Ec industrial & business news issue 63 by The Media & Events Company

EASTERN CAPE INDUSTRIAL & BUSINESS NEWS

YOUR LINK TO INDUSTRY THROUGHOUT THE EASTERN CAPE

issn NO: 1996-9708

september / october 2014

R17,10 (VAT incl.)

issue no. 63

Inside Growing the Eastern Cape Wind tower manufacturing facility completed on time - page 3

Race to lead SA’s metal benefication

Machine Tools, Metals, Alloys & Fabrication page 7 Pumps, Valves, Pipes & Fittings page 13

Motors, Drives & Transmissions - page 15

Occupational Health & Safety - page 16

Company & Product News - page 17

he Coega Development Corporation has announced ambitious plans for the expansion of metals beneficiation initiatives and metal sector investments in South Africa over the next decade. The CDC will target bringing R28 billion in local and foreign investments to the IDZ, according to its newly unveiled 2014 - 2024 metals cluster strategy. The industrial estate will dedicate approximately 2000 hectares, or 20% of the total IDZ surface, for ferrous and non-ferrous metal industrial activity. An estimated 8 198 direct and 19 853 indirect jobs for the economy can potentially be created, according to CDC projections. According to Mogamad Sadick Davids (pictured), CDC Metallurgy Business Development Manager, several metal sector and mineral beneficiation projects are progressing well in the Coega IDZ with a “healthy investment pipeline”. “The manganese smelter, electromechanical component manufacturing plant, composite manufacturing and steel manufacturing of rail components will be converted in feasibility study stages during the 2014/2015 financial year and these projects are valued at R 13.6 billion” “Several projects worth R1.3 billion

are currently in funding stages, and include an iron ore plant, steel rolling mill and steel tube manufacturing plant.” “We have also received letters of intent from investors for a steel manufacturing plant and a manganese smelter collectively valued at R7.8 billion “. Davids also said Agni Steels SA, a high-tech R400 million smelting facility went into pilot production and moving towards full production, this year. “We will intensify investor relation activities and are eager to pursue steel, stainless steel, rolling-mills, manufacturing, ferro-chrome, ferronickel and ferro-manganese smelting projects over the next ten years,” he said. Davids believes the inbound and outbound value adding logistics infrastructure remains an important strategic enabling support area. “Partnerships and engagement between government, private sector and the community is crucial to improve South Africa’s competitive position as a world-class location for sustainable manufacturing, metal sector investments and mineral beneficiation,” Davids said. Alexander Tikhomirov, Chief Representative in Southern Africa, of the Vnesheconombank (Bank for Development and Foreign Economic Affairs) said they were currently “considering one business project with Russian and South African companies with connection to ship building”. “The Coega IDZ is a good location for export, it is internationally recognised and there are foreign investors already. Coega has big potential for development,” Tikhomirov said. The Special Economic Zones Act (2014) has introduced a host of tax incentives, reduction in red tape and labour productivity-enhancing mechanisms that will drive metals sector investment and investor interest for Enquiry no: 1 Coega.

One of the latest investors to realize the potential of the Eastern Cape is Reatile Gaz. The new plant that was officially opened in Markman in Port Elizabeth in September will act as a distribution facility for LPG gas, supplying cylinders directly to customers, as well as offering back-up bulk storage facility for bulk customers. Reatile Gaz is air Products’ exclusive preferred supplier of LPG and also caters for the domestic, commercial, retail, hospitality, agriculture and industrial markets. Pictured from left, are, Roger Rudd, General Manager, Reatile Gaz, NMBM Cllr Buyelwa Mafaya, Simphiwe Mehlamokulu, Chairman of Reatile Gaz (Pty) Ltd and Josua Le Roux, GM of Air Products SA.

Enquiry no: 2

N2 upgrade between Grahamstown and Fish River

he Department of Environmental Affairs has granted the South African National Roads Agency Limited (SANRAL) environmental authorisation to upgrade the N2 between Grahamstown and the Fish River Pass. The Basic Assessment Report (BAR) for the project states that the upgrading of the 47-kilometre stretch “will improve the level of service of the road to cater for increased traffic volumes over the next 25 years”. It points out that that the project will include a number of “geometric

improvements that will increase the design speed to 100 kilometres an hour”. It adds that the benefits will include lower road user costs; travel time savings; improved sight distance, leading to a reduction in the number of traffic accidents and “reduced carbon emissions arising from the lower fuel consumption on the smoother road alignment”. In addition to the strengthening of the road structure and widening to 3.7 metre lanes with 2/5 metre surfaced shoulders, the project continued on page two

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September / October 2014

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Road upgrades and improvements

continued from page one also involved the provision of climbing lanes; widening of the Fish River Bridge and improvements to the Fish River Pass. SANRAL plans to widen the road either to the left or the right of the existing road “in order to accommodate two-way traffic during construction” and limit Stop-Go restrictions and so “reduce vehicle build up along the construction areas”. According to the BAR, the existing road was built in the

1950s and “does not meet the current road user needs,” while adjacent landowners have pointed to the number of fatal accidents that are a result of poor visibility due to misty conditions and sight distance The Basic Assessment Report points out that that the road maintenance programme has been identified as a “contributing factor” towards the success of Strategic Integrated Project (SIP) 6. This is because it will “enhance service delivery capacity and thereby impact positively on the population”. The BAR adds that while this is not specifically mentioned, the upgrading of the N2 along sections throughout the Eastern Cape will also contribute to SIP 3, the South-Eastern node and corridor development.

Enquiry no: 3

EC Industrial & Business News

New BBBEE codes can be positive

road-based Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) has a somewhat chequered history. While BEE has changed the ownership landscape, it has not been in a way that has changed the lives of the majority of South Africans. Educated and connected black businessmen have flourished and a black middle class has begun to emerge - but unemployment is up, the poor remain uneducated and the rate of urbanisation continues to create urban slums in spite of an aggressive housing programme. The revised BEE regulations seek to overcome the faults of the first system. The changes to the ownership, enterprise development and training sections of the regulations, and the penalisation of organisations that do not transform will make a difference. However, the

reality is that change, even when for the best, is likely to cause a level of consternation amongst business owners. In light of these regulations, an ideal solution is provided by the Imvula Education Empowerment Trust. Founded by social entrepreneur Taddy Blecher, Imvula provides businesses with easy access to BEE transformation while using these partnerships to fund the improvement of our country’s education levels. The Trust assists companies with any ownership, enterprise development, socio-economic development, skills development, supplier development needs. This allows companies to attain acceptable BEE scores at the lowest cost with the least disruption to their operations. Meanwhile, Imvula’s primary beneficiary is the Maharishi Institute, which

facilitates university entrance for bright but disadvantaged students and provides extensive support mechanisms so these students succeed. Imvula has already helped a number of companies to achieve impressive BEE levels. One such company is Idea Engineers, whose MD Shauneen Procter says, “we have received a level 1 BEE rating thanks to our partnership with Imvula. They are our black ownership partner, as well as our ED and SED partner within their non-profit grouping. Our employees truly love the idea of going to work every day and simultaneously uplifting South Africa’s disadvantaged youth through the most holistic higher education”. The scheme brings new meaning to the concept of social entrepreneurship. Enquiry no: 4

Pictured from left: FAW Deputy CEO: Jianyu Hao, FAW Executive Director: Richard Leiter, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans: Minister Nosiviwe Masipa-Nqakula, FAW CEO: Yusheng Zhang, FAW CFO: Haichuan Teng

Local investor set up new truck sales company

AW South Africa, a subsidiary of the China FAW Group, has set up a company with the long-established Pamodzi Group to focus on business for trucks in South Africa and other countries in sub-Equatorial Africa. This new company, Pamodzi-FAW (Pty) Ltd, has a structured shareholding of 51% held by Pamodzi and 49% held by FAW SA. The official announcement of the new, cooperative venture was made at the African International Aerospace Defence Exhibition (AIAD) which takes place at the Waterkloof Air Force Base in late September. “We see Pamodzi-FAW as a total business partnership and not a BEE venture,” explained Ndaba Ntsele, Chairman of Pamodzi–FAW (Pty) Ltd, and who was involved in setting up the Pamodzi Group in 1979 and has been a driving force in expanding the group’s activities into a host of businesses with a wide spread of interests over the ensuing 35 years. “We view Pamodzi-FAW (Pty) Ltd as an important building brick aligned to government imperatives that prioritise localisation, as well as industrialisation, which are key when addressing issues such

as skills transfer, employment and poverty alleviation.” Pamodzi–FAW SA (Pty) Ltd will be involved in handling Africa business relations, including dealing with government departments, parastatals, private businesses and companies and governments in Africa, north of the SA borders, including those in Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, Namibia and Angola. FAW SA, which was established 20 years ago, is a company on the move, with a new factory, costing more than USD60-million, completed in Coega. The initial planned capacity for the plant is for the production of up to 5 000 trucks a year. FAW SA’s largest shareholder, the China FAW Group, a stateowned company, is the oldest and largest vehicle manufacturer in China, having been established in 1953. “We are very pleased to have been able to conclude the deal to form a company with a respected and established group such as Pamodzi and we are looking forward to the positive benefits which we see flowing from this new undertaking,” said the CEO of FAW SA, Yusheng Zhang. Enquiry no: 5

