement, with two limited exceptions. The agreement would be lawful if either (1) at the time the credit agreement was concluded, or within 30 days after that time, the credit provider had applied for registration and was awaiting a determination of that application; or (2) at the time the credit agreement was concluded, the credit provider held a valid clearance certificate issued by the National Credit Regulator. If the credit agreement is unlawful, then, despite any other legislation or any provision in an agreement to the contrary, a court is required to make a just and equitable order including a directive that the credit agreement is void as from the date on which the agreement was concluded. NOTE: This information should not be regarded as legal advice and is merely provided for information purposes on various aspects of commercial law. Enquiry No: 7

D

urban based Mathe Group, has commissioned a multi-million rand tyre processing facility in Hammarsdale. The 2 500m² factory and 1 000m² warehouse are equipped with approximately R20 million worth of cutting edge equipment that was brought in from China last year. Based on sophisticated American technology, it is the first of its kind in South Africa. “It has the capacity to manufacture two tons of truck tyres per hour and up to 24 tons per day. At present, we are feeding in a truck tyre every 1 ½ minutes,” said Vusumuzi Mathe, the entrepreneur who set up Mathe Group in 2010. Mathe Group began reprocessing used and legacy truck tyres into rubber crumb (or granulate) in very limited quantities in late 2011.

Storage and Materials Handling Solutions

I

laboratories. This was done to make way for other Certification Bodies. “It is also important to note that SANS standards are not the property of SABS, as is often misunderstood. SANS standards may be awarded to a product by any accreditation body complying with SANAS requirements and accredited to SANS 17065,” Venter explains. An example of such an accreditation body is SATAS (South African Technical Auditing Service), who can issue SANS certification for a product based on independent test results and results of their audit on the manufacturer. “SATAS is therefore an alternative to the SABS when it comes to certifying products to SANS standards. A product accredited to a SANS standard by SATAS is therefore equivalent in all aspects to that product being certified by SABS,” he says. Both SABS and SATAS have post permit inspection regimes in place, which allows them to regularly inspect certified products and thereby ensure continued compliance to the relevant SANS standard. Regardless of the certification body, the product is still certified to the same SANS standard, which governs its testing and performance. These days, most of the specifications are done by SANS and have either been developed nationally, or are ISO adopted standards. The thinking behind this is to bring the SANS specifications in line with International specifications as far as possible. “Some confusion might still exist with the general public, seeing that SANS specifications are still obtainable from the SABS in Pretoria and SANS uses the same building as SABS. Accredited Certification Bodies like SATAS can now also certify companies to SANS specifications and their Quality Systems. However, our view is that competition any market should always be regarded as a good thing. One positive outcome of these developments is that the industry has now been given a choice of service providers in the certification environment,” Venter concludes. For more information, visit Enquiry No: 6 www.sappma.co.za.

Enquiry No: 5

Recycling plant commissioned

SABS, SANS or SATAS?

n often confusing world standards, certifications, names and their abbreviations, the Southern African Plastic Pipe Manufacturers Association (SAPPMA) makes it clear that there is a distinct difference between certification and standards bodies, and that confusion needs to be cleared up when referring to each one’s individual roles and their very specific functions. “In recent months we have had to deal with a growing number of queries from industry role players, municipalities and the general public regarding the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) and the South African National Standard (SANS). It seems that there is a misperception as to the meaning of the term “Certification Body”, e.g. SABS or National Specification Body, e.g. SANS,” explains SAPPMA Chief Executive Officer, Jan Venter. According to Venter, the perception exists that the SABS and SANS are one in the same and that the one cannot be used without the other. “This is not the case. The SABS is a certification body that is accredited by SANAS. It is therefore incorrect to refer to the SABS as a standard, as it is a testing and certification body who is allowed to sample and test products and certify a producer’s product to a specific SANS standard, through their SANAS accreditation. SANS, on the other hand, refers to a standard that specifies the performance requirements of a specific product. A SANS standard may be either locally written or created by adopting an international (usually ISO) standard,” he explained. One of the possible reasons for this misunderstanding might be due to the fact that the SABS was involved with the writing, development and distribution of specification in years gone by. These specifications were national specification which were published as SABS specifications. In recent years, however, the role of the SABS has changed. Specifications are now being done by SANS – a separate, independent body that reports to Department of Trade and Industry (dti). The SABS has been divided into two different business units, namely certification and test

facility allows us to develop and produce compounds that were designed to meet the unique requirements of the African Continent, as well as ensure that our products meet and maintain stringent quality standards,” Dimond says. They are now able to perform various new tests, including Heat Deflection Tests(HDT), Melt Flow Index(MFI), Ash Content, Impact Strength, Tensiles, Elongation, Limited Oxygen Index (LOI), Density, Shrinkage, Flexural, Congo Red, Colour Spec, Melt Rehologies and Volume Resistivity(VR). “Having this facility in place gives our customers the peace of mind that the compounds we supply them, will meet their product and process requirements, allowing smooth and consistent operations,” Dimond says.

In 2013, the company obtained a licence to manufacture rubber crumb without restriction on quantities and set up a small 850 sq/m factory in New Germany. Construction of the new Hammarsdale facility began in early 2015. “The new operation is four times larger than its predecessor. It is a completely different plant and far more advanced,” Mathe said. The new factory is highly automated and has allowed Mathe Group to up skill the staff working at the New Germany operation to operate the new equipment. There is also potential to grow the workforce as the throughput and the number of end products grows. The new Hammarsdale plant also includes improved dust extraction equipment that ensures the health and safety of workers. According to Mathe, Mathe Group processed approximately 40 000 tyres during 2015. Over the next two years, this is expected to dramatically increase to approximately 150 000 tyres. These 150 000 tyres will produce approximately 7,000 tons of rubber crumb per Enquiry No: 8 annum.

Setting the standard LINBINS

• Pallet racking • Light duty racking • Fencing • Mezzanine floors • Conveyor systems • Vertical storage solutions • Linbins • Containers • Workbenches • Lockers • Cabinets • Trolleys & Ladders • Flooring & Matting • Drum storage • Pallets • Lifting equipment • Safety & Security equipment • Medical equipment • Refuse containers • Office equipment • Washroom products • Cleaning products Free comprehensive 308 page mail order catalogue available. See contact details

www.storagedirect.co.za or www.linvar.co.za JOHANNESBURG

CAPE TOWN

DURBAN

PORT ELIZABETH

TEL: (011) 608-0250 E-mail: [email protected]




kzn 200x135.indd 1

2015/04/17 12:09 PM

Pumi Motsoahae Chief Executive Officer Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone

T

June / July 2016

news

4

he Richards Bay Industrial Development Zone (RBIDZ) has set its sights on driving technological innovation with the Richards Bay Techno-park being positioned within the RBIDZ’s latest industrial estates Phase1A, which is located 2km from the deep water port of Richards Bay. The Techno-park in Richards Bay will increase the attractiveness of our IDZ and will support industries located within the industrial complex through research and innovation activities. We are taking leadership in promoting platforms to integrate technology and innovation with economic development in order create exciting economic opportunities that will benefit youth, small medium enterprises and the broader stakeholders in the region. Technology has also compelled a revolutionary shift in the way people work, play, interact and even think.


Techno-park set to boost technology innovation in RBIDZ Evolving technology has opened up new business models and driven the emergence of futuristic allied devices. The driving force behind all of these changes is a move toward knowledge economy and digital transformation. In the twenty-first century entrepreneurs are leaning towards the utilization of technology in order to develop ideas into products and services that can compete within the flourishing global ICT industry. However, according to Statistics South Africa, over eighty percent (80%) of new Small, Micro & Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) fail within the first five years of operations due to financial restraints and security of assets, as SMME’s are subjected to higher interest rates on lending. A number of technology-focused cooperative communities commonly referred to as Innovation Hubs, Technology Labs or Science

& Technology Parks (Techno-parks) have since emerged with the objective of fueling innovation by becoming incubators for such entrepreneurs. A noticeable trend both nationally and internationally has been the recognition of the value generated from hosting a successful Techno-park in that it promotes the GDP of an area resulting in economic growth. The concept of a Techno-park is not a foreign model to the South African landscape. There are a few technology and innovation hubs situated across the country with the most famous being the Innovations Hub, the first internationally accredited science and Technology Park in subSaharan Africa based in Gauteng. The main aim of the Richards Bay Techno-park is to promote research and development of innovation; and act as an incubation facility wherein both theoretical and practical knowl-

edge is explored. As a long-term economic development strategy, we, the RBIDZ community, must ensure that the techno-park facilitates job creation, increases the attractiveness of the region to potential investors, and nurtures ideas that stimulate growth and financial success. We recently hosted Dr. Clive Coetzee, general manager of KwaZulu Natal Treasury: Infrastructure Management & Economic Services with his techno-park team, and he pointed out that opportunities created by technology are massive. Expectations are that in the next half-century machinery and technology will dominate the workplace with current careers and jobs becoming irrelevant. Robots or machinery may be able to perform specific tasks, however, lack the cognitive aspect such as programming, which is what humankind needs to focus on in order to be aligned to the paradigm shift. It is therefore imperative that we embrace technology and shape it to benefit us all. Business incubation, research, hi-tech development and engineering are some of the major pillars of innovation. Understanding the fundamentals of incubation, the synergies between parks and incubators, and t h e different ways in which this interaction can happen is essential to design cost-effective facilities. Through a dynamic and innovative fusion of policies, programmes, facilities and high value-added services, Techno parks contribute considerably to economic development by: • Stimulating and managing the flow of knowledge and technology between universities and companies; • Facilitating the communication between companies, entrepreneurs and technicians; • Providing environments that enhance a culture of innovation, creativity and quality; • Focusing on companies and

research institutions as well as on people: the entrepreneurs and ‘knowledge workers’; and • Facilitating the creation of new businesses through incubation, spin-off mechanisms and accelerating the growth and size of SMMEs. The top structure of a techno park need not be hi-tech, however, it is essential to have a facility that harbours individuals who challenge and change ideas. For example, a group of entrepreneurs can share workspace, but access to infrastructure, internet, specialized equipment and researchers should be ample. An important goal for Technoparks is to attract and keep organisations and companies coming to their sites. This has to be achieved while stimulating and supporting the creation of new technologybased firms through incubation and spin off mechanisms. Having the right commercial strategy and making the right offer to the market is also absolutely essential for the success of any Techno-park. Furthermore, a tertiary institution is central to the survival of a Techno-park. Throughout the world, technology parks and innovation hubs are linked to academic institutions either on site or in close proximity for innovation and research. The RBIDZ has all these elements in place with the core focus of the Richards Bay Techno-park being shaped by the key economic sectors in the region such maritime, renewable energy, agro-processing and minerals beneficiation. The Richards Bay Techno-park has secured the interest of two academic institutions namely, uMfolozi TVET College, which plans to establish a maritime academy, and Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) that is planning to establish a Green Technology and Renewable Energy Research Centre within the Techno-park.