EASTERN CAPE INDUSTRIAL & BUSINESS YOUR LINK TO INDUSTRY THROUGHOUT THE EASTERN CAPE

NEWS

Tel: 0861 122 441 P O Box 1322 Wandsbeck 3631 Fax: (031) 266 7514 Email: editorial@mediaevents.co.za www.mediaevents.co.za Managing Director: Janet Coom Editor: Jacqui Harris - Email: editorial@mediaevents.co.za Sales & Marketing Manager: Cheryl Murphy Email: cheryl@mediaevents.co.za Any news items, press releases, articles and photographs relating to business and industry in Eastern Cape Industrial & Business News are welcome. All contributions will be considered for publication. Disclaimer: The editor and management of Eastern Cape 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. PUBLISHED BY: Hentiq 1910 (Pty) Ltd t/a THE MEDIA & EVENTS CO Reg No. 1999/019445/07 COPYRIGHT: All rights reserved

September / October 2014

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EC Industrial & Business News

Wind tower manufacturing facility completed on time T he Coega WorleyParsons Consortium recently handed over South Africa’s first wind tower manufacturing facility to its joint developers, the DCD Group, the Industrial Development Corporation and the Coega Development Corporation. The DCD Wind Tower factory has already commenced manufacturing tower sections. Each tower weighs between 160 and 240 tons and comprises of three to five sections of 25 m to 35 m in length. The manufacturing facility comprises a 23 m high x 255 m long x 77 m wide factory, a 3 500 m² storage and canteen building, a 1 500m² office building and 26 000 m² of storage space for tower sections. Provision has also been made to extend the factory to manufacture steel elements for the construction of a possible future nuclear power facility at Thyspunt, 70 km south-east of Port Elizabeth. The Coega WorleyParsons Consortium, comprising

WorleyParsons, Afriplan Architects and Pulana Baxter & Associates Quantity Surveyors, was appointed as lead consultant in March 2012 on this extremely fast track project. Design work commenced in March 2013 and construction was completed in February 2014. Its scope of work included architectural, quantity surveying, civil, structural, electrical and mechanical engineering input and construction management. The appointment of the consortium remains in place until the end of the construction maintenance period in February 2015. The high wind loads of the exposed site terrain, the high loading of the overhead traveling cranes (OTC) with 12m lifting heights and tight tolerance requirements, the extremely tight construction programme and the flexibility to modify the facility for future increased production, made steel the only option for delivering this project on time. Other challenges included adverse soil conditions, provision of electric-

he Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium released its 2013/14 financial results in a presentation to the Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Budget Monitoring Forum recently, showing a marked improvement year-on-year. The Stadium revealed an operating loss of just over R12million, a decrease from the previous year’s loss of R29.5million. Stadium chief executive Chantal Du Pisani said: “Management has made every

ity to the site, local limitations on galvanizing bath sizes and limited local skills at the onset of the project, as well as tenant procurement of equipment in parallel with construction. The project team also had to contend with a “force majeure” on cold formed steel sections and nonavailability of bolts owing to the construction of power stations. These issues were only overcome by careful coordination between the Consortium, clients, developers and contractors to ensure delivery on time. The locally produced 1 900 tons of structural steel elements necessitated steel manufacturing to take place 24 hours a day, seven days a week to adhere to the short construction programme during project peak. Continual strong winds limited the time windows for steel and cladding erection, making the timely completion of this project an even greater achievement. Lattice columns were used as a base to frame the structure and to

effort to improve the financial status of the stadium, by exploring other sources of revenue and decreasing the expenditure budgets to contain the minimum requirements to operate the NMB Stadium as a worldclass venue. This is evident in the improved financial figures.” The upward income trend in 2013/14 also occurred in the context of a diminished international sports offering, Stadium management said, referring to the fact that there was

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support the welded plate girders, with bolted surge plates and auxiliary girders spanning between them. Roof trusses were integral to the stability of the structure, calling for the evaluation of more than 600 load combinations as a result of the interconnectivity of the bays of the OTCs. Conventional bracing techniques were used to ensure stability along the building length, with circular hollow sections found to be the most economical solution for roof bracing.

The eastern façade has been designed to be removed should extraordinarily large elements be manufactured, such as those required for a nuclear facility. The factory incorporates staggered translucent sheeting, a skylight and ventilation grills to ensure natural light and ventilation and to reduce the operating cost of the facility. Colour selection and auxiliary building propositions ensure that the facility blends into the surrounding Enquiry no: 6 area.

Stadium shows upward income trend

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First internal tower section being completed

2014/09/01 12:07 PM

no Super Rugby or African Cup of Nations (Afcon) action during the past year. Revenue during the 2012/13 financial year – which featured both Super Rugby and Afcon fixtures – was R59.8-million compared to R46.9millon this year, indicating the significant financial impact these events had on the stadium’s direct revenue streams. This reality is motivating the Stadium management and the city

to lobby for further events of this calibre. A year-on-year comparison shows that the stadium is succeeding in bringing its operating costs in line with revenue generated, with an upward income becoming trend evident. With the Currie Cup fixtures and new football anchor tenant Chippa United in place, the Stadium remains bullish about the future, Du Pisani Enquiry no: 7 added.

September / October 2014

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EC Industrial & Business News

Preparing for new carbon tax T he implementation of a new carbon tax in South Africa is set for 2016 and will require companies to pay tax on a percentage of their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The tax is part of the government’s plan to undertake appropriate national actions to curb greenhouse gas emissions by 34% by 2020 and a further 42% by 2025. This plan follows on commitments made at the 2009 Copenhagen Conference of Parties. “With two years to go before the carbon tax is introduced, it is the ideal time for affected companies to evaluate and implement their most cost effective strategies,” says JeanLuc Allard, SNC-Lavalin Vice-President of Acoustics, Air Quality and Climate Change, who was recently in South Africa to discuss emission reduction programmes with the company’s local customers. In preparation for the implementation of the carbon tax, SNC-Lavalin is working with its clients and partners to assess their current emissions and determine expedited solutions for reductions. The GHG strategy may include internal reductions and to some extent, the proposed tax makes provision for an offset allowance to provide certain companies with the ability to buy offset carbon credits for between 5 and 10% of their total emissions. Offset carbon credits will be generated by approved projects that reduce GHG emissions in South Africa. The projects will have to be registered, verified and follow pre-approved

methodologies such as United Nations Clean Development Methodologies (UN-CDM), Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) or Gold Standard. SNC-Lavalin’s approach is guided by a comprehensive cost curve. This approach evaluates different ways to reduce customers’ emissions, determining the cost per ton of emission reduction for each option and also takes into account all the other advantages to reduce GHG (i.e. increase energy efficiency, increase production, reduce other damaging atmospheric emissions such as sulphur oxides (SOx) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) so the most environmentally responsible and

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cost-effective solutions can be implemented. In South Africa, SNC-Lavalin has successfully undertaken air quality projects for over 10 years, mainly related to the detection and reduction of process fugitive emissions in the petroleum industry. It also conducts regular emission inventories to evaluate systems in the overall facility and identify all possible sources of emissions, including stacks, vents, loading and unloading areas, tank farms and process equipment. In some cases the company refurbishes plants that have a high level of flaring, which could indicate an overflow of valuable material being burned to the atmosphere through the flare. The solution has been to refurbish processes to reduce streams sent to the flare, which increases the output of the plant and, rather than burning valuable products, these are reused in the process. Over time, this makes for a more efficient and cost effective solution that also reduces local pollution. The risk of failing to properly prepare for the new legislation is that the only remaining choice will be to pay the tax without adding value to the business. This represents a missed opportunity to use the obligations of the new legislation to cost-effectively add value to operations while decreasing environmental footprint. Enquiry no: 8

Multi-billion rand aqua-farm

HE Coega Development Corporation has announced plans for the development of a R2-billion aqua-farming facility on 300 hectares of land in Zone 10 of the IDZ “The envisaged facility will focus on the commercial cultivation of marine animals and plants,” said CDC agroprocessing project manager Dr Keith du Plessis. He believes that approximately 5 000 jobs can be created for the local economy through this project. “The CDC aims to dedicate 80 Ha to abalone farming by 2020 creating about 2 080 permanent jobs. South Africa is widely known to have of the best abalone and the best product in the world, all of which is exported to the Far East,” Dr Du Plessis said. In addition, finfish farming on a proposed 120ha in the Coega IDZ can create about 3 000 additional permanent jobs in the long term. “Another species that could potentially be farmed is seaweed, which is complimentary to abalone farming,” he said. “Seaweed can be used for abalone feed and various pharmaceutical uses.”

Du Plessis also said the deepwater Port of Ngqura is of strategic importance and ideal for maintenance of the cold chain required by aqua-farmed produce. At present, CDC is working on two Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA); one for seawater abstraction and discharge outlet and another for the landbased activities related to aquaculture. “There are synergies between the proposed aqua-farming facility and other CDC projects which require large amounts of seawater for cooling,” he explained. Dr Du Plessis said the CDC is working closely with local stakeholders, government and prospective investors. Enquiry no: 9

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The Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber’s Top 40 Under 40 proves beyond a doubt that Nelson Mandela Bay has a pool of business talent to rival any other city in the country. Each year, the Business Chamber calls for nominations for young business achievers to be named to the Top 40 Under 40. The final list - decided upon by a high calibre panel of judges - is published in a magazine each February, and distributed to Business Chamber members, its partners and stakeholders and the general public, and made available online for download throughout the year. Now in its fourth year, the Top 40 Under 40 inspires pride in Nelson Mandela Bay and its young business achievers, building hope for the future of business in the region. What is the value of the Top 40 Under 40? Nobody explains that better than the achievers themselves: They report that being named to the Top 40 Under 40 has been the highlight of their careers. Others say that the recognition opened their eyes to the opportunities on offer in the Eastern Cape. Connecting with other young business leaders through the Top 40 Network enables Top 40 achievers to expand their business thinking far beyond their own industries. The private sector is key to the development of young talent, and Nelson Mandela Bay should nurture and sustain this talent into the future. Young business leaders need to make a commitment to lifelong learning, and they should ensure that they equip themselves with the skills our region needs to operate in the global economy. Critically, young business leaders must take advantage of every opportunity. Top 40 Under 40 achievers experience the true value of being named to the annual list through the Top 40 Network. We have built a solid programme of events that cater specifically to the needs of young business achievers. Top 40 Under 40 achievers are welcomed into a ready-made network of their peers. The Business Chamber facilitates events on the Top 40 Network that are geared towards meaningful engagement, which many of the Top 40 achievers have already capitalised on. We’ve drawn the Top 40 achievers closer to the work of the Business Chamber, to enable them to channel their talents and expertise to the benefit of Nelson Mandela Bay.

Three in a row

or the third consecutive year Volkswagen F Group South Africa (VWSA) has won the prestigious SJM Flex Environmental Award – the Exporters Club top annual environmental accolade. VWSA beat other major exporters by being awarded the coveted environmental award as well as the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) of the year award. The SJM Flex Environmental Award recognises companies who have made huge strides in implementing environmentally responsible manufacturing practices.

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September / October 2014

EC Industrial & Business News

COMPANY PROFILE: ENGEN

Engen Lubricants.

Reliable lubricants for the toughest environments. Engen Petroleum is a subsidiary of PETRONAS, the national oil corporation of Malaysia, and a leading provider of lubricants to the South African market. Engen offers a range of high performance lubricants that are purpose-suited to a spectrum of industries. We supply both the automotive and industrial sectors and provide products for petrol and diesel engines, gearboxes, hydraulics, turbines, compressors, machine tools and a variety of other applications from both mineral and synthetic base oil stocks. Engen represents PETRONAS Lubricants International’s interests in Africa PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI) is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PETRONAS. Fully established in 2008, PLI is the union of two respectable lubricant companies – FL Selenia and PETRONAS’ own Lubricant Unit. As a result, this has sparked off a new organisation that is structured and focused on offering the best lubricants and functional fluids to the world. The binding and driving factor behind PLI is its commitment to its role as a Fluid Technology Solutions™ company for today and tomorrow. Engen Petroleum, as a subsidiary of PETRONAS, also represents PLI in Sub Saharan Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands and benefits from access to this global player’s advanced technology. PLI is supported by seven blending and filling plants worldwide; Contagem in Brazil, Turin and Naples in Italy, Durban in South Africa, Barcelona in Spain, Hemiksem in Belgium and Melaka in Malaysia. Designed to produce the same quality fluids as those produced by scientists in the lab, these plants are equipped with automatic control systems. Apart from achieving accuracy and consistency, it also eliminates the possibility of errors. PLI’s filling facilities on the other hand, employ a mix of automatic as well as adjustable lines. This is to ensure that PLI is flexible in filling its fluids into various package requirements to satisfy a wide array of users. All PLI plants are officially certified ISO9001 for quality management, and ISO14001 for environmental management. As an innovative organisation dealing with the complex engineering of fluids, PLI is backed up by two world-class R&D Centres covering the West and the East; Turin, Italy and Bangi, Malaysia. The latter is also the hub for PETRONAS’ scientific petroleum research activities. Both facilities are fully equipped with the latest instrumentation to perform sophisticated fluid development tests, such as liquid and gas chromatography, infrared radiation, plasma magnetic field, thermal analysis, tribological tests, and more. To cater to automotive needs, multiple engine test cells are available to perform all kinds of fluid development works. These include bench and dynamometers with intelligent automatic drivers to provide as real as possible inputs. These two centres are familiar playgrounds to many leading OEMs and corporate users in their search for fluids that match the values they are seeking. Progressively, these centres are consistently updated to keep up with the ever-changing world of engineering. Whilst all design and refinement work begins in the chemical development lab, PLI’s fluid development process passes through a real-world simulation lab prior to actual usage. Then what is termed the progressive lab, where the used fluid is periodically tested and modified accordingly to match the changing conditions of the mechanical parts, comes into the picture. PETRONAS is an active player in motor racing, be it at the local, regional or world’s highest level. Motorsports, particularly Formula One, is a sport that is built on technology. Every little engineering input is translated into the resulting improvement of lap times, and fluid is no exception. PLI designs, develops and supplies customised fluids for the MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Team’s application in Formula One. In doing that, PETRONAS becomes a functional partner to the Team, where its input is translated into actual lap time. It is a challenge that PLI genuinely takes pleasure in as the method, discipline, culture and pressure of working in the Formula One environment helps enrich itself as an organisation. The ultimate performance synthetic engine oil Bred on the track for optimum performance on the road. The PETRONAS Syntium range is the result of advanced R&D carried out by PLI as the official technology partner to the Mercedes AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team. It meets the most stringent industry standards and is designed to take on the most challenging terrains and driving conditions. The PETRONAS Syntium range of automotive lubricants is available in Southern Africa through Engen Petroleum. Sole distributor of Air1 in Sub Saharan Africa In its efforts to be a one stop shop for fluid requirements, Engen has recently introduced Air1, the world’s leading brand of AdBlue, to its product offering. AdBlue is the registered trademark for Aqueous Urea Solution 32.5% that is used with the Selective Catalytic Reduction system (SCR) to reduce emissions of oxides of nitrogen from the exhaust of diesel vehicles. By selecting Air1, you ensure that wherever you are located, your Engen Truck Stop will be able to supply you with a reliable source of quality AdBlue. Advanced industrial gear oils Engen is also bringing high performance under extreme conditions to industrial gearboxes with the launch of the Gengear XEP series. Modern gearboxes are smaller and designed with higher power density, smaller sumps and higher load capacity, putting enormous pressure on the lubricant. Modern gear oils must be formulated with higher-quality components, designed to excel under these challenging conditions. The Engen Gengear XEP range has been developed using the latest technology so that it meets a range of complex demands such as protection against micro-pitting wear, resistance to foaming and compatibility with seal elastomers. Gengear XEP series is approved by major manufacturer Siemens MD. Distributing reliable lubricants throughout Africa Engen promotes economy and security of supply across our vast international network and supply chain. In South Africa, primary distribution centres are present in all major cities, and a number of secondary depots are situated in outlying areas. Depots and storage facilities can also be found throughout our network in Sub Saharan Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands. Products are dispensed to both the countries where Engen has assets and operations on the ground, as well as through distributors in other countries where we have no physical presence. Distribution and technology combine to offer a fully-mechanised, truly efficient system designed to meet and exceed customer needs and demands. With Engen Lubricants, you get over a century of experience and world-class support, as well as a comprehensive range of lubricants that ensures the maximum efficiency and lifespan of your machinery. You also get the technical expertise and knowhow of a leading global supplier of lubricants. In other words, you get a smooth, trouble-free operation.