Tilted in your favour You see things from a different angle, and so do we. That’s why we’ve put an innovative tilt on the inserts in our new, face milling cutter. This provides all the advantages of a positive single-sided cutter, in a double-sided, multi-edge tool. All-new CoroMill® 745

Made for Milling

64 Jet Park Road, Jet Park PO Box 25038, East Rand, 1462 Branches: Durban, Port Elizabeth, Cape Town, Vaal Triangle Direct Sales: 0860 101 008 Fax: 0860 101 006 sandvik.coromant.com/madeformilling

June / July 2016

news


I Northern aqueduct augmentation

W

ork on Durban’s R250 million Northern Aqueduct Augmentation (NAA) project is gaining momentum and this much needed bulk infrastructure project is on track for commissioning by year end. Ednick Msweli, Head of eThekwini Water and Sanitation (EWS), thanked Umhlanga and Phoenix residents for their patience during disruptions and said that the finalisation of the pipeline, would ensure that Durban had some of the best water infrastructure in South Africa. “The good news is that the contractor will start testing as early as the end of July. When undertaking a project of this magnitude, it was imperative to ensure that all safety and quality specifications were strictly adhered to and extensive checks had to be carried out. Please note the following updates: • Work continues along Autumn Drive in Umhlanga and this road will be out of commission for the next two months • All the necessary work on the pipeline in Herrwood Drive in Umhlanga is expected to be complete by the end of July with the reworking of road layer works and the installation of a new wearing course continuing during August and September • Work along Phoenix Highway commenced again towards the end of June and is expected to be completed by the end of August. This will not only include further quality testing of the pipeline itself but also wearing course completion, kerbing and storm water system instal-

lation and median rehabilitation. Msweli explained that the NAA forms part of long term plans to facilitate efficient delivery of water to the North of Durban. The existing Northern Aqueduct, a network of bulk supply pipelines that serves the north eastern portion of eThekwini north of the Umgeni River, south of the Ohlanga River and east of Ntuzuma, conveys potable water from the Durban Heights Waterworks to a large number of terminal reservoirs in the system that, in turn, supply water to residents and businesses. The Northern Aqueduct “Augmentation” (enlargement or expansion) has become necessary as the existing infrastructure has reached capacity due to growth in demand. This means that, even if there is sufficient water to meet current needs, there is not sufficient network capacity to deliver it to areas where it is needed. The current construction of the NAA project has been divided into two contracts - a 6 km section of the pipeline that begins at Duffs Road and ends at the Phoenix 2 reservoir and a 22 km segment of the pipeline that stretches from the Phoenix 2 Reservoir in Phoenix, continues to Waterloo with a branch line to Umhlanga. The new Blackburn Reservoir which is currently under construction, will be supplied through the newly constructed pipeline. The Blackburn Reservoir will supply water to the new Cornubia development and the first compartment will hold 17 million litres of water.

5

Economic development incentive policy launched

N a ground-breaking move to stimulate economic growth and create job and investment opportunities, the eThekwini Municipality has approved the Economic Development Incentive Policy (EDIP) which seeks to offer financial or tax rebates as well as nonfinancial support for investors. Speaking at a recent Investor Briefing Session, Deputy Head of the City’s Economic Development and Investment Promotion Unit, Ajiv Maharaj said: “EDIP is one of the key solutions identified to enhance economic investment in eThekwini during the adoption of the Economic Development and Job Creation Strategy in 2013.” Maharaj said the EDIP would be implemented from 1 July 2016 with the aim of providing property rates tax rebates to developers during the construction period. This will assist in getting developers’ projects off the ground, thereby encouraging urban regeneration and investment in the City.

“This will further deepen investors’ link with local businesses, thus allowing investors to create opportunities for local skills training and education. It will certainly enhance exports,’’ said Maharaj. He added that while the EDIP was initially planned for three years, it will be reviewed annually to ensure that the City’s response to market requirements is appropriate and beneficial. To ensure a smooth operation of this process, Maharaj said the Municipality will soon be opening a ‘One-Stop Shop’ to be based in Umngeni Business Park. The purpose of the One-Stop-Shop is to provide support to investors by assisting with information and streamlining administrative processes. “Other elements within EDIP aimed at facilitating the process include; foreign direct investor assistance, Greenfields development, pegged rates for brownfield investments, rates relief for reinvestment in abandoned and derelict buildings (on which penal-

ty rates are currently charged), incentives for investment in bulk infrastructure, which could be achieved through a public-private partnership and appropriate target sectors. The following sectors have high employment potential, including Green Economy, Tourism, Maritime and Logistics,” explained Maharaj. Peet Du Plessis, Head of the City’s Revenue Management Unit, said there is no specific fund set aside for this programme, adding that funds will be made available through the Rates Policy. “Qualifying applicants will be afforded incentives based on the value of the development. The rates randage rebate will be calculated based on a formula devised by Treasury and approved by Council,” he said. Du Plessis said applicants either investors or developers must meet certain criteria. Applications for this financial year opened on 1 July 2016 and close on 30 September 2016. Visit www.durban.gov.za for more Enquiry No: 10 information.

EVERY PART MATTERS

Enquiry No: 9

How to choose quality and performance without compromise Making the right decision can improve the efficiency and productivity of your entire organisation. Because every decision matters, every part matters. RS Pro gives you an ever expanding choice of over 40 000 quality-tested products engineered for demanding manufacturing and industrial environments at an affordable price. Compared to other brands, you can save up to 30%.

All RS Pro products are tested to appropriate industry standards including:

za.rs-online.com/rspro

N

June / July 2016

news

6


International vessel saved from disaster

ow safely anchored at its final destination, the crews of the Italian vessel MV Peppino Bottiglieri are no doubt still thankful to the Transnet Port Terminals (TPT) Richards Bay team for their skilled handling of a very dangerous situation they found themselves in recently. According to Nombuso Afolayan, TPT General Manager: KZN Operations, Bulk, Break-Bulk & Cars, in mid-May TPT and TNPA were contacted by the vessel agent for the MV Peppino Bottiglieri cargo vessel requiring urgent lay bye berth in Richards Bay. The vessel was carrying coal, which had been loaded in Russia en

route to Malaysia and while rounding the Cape the crew discovered cargo coal smouldering in hatch #7 of the vessel. The crew was caught in a difficult situation because in order to suppress the fire, CO2 gas was used in the hatch, however, the risk with using this gas is that the pressure builds up in the hatch further increasing the risk of explosion. Hence air is allowed back into the hatch, which then further fuels the fire. With no alternative but to seek help ashore, the vessel proceeded to the Port of Durban in search of assistance. However, due to vessel LOA and draft restrictions (the vessel is 229.2m long, and 12.5m draft)

F

For a complete range of basic bench top and large capacity research & laboratory freeze dryers offering sophistication with simplicity of operation, with condenser temperatures down to –100°C and a wide range of high quality chamber and accessories, please contact us. Instrulab – a Division of Air & Vacuum Technologies (Pty) Ltd – are the sole agents for the LABOGENE range of products for Southern Africa.

[email protected]

0861 VACTEC (822 832)

www.vactech.co.za

Durban’s Port was unable to assist the vessel. With options and time running out the vessel contacted the Richards Bay Harbour Master, who approached TPT Richards Bay. Together with TNPA, TPT worked on a solution that would best assist in a manner that would be both safe and effective for all involved. On the 13th of May the vessel berthed at Richard’s Bay and TPT proceeded to unload the cargo, and the smouldering coal was suppressed. Over the next three days the cargo was then loaded back onto the vessel under the skilled supervision of TPT’s landside team . “We are delighted to have come

to the aid of MV Peppino Bottiglieri in a situation that was potentially a life or death scenario. I am very proud of how our Richard’s Bay team handled themselves during this high risk and very stressful period and it speaks volumes to the highly skilled and experienced staff we have onsite. We take the safety and security of our people and clients’ cargo very seriously and TPT has invested in a number of programmes and measures to instill a culture and mindset that reinforces this. It is in unforeseen circumstances such as this one that all the training and preparation to offset the risks and danger pays off”, concluded Afolayan. Enquiry No: 11

World class quality manufacturer in KZN

ibertex South Africa - part of a global organisation, with its head office in Denmark - has made a substantial investment in the latest technology to increase production capacity of geosynthetic products. The company’s manufacturing plant in Hammarsdale, KwaZulu-Natal, one of six Fibertex factories worldwide, is now the largest nonwoven geotextiles manufacturing facility in Africa. Expansion of the local operation, with advanced machinery and expanded warehousing facilities, means Fibertex South Africa is now well positioned to meet growing demand, not only in Africa, but also from countries in Europe, Australasia and Asia. “The Hammarsdale plant now boasts a diverse range of nonwoven products, manufactured to stringent international quality, safety and environmental specifications,” says Clive Hitchcock, CEO Fibertex South Africa. “The KZN facility has successfully completed a rigorous audit and has been awarded the coveted CE marking – a mandatory certification for products sold within the European Economic Area (EEA)." “This certification endorses Fibertex South

Africa’s compliance with other quality assurance standards, including ISO 9001: 2008 accreditation and a range of industry specific quality requirements." “The Hammarsdale facility is the only plant in South Africa that manufactures geotextiles out of Virgin Polypropylene (PP). These needle punched materials, with a strong elastic bonding between the fibres, are used in building and construction works for separation, filtration, drainage, protection, stabilisation and reinforcement, as well as in the automotive, furniture and filtration markets." “Virgin PP has specific application in areas where the textile may be in contact with alkaline conditions, for example in slimes dams and waste sites. These PP geotextiles have advantages in installations where the cost of failure may be extreme, in both financial and environmental terms, as they have a high level

of chemical stability under a wide range of environmental conditions." Concern for the environment is critical at Fibertex and no chemical binders are used in the product or production process. In addition to the wide range of products made from virgin PP, Fibertex also has a range of products based on recycled Polyester (RPET). No waste is produced within the plant which has to be discarded. Similarly, all products produced are 100% recyclable. Consequently, Fibertex nonwovens are not harmful to the environment. All processes - which incorporate a combination of carding, needle punching and thermal bonding - are automated and impeccable standards at every stage of production are maintained by ‘Q-Match’. This is a digitally integrated quality management system that is employed throughout the Fibertex group. The Fibertex geosynthetics range encompasses nonwoven and woven geotextiles, gabions and mattresses, drainage pipes and fittings and erosion control and cellular confinement solutions. The company also supplies soil reinforcing products, including geogrids and geocells, as well as geosynthetic clay liners as part of composite lining systems in modern landfills. Enquiry No: 12

Point precinct update

ne of Durban’s first setO tled areas, the historic Point Precinct, is now home to a con-

temporary new building: the iconic headquarters of The Lion Match Company. The first new building in Mahatma Gandhi Road (Point Rd) in decades, this R80 million new Lion Match Company head office includes a five storey, 5 000m² mixed use development made up of a 2000m² distribution warehouse, corporate offices, retail space and covered parking. Originally located in landmark premises in Umgeni Rd, when its proximity to residential areas was no longer appropriate for health

Andrew Brown of Andrew RHB Photography

and safety reasons, The Fasic Investment Company who bought The Lion Match Company from South African Breweries in 2001, relocated the match manufacturing plant to Rosslyn, Pretoria. However, there was still a need for state-ofthe-art offices in Durban and The Lion Match Company became the first blue chip company to put down roots in the Point Waterfront. Enquiry No: 13

June / July 2016

7


FOCUS ON SUGAR

Small-scale growers now shareholders

Nomkhosi Dlodlo, SA Cane Growers’ Association Grower Support Officer: Umfolozi

A

unique success story is unfolding just north of Durban, in KwaZulu-Natal – with small scale growers now shareholders in the UmfoloziSugar Mill. The transaction, which took place just over a year ago, was valued

at R10 million. Through this initiative, smallscale growers in the area are able to share in the full value of their sugar cane crop – and increase their own revenue base. Incorporation into the mill ownership provides about 4 186 growers with the incentive and financial viability to improve their level of production as well as grow the overall small-scale grower area under cane. The South African Cane Growers’ Association (SACGA) was instrumental in assisting small-scale growers to raise finance to purchase shares. Numerous attempts to secure outside financial assistance proved unsuccessful.