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September / October 2014

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Holbrook’s Voice

Tourism agenda

s we come to the end of September and a very successful Tourism Month in Buffalo City, I feel I must share the concern of the Border-Kei Chamber of Business (BKCOB) regarding the recent announcement by Executive Director Anele Qaba of the Nelson Mandela Bay’s Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture (EDTA) to have the Nelson Mandela Bay Tourism (NMBT) “absorbed within the EDTA directorate” as quite disturbing. In 2011 we here in Buffalo City received a similar message, in that our tourism entity, Tourism Buffalo City was being dissolved as a council resolution in favour of promoting its own tourism agenda. As a City we then struggled along with no tourism agency for two years, with various businesses within the tourism arena banding together in an attempt to fill this gap. Finally, the entity to take over from Tourism Buffalo City, Buffalo City Tourism (BCT) launched its website to much fan fair at the Tourism Indaba at the Durban International Convention Centre in May this year. The Border-Kei Chamber of Business (BKCOB), along with our Tourism Committee have established a good working relationship with Phindile Mavundla, Programme Manager: Tourism, within the Department of Economic Development & Tourism, Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality, and wish to congratulate them on the advancements they have made thus far. The BKCOB Tourism Committee have recently embarked on an ambitious effort to create an official Calendar of Events for the city. The aim is to provide a single platform that will list major events in and around the city with the objective of facilitating 52 events for

the year, without having major events clashing as well as having occurring on the same day. Keep an eye out on local media, as a press release will be released shortly inviting stakeholders to participate in this initiative . On a slightly gloomier note, only 3.5% of international tourists visiting South Africa are coming to the Eastern Cape. Not only are international tourism numbers down, the number of domestic travellers to the Eastern Cape have been declining since 2009 from a high of 5.7 million to 2.3 million in 2012 and 2.1 million last year. We therefore encourage our tourism agencies to reverse this trend and encourage tourists to our beautiful province. Whilst these figures may be disheartening, I am by no means a preacher of doom and gloom. Buffalo City will host the South Africa Inter - Municipal Games from the 20th - 26th September 2014 and Chamber has estimated R40m flowing into the city from the participants in the games, providing a much needed boost into our local economy. Furthermore, the good will, branding, and retail awareness could easily double this amount. If the metro successfully promotes the “best the City can offer,” the long-term benefit will far outweigh the actual spend, and so our goal must be to make every visitor feel so welcome that they return for a holiday, or a few days leave. Lest we forget, December holidays are not too far away, and where better to spend your holiday than near the sea - in Buffalo City? In conclusion, the continued economic success of the Border-Kei region and Eastern Cape as a whole is reliant on Tourism Agencies to forward the agenda of the Eastern Cape and wish NMBT, in whichever guise it may take in the future, all success.

Lifting in Explosive Environments

EC Industrial & Business News

Supporting entrepreneurial development

oyota South Africa Motors in partnership with the Afrikaans Institute of Commerce (AHi) has trained nearly three hundred and fifty students as part of their entrepreneurial development course. The successful second phase of the training was recently completed. The AHi used a donation from Toyota South Africa specifically for the development of entrepreneurship. This donation is made to Chambers of Commerce that take a progressive step to identify and train potential entrepreneurs from previously disadvantaged communities. These candidates are then exposed to a more formal business environment, which allows the Chamber to broaden its borders across traditional structures of the past. “Toyota is proud to be part of this initiative,” says Dr Johan van Zyl (pictured), President and CEO of Toyota South Africa Motors. “Our company is committed to continuous improvement and thorough training on all levels, including the development of entrepreneurial skills. South Africa is one of the biggest entrepreneurial markets in the world - the best way to fight unemployment. With the proper training and follow-up mentoring support, these young entrepreneurs will become the leaders of tomorrow.” The training takes place under the control

Africa grows by 1000%

taying true to its reputation for speed, passion, teamwork and a can-do attitude, DHL Express has grown its retail footprint in sub-Saharan Africa by an astonishing 1,000% in less than three years. In what could become a business school case study, the company’s number of service points increased from 300 to over 3,300, not by building its own bricks and mortar branches but by partnering with local business owners who act as DHL resellers. Thousands of vendors – such as an electronics store in West Africa, a travel agent in East Africa and a small grocery shop in Southern Africa – now allow their customers to send DHL shipments alongside their normal offerings. These small businesses benefit from com-

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Enquiry no: 11

Retail footprint in sub-Saharan

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and supervision of a Chamber of Commerce. To date, the training of aspirant and upcoming entrepreneurs by Chambers of Commerce has been a huge success and nearly 350 budding entreprenuers have already attended training programmes. The course material includes drawing up a business plan, setting up an infrastructure, financing a business, developing a human resources structure, marketing a business, defining a business identity, monitoring a business, managing and leadership, as well as maintaining the sustainability of a business. The Toyota funding was used for training at Hammanskraal and Eersterust by the Vanderbijl Park Chamber of Commerce, which undertook it with the support of the Vaal Campus of the North West University. The Oudtshoorn Chamber of Commerce presented training in Bridgton and Bongolethu, while facilitating courses were presented at Sterkspruit and Tsitsikamma. During the past year the second phase of the Toyota funding was used to bring courses to individual entrepreneurs in George, Gansbaai, Robertson/Bonnievale, Khwa Ttu San Training Centre in Malmesbury, and more recently also in Port Elizabeth at the New Horizons Development Agency in Bloemendal. The AHi also presented a oneday course for black women who are in a loose co-operative and run their own small businesses.

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mission on all DHL sales, an increase in foot traffic as well as being associated with a global brand. “It’s really a win-win approach. We having given these small shop owners a unique business opportunity to grow their revenues and gain credibility by aligning themselves with an international brand. If they do well, we do well,” explains Sumesh Rahavendra (pictured), head of marketing for DHL Express Sub Saharan Africa. The company is willing to partner with any entrepreneurial business that sees value in becoming a DHL reseller. All partners are provided with a complete branding kit and go through an extensive training programme to ensure compliance with DHL’s requirements and procedures. DHL has also forged similar partnerships with larger companies such as mobile network operators, retail business centres, supermarkets and fuel retailers. Not only is partnering with existing vendors more cost effective than building its own branches, it also brings DHL closer to its customers. An entrepreneur in Ghana can send a sample to a client in the US from the same place he picks up his daily newspaper, whereas a mother in Mauritius is now able to ship a birthday gift to her son in France while her car is being filled up at the fuel station. DHL also simplified its pricing and packaging options to fit in with the needs of its customers as opposed to the other way around. To make people aware of its retail offering, the streets of Africa are often painted yellow and red through tactical advertising campaigns involving dancing, singing and special DHL giveaways. “Through the passion and energy of our 4,000 employees across Sub Saharan Africa, we have changed the perception that DHL only caters for multinationals and big business. Our retail customers no longer have to sit in traffic to send a document or parcel, but can literally find a DHL service point right around the corner,” says Rahavendra. “Perhaps most gratifying is the fact that we are empowering business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs across Africa with an additional opportunity to earn money and live better.” “In a continent like Africa where the informal economy rules, a company’s retail strategy cannot revolve around high-end shopping malls,” adds Rahavendra. “You have to operate on a level where customers can understand, feel and relate to your product. You need to ensure that your brand connects to the average person on the street,” Enquiry no: 12 concludes Rahavendra.

September / October 2014

EC Industrial & Business News

MACHINE TOOLS, METALS, ALLOYS & FABRICATION

100-ton ASU reaches PE shores

t 40m long and weighing in at over 100 tons, a state-of-the-art Germanengineered cold box was transported to the Afrox site within the Coega IDZ, in early September, to be integrated with the rest of the R300-million air separation unit (ASU) being developed by Afrox. The cold box utilises proprietary technology to cryogenically separate ambient air into nitrogen, oxygen and argon. The Afrox cold box featured prominently as it makes its way from the Port of Ngqura to the Afrox . Afrox MD, Brett Kimber reveals that the ASU is the first-of-its-kind in Africa, and the company is proud to be establishing it in the Coega IDZ. “As an industry leader in the gas market, Afrox identified the Coega IDZ as the ideal base for establishing its regional ASU.”

Kimber adds that the final phase of the project has commenced, with mechanical completion expected before the end of 2014 as planned. “We are confident that the new ASU will be operational early in the new year, in record time by any standards, for a project of this size.” According to Kimber, this investment will be

a catalyst for industrial growth in the Eastern Cape. “It will support the development and growth of the local economy, which will in turn lead to much needed job creation. More importantly, Afrox customers will continue to enjoy greater security of supply, complementing our total solutions services and extended product offering.”

Enquiry no: 13

Breakthrough in abrasive technology

Revolutionary ‘Air Tower’ solution

as-cleaning and dust control specialists ACTOM Air Pollution Control have been appointed the sole distributor for Southern Africa of an innovative compact and energy-efficient filtration system for use in light industrial applications where low levels of dust and fumes are generated. The system, the Novus Air Tower, complements ACTOM Air Pollution Control’s core range of dust control and gas-cleaning products and systems, which mainly address the requirements of heavy industry, including the industrial, metallurgy, mineral processing and cement manufacturing industries. The Novus Air Tower, produced by Novus Verfahrenstechnik GmbH of Germany, is touted worldwide as a “plug & play” unit as this term summarises its great convenience due to the fact that it is a standard free-standing unit that can be easily transported and installed wherever it may be required. Once set up it can be plugged into electricity and compressed air supply sources and go into operation immediately. It also has the major advantage of being inexpensive in terms of both capital and running costs compared with conventional dust control and gas-cleaning systems. From top to bottom, the Air Tower comprises

“Earlier this year construction of the R300 million Afrox air separation unit began in the Coega Industrial Development Zone. The arrival, transportation and installation of the new technological nerve center of the facility is an important project milestone,” said Dr. Ayanda Vilakazi, Coega Development Corporation’s Head of Marketing and Communication. “The Afrox air separation plant, along with several other investment projects currently under construction worth R3 billion in the IDZ, is directly and indirectly advancing job creation and skills development in South Africa. It is also strengthening and illustrating the unique value positions of Nelson Mandela Bay as an important location for industrial economic activity. ”

a spark trap consisting of a multi-cyclone pre-separator, followed by a set of filters consisting of compressed air pulse jet selfcleaning cartridge filters which remove dust and emission particles from the air flow. A second set of filters monitor the air quality, after which the clean air is released back into the work space via large air outlet openings situated at the base of the tower. All dust and particulates extracted in the filtration process are collected in a tray at the base of the tower. The Air Tower includes an electronic control system, complete with text display, to monitor the condition of the various components. The Air Tower’s housing is manufactured from high-tech polycarbonate, which is impact-resistant, scratchproof and heat-resistant. Sound insulation provides low operating noise. Enquiry no: 14

M is effecting a paradigm shift in South Africa’s metal fabrication, castings and forging industries with its Cubitron II metallurgical grinding abrasives. Industries that have generally utilised generic, low-grade abrasive technology in metal fabrication, now have access to a product that generates a more consistent finish at a faster rate over a service life that is at least double that of its nearest competitor. Cubitron II technology, comprised of a uniquely manufactured and arranged ceramic mineral grain, is utilised across coated, portable-bonded and grinding abrasives to deliver solutions for cutting, blending, deburring, rough-grinding and precision-grinding operations. The abrasive composition is defined by precisely-shaped, uniformly-sized, vertically-oriented triangular grains of ceramic mineral in grits of 36, 60, 80 and 120. The precision-shaped Cubitron II grain delivers a clean cut of consistent depth, which is achieved with less aggression, effort and time – around 30 percent faster – than conventional ceramic grain abrasives, where a blocky and irregular grain structure tends to plough and chunk the

material surface. The grain continuously fractures as it wears to maintain sharp points and edges that enable the product to retain its maximum cutting potential across a dramatically extended service life. This consistently cleaner, precise cut generates a reduced amount of operational heat on the workpiece, which reduces heat-related material stresses like cracks and surface oxidation that require reworking or refurbishment, and prolongs the lifespan of the mechanical equipment bearings. A less severe depth topography of the grain produces a more uniform finish and eliminates sequences from the abrasive process as the material is brought towards a polish-ready stage. Cubitron II yields equally satisfactory performance in ferrous and non-ferrous metal applications, and is ideal for toughto-grind metals like titanium, stainless steel, nickel alloy and cobalt chrome, which have traditionally exerted a high strain on mechanical and abrasive equipment damage due to their high-strength molecular structure. Enquiry no: 15

Floor gratings, treads and

handrails

ital Engineering, together with Angus McLeod, has specialised in the manufacturing of all types of gratings, treads and safety handrails since 1939. Under the brand names of Vitagrid and Maclock, the company supplies power plants, petrochemical plants, materials handling projects, mining, water treatment plants and civil and structural engineering projects both locally and in pan-Africa. “As leaders in our industry, our client base has come to expect constant developments and innovative solutions from Vital Engineering. This year we intend exceeding those expectations. We have an array of new products and materials which are designed to meet the growing demand for cost-effective solutions, which do not compromise on safety and quality,” says Dodds Pringle, Vital Engineering MD. The demand for hard-wearing, versatile materials which deliver optimum safety - particularly in the mining sector - has resulted in Vital Engineering’s range of quality products. These are manufactured in a variety of materials, including galvanised steel, stainless steel and aluminium, depending on factors such as corrosion and cost. One of the company’s latest offerings is its range of lowmaintenance moulded fibreglass gratings. This range is particularly suitable for harsh corrosive environments and where exposure Enquiry no: 16 to theft is a concern.

One Source many solutions FLSmidth is your One Source for crushing, grinding, classifying, thickening, clarifying, slurry handling, flotation, underground mining, pyroprocessing, material handling, automation, engineering, screens, centrifuges and complementary products, metallurgical testing and modernisation services. FLSmidth offers you a complete line of equipment and services with proven reliability and enhancing performance from the leading brand names of Krebs, WEMCO, EIMCO, Dorr-Oliver, Pneumapress, Moller, Vecor, ABON, RAHCO, Buffalo, Meshcape and Conveyor Engineering. Meshcape™ Screen Media is an ISO accredited Engineered Consumable Product (ECP) supplier to the Quarry, Industrial and Mining industries throughout Africa. Contact us on: Tel: +27 (0)10 210 5000 • Fax: +27 (0)11 452 2545 E-mail: za-mesh-sales@flsmidth.com • www.flsmidth.com

machine tools, metals, alloys & fabrication

September / October 2014

EC Industrial & Business News

Light steel-frame house turns head

estled among indigenous vegetation, with spectacular views of Chapman’s Peak and Hout Bay harbour, a new development will alter the Hout Bay skyline for ever. Built by the Silverline Group using the light steel frame building (LSFB) method, this eco-friendly 340m² triple-storey house, took approximately four months to complete and has drawn attention from tourists and locals alike. This method produces very little waste and has a much smaller carbon footprint than conventional building practice and saves significantly on construction time. This project started at the end of February 2014 and was largely completed by the end of June 2014. Once the foundations were completed, the ground floor walls were erected using LSF panels made from high-strength galvanised steel sheeting. The engineer specified the use

of chemical anchors to bolt the structure to the concrete foundation. A LSF joist floor was erected on top of the walls and covered with fibre cement boards as the new floor.

The remainder of the walls were constructed with light steel frame wall panels fixed together with corrosion protected screws, ensuring a rust free building in spite of its close proximity to the ocean. 9mm fibre cement board external cladding gave an overall external wall thickness of 133 mm, with an R-value of 2.8. The R-value is a measure of the thermal insulation of the wall panels - the higher the R-value the more effective the insulation of the building. Comparing the R-value of the light steel frame structure - with external walls consisting

of 9 mm fibre cement board, fixed to the light steel frame through a thermal break layer and a Tyvek vapour permeable membrane, glasswool Cavity Batt insulation installed in the wall cavities followed by a 15mm fire resistant high impact gypsum board on the inside - to a standard uninsulated double brick wall with R-value of 0.26, shows the superiority of the composite wall system that LSF offers. Internal walls consist of light steel frame panels clad with high impact 15 mm fire stop gypsum boards with a more than 30 minutes fire rating, and glasswool cavity batt insulation in the cavities, to enhance acoustic insulation. The insulating layers in the external walls reduce the building’s energy requirements for heating and cooling, with tests on the building’s total energy demands indicating that it has achieved a 17% to 20% improvement in energy efficiency, compared with those of conventional designs. Due to the energy efficient design, the building will heat up faster in winter and will cool down faster in summer. “According to the CSIR, energy required for heating and cooling a well-insulated LSF dwelling will be less than half of that needed to keep the internal temperature of a uninsulated masonry dwelling at a comfortable levels,” adds John Barnard, Director of the Southern African Light Steel Frame Building Association (SASFA).

Enquiry no: 17

Top notch training in welding

enttech South Africa, a leader in industrial equipment sales and rental, is positioning itself as a first choice in equipment supply for South African industry. Building on the company’s already solid technical expertise, Renttech SA’s strategy is to arm its sales staff with the best available training. “Honing our technical skills and product knowledge on an ongoing basis is what gives Renttech SA our competitive edge. This is why we are putting a special emphasis on training and staff development,” says Gerrit van Zyl, MD of Renttech South Africa. Recently, a group of Renttech SA staff members from branches around the country took part in an intensive three-day welding course, presented by Lincoln Electric. The course gave the 20 attendees a thorough grounding in the different aspects of welding, including metallurgy, the different welding processes as well as the application of Lincoln welding machinery and consumables. “All welding processes are covered, including MIG, TIG, flux-cored, plasma arc welding and submerged arc welding, amongst others. The metallurgy section gave trainees a solid foundation in the properties of the various alloys, including stainless steel, aluminium and nickel. We equip the students with a solid foundation in all the basic welding principles and processes and the relevant knowledge to offer the best advice to their customers,” says Benoit La Motte, Regional Sales Manager of Lincoln Electric, sub-Saharan Africa. For many of the attendees, the Lincoln training session provided a boost to their confidence and spurred them on to provide an even better service to their clients. “It was particularly fascinating to learn about all the various techniques and about the importance of meeting the customer’s exact specifications,” comments Juli Draper, internal sales trainee at Spartan branch. Enquiry no: 18