Small-scale growers were, however, determined not to lose the opportunity available to them and decided to use a percentage of their supplementary payment fund (SPF) allocation to purchase shares. This was not an easy decision for the small-scale growers, however they realised the value in committing to a long-term investment in their livelihoods by limiting the availability of funds in the short-term. The percentage allocation from the SPF was collected over four seasons to accumulate the required funding. It is estimated that small-scale growers, who farm on average 1.5 hectare plots, deliver about 120 000 tons to the mill in a normal season. In fact, the uptake was so impressive that Umfolozi growers used surplus funds to renovate of the Nkodibe Farmers Hall. The SACGA also assisted growers to set up a small-scale grower trust, with all the growers who contributed through their SPF becoming beneficiaries of the trust. The trust then signed a 10-year cane supply agreement with Umfolozi Sugar Mill, and

Coatings keep sugar industry sweet

A

s the ongoing drought continues to impact the sugar industry, millers continue to place a high priority on maintenance programmes in order to avoid unforeseen and costly downtime. Kansai Plascon’s range of industrial and protective coatings play an essential role in ensuring peak asset performance in a highly-corrosive environment. Kansai Plascon supplies anti-corrosion solutions to sugar millers and refiners in the R12-billion South African sugar industry, as well as neighbouring countries such as Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia. According to Kansai Plascon industrial and protective coatings brand manager Mareta le Roux, the implementation of anti-corrosion measures on machinery is essential in this type of industry. “We have been involved in sugar mills and refineries since the early 1990s, while working hand in hand with the producers, who have their own specifications regarding the mild steel machinery used at mills." "This has enabled our technical specialists to provide optimal specifications for the micro and macro environments within the operating areas most likely to corrode,” she explains. Le Roux indicates that evaluating the conditions remains the first and most important step in determining which solutions should be used to slow corrosion. “We ensure that a Kansai Plascon technical specialist visits the site with the in-house engineer of the sugar company to establish what the coating requirements are,” she continues. What’s more, the Kansai Plascon technical team takes into account the life expectancy of the machinery, what needs to be coated and the overall budget of the mill. Le Roux says that most mills use mild steel machinery. “We therefore test and evaluate our new specifications regarding the composite the company uses and incorporate them according to the requirements.” A sugar mill in KZN, which has been exposed to corrosion caused by daily operations and sea spray, has opted for Plascotuff 3000 and Plascothane 9000 Tint. Plascotuff 3000 is a two-component, high-build and solids surface tolerant epoxy coating for a variety of substrates that

include lightly corroded, hand and mechanically prepared, abrasive blast-cleaned and hydro blasted steel. Plascothane 9000 Tint is a dual-pack polyurethane acrylic enamel used on mild steel machinery. Le Roux stresses the importance of establishing a network of trusted contractors that are experienced in applying appropriate coatings to several of the external components in the sugar mill. These include piping, floors, structural steel and the outside of tanks, as well as minor operations such as the mill’s handrails. Contractors are subjected to a tender process, during which their

methods are evaluated. Plascon accreditation is subsequently awarded, should the work be of a high quality. “Several contractors in the industry are approved by Plascon and when a tender is assigned, we remain part of the labour process, as we check all the processes involved where our products are applied,” adds le Roux. This includes ensuring that the surface preparation such as abrasive blasting has been completed correctly before the company monitors how the primer is applied. Le Roux states that Plascon also ensures that the dry film thickness of the coating meets the client’s requirements, with a full inspection conducted after the application. “The company also provides a report regarding the work completed to the sugar producer after all the prerequisites have been met,” she concludes. Enquiry No: 15

all the beneficiaries also signed a cane supply agreement with the Trust. The Umfolozi Sugar Mill now effectively has two shareholders: GrowerCo, which owns 76.87%. 7.5% of this is held by smallscale growers who supply cane to the mill and NCP Alcohols, which receives the molasses from the mill, owns 23.13%. Despite the challenging climate, the Umfolozi Sugar Mill was able to declare dividends last season and small-scale growers were

delighted to receive their maiden dividend payment – in line with their contribution to the share purchase. Despite the effects of the prolonged drought and the cost of maintenance of the mill, smallscale growers were pleased with the extra revenue that resulted from their shareholder status. They are now looking at other investment opportunities to ensure that they are individually and collectively sustainable. Enquiry No: 14

8

Bearing-wise and seal foolish

S

KF sealing systems’ exceptional sealing performance optimises product and plant efficiencies by extending equipment service life and boosting uptime for ultimate profitability. SKF, globally renowned for its reputation as a market leader in the supply of quality products and expert services, has been the undisputable leader in the business of bearings for over 100 years. The enhancement of SKF’s bearing offering through its core technologies – seals, lubrication, power transmission, mechatronics and services - perfectly position the company as a turnkey solutions provider. The sealing system’s ability to retain lubricant and prevent ingress of aggressive contaminates is fundamental to bearing performance. “A sealing system that does not perform reliably and efficiently, will compromise even the best quality bearing, subjecting it to premature failure,” says Andre Weyers, SKF Platform Manager – Southern Africa. “So when fitting good quality bearings due consideration must be given to the quality of the sealing system.” The SKF range of seals are specially

June / July 2016

FOCUS ON SUGAR designed and engineered in accordance with ISO 6194 and DIN 3760 to continue delivering optimum sealing performance while withstanding thermal expansion, dynamic runout and shaft-to-bore misalignment. Alongside quality, specifying the right sealing solution for the application is equally important. “This is where our knowledge of local industries forged over more than a century sets us apart,” notes Weyers. Benefits from SKF’s in-house design include exceptional compatibility, improved wear resistance and aging as well as increased pumping ability which pushes lubrication away from seal lip. SKF seals’ superior quality materials are able to withstand the corrosive properties of synthetic additives increasingly used in oil, which cause extensive wear of seals manufactured from inferior, run-of-the mill materials. Another key feature of SKF seals are their exclusion capability. In SKF’s patented WAVE seal design, the seal is moulded to push oil and contaminants out. Weyers adds that this additional exclusion ability does not significantly increase unwanted torque and reduces underlip temperature. SKF’s in-house developed sealing solution for the agricultural industry substantially improves productivity by reducing operational costs and down time. With seal sizes ranging from 6mm to 1600mm OD (Outside Diameter), SKF’s comprehensive seal offering meets the requirements of small, medium and large applications in industries such as steel, pulp & paper, automotive, mining & cement, marine Enquiry No: 16 and agriculture.


Keeping it sweet W hile people have been enjoying the sweetness of sugarcane for many thousands of years, at some point, believed to be about two thousand years ago, sugarcane was first processed, through crushing and boiling, to concentrate the sugars. The process itself has not changed significantly since that time, although the industrial revolution brought many incremental improvements to increase the efficiency, including pumps to transfer the hot, viscous, sticky syrups. Ind in temperate climates, sugar beets have been tapped to provide an alternative sugar source to cane. We usually think of solid, crystalline sugar as an ingredient for baking or sweetening beverages. That form of sugar is indeed considered the main “product” of sugar processing, but there are also many byproducts that help improve profitability of any sugar processing operation. These include bagasse, the leftover fiber that commonly fuels a sugar mill’s boilers for steam and electricity, and molasses, a slightly bitter liquid with some leftover sugar content, but also significant quantities of vitamins and minerals. There are many grades of molasses, from light, to robust, to blackstrap, the darkest and thickest variety. The viscosity can range from relatively thin (similar to cooking oil) to very thick (similar to hot tar or peanut butter). To transfer these liquids of varying temperatures, water contents, solids contents and viscosities requires a positive displacement pump, usually the rotary internal gear pump, which was invented by the founder of Viking Pump Inc. in the U.S. These 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.

H

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. 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. Viking has 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 fructose corn syrups. Around the globe, sugar processors, animal feed processors, and food and confectionary manufacturers look to Viking for solutions to their difficult pumping problems. Enquiry No: 17

Three-way partnership benefits wildlife in KZN

usqvarna and Illovo Sugar have linked up with Tala Collection Private Game Reserve to ensure its rhinos and other wildlife are safe and happy and have the right environment in which to thrive. The venture, an essential veld management and rehabilitation project, has also created much-needed employment and skills training. “The collaboration means benefits for everyone,” said Tala Collection Private Game Reserve general manager Mike Nunan. “Husqvarna has sponsored a comprehensive range of professional equipment – brushcutters, chainsaws, clearing saws, etc – for a work team to eliminate exotic and alien vegetation. This local labour, in turn, is sponsored thanks to a generous donation from Illovo. They are also doing some major rehabilitation, which is all making a huge difference to the animals’ environment.” While removing alien plants is imperative, there is also a need to thin down over populated indigenous plants. “Within the reserve are areas with thick vegetation and masses of self-sown acacia." "This creates a canopy so light can’t get in, and grasses can’t grow, meaning browsers and grazers, like

rhino for instance, won’t graze there. So with the help of the Husqvarna’s powerful equipment, the bushclearing team is opening up these areas to the environment: when the rain comes, and these parts are exposed to light, sunshine and animals droppings, the primary grasses will come back. This helps spread the animals out so they don’t all graze in one area and destroy it.” The 3000ha reserve, with no large predators, is very well stocked with a diversity of game. It boasts about 20 species of antelope, including oribi, bushbuck and reedbuck, with general game in abundance. It is a mix of acacia thornveld, open grassland and sensitive wetland. Enquiry No: 18

June / July 2016

FOCUS ON SUGAR


9

Custom cranes to help restore sugar supply

S Doing things differently

I

t won’t be business as usual says John Du Plessis, Managing Director of the Sugar and Milling Division of RCL Foods. In early 2014 Tsb Sugar became part of RCL Foods as part of RCL Foods’ strategy - shared by main shareholder Remgro – to create an African food business of scale. Du Plessis was responding to questions regarding the challenges that lie ahead for the sugar industry in South Africa and in the southern African region. The sugar crop for South Africa for the 2015 - 2016 season is 1,630 million tons, one of the smallest crops since 1995 when drought restricted production to 1,667 million tons of sugar. The next season is not looking any better. “There is going to be a lot of pressure following the drought and it will be a while before the sugar industry recovers. Margins are going to be squeezed, and tensions in the market place mean you need to look at cost reductions. It’s going to take strong leadership. It’s not going to be business as usual,” said Du Plessis. Du Plessis added that within the next few years there were other challenges in the political arena that would call for more work in terms of transformation. Turning to the drought in South Africa, Du Plessis said that being in an irrigated belt was advantageous for RCL Foods’ Sugar business unit and that it was running close to capacity. Approximately 75% of the area of sugarcane harvested in South Africa is dryland (relying on rainfall) and 25% is irrigated. Irrigation is found predominantly in Mpumalanga and in Pongola in northern KwaZulu-Natal. A further advantage for RCL Foods was that there were synergies across the group which included logistics, marketing, branding, distribution, warehousing, and R&D. “It is exciting being part of the group and a new way of thinking. There is much more focus on customer relationships. Although there are challenges, this means a heightened level of energy and this is good for business,” said Du Plessis. The Sugar and Milling Division operates three mills in South Africa, namely Malalane and Komati in Mpumalanga (with close proximity to Mozambique) and Pongola in  KwaZuluNatal (with close proximity to Swaziland). These mills jointly produce over 625 000 tons of sugar per annum, which is marketed under the Selati brand to industrial and retail customers. In addition the company is invested in The Royal Swaziland Sugar Corporation Limited (27.4%), Mananga Sugar Packers

(50%) and Booker Tate Holdings Limited (100%). Although the drought has had a significant adverse impact on the South African sugar industry, RCL Foods’ sugar business was less affected due to the use of irrigation while the Selati brand in fact gained market leadership during the past season. With regard to the EU Regime Change, Du Plessis said that he believed that the impact was in some cases being overstated. “Ultimately it is the fundamentals of supply and demand that will play out. The EU price is already starting to respond, while the global market deficit will impact on world market prices.” There were other factors in this mix he said which included long term contracts, exchange rates, and climatic conditions. Talking about Swaziland, Du Plessis said that the expansion plans were for horizontal growth and developing more land under cane, as well as possibly increasing milling capacity. In terms of Mozambique and the greenfields sugar project, Massingir, it has been shelved. Du Plessis said that the synergies within the group, the company’s way of seeing and doing things differently and it’s commitment to growing sustainably into the future, would underpin the way that the challenges were managed and the opportunities harnessed.

pecialist crane and components manufacturer Demag was involved in the successful completion of the R8-million Hippo Valley project in Zimbabwe. The company supplied three 8-ton portal cranes via its Zimbabwebased distributor O. Conolly & Company, as part of the upgrade to restore the sugar cane output in the country. The low-cost sugar supplier is now able to produce an estimated 700 000 tonnes of sugar cane per year via a railway line. Hippo Valley required reliable lifting of cane bundles from its loading zones on the field and moved onto the rail cars for carrying to the mill. The cranes are designed specifically for cane bundling loading and were installed in the fields. In order to reach the desired output, Demag designed the portal of the crane to allow for absolute control of the bundles. The portal crane legs were designed such that the bundles could be moved between the legs and out to the rail cars. Some delays were experienced due to the extra time taken to

install the rails by a supplier, however the process was finished on time. While it was not easy working in Zimbabwe due to the remote location of the installation, together with market instability resulting from a depressed economy and political instability, the country offers a good market for the industry. Many opportunities still exist for future developments and Demag’s main focus in the industry has been primarily on refurbishment and maintenance. Demag, which operates a sales and service network in more than 60 countries, manufactures technically sophisticated cranes, hoist units and components. It also offers after-sales services such as refurbishments, inspections, overhauls, repairs, training, consulting and analysis. Demag was chosen for the project, which began in 2012 and was completed in 2014, due to its impeccable reputation in the business. Enquiry No: 21

The Boiler and Steam Specialist

A 50 Year Journey Tsb Sugar was founded in 1965 in the Nkomazi region – one of the most sought after agricultural regions in the country - and has since become one of South Africa’s largest producers of refined and raw sugar. These early beginnings of one mill at Malalane would be the start of an unfolding success story that along the way would see expansion projects, the commissioning of an animal feed factory, the establishment of the Komati mill in 1994, subsequent expansions, and the acquisition of the Pongola mill in 2009. The next era followed when Tsb was acquired by Rembrandt, now Remgro, in 1988 and went on to make several acquisitions of its own, notably Quality Sugars, Booker Tate and Royal Swaziland Sugar Corporation. In 2014 Tsb became part of RCL Foods(main shareholder Remgro), joining Rainbow, Vector, and Foodcorp to create a diversified food company. Published courtesy of the SADC Sugar Digest www.sadcsugardigest.com Enquiry No: 19

Watertube boilers: fossil fuel- and biomass-fired up to 200 t/h and 350 t/h respectively and 110 bar, 540 °C. Firetube boilers: coal/biomass-, oil-, gas-, and woodfired up to 40 t/h and 32 bar. Waste-heat boilers: steam output and pressure to suit application.

Getting Technical

he annual SASTA Congress is one of the premier events T in the South African Sugar industry’s calendar. This event is acknowledged as one of the leading Sugar Technologists’

events worldwide. In previous years the Congress has enjoyed consistent support from the industry with about 520 delegates attending the 2015 Congress. Whilst the majority of delegates are from South Africa, the Congress also attracts representatives from other African countries as well as overseas delegates. The 2016 Congress will take place at the ICC in Durban Enquiry No: 20 from the 16 – 18 August.

At John Thompson we design, manufacture, install, operate and maintain Industrial Watertube and Firetube Boilers for process steam and power generation applications.

P.O. Box 129, Bellville 7535 | Tel: +27 (0)21 959 8400 | Fax: +27 (0)21 959 8545 Email: [email protected] | www.johnthompson.co.za | A division of ACTOM Pty Ltd

A

June / July 2016

FOCUS ON SUGAR

10

Building job opportunities

group of 25 unemployed residents from Cornubia, the affordable housing development north of Umhlanga, and the nearby Blackburn informal settlement are learning the skills they need to find jobs as bricklayers in a public private sector partnership (PPP) involving Tongaat Hulett Developments and several government departments. The trainees are completing a skills development course consisting of one month of theoretical and practical training followed by two months of work experience. The bricklaying course is being offered free to the community. Government is sponsoring the cost and Tongaat Hulett Developments is providing the platform to link the community to work in the area. The training was provided by Elangeni TVET College at Tongaat Hulett Developments’ Blackburn Estates SSIP (Socioeconomic

Sustainability and Innovation Programme) Hub which is located on the premises of the old Blackburn Primary School. After completing the training, the delegates achieved an NQF Level 2 certificate for the brickwork component of the community housebuilding qualification. This means they are certified to apply health and safety to a work area, to build masonry superstructures using solid and hollow units and to set out, excavate and cast a concrete strip foundation. Equipped with protective clothing, they are now set to start their work experience with some of the building contractors that have been commissioned to build the affordable houses on the Cornubia estate. While doing this work experience, they will earn small stipends. “The long term goal is that everyone living at Cornubia will be employed.” The founding partners of the


B

SSIP project in Cornubia were the national and KZN Departments of Human Settlements providing housing and linkage with other government departments; the eThekwini Municipality offering skills development, placement, business support and social services; and Tongaat Hulett Developments contributing various SSIP elements. Several other organisations have since formed partnerships with the Enquiry No: 22 project.

New synchronous motor generation

osch Rexroth meets intelligent solutions combined with short cycle times and flexibility in the market requirements of the Industry 4.0 environment with the newlydesigned MS2N synchronous servo motor product line. The MS2N product line is available throughout sub-Saharan Africa exclusively through Tectra Automation. The product line covers the maximum torque range between 4 Nm to 350 Nm with significantly increased power density and greater energy efficiency. In association with IndraDrive control devices, MS2N motors are becoming the source of data for tasks within the networked production plant. With this in mind, Bosch Rexroth has opened up completely new application opportunities and has set new standards in servo drive technology. The MS2N product line is tailored to the demands of the future in both functionality and performance. Individual readings of every single motor, as well as the saturation and temperature data, are deposited into motor data storage and automatically processed by IndraDrive control devices. This increases torque precision sig-

I

nificantly and reduces the tolerance range during operation to a fraction of the values that have been standard up to now. For the first time, the servo motor can be used as a reliable sensor, as well as a data source. In this way, applications within the Industry 4.0 environment, like condition monitoring, can be realised costeffectively and without additional components. The motors are significantly more compact despite their higher performance. With a new motor construction, and optimised electromagnetic design, this new generation of motors achieves up to 30% higher torque density. This has two effects for machinery manufacturers; smaller motors can be employed for current drive tasks while more performance is available within the prescribed motor clearance. The up to five-time overload capacity with persistently low rotor inertia guarantees the greatest possible acceleration and dynamics in all sizes. Enquiry No: 23

New compact high vacuum system

n an effort to provide the market with technology that improves productivity and reduces maintenance and downtime, Oerlikon Leybold Vacuum has added the Turbolab to its product portfolio. It is a compact, fully assembled and ready-to-operate high vacuum system with application in laboratories, spectroscopy and micro balances as well as sputtering and evaporating systems. John Russell, business development manager at Integrated Pump Technology, distributor of Oerlikon Leybold Vacuum products within southern Africa, says the system, which has just been launched, is available in either table-top or mobilecart variants. The table-top variant has a new diaphragm backing pump for industry proven Turbovaci Turbomolecular pumps, which attain ultimate pressures of between 10-7 to 10 -10m bar and pumping speeds for N2 of 65 l/s to 430l/s, depending on the model selected. Turbolab can be tailor made to individual customer needs with

a choice of up to six connected accessories that include purge gas or venting valves, cooling units, heater collars and vacuum measurement devices, all connected through built-in communication ports. It has been designed to simplify the data analysis step. “A Plug and Play approach allows the user to connect a computer to the Turbolab via a standard LAN interface. The builtin web server then allows users to access all critical parameters and conditions, and draw reports stored in an internal memory,” explains Russell. “Integrated Pump Technology provides an end-to-end product solution for Oerlikon Leybold Vacuum products from high level product and technical support to ready availability of parts and servicing of fore-vacuum pumps." "The Turbolab is another prime example of Integrated Pump Technology driving the introduction of niche technology for specific customer needs,” Russell Enquiry No: 24 concludes.

Skintop hygienic cable glands

agnet’s extensive range of M Lapp Group products encompasses Skintop Stainless Steel

cable glands, designed especially for easy cleaning in hygienic critical areas, including food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. “Lapp Skintop Hygienic and Skintop Hygienic-R cable glands, which are used safely on food machinery, equipment and components, are suitable for direct contact with pharmaceuticals and foodstuffs during production,” says Magnet’s managing director, Brian Howarth. "Three key features of these cable glands for suitability to hygienic applications and the prevention of microbial contamination include shape, precision fit and materials used during manufacture." Skintop cable glands have a smooth surface and a rounded

shape, with no corners or angles. This prevents the accumulation of residue and fluids, which normally leads to the formation of micro-organisms. The precision fit, with very low tolerances in production means there is nowhere for residue to accumulate. There are no gaps, voids or outer lying threads and therefore no risk of contamination of food machines, facilities or components. A complete assembly can be mounted from the outside. Materials used in manufacture include Stainless Steel Class V4A, which guarantees long term resistance to demanding ambient conditions. Special elastomer sealing materials are food safe and also ensure a high strain relief on the cable. The blue colouring of this sealing material is clearly distinguishable from foodEnquiry No: 25 stuffs.