September / October 2014

EC Industrial & Business News

machine tools, metals, alloys & fabrication

Many benefits of laser gas analysis

ASU close to commissioning A

ir Products is confident regarding the prospects for its new air separation unit (ASU) in the Coega Industrial Development Zone (IDZ) as the facility moves into the commissioning stage ahead of its official opening in the fourth quarter of 2014. The R300-million plant – the 16th built by Air Products in Southern Africa – is the first primary gas production facility in the Eastern Cape. The facility forms part of the company’s R2-billion strategic investment pipeline, focused on establishing a solid countrywide gas production and supply network. While acknowledging that market conditions were challenging across the board, Air Products General Manager for Central Services, Josua le Roux said that the company’s expansion strategy was based on a long-term view of market demand and ensuring that the business was well-positioned to grow alongside its customers. “Our market analysis showed strong demand for industrial gases across a range of industries in the Eastern Cape.” “We were encouraged – and still are – by the positive industrial and economic growth prospects of the province, and particularly the pipeline of mega-projects coming into the Coega IDZ,” Le Roux said. Air Products had secured new business from its IDZ neighbours FAW and APM Terminals on the back of its investment – which has boosted the security of sup-

ply of industrial gas to the Eastern Cape, Le Roux said. “We committed that gas would flow from the new air separation unit before the end of 2014, and the project is now 95% complete. We are firmly on schedule to launch the plant during the fourth quarter,” he said. Nelson Mandela Bay Business Chamber CEO Kevin Hustler acknowledged Air Products’ continued progress towards meeting its commitment to Eastern Cape industry, and said their investment reflected growing confidence in the region. “We are very positive about the growth prospects for the Eastern Cape over the long term, with the level of investment we are now seeing flow into the region – particularly the upgrading of ports and rail infrastructure by stateowned enterprises. Public sector investment of this order has been proven to stimulate private sector confidence and investment, and Air Products’ new facility bears testament to this,” he said. Construction and installation of the ASU is complete, and Air Products’ engineering team has commenced with starting up the utilities, including the electrical and process water cooling systems. Contractors are busy putting the finishing touches to supporting facilities and administration buildings. The facility will produce 110 tons per day of liquid nitrogen and oxygen, and was designed to scale-up production in line with Enquiry no: 19 market demand.

Machine tool monitoring solution

KF has launched the SKF Machine Tool Observer MTx, which offers flexibility by enabling users to connect a range of condition monitoring sensors to one dedicated electronic system that logs all critical parameters. The device offers users a valuable tool that supports preventive maintenance and helps to avoid the ultimate cost of repairing damaged spindles. “The SKF Machine Tool Observer MTx, helps users to avoid downtime, prevent unexpected spindle defects, log and review spindle crashes and abnormal working conditions and, ultimately, to improve performance and efficiency,” says Werner Palmetshofer, General Manager SKF Condition Monitoring Centre. “We believe that the SKF Machine Tool Observer is the most flexible solution for data logging and spindle crash detection in the market.” The SKF Machine Tool Observer MTx is a stand-alone on-line mon-

itoring device that actively monitors, records and observes data on the performance of machine tool spindles, grinding machines and other systems. The device supports up to six different types of sensors, enabling users to monitor a range of conditions by allowing up to 14 components, such as temperature sensors, humidity sensors and oil streak sensors, to be connected at the same time, while triaxial or standard industrial accele r o m eters are used for acquiring vibration signals. The device will help a wide range of users, including machine tool manufacturers that wish to add value to their machines, spindle repair shops that test repaired spindles and any application that will benefit from an easy-to-use, quick assessment on the machinery status. Enquiry no: 20

and Technical Services (RTS) is a company specialising in addressing specific industrial challenges by identifying innovative solutions, often sourcing them internationally. The company, run by Chairman Ian Fraser, has been introducing cutting-edge technology to South African industry since the early 1990’s, not least of which are the company’s Neo Monitors laser gas monitors. “Gas detection and analysis are critical to industrial processes: not only does the monitoring of gas levels address critical safety issues, but it can bring substantial cost savings through helping to optimise combustion processes. It can also promote a cleaner environment through focused emissions control,” says Fraser. However, analysing gas levels may be subject to inaccuracies and limitations in environments of extreme temperatures or high dust levels. Neo Monitors laser gas monitors bring new levels of capability and accuracy, providing a convenient answer to the problems associated with probebased instrumentation, which can be fraught with challenges.

“Gas analysis has historically been conducted through probes, which can be problematic in that gas streams tend to be dirty, hot and inaccessible. Normal probes clog up easily and are affected by high temperatures, affecting the accuracy of the readings. Probes can also experience a short life-span, and require extensive maintenance,” Fraser explains. “Tunable diode laser technology offers an extremely viable alternative to probes-based instruments.” The laser monitor is tuned to a specific specially selected absorption line for a particular gas which enables the instrument to measure the level of the selected gas in the gas stream without cross-interference from other gases or contamination by dust particles, and is not negatively affected by high temperatures. As a measuring device it is extremely stable, unlike other instruments which can provide inaccurate readings because of environmental problems such as vibration, temperature variations or contaminants. “These monitors remain accurate for a minimum of 12 months,” says Fraser. “They are a durable and therefore cost-effective means of measur-

ing and analysing a large range of gases. Moreover, they are highly tolerant of opacity. Therefore, within a gas stream where there is at least a 10% signal received they remain highly accurate. In terms of temperature, we have successfully used laser monitors in a platinum smelter with temperatures rising to 1,500◦C.” RTS’s range of laser monitors, ‘Neo LaserGas analysers’ are manufactured by Neo Monitors, a division of Norwegian company Norsk-Elektro Optic (NEO). The technology has been used successfully in a wide Enquiry no: 20 range of sectors

INDUSTRIES The CDAA strongly encourages all eligible companies to consider membership in order to create business opportunities and grow the copper industry.

Wind Power

Heating, Airconditioning and Refrigeration

Electrical and Solar Energy

Architecture

Aquaculture

Medical and Veterinary

Plumbing

Public Areas

The Copper Development Association Africa (CDAA) is committed to promoting and expanding the use of copper and copper alloys throughout Africa and has successfully represented the local copper industry in southern Africa for more than 50 years. With the purpose of growing the industry on a sustained basis and realising an increase in the use of copper in Africa, the CDAA is expanding its membership base to include the full spectrum of companies in the copper industry, from primary through to downstream companies and service organisations. Membership includes the following benefits: Information and advice, plus awareness on global trends Networking and feedback to members Statistics Market development through initiatives Advertising and marketing Business growth

YOUR BUSINESS - OUR FOCUS Cu

Copper Development Association Africa Copper Alliance

Tel +27 11 824 3916 Fax +27 11 824 3120 Email info@copperalliance.org.za www.copperalliance.org.za

September / October 2014

machine tools, metals, alloys & fabrication

EC Industrial & Business News

Can cable sizing impact positively on electricity charges?

he terawatt-hour, which carries the symbol TWh, is a unit of energy equal to 114 megawatthours. Simply put, if the energy is transmitted or consumed at a constant rate over a period of time, the total energy in terawatt-hours is the product of the power in megawatts and the time in hours. The TWh is commonly used as a measurement of energy delivered to the consumer for billing purposes. The average monthly energy consumption of a typical non-residential building in South Africa ranges from a few hundred to a few thousand terawatt-hours. TWh usually only applies to industrial consumption as electrical energy delivered to residential consumers is measured in kilowatt-hours (KWh). The European Copper Institute based in Brussels, conducted a

recent survey that found that there is a strong economic and saving potential to upsizing cables. This saving could amount on average to 20 TWh per year. This amounts to an estimated annual saving of 4 TWh for domestic refrigerators, 2 TWh for domestic washing machines and 13.5 TWh for air conditioners and fans. “The vast energy saving potential of upsizing power cables is as a result of the amount of electricity passing through the cables. In final equipment, we can save a big portion of a relatively small end-use. In cables, we can save a little on all electricity use,” says Fernando Nuño from the European Copper Institute. “This

clearly suggests that it’s time to focus on addressing and regulating cable sizing rather than increasingly

marginal equipment.” The survey, conducted by Egermin Consulting, looked at the relationship between cable sizing and energy savings. Apart from the significant economic savings, cable upsizing could also lead to reduced emissions and the creation of additional jobs. However, in market research con-

ducted across the European Union (EU), it became clear that although the industry is aware of the longterm economic and environmental benefits to cable upsizing, the initial installation cost is seen as the most significant obstacle. The second most important consideration is the time and effort of installation. Some respondents conceded that hospitals and other public buildings, industrial plants and green buildings could possibly benefit from the increased energy efficiency and environmental aspects of cable upsizing. Specific applications in these areas include circuits that have permanent loads such as HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning), lighting,

motors, data centres and non-linear power conversion units. Evert Swanepoel, Centre Director of the Copper Development Association Africa (CDAA) has this to say: “It would be important for the electrical industry in South Africa to take note of the increased energy efficiency that correct cable sizing offers as the benefits far outweigh the initial cost of installation”. The Copper Development Association Africa has represented the local copper industry since 1962. The organisation is committed to promoting and expanding the use of copper and copper alloys throughout Africa. For more information contact the Copper Development Association Africa on +27 (0) 11 824 3916; email Evert Swanepoel at evert.swanepoel@copperalliance.org.za or visit Enquiry no: 21 www.copper.co.za.