June / July 2016

FOCUS ON SUGAR


German company opens SA subsidiary

G

erman-based GHM Messtechnik GmbH has opened GHM Messtechnik South Africa, a dedicated South African subsidiary in Alberton, Gauteng. Jan Grobler, who is an experienced measurement and control technology specialist and who was previously with OMSA as Product Manager Instrumentation, has been appointed as Managing Director. GHM Messtechnik GmbH was launched in 2009 and is an amalgamation of globally renowned companies comprising: Greisinger Electronic, Honsberg Instruments, Martens Elektronik, Imtron, T & A Telemetry & Automation and Delta Ohm. Honsberg Instrumentation is well known to the South African market, having had a presence for over 40 years through their previous distributor OMSA. “The decision by GHM Messtechnik to open a dedicated South African office in January 2016, was in order to offer a more personalised service and broader product offering to the South African market, which has seen substantial growth over the last five to ten years." "It is an exciting new venture and a logical progression to our operations in this country” said Managing Director, Jan Grobler. “I believe that our technical capability and skills, coupled with our experience in the Instrumentation market, gives us the competitive edge to continue to increase our footprint in South Africa and Sub Saharan Africa." "Our innovative product solutions, our versatility and flexibility in accommodating customer’s specific requirements is what makes us one of the leaders in this industry”. “The wide range of technologies and products offered by us are known for their high quality, performance, accuracy and reliability. Due to its tough and harsh environmental conditions, the South African market has in the past been used for product development by GHM Messtechnik, and this has enabled the company to develop extremely robust products." "This research and development will continue to exist through this new South African Enquiry No: 26 subsidiary” said Grobler.

Sugar mill bushings conversion A

sugar mill in Kwazulu Natal has converted to Hitemp 150 screw conveyor hanger bushings for its conveyor transporting massecuite. The 11 double-flanged bushings support the screw conveyor and ensure that the screw does not collapse or touch the housing as it transports the hot, gritty, viscous mixture of liquified sugar granules. The sugar mill initially tested two Hitemp 150 bushings alongside bronze bushings, explains Vesco Plastics bushings consultant Eddie Swanepoel. The polymer bushings performed well, and showed limited wear, while the bronze bushings had been worn and had become a deformed elliptical shape. The Hitemp 150 bushings are made from a polymer with a high temperature tolerance, low frictional qualities and wear resistance, explains Swanepoel. While more expensive than the bronze prod-

Enquiry No: 27

uct, they offer the advantage of not having to be checked weekly, as is the case with the bronze bushings. They are also less likely to be stolen, unlike bronze bushings, which are made of a sought-after material among scrap metal recyclers. Swanepoel notes that, after the successful comparative test of the two polymer bushings, the mill replaced its bronze screw conveyor bushings entirely and ordered 11 Hitemp 150 bushings. The mill has been using the polymer bushings for four years, including the two-year testing phase. The full complement of Hitemp 150 screw conveyor hanger bushings have been in use for two years.

“This has been a very successful application,” confirms Swanepoel. Two other sugar mills are currently testing the screw conveyor hanger bushings - one on its dry sugar and another also on its massecuite. The maintenance savings associated with the polymer bushings appear to be one of the more attractive features of the product, notes Swanepoel. Cost saving is particularly important for South African sugar producers at present, since many are cash-stretched by the drought that has limited sugar production, he explains, noting that two South African sugar producers have opted to suspend operations at their mills due to the lack of availability of Enquiry No: 28 sugar cane.

For over sixty years, Morris Material Handling SA (PTY) LTD has been committed to providing Standard and Engineered material handling solutions across a variety of industries throughout South Africa and into sub-Saharan Africa, including Steel Making, Aluminum and Copper Smelting, Water Treatment Plants, Container Cranes, Mining and Engineering Industries.

Specialising in the following: • • • • •

Wire Rope Hoists with capacity of 120 tons Standard Cranes with capacities of up to 150 tons Electric Chain Hoists with capacity of up to 20 tons Manual Chain Hoists & associated Lifting Equipment Engineered Cranes for Hot Metal, Container Handling or heavy duty process requirements

By choosing Africa’s Lifting Legend you: Tap into a wealth of knowledge, dedicated experience and industry know-how. • • Enjoy peace of mind knowing that your material handling solution brings value to your business.

Creating space ompanies looking to optimise space C within warehouses, distribution facilities and manufacturing plants are increasingly

using Rectagrid RS40 floor grating to create mezzanine floors. This locally manufactured floor grating has long been the considered the workhorse of the industrial flooring market and offers exceptional structural integrity. Elaine van Rooyen, marketing manager at Andrew Mentis, says the primary purpose when creating mezzanines is to optimise the use of previously dead space in a facility. “Constructing a mezzanine using floor grating offers optimum flexibility and is a more cost effective option than using a brick and mortar structure,” van Rooyen says. “However, it is essential that companies making use of floor grating for this application deal with a reputable supplier that is able to verify the structural integrity of the flooring product.” Rectagrid RS40 is manufactured at Andrew Mentis’ world class facility in Elandsfontein, Johannesburg and makes use of a pressure locking system pioneered by company founder, Andrew Mentis. This manufacturing process produces unquestionable locking characteristics guaranteeing the structural integrity of the floor grating. Rectagrid RS40 floor grating is engineered to take specific loading, which ensures both the structural integrity of a mezzanine floor and the safety of people walking or working in those areas.

11

www.morris.co.za Crane Aid, a division of Morris Material Handling, is the largest service company in Sub – Saharan Africa consisting of 17 branches specialising in:

• • • • •

Servicing and Repairing of all cranes, hoists and associated lifting equipment Refurbishment and modernisation of all makes of lifting equipment Annual load testing as per the OHS Act Spares and associated electrical equipment Comprehensive crane maintenance training at our fully equipped training centre HEAD OFFICE - BENONI Cnr Dusseldorf & Ruhr Road, Apex Ext 3, Benoni Tel. 011 748-1000 Fax. 011 748-1159 www.craneaid.co.za For 24 / 7 breakdown assistance call our toll free number on 0800 015 659

T

he Purple Snake, the No.1 hose for use in breweries, wineries, bottling plants and associated aspects of the brewing, beverage and liquor industries is now available in South Africa with a new optimized lining. With a view to users’ ever more stringent requirements for cleaning and disinfection of drink and food hoses, ContiTech has further developed the beer and drink hose’s properties, improving temperature resistance and flexibility. The optimized brand-name hose is reinforced with synthetic fibres and proved its reliability and resistance in extended validation testing – even under extreme usage conditions. The special, high-performance white inner lining is absolutely odour- and taste-neutral, homogeneous, smooth, and temperatureresistant upto +90° C. It is also resistant to conventional cleaning and sanitizing agents, ozone, weather, ultraviolet radiation and abrasive conditions. Its optimized temperature resistance means that the Purple Snake meets users’ ever more stringent requirements for cleaning andd is infecting hoses, while guaranteeing a hygienic connection between vats and the brewing kettles, in bottling systems, and beer tankers. The Purple Snake is suitable for the conveyance of 98% alcohol and has a maximum working pressure of 16 bar. It meets the

requirements of national and international regulations on materials and articles intended to come into contact with food, like those of the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment and American Food and Drug Administration. In addition, the optimized Purple Snake is distinguished by its unmistakable new marking: instead of the axial wavy blue line on the red outer layer, which was typical of its predecessor, the new generation Purple Snake has a blue spiral line continuously marked in white with the brand and manufacturer name, and all national and international approvals the hose has received. This shows the user at first glance that the hose really meets applicable regulations and is truly food safe. Additionally, the new marking has a QR code for calling up more detailed information on construction and properties, cleaning and disinfection, and the specific hose’s delivery program. When used in conjunction with ContiTech’s swaged coupling systems and rubber protection rings Purple Snake becomes the ideal hose assembly. Enquiry No: 29

More versatile application possibilities

EMÜ, is continuously investing in innovative products and in optimising their existing range. Their corporate philosophy has always involved making tried-andtested products even better. One example of this is the butterfly valves in GEMÜ’s Victoria series. Thanks to ongoing enhancements to this product range, its area of use has continued to grow in recent years. With immediate effect, in addition to the existing DVGW approval for water, this series will also have the certificate for gas.

Equipment that has been tested in accordance with DVGW’s regulatory code is guaranteed to comply w i t h the applicable regulatory codes and standards and to meet high quality guidelines. This means that it is now possible to use the GEMÜ 481, GEMÜ 487 and GEMÜ 488 butterfly valves for applications that demand DVGW gas approval. Examples of this include gas production, treatment and injection. Depending on the product type, the butterfly valves are available with the new approval in versions that have manual, pneuEnquiry No: 30 matic or motorized actuators.

WHATEVER YOUR LOAD

Sauce Advertising 22320

RENT THE RIGHT SIZE RIGHT NOW

The multi-faceted handling capabilities of our equipment means that Linde machines are perfectly equipped for big jobs, small jobs, and everything in between. With our comprehensive logistical know-how, Linde has fast become the industry hallmark for superior quality, seamless functionality, and innovation. Available to buy, rent or lease on hire purchase, investing in any of our remarkably efﬁcient Linde family members is an investment in the future.

Linde Material Handling

For more information on Linde dealerships, products and services contact us on Tel : +27 31 716 7460 or visit www.linde-mh.co.za.

22320 KZN Industrial and Business News 200x135.indd 1


The smallest low-pressure transmitter in the market

New optimised lining

G

June / July 2016

FOCUS ON SUGAR

12

2014/05/14 2:56 PM

T

elemecanique Sensors has released the OsiSense XMLP transmitter for lowpressure ranges in southern Africa. As the smallest electronic sensor for pressures from -1 to 6 bar(g) (-14.5 to 60 psi), the OsiSense XMLP helps original equipment manufacturers reduce the overall size and cost of industrial machines in a vast number of sectors. At the same time, the solid body of OsiSense XMLP provides ample resistance to overpressure and harsh operating conditions. This new device is significantly smaller than any other electronic low-pressure transmitter in the market. Its dimensions help optimise machine design and simplify installation, even in the most confined spaces. The new OsiSense XMLP allows for direct mounting on the compatible OsiSense ZMLP (switch and display) or through a remote connection, offering a simple and economical solution for low-pressure management. The housing offers high resistance to corrosive environments in applications such as water pumping. The new sensor has a robust and compact body that provides a degree of protection up to IP69K, depending on the type of electrical connector (M12, DIN, Packard, or

PVC cable). Thanks to its pressure cell design, the XMLP range offers a particularly high overpressure resistance and high durability, even in case of a hammer effect. To meet the needs of machine builders, the transmitter supports several analogue output types, different fluid entry types, and various pressure ranges (including combined pressure ranges). The introduction of the OsiSense XMLP low-pressure transmitter means that customers can choose from a broader offer of devices for a variety of pressure ranges. Enquiry No: 31

Doors and docking solutions

W

ith ever increasing pressure on manufacturing companies to become more competitive, any measure that contributes to this goal is welcome. A w a r e o f t h i s n e e d , Assa Abloy Entrance Systems have responded by designing doors and docking solutions for precise operation to satisfy the needs of diverse manufacturing facilities. Maxiflex Door Systems in South Africa offers you these quality solutions from Assa Abloy. With high volume flows of raw materials and finished goods, it is imperative that nothing hinders the stream of production. This is why the fast and reliable operation of Albany high speed doors, the smart features of the Crawford docking systems, and comprehensive service and maintenance are appreciated in ensuring a smooth flow of goods. Breaks in the cold chain or unclean surroundings may spoil food or make it unsafe to eat. Poor hygiene during pharmaceutical production could put products at risk. Contamination of costly electronics may impair their performance. The unintended mixing of chemicals could lead to poor quality. By installing the correct doors systems a c o m p a n y can prevent such degradation. Doors left open for no reason can cause up to 80% of avoidable energy loss. Maxiflex

Door Systems can advise on correct door usage and where you can be saving energy. Quality doors and docking solutions can reduce cold or heat loss and draughts. Choosing total entrance solutions that increase your product efficiency will contribute to your success in the manufacturing industry. Maxiflex Door Systems has a wide range of high performance entrance solutions and can provide maintenance, service and upgrades Enquiry No: 32 that will minimize costs.

June / July 2016

13


CONSTRUCTION, CIVIL & STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING

Concrete footprint in growth nodes

S

outh African concrete solutions provider, AfriSam has strengthened its readymix production and supply capacities in the northern areas of Durban. Since September 2015, its new batching plant in Phoenix has been supplying concrete for the construction of the massive Dr Pixley ka Isaka Seme Memorial Hospital, and it will also be the source of material for a large low cost housing project in the area. According to AfriSam’s Marietjie Thompson, the building materials supplier is positioning itself to seize a share of the promised massive spending on infrastructure by eThekwini Municipality in the Inanda, Ntuzuma and KwaMashu (INK) areas. The local government has already made known its plans of investing billions of Rands into housing projects to help uplift these areas

S

over the next five years. While the company has bolstered its production and supply capacities in the area its strong BroadBased Black Economic Empowerment credentials places it in a very strategic position when tendering for public sector contracts. This was one of the biggest reasons for AfriSam clinching the concrete supply for Dr Pixley ka Isaka Seme Memorial Hospital. More than providing members of the INK community with important health care services, the KwaZuluNatal Provincial Department of Health wants the build to uplift INK communities during the construction programme. For example, one of the key objectives of the construction programme is that 30% of all sub-contracts are let out to 100% black-owned companies. This is over and above its strict requirements to maximise employment opportunities and skills transfer during the build. By the end of the year, it is anticipated that there will be about 2 000 people from the INK communities employed on the site when fittings and finishing works start. AfriSam is supplying 40 000m³ of concrete to Aveng Grinaker-LTA Building and its joint venture partner, Enza Construction, who arrived on site in January 2015 to start tackling the four year contract. The Phoenix batching plant is a mere

BCCEI urges smaller contractors to engage with it

maller contractors in the civil engineering sector that believe they are unable to comply with all provisions of the collective agreements of the Bargaining Council for the Civil Engineering Industry (BCCEI) may be eligible for exemption. This is according to Nick Faasen, general secretary of the BCCEI, who is urging these companies to make contact with the BCCEI sooner rather than later. “The BCCEI is aware that some companies are genuinely not in a position to pay the respective minimum wages, and one of the primary benefits of the BCCEI is the level of protection it provides for those companies that fall under its scope,” Faasen explains. While registering with the BCCEI is mandatory for all companies operating within the civil engineering sector, there are a lot of companies that are completely unaware that there is a bargaining council for this industry. In some instances, where companies are aware they do not understand how the BCCEI can assist them. Faasen explains that the BCCEI works with companies to explain and advise on how the exemption process works and how to submit

an application for exemption. All applications are heard by an exemption board comprised of industry specialists. “These experienced individuals are well aware that the civil engineering sector is under enormous pressure, and take this into account while ensuring that both the employer and the employee’s respective rights are protected,” he says. There are currently five collective agreements, concluded under the auspices of the BCCEI, in place between the employee representatives, BCAWU (Building, Construction and Allied Workers Union) and NUM (National Union of Mineworkers), and the employer representative, SAFCEC (South African Forum of Civil Engineering Contractors). Enquiry No: 34

1,5 km from the site and has a production capacity of 40 m³ an hour. This plant services what is referred to as the P.I.N.K. area which encompasses Phoenix, Inanda, Ntuzuma and KwaMashu. Six readymix trucks deliver 600m³ of concrete to the construction site per day, while three more ferry concrete from AfriSam’s Ottawa operation. This strategy mitigates any risk to customers should there be an unforeseen interruption at one of the plants. In addition to supplementing production and supply capacities at Phoenix for the hospital project, the Ottawa plant, located just more than 12 km away from the construction site, is supplying major developments well under way in Cornubia and Umhlanga. Both plants receive a steady supply of quality cement from AfriSam’s grinding station in Roodepoort and aggregates from its Verulam quarry. Thompson says the company did four mix

designs for the Dr Pixley ka Isaka Seme Memorial Hospital. These were for the slabs, suspended slabs and columns. About 80% of the concrete for the structure has a compressive strength of 30 MPa, while 35 MPa concrete is being used for the columns and suspended slabs. The materials producer also helped the JV to co-ordinate the use of the different mixes on site, once the batches had been delivered. Thompson says that one of the highlights of the supply contract has been ensuring timely delivery of quality concrete to site considering the very strict construction schedule. Aveng Grinaker-LTA Building and Enza Construction intend completing the bulk of the structure this year, giving them a long enough timeframe in which to handle the extensive and intricate finishings and fittings component of the project ahead of practical completion in the Enquiry No: 33 first week of October 2018.

June / July 2016

14 CONSTRUCTION, CIVIL & STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING


A new framework for revenue

I

n May 2014, the accounting standards setting authorities released IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers (IFRS 15) - a new standard on revenue recognition which is effective for periods beginning on or after 1 January 2018. IFRS 15 brings together in one standard the core principles for revenue recognition across all sectors. Publishing a new standard on revenue recognition is a major achievement for the standard setters, but for companies, especially those in the property sector, the real work is just beginning. This is according to KPMG. The new requirements will affect companies in different ways and those engaged in major projects in South Africa - such as telecoms, public utilities, engineering, construction and real estate industries - could see significant changes to the timing of revenue. Although earlier concerns that revenue may be delayed until practical completion of a contract or that a single contract may be broken down into many small accounting units have been largely addressed, the devil is nevertheless in the detail. The new standard introduces many

new concepts for revenue and cost recognition with companies required to carefully examine the key areas of potential change by considering the life cycle of a typical construction contract. The most notable change for construction contracts is that progressive profit recognition will only be permitted where the enforceable contractual rights and obligations satisfy certain criteria. There is no longer an automatic right to recognise revenue on a progressive basis for construction contracts. In addition, the standard does not prescribe how to account for foreseeable

contract losses and this could have an impact on how loss-making projects are recognised and measured. Most importantly, while the effective date of IFRS 15, 1January 2018, may seem a long way off one key decision needs to be made early – how to transition to the new standard. It is critical to make your decisions early in order to develop an effective and efficient implementation plan. However, making those decisions may not be so straight forward and there is no “onesize-fits-all” solution. The standard offers a range of transition options and senior management needs to carefully consider the possible significant effects on revenue and cost trends in the financial statements. In addition, to identify the optimal approach, management must consider broader business issues – from IT implementation plans and taxation to communication with stakeholders. The best approach to these complex issues is for senior management to consider a set of core issues that will be relevant to their business, to take early decisions and implement efficient transition plans. Enquiry No: 35

Rewriting the profitability rulebook

T

he new RTEX handheld pneumatic breaker from Atlas Copco Construction Technique reduces energy consumption by 50% whilst being 25% lighter paired with great ergonomics. The pneumatic breaker achieves record high breaking efficiency thanks to the invention of a new operating principle – Constant Pressure Control and improved energy transfer within the breaker and the new RHEX Power Chisel. With a breaking performance of top class 30-35 kg breakers using

and aftermarket

Independent Dealers Polokwane RGR Services +27 (0)15 297 6711 Swaziland Swazi Trac +268 251 84 555 Tzaneen Swaarvoertuie +27 (0)15 307 5000 Zimbabwe Pelgin Consultancy Services +263 448 677 3/4/5

The Volvo Construction Equipment L60Gz and L90Gz wheel loaders are built with proven, advanced technology to provide the power, strength and reliability you need to maximize your profitability. With load-sensing hydraulics, a powerful and durable Z-bar linkage and a perfectly-matched, all-Volvo powertrain, these machines will increase your productivity – even in the most demanding conditions. Contact Babcock and experience the technology for yourself. Building Tomorrow.

Babcock International Group www.babcock.co.za Authorized dealer for Volvo Construction Equipment

L60GZ_L90GZ_170x270.indd 1

dealer

ynapac Road Construction Equipment (RCE), a division of Atlas Copco Construction Technique, brings its product and service solutions offering closer to customers around the country through the appointment of MB Plant SA (Pty) Ltd as its official equipment and aftermarket dealer. Quality products and rapid service from OEMs are the mainstay for customers to maintain profitability and competitive edge. “We are therefore relentless in our pursuit to ensure that our world-class products, service and after-sales support are easily and conveniently accessible to our customers, and the MB Plant SA dealer appointment is certainly a positive step in that direction,” states Neville Marthinussen, Road Construction Equipment Business Line Manager - Construction Technique. “Furthermore, this move is perfectly aligned with the Construction Technique’s service enhancement strategy to expand our presence in the Provinces,

MOVE MORE WITH VOLVO

2016/05/23 12:07 PM

Enquiry No: 36

New equipment

D Babcock Branches Bartlett +27 (0)11 230 7300 Botswana +267 390 2869 Bloemfontein +27 (0)51 432 1226 Cape Town +27 (0)21 380 4700 Durban +27 (0)31 700 6009 East London +27 (0)43 703 0400 George +27 (0)44 878 1035 Kimberley +27 (0)53 832 3443 Kuruman +27 (0)53 712 0472 Lichtenburg +27 (0)18 633 6232 Middelburg +27 (0)13 001 1234 Mocambique +258 84 265 2397 Nelspruit +27 (0)13 001 1280 Port Elizabeth +27 (0)41 407 5900 Richards Bay +27 (0)35 751 1180 Rustenburg +27 (0)14 592 6150 Steelpoort +27 (0)13 230 9054 Wolmaransstad +27 (0)18 596 1514 Windhoek +264 61 305 560/3 Zambia Kitwe +260 212 216 200 Lusaka +260 211 127 2926/28

only half as much compressed air and weighing only 25 kg, both the RTEX’s design and its deliverables break the mould. One of the most intriguing features of the RTEX is that it offers a 50% reduction in compressed air consumption for the same breaking capacity. This means that a compressor only half the size is needed or two breakers can be used on a compressor which previously powered only one breaker. The result is a smaller investment in the compressor, reduced fuel consumption, easier transportation, and less emissions.

Frm left: Philip Herselman (General Manager Atlas Copco Construction Technique); Danie Gerber (CEO MB Plant SA); Neville Marthinussen (Business Line Manager Construction Technique); Frank Reid (CEO MB Plant SA) grow our customer base and to further strengthen existing customer relationships.” According to Marthinussen the decision to appoint MB Plant SA was an easy one as the company shares the RCE service ethos and focus. With well-established resource and trading representation in most of the provinces. MB Plant SA will be responsible for the full Dynapac Road Construction Equipment product range in KwaZulu-Natal. Enquiry No: 37

June / July 2016



High-profile consultancy work across SA

A

ECOM, a premier fully-integrated infrastructure and support services company, continues to secure high-profile consulting engineering work in South Africa across a range of sectors. AECOM has been awarded a R134 million five-year contract by SANRAL to provide consulting engineering services for the upgrading of National Road R573, Section 2, from the Gauteng/ Mpumalanga border to the Mpumalanga/Limpopo border, a distance of about 50 km. AECOM’s recent contract wins in South Africa include a panel appointment to provide traffic engineering services for the KwaDukuza Municipality, north of Durban, for the next three years. “While the Durban Hub has not significantly operated within this space in the past, this win will

serve as the catalyst to achieve growth in terms of the highways and bridges sector in the province,” Bruce Ross, Business Unit Lead (Durban Hub), Civil Infrastructure, Africa, comments. AECOM has also been appointed to provide consultancy services for the fuel works project at King Shaka International Airport in Durban. “A full conditional assessment of the aviation fuel system will be done, following modifications according to the findings of the assessment,” Samuel du Rand, Business Unit Lead, Oil and Gas, Africa, explains. AECOM has 1 900 employees on the continent and maintains a project presence in over 20 key countries. These include Botswana, Ghana, Kenya, Libya, Mozambique, Nigeria and Enquiry No: 90 Uganda.