Personnel safety on electrical systems

urgetek manufactures a comprehensive range of portable earthing and short-circuiting devices. Locally designed, the devices are used on overhead transmission and distribution power lines, indoor and outdoor substation busbars, electrified railway traction systems, transformer and switchgear terminals. The equipment ensures the safety of personnel while working on low, medium and high voltage electrical systems in the event of accidental energisation. The devices are designed and manufactured according to client require-

tem fault current conditions for the total duration of the fault. The earthing and short circuiting devices are tested to simulate the worst possible conditions and comply with the electrical, mechanical and humidity penetration requirements of SANS 61230. Included in the range are snapon, screw type and tubular busbar phase clamps, earth clamps, fixed phase and earth connection points. Various accessories are available providing the ideal solution for all earthing requirements. ments, and are rated in accordance with SANS 1934 to withstand full sys-

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Enquiry no: 22

September / October 2014

EC Industrial & Business News

machine tools, metals, alloys & fabrication

Corrosion meets its nemesis M

ulti Alloys supplies an extensive range of Duplex Alloys suitable for highly corrosive applications. Ken Perel, part owner of Multi Alloys, explained: “Duplex Alloys, are suitable for highly corrosive applications because of a microstructure which is a mix of austenite and ferrite. They offer an extremely useful combination of properties including high strength, reasonable cost and corrosion resistance. Alloy composition plays an important role in determining these properties and with respect to corrosion resistance it’s the level of chromium, nickel, molybdenum and nitrogen that are the core elements but copper, tungsten and manganese have important roles in enhancing the properties. A useful property of duplex stainless steels is their coefficient of thermal expansion which is closer to that of a carbon

steel than an austenitic stainless steel. This means that, when combined with resistance to stress corrosion cracking and pitting corrosion, as may occur in seawater and chloride contaminated waters, duplex grades are eminently suitable to use in heat exchanger applications.” “The strength benefit of duplex grades is often emphasised in structural applications but it also has spin offs in rotating machinery as well. If the amount of material that is needed can be reduced by optimising the design for duplex grades, there is a direct benefit but there may be an indirect benefit as well – the drive system and support structure can possibly be downgraded. And in process industry applications it may be possible to use a lighter wall pipe and still attain the design operating pressure.” Multi Alloys has made a huge commitment to stock investment in a wide range of Duplex stainless steel items. “Sandvik 3RE60 was probably the first duplex grade used on a

large scale in South Africa. This was during the 1980’s and was for heat exchanger applications. Since then we have come to know Lean Duplex grades, Super Duplexes and even Hyper Duplex grades but the work horse alloy is the middle of the range SAF 2205 and it’s in this alloy that the bulk of our investment has been made.

We are also carrying stock of SAF 2507”. Remarks EEP Director of Business Development, Graham Whitty, “Multi Alloys, through its affiliation with Associate Company, Energy Engineered Products (EEP), offers a range of Duplex Alloy products unmatched in South Africa. Enquiry no: 23

Speed, Power, Precision. WE HAVE WHAT IT TAKES.

LYNX 220LMS Horizontal Turning Centre

PUMA VTS1620 Vertical Turning Centre

• Max. Turning Diameter 240 mm • Max. Turning Length 525 mm • 15 kW Spindle Motor • Live Tooling / Sub Spindle

• 63” Chuck • 2000 mm Turning Diameter • 45 kW Spindle Motor • 1556 mm Turning Height

Small thread milling cutter range

hen machining complex parts made from expensive materials, secure performance is clearly vital. With this in mind, cutting tool specialist Sandvik Coromant has introduced a range of small CoroMill Plura thread milling cutters designed to counter the threat of tool breakage and component damage associated with conventional taps. The advantages of thread milling compared with tapping are well documented. For example, a thread mill can address a range of hole diameters instead of just one hole size. The thread mill can also place threads closer to the bottom of a blind hole, while more room is available for chips to fall away, thus aiding machine uptime by avoiding the entanglement of swarf around the tool. However, the greatest benefit is the avoidance of scrapped parts. Few who have worked in a machine shop will have escaped the pain of a broken tap in an expensive component. Often, the part

A cut above the rest

he Bosch GCD 12 JL Professional dry cutter enables contractors to complete precise spark-free work in minimal time, thanks to a specially-developed 305 mm ‘Expert for Steel’ circular saw blade that ensures the cleanest cuts to metals in professional applications. The tool is ideal for plumbers and fitters that are required to precisely cut pipes, square profiles or angle profiles to length. The Expert for Steel circular saw blade and sawing action results in precise and spark-free work in metal, which ensures that the user has a clear view of the cutting line at all times. The Bosch GCD 12 JL Professional offers a maximum cutting diameter for the following applications; • Round pipe:115 mm at 90º or 90 mm at 45º • Square pipe:100 mm x 100 mm at 90º or 85 mm x 85 mm at 45º • Rectangular pipe:158 mm x 80 mm at 90º or 85 mm x 85 mm at 45º • L-profile:110 mm x 110 mm at 90º or 85 mm x 85 mm at 45º Powered by a 2 000 watt motor, the Bosch GCD 12 JL Professional dry cutter boasts a cutting speed of up to 1 500 rpm, thereby ensuring a swift and efficient work rate in all applications. The user also has full control of the entire sawing process, thanks to an integrated laser for pinpoint accuracy. The laser indicates the precise direction that the cut is following, and provides the user with the peace-of-mind that no wastage will occur as a result of materials being incorrectly cut beyond the borders of the marked line. Enquiry no: 25

HM 5000 Horizontal Machining Centre • 800 x 650 x 650 mm Travel • 500 x 500 mm Table • 6000 rpm Spindle • BT 50 / 40 Tools

is ruined, along with the tool of course. Only occasionally will a trip to the spark erosion shop save the day, but at a heavy cost in terms of both time and finance. Medical parts are no exception. Machined commonly from surgical grade stainless steels and hard cobaltchrome alloys, threading is often one of the final operations. As a result, plenty of value has already been added to the component – there is no margin for error. The new CoroMill Plura range of small thread mills are designed purposely for the type of components required in the medical sector. Ideal for both right- and left-hand threading in materials up to a hardness of 63 HRc, the tools can generate threads from M1.6 to M12 depending on hole depth and material. UNC and UNF type thread mills are also available.

DNM 650 Vertical Machining Centre • 1270 x 670 x 625 mm Travel • 18.5 kW Spindle Motor • 8000 r/min Max. Spindle Speed • BT 40 / 30 Tools

POWER UP FOR TOMORROW

PUMA

Contact Craig or Jacques at: Tel: 041 453 2720 • Fax: 041 453 6678

MACHINE TOOLS (PTY) LTD

Johannesburg: 011 976 8600 • Cape Town 021 555 2270/1 • Durban: 031 701 8149

www.pumamachinetools.co.za

Enquiry no: 24

PRODUCTIVITY

RELIABILITY

QUALITY

machine tools, metals, alloys & fabrication

Wet high intensity magnetic separator testing F ield testing on the LongiMultotec (WHIMS), in all minerals sectors, is producing excellent results. Minor adaptations to the Longi WHIMS, to accommodate the demands of the African environment, have resulted in magnetic separation equipment that clearly complements and enhances Multotec’s existing solution offering. “Multotec will only distribute products that meet the high quality and reliability standards we have set to provide customers with maximum productivity and guaranteed availability,” says Willem Slabbert, application and process manager for Multotec solid liquid and magnetic separation business line. “Hence, all new products are subjected to extensive field testing to ensure that they are able to perform according to spec in situ.” Slabbert says that since the introduction of the Longi WHIMS to the African market, interest has been

shown from chrome and platinum group metal sectors, manganese and iron ore in Africa. “Testing started in January 2014 and the duration of each study varies from single spot tests to 50 run campaigns. The feedback we have received is that customers are very impressed with the results the WHIMS has achieved to date.” Wet High Intensity Magnetic Separators (WHIMS) use electromagnetic coils to generate a very high magnetic force that can be implemented to allow separation of para-magnetic minerals. This technology also employs unparalleled high gradients, within their exchangeable matrices, to allow recovery of fine material down to 15 micron. “One of the major advantages of the Longi-Multotec WHIMS is that the coil surface area that is exposed to the air is optimised and they can therefore be cooled directly with cooling water as opposed to the environmentally unfriendly cooling oil that must

be used in older generation models,” Slabbert points out. The machines are also operated with ampere-control (instead of voltage control) which allows a constant energy supply to the coil for consistent metallurgical performance. The electrical transformer-rectifier converts the alternating current supply to high voltage, low ampere direct current and this configuration requires a smaller electrical installation infrastructure while achieving higher electrical efficiency. “This exciting technology offers innovative new approaches towards solving para-magnetic minerals separation processes with payback periods on the machine price as low as three months. “Applications include ilmenite, chrome, manganese and iron ore (haematite) beneficiation, PGM upgrading as well as chrome and manganese recovery from slimes dams,” says Slabbert. Enquiry no: 26

VacPac - original moisture-resistant packaging.