Building and construction under one roof

I

n the wake of what has been one of the most challenging economic periods for the building and construction sector, small- to medium-sized building contractors are carving out niche opportunities that were previously more accessible to larger competitors. With competitive pricing and entrepreneurial drive, smaller building and construction companies are making a significant impact on market growth. Interbuild Africa is one of the largest building and construction trade exhibitions in Africa, and a show that is specifically targeted at the small- to medium-sized building contractor. Taking place at the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Nasrec from 17-20 August 2016, Interbuild Africa brings almost 7000 industry buyers under one roof for four days to source products and services from more than 300 exhibiting companies. “The vast majority of visitors to the show, include company managing directors and business owners, as well as those individuals responsible for procurement,

W

15

Crane expert calls for infrastructure spending

hile South Africa has enjoyed a period of sound private investment into large building projects, focus also needs to be placed on the civil infrastructure that is needed to support them. This is the view of SA French’s managing director, Quentin van Breda, who is concerned that spending on important services has struck worrying lows in the country, and that this will eventually thwart existing and future building projects in the country. SA French, a division of Torre Lifting Solutions, is the sub-Saharan African agent for the reputable Potain range of tower cranes, which are operating on a number of building projects in South Africa. “We have supplied cranes and turnkey support services to a host of private sector property development projects over the years. This includes the rapidly growing Sandton district, which is home to some of the most impressive international trends in building designs and methods.

However, we are not seeing adequate investment into the water, sewage and energy infrastructure that is needed to support them, or any new projects in the pipeline,” says van Breda. SA French is also no stranger to public-sector driven infrastructure projects and over the years, the company has supplied many cranes for important civil construction activities. More recently, the company supplied Potain units to the Clanwilliam Dam expansion programme, complementing its involvement in other such flagship projects, such as the De Hoop Dam and Eskom’s power station fleet expansion programme. He praises the South African govern-

ment’s National Development Plan (NDP), which has placed infrastructure development firmly on the agenda, but warns that the execution of these very important projects needs to be accelerated as soon as possible. While the NDP focuses on an array of important infrastructure segments, he says that water systems are in urgent need of upgrading and expansion to avoid a crisis. These range from large augmentation projects to essential water and sewage treatment plants at national, provincial and local levels.

some with purchasing power of up to R10 million,” says Gary Corin, Managing Director of Specialised Exhibitions Montgomery. In addition to showcasing the widest range of building and construction materials, equipment, technology and services, Interbuild Africa 2016 will host a free-to-attend seminar theatre, where visitors can learn all about the latest trends impacting on the sector. Interbuild Africa has also partnered with leading industry bodies to host a number of high profile conferences and workshops. These supporting partners include: The Association of Architectural Aluminium Manufacturers of South Africa (AAAMSA), Association of South African Quantity Surveyors (ASAQS), and the South African Institute of Architects (SAIA). Interbuild Africa is co-located with four other industry leading events: Glass Expo Africa, Plumbdrain Africa, EcoAfribuild and Hardex Africa. This year’s event will see the launch of Sani’ter, a natural extension of Enquiry No: 39 Plumdrain Africa.

Partner with the warehouse pioneers We provide everything necessary to achieve warehouse efficiency in cost, operations and capacity. We consider product profile, warehouse flow – from arrival to despatch – and the dynamics of monthly, daily and hourly volumes to design a storage solution that is tailored to your needs. Our product range, including racking and shelving, warehouse automation and material handling equipment, provides the capabilities to achieve otherwise unimaginable efficiency.

For a complete warehouse solution, contact us today!

0861 61 61 61 • www.apcstoragesolutions.co.za

Enquiry No: 38

16

June / July 2016


We provide SOLUTIONS for all your Light and Compact Construction Equipment needs! Internal Vibrators

wacker

C

SE Equipment has delivered six new Case SR130 skid steer loaders to Bo’s Plant Hire, with its head offices in Mt Edgecombe, Kwazulu-Natal. These machines complement the company’s fleet of skid steers and attachments that is used in diverse industries throughout the country. “Case SR130 skid steer loaders, with advanced features for optimum performance, enhanced productivity and increased operator comfort, are the smallest machines in this series. These machines are particularly well suited for digging, prying and pushing applications in smaller construction and agricultural projects, as well as for land clearing and landscaping,” says Graham Clare, KZN branch manager, CSE Equipment - the Capital Equipment Group (CEG) of Invicta Holdings Limited. “Bo’s Plant Hire - which is situated in the rapidly growing Mt Edgecombe/Cornubia area, with a national branch network throughout the country – has extended its range of larger Case SR175 machines to now include

the SR130 series. According to Bo’s managing director, Craig Cook, there is a growing demand in the area for compact machines to handle smaller projects and investment in this equipment forms part of the company’s commitment to extending its portfolio of machines to meet exact market requirements. Robust Case SR series skid steer loaders have recently been upgraded for exceptional driving force, increased stability and reliable handling in all conditions, including tight spaces. Turbocharged, Tier 4 certified diesel engines with four cylinders, which provide the power and torque required to efficiently cope in the toughest site environments, also ensure operating efficiency and fuel economy. An important feature of this highly efficient series is the large fuel tank - with a capacity of 60,5 litres - which enables the machine to operate all day without the need to stop operations for re-fuelling. The Case SR130 unit has a 590 kg operating capacity and a peak torque rating of 143

Nm at 2800 rpm. These machines have a tipping load capacity up 1 179 kg and the breakout force of the bucket cylinder is 18,6 kN. There is a new ‘Power Stance’ chassis with up to 21% longer wheelbase and 30/70 front/ rear weight distribution, designed to safely increase the capacity to lift and haul more material. These machines also offer increased travelling speeds and improved stability, regardless Enquiry No: 40 of working conditions.

Top industry accolades winner

S

Telescopic Handlers

Breake

Skid steer loaders delivered

MEC South Africa was awarded three first overall Diamond Arrow awards at PMR.Africa’s 2016 Construction Industry Business Excellence Awards. The awards function was attended by companies representing various businesses involved in the construction industry. SMEC South Africa was awarded three first overall Diamond Arrow awards for Civil Consulting Engineers, Structural Consulting Engineers and Combined Civil & Structural Consulting Engineers. COO Dr Thomas Marshall, engineer Elandri Boshoff and business development

Lig ht Towers


manager Ayanda Zaca accepted the awards on behalf of SMEC South Africa. Awards were based on in-depth market research results from within the different industries, and hence reflected clients’ perceptions of companies. “SMEC South Africa is very proud to have been honoured by the construction industry in this manner,” commented Dr Marshall. Enquiry No: 41

From left, Dr Thomas Marshall, Elandri Boshoff and Ayanda Zaca accepted the awards on behalf of SMEC South Africa

Protection for new concrete parking deck

a

.b.e. Construction Chemicals’ VIP Polyurea coatings have been applied as waterproofing to commercial property parking decks in the Free State and KZN. a.b.e. - part of the Chryso Southern Africa Group holds an exclusive agreement with Voelkel Industrie Produkte (VIP) in Germany for the local distribution of the Munich company’s acclaimed range of protective coatings and joint fillers which have recently been applied to the parking decks of the Rockville

Shopping Centre in Mangaung, Bloemfontein; and also at Umlazi Mega City, south west of Durban. Noel Abendroth a.b.e. Polyurea Coatings Division Manager says that for the Umlazi Mega City extensions, VIP Polyurea Quickseal PP350 was applied to seal the expansion joints over a concrete surface area of about 1 200m² by another longstanding a.b.e. approved applicator, Thermoseal, which has just opened operations in KZN. The protective coating was also

applied to the parking deck’s flower boxes. The tribal-owned Umlazi Mega City is currently undergoing a R375 million upgrade, that will see over 26000m² of retail space added to the site, taking the total lettable area to almost double the existing size. The expansion includes increasing the parking facilities to 1304 bays. VIP QuickSeal PP 350 is a spray-applied, instant curing 100% pure Polyurea, flexible membrane that can be built to any thickness in one application, in virtually all environmental conditions. Very cold, very hot or even very humid environments will not affect curing time or physical performance of VIP QuickSeal PP350. Enquiry No: 42

rs

Enhancing Society Together Visit our website or call one of our friendly sales representitives at a branch near you, for more information on our wide range of products

011 672 0847 KZN: 031 569 1200 CPT: 021 981 2197 JHB:

www.wackerneuson.co.za

By working in partnership with our clients and other stakeholders, we are committed to make an impactful contribution to society through our projects. We are focused on solutions to the Global Challenges faced in respect of Urban, Water, Transport and Industry through our Business Lines of Water; Transport & Planning; Industry & Buildings; and Maritime & Aviation. The framework underpinning our focus on enhancing society rests on four simple questions. These are addressed in every project we undertake: ■

Will our solution meet the demands of the stakeholders?

■

Will it add value for society as well as clients?

■

Are we providing the best solution now and in the long term?

■

Can we deliver what is required with an optimal use of resources and fossil fuel energy?

Royal HaskoningDHV Head Office Johannesburg, South Africa +27 11 798 6000

royalhaskoningdhv.com/za

June / July 2016

17


ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS

SA office a sign of growth and expansion Y okogawa Middle East & Africa recently announced the official opening of brand new offices of Yokogawa South Africa that oversees Yokogawa’s Southern African business in Gauteng, boasting 4,000m² of space over 3 floors. The new office space is a major step forward in the growth and expansion of Yokogawa on the African Continent. The new offices include significant additional space including 120m² of PCI FAT Area as well as 800m² of Systems Assembly / FAT area. The space available for training customers has also seen a significant improvement featuring two training rooms with the latest simulation equipment and Yokogawa’s celebrated mobile training facilities and plant in a box simulator. This state of the art equipment will facilitate the presentation of Systems and Field Instrumentation Courses. “Yokogawa is committed to working with customers as partners to help them get maximum value from their respective businesses. The last few years have been representative of a significant growth period for the Sub Saharan business which necessitated

tive demonstration area displays Pressure, Flow and Wireless Field Instrumentation, Analyzer Field Instrumentation, Recorders and Controllers and a “plant in a box” simulator. All instruments connect to Yokogawa’s CENTUM VP R6 integrated production control system to simulate real process values. “This facility provides a fantastic opportunity to demonstrate to our customers the capabilities of our products, systems and process solutions. This is the ideal environment for customers to observe Yokogawa’s technology From left: Hideki Matsubayashi, President in action and provides a platform & CEO, Yokogawa Middle East & Africa, to evaluate our process solutions,” Dr Ben Ngubane, Chairman, Board of explains sales and marketing direcDirectors, Eskom SOC Holdings Ltd and tor, Vinesh Maharaj. “This further Johan Louw, Managing Director, Yokogawa demonstrates our commitment South Africa to our corporate brand slogan of ‘Co-innovating tomorrow’.” the need to relocate to larger premisIn addition, the new office space es. Our new office is a major step for- provides enhanced service capabiliward in our plans to grow our footprint ties for customers in the region in order in Southern Africa and specifically in to meet the demand of Yokogawa’s target industries including the oil and expanding installed base. gas, refining, mining and power secYokogawa South Africa’s technical tors,” comments Johan Louw, manag- services department functions as the ing director. first line response covering the SADC Enquiry No: 43 A fully integrated and interac- region.

Mobile tech day in Durban

P

ower Management Company Eaton recently held the Durban leg of its first ever South Africa Mobile Tech Day, to showcase the company’s solutions in commercial construction. The Eaton Mobile Tech Day is an innovative concept that combines expert analysis and demonstrative exhibitions to address customers’ power management needs. Seasoned industry specialists and thought leaders travelled the country demonstrating Eaton solutions and discussed business issues face-to-face with long standing and new clients. During this month long event, Eaton launched the Dumeco DC switch-disconnectors which are industry leading innovations helping solar PV equipment manufac-

turers and installers gain a competitive edge within the increasing significant solar power market. These innovative products stand alone as cost-effective, reliable and safe solutions; they also integrate efficiently and easily with matched Eaton components into a continuous channel that transports energy safely from the solar module to the power grid. “We are committed to ensuring Eaton continues to be the most innovative power management companies in the region providing customized solutions that enable our South African customers to use electrical, fluid and mechanical power more reliably, efficiently, safely and sustainably“ said Sumaya Abdool, Head of Marketing, Eaton Africa. Enquiry No: 45

Protecting the electronic nerve centres of SA business

E

lectrical and automation systems are central to the functioning of businesses across South Africa, and damage to this equipment can lead to expensive delays. It makes sense, then, for companies to source enclosures for electronics and automation with the same care they would use to select the systems themselves. Zanardo has positioned itself as a global leader in the enclosures market, producing products which can be seamlessly integrated into operations,from office to factory floor. Based in Northern Italy, Zanardo has more than 30 years of expertise in the field of metal carpentry. “Items manufactured by the company range from boxes, suspension and roof ventilation systems to cabinets for housing network servers and distribution boards,” says Mike Cronin, Managing Director of Elquip Solutions, which has been Zanardo’s local South African distributor for the past 15 years. The company’s product lines make use of casings constructed from welded steel monobloc structures, and steel sheetdrawn-column bearing frames. Side panels, back panels and doors are manufactured in steel sheet with a thickness

of 1.5mm or more, while internal plates come in galvanised steel of 2mm and upwards. Among the host of features which customers can expect are transparent doors, doors with keyboard and mouse-supporting systems, single or multiple cable entry flanges and polyurethane sealing gaskets. Pre-drilled internal supports for elements mounting and removable shelves on telescopic guides allow for ease of assembly – while the use of thermosetting powders for painting guarantees that Zanardo’s painted sheet products are able to tolerate temperatures

from -40°C to +60°C. The items are available in multiple sizes and configurations, and the company also manufactures units in stainless steel: including junction boxes, hanging boxes and control consoles. Zanardo will customise its products for customers who cannot find an exact match for their requirements in the company’s extensive catalogue.

Enquiry No: 44

Robust safety encoder for tough conditions afety guidelines for mobile machines S and their requirements have been a major component in constructing new mobile machines, even before the introduction of EN ISO 13849. With the release of EN ISO 13849, many things have changed with regards to reliably recording angles and displacements. But new draft standards like EN 13000 for mobile cranes or EN 1175 for forklifts even go a step further, requiring additional measures. It may not always be possible to find a sensor on the market that fulfills the standard while also meeting requirements for robustness and long service life. Siko, German specialist producer of sensors for linear and rotary path and angle measurement - and represented locally by Instrotech - has developed a suitable product for the mobile machines market to solve this problem. With the new redundant absolute rotary encoder WV58MR, Siko offers a rotary encoder that allows users to keep a firm grasp on angles and paths, even under the most extreme of conditions. The rotary encoder has a category 2 construction, allowing it to be used up to SIL2 and Pld.

73578_Surgetek_KZN Industrial & Business Advert_V2.indd 1

2016/06/07 11:45 AM

18

ELECTRICAL & ELECTRONICS

Next-generation surge protector

S

urgetek, South Africa’s specialists in lightning and surge protection, electrical safety, test and measurement equipment, has introduced the Copa Data Multi Wire designed for surge currents of up to 10 kA. The new surge protector is an update of the Copa data 8-wire, which served the industry for 20 years and is installed in numerous applications such as petrol dispensers, access control and instrumentation control systems in South Africa. Housed in a slimmer and trimmer casing, the units can protect both DC power up to 48 V and various data protocols. The 22.5 mm-wide and 92 mm-high unit facilitates easy insertion and removal when required and can be tailored for use across multiple applications. This is achieved by the use of three separate levels in each unit that enables a combination

of power and various data protocols. Pricing remains extremely competitive as the units are locally manufactured and assembled, and they can be made up to any configuration. All wiring is by means of five-way plug-in connectors – four active wires and one screen or signal ground wire, and units are available in 4-, 8- and 12-wire configurations. Typical configurations will be for 4-20mA loops, single wire protection or pairs of wires from 5 – 48 volts up to a maximum current of 1.7 Amps. “The miniature-sized Copa Data Multi Wire is user-friendly,” says Paul van As, Low Voltage Divisional Manager, Surgetek. “It is purely a plug-and-play surge protector which earths itself automatically to the DIN rail via an integrated earth clip.” Additional earth wires are available if required. Mounted to a standard 35 mm DIN rail, nominal operating voltage for the Copa Data Multi Wire is from 5 to 48 V DC and rated operating current 1.7 A. The size of the area or number of pieces of equipment that require Enquiry No: 46 surge protection is immaterial.

New multi-function installation tester series

C

omtest, accredited southern African partner to Fluke – global leader in handheld electronic test and measurement equipment - has introduced the new 1660 Series Multifunction Installation Testers - the only installation testers that help prevent damage to connected appliances. Insulation PreTest, Fluke Connect compatibility and Auto Test are the three standout capabilities of this new family of testers. Insulation PreTest - The Fluke 1664 FC Installation Tester is the only installation tester with Insulation PreTest, which warns users from making potentially serious and costly mistakes. If the tester detects that an appliance is connected to the system under test, it will stop the insulation test and provide a visual warning. This helps eliminate accidental damage to peripheral equipment. ShareLive Calling allows communication of test results while the user is in the field. FlukeCloud storage records results without mistakes. Auto Test for faster installation testing - 8 key tests with one button press - and reduces test time up to 40%, as well as reducing potential

errors. The Series comprises: • Fluke 1664 FlukeConnect is the only installation tester that helps prevent damage to connected appliances, and allows users to wirelessly share results from the field. • Fluke 1663 is ideal for professional users – high-end functionality, advanced measurement capability, yet still easy to use. Operation is intuitive and easily mastered by all levels of field workers. • Fluke 1662 is a solid, basic installation tester, giving the user reliability, simple operation and all the testing power needed for basic installation testing. FlukeConnect Certification has recently been obtained by COMTEST for the sale of Fluke Connect products in South Africa. Enquiry No: 47

June / July 2016


All-in-one measurement

D

epending on the application, sensors can be used for object measurement as well as for objection detection. The Leuze LSC 200 is a complete system, or all-in-one measurement station, and is suited to applications in intralogistics and packaging operations where sensors and evaluation units are optimally matched to one another. Pre-installed software on the evaluation unit performs data acquisition as well as preprocessing and, depending on the task, the extraction of user data. The user data is made available via defined interfaces, such as Profibus, TCP/IP. This type of measurement station is much more than simply a complete system. Due to its flexible adaptability, it can serve as a solution platform for certain tasks, whereby, again task dependent, sensors with a wide range of performance capabilities are connected and evaluated. Essentially this means that the Leuze LSC200 can also be expanded with sensors that perform identification tasks, such as bar code readers. Dimensions can be measured with, for example, three light curtains (length, width, height) using the optical throughbeam method. And if necessary, the width and height measurement can also be measured using scanning light section sensors or laser scanners. The length measurement can be optionally performed using an incremental transmitter.

Depending on the sensors used and the properties of the objects that are to be measured, various filters can also be set in the evaluation software for optimising the measurement values. The adaptation of parameters, such as the offset adjustment when using light curtains, can be performed by means of a GUI. Leuze LSC 200 stations with Leuze CML 700i Series light curtains contain an integrated web visualisation system, adding even greater capability to this sensing solution. With this, the measurement values can be displayed and adjustment values set remotely via a standard Internet browser. Countapulse Controls is the official distribuEnquiry No: 48 tor of Leuze sensing solutions.

Extending electric motor lifespan with better bearings

U

p to 80% of all electric motors are rebuilt due to bearing failure. Yet, only a small number of failures are caused by true bearing steel fatigue. Most failures are caused by improper bearing use or inadequate maintenance. Research from SKF has shown that, with proper specification and maintenance, bearings in electric motors often function effectively for over 10 years. The very best of today’s energy efficient bearings offer the potential to minimise frictional losses to such a degree that operating temperatures can be lowered by as much as 30°C, resulting in an improved lubricant viscosity that extends the operating life of moving parts. In addition, these innovative energy efficient bearings can last twice as long as their conventional alternatives, cutting the cost of purchasing as well as running the equipment at your plant. Developments such as these have proved that energy efficiency can be achieved even without the expense of replacing plant motors, boosting performance and productivity to the benefit of operators, while also satisfying environmental pressures to consume less energy. Another positive point to bear in mind is that replacing your existing bearings with energy efficient alternatives does not require additional downtime; they can be exchanged during routine maintenance.

Deep groove ball bearings are dimensionally interchangeable with standard equivalents and available in a range of sizes, enabling the change to be made during planned downtime. Without generating the considerable cost of replacing motors, energy efficient bearings can make a difference in all applications, and where energy savings are concerned, it’s not only a one-off benefit; any saving you make is being made day by day and year on year. To give an example of how this might be calculated in practice, take a typical electric motor, which can generally be fitted with energy efficient bearings in sizes of up to 37kW. If the best of the current range of energy efficient bearings are used in a single 37kW motor, running continuously at 3,000 rpm, that will make an energy saving of 270kW per year, and keep more than 150 kg of CO2 out of the atmosphere. The benefits are even greater on a larger scale: SKF helped a leading consumer healthcare company to reduce frictional losses by 46% by providing energy efficiency deep groove ball bearings in cold water pump motors (22 kW) running at speeds of 2,990 rpm. Ultimately, this translated to energy savings of 4,583 kWh per year per motor. Enquiry No: 49

The world’s smallest micro OTDR

A

FL has just launched the new FLX380 FlexTester3 family, the world’s smallest, lightest, most complete singlemode broadband network OTDR with integrated optical light source, power meter, and visual fault locator (VFL). Delivering an unmatched combination of optical test functions, ease-of-use, portability and value, the FLX380 verifies point-topoint and PON broadband optical network installations and network length, link loss and optical return loss (ORL). It troubleshoots live FTTx PON networks, and generate tones for positive fiber identification while visibly tracing or locate fiber bends or breaks using integrated VFL. The FlexTester3 models offer; patented in- or out-of-service testing from a single port; really easy troubleshooting using LinkMap with Pass/Fail; test up to 160km or through PON splitters up to 1:128; industryleading attenuation and PON dead zones; reduced test time and setup errors with the

intelligent source and power meter; >12-hour continuous battery operation; highcontrast display, easily viewed even in direct sunlight and an Instant On; Ready to test in