Gasket developments add durability

ver the past decade Caterpillar’s research and development programme has led to a steady transition from flat gaskets to ‘integral seals’ as standard fitment on latest generation Cat models to meet high performing engine, hydraulic and drive train sealing applications. “Integral seals provide a more robust fluid seal than flat gaskets, which are cut out of flat sheets of gasket material,” explains Barloworld Equipment group product specialist, Reuben Phasha . Integral seals are controlled compression seals, with O-Ring technology applied to gaskettype carriers. These seals are composed of a rubber sealing element, or bead, bonded to a carrier, which can be plastic or metal. The carrier transfers the

load through the bolted joint. The rubber bead material is chosen based on the fluids, temperatures and pressures to be sealed. Therefore, depending on the application, integral seal gaskets are supplied with rubber beads made from Cat formulas such as Nitrile, HNBR (Highly Saturated Nitrile Buna Rubber), EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Modified Rubber), FKM (Fluorocarbon Rubber) and silicone rubber. Two types of integral seals are now being used: an edge-bonded (metal carrier) seal and a voidvolume (plastic carrier) seal with integrated metal load limiters. Today these seals are used in many applications across the Cat product line. The edge bonded seal, for example, is used as the front cover seal for the 3406E engine, whilst the void volume seal is widely used for oil pan applications. “An additional advantage is that these seals come off in one piece,” adds Phasha, “so there’s no scraping required and no chance of getting foreign material Enquiry no: 27 into the engine.”

Multigas detector saves precious seconds

he Altair 4X Mining multigas detector is the ideal gas detector for any mining application as it can detect up to four gases at any given time. It is available to the local market through the African division of MSA. Safety on a mine is of the utmost importance, and the MSA Altair 4X multigas detector with XCell Sensor technology is a reliable and compact gas detection unit that ensures the safety of the user. MSA Africa product manager for portable gas detection Tshepo Lebona notes that the Altair 4X Mining instrument has a sensor response and clear time of less than 15 seconds. “The compact MSA Altair 4X Mining multigas detector can test for up to four gases, including CH4, O2, CO/H2S or CO/NO2 or H2S/SO2. The large LCD display screen makes the measurement readings easy to see,” he says. When a harmful gas is detected a loud horn is sounded, four LED lights on the corners of the instrument make the alarm visible from all directions and the instruments vibrates. “An additional MotionAlert feature is available, which makes use of an internal

no re-baking required • Cost saving through simplified storage and handling • Reduced risk of hydrogen cracking and porosity ESAB Africa Cutting & Welding (Pty) Ltd 53 lake Road, Longmeadow Business Estate, North Gate, Edenvale Tel: +27 11 608 8200 Fax: 086 714 1354 E-mail: sales@esab.co.za Web: www.esab.co.za

2014/07/23 1:50 PM

accelerometer in order to indicate ‘man down’ status and sounds an alarm,” he continues. A rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery has a running time of more than 30 hours and can be charged in less than four hours. The Altair 4X is hard wearing and can withstand a 6 m drop onto concrete. “The MSA Altair 4X multigas detector weighs only 235 g, and has a rugged rubberised armour housing which is dust resistant and water tight for up to 1 m of water for 60 minutes. It is available in a standard charcoal colour, or in a high-visibility glow-inthe-dark for added user safety. The Altair 4X Mining instrument features an increased methane sensor poison resistance, which decreases downtime as well as the frequency of sensor replacements, thereby ensuring that the instrument runs longer, which ultimately saves the user valuable time and money. There is also an end-of-sensor life warning which provides the user with advanced warning of a failing sensor. The Altair 4X Mining is the only instrument which has an SABS Mark.

Enquiry no: 28

Versatile single-pole surge arrester

altek’s SLP275 VS is a single-pole Class 2 surge arrester designed to protect against induced lightning surge currents or localised switching surges in LV networks. With its replaceable varistor module and visual fault signalling, the modular surge arrester is installed at the boundary of LPZ 1 and LPZ 2. The arrester provides remote status signalling (S) via the potentially free changeover contact. Multi-functional terminals allow

• Electrodes always factory fresh and dry -

ESAB 270x170 VacPac.indd 1

September / October 2014

EC Industrial & Business News

flexibility in connection, as well as with other DIN rail mounted devices in the distribution board. SLP-275 VS has a nominal discharge current 20 kA (8/20 μs), a maximum discharge current 40 kA (8/20 μs) and a 25 ns response time. Fault indication is provided by a red indicator flag in the inspection window. Suitable for use in a – 40°C to + 80°C temperature range, SLP275 VS meets the requirements of standard EN 61643-11 + A11. Saltek is represented locally by Enquiry no: 29 Surgetek.

September / October 2014

EC Industrial & Business News

PUMPS, VALVES, PIPES & FITTINGS Vacuum sewer technology in SA T

LISO Consulting has partnered with Forefront Engineering Solutions, to develop the first Roediger Vacuum Sewer Technology project in South Africa carried out in Van Stadensrus for the Naledi Local Municipality in the Free State. “The vacuum system presents an alternate to water-borne sewer systems, with multiple benefits for municipalities and their direct communities,” says Clint Koopman, CEO of Iliso Consulting, a subsidiary of Nako Group. “Iliso is the first engineering firm to offer the design of vacuum systems in South Africa.” Unlike conventional sanitary sewer systems, which use water to carry waste to pump stations, the vacuum

system uses negative air pressure in a network of pipes to transport waste products to a vacuum station. A year ago, ILISO approached the Free State Department of Human Settlement with a presentation of the system. “Even without any example of prior projects of this kind in South Africa, the Department recognised the merits of this system and agreed to the launch of a pilot project,” says Koopman. The system consists of four components. The first is a gravity system that takes waste from the house to the earth boundary of each stand, where a collection chamber interfaces with a valve unit to enter a vacuum pipeline. Negative air pressure inside

Enquiry no: 30

Quality in the pipeline

ith cost-cutting a priority for most businesses, a solution which eliminates largescale capital investments or machinery replacement is compelling. Kent Corporation’s range of specialised capital equipment for the tube and pipe industry is specifically designed with both cost-cutting and enhanced productivity in mind. This range is now available locally through an agreement which Elquip Solutions has entered into with the USA-based company. “Kent Corporation is well-known in the industry for its specialist knowledge of tube mill technology and strip preparation equipment. Due to this specialist focus, they bring to the market a range of high-end, state-ofthe-art components which are internationally and locally tried and tested,” says Mike Cronin, Managing Director of Elquip Solutions. “At Elquip Solutions, our focus is on sourcing and distributing consumables and components which rep-

resent the very latest in global technological advancements. Our agreement with Kent Corporation is very much aligned with this strategy – it is a high-end global brand which we are proud to represent in South Africa,” says Cronin. He continues: “The major advantage of Kent Corporation’s components for the tube mill industry is that they can be retro-fitted onto existing machinery for process modernisation and enhancement, without the major capital expenditure associated with replacing or upgrading equipment.” Kent Corporation designs and manufactures a range of strip accumulators, coil-handling equipment, coil-

Control valve re-design to increase

this network draws the waste towards a central vacuum station, from where it is discharged either into an existing outfall sewer or directly into the WWTP. As the air-pressure system does not rely on gravity, the vacuum station need not always be placed at the lowest point, provided the lowest connection point is not more than 3-4m below the level of the vacuum station. “Because it is a sealed air system, no manholes are required,” Koopman explains. Although capital investments may in some instances be slightly higher than a traditional system, the lifecycle costs are significantly lower. Unlike conventional systems, which requires pipes to be laid deep and at steep slopes, the vacuum sewer trench can be placed closer to the surface (not deeper than 1,25m) and at a minimum slope of 0.2%. Furthermore, a single vacuum station can comfortably service an area with a radius of four kilometres. “The strength of the vacuum system is that vacuum station can take the place of multiple pump stations in traditional water-borne networks.

productivity

he entire Control Valve range of AZ-Armaturen has undergone a complete re-design resulting in a modular system which can increase productivity in the process, food, chemical and petrochemical industry. The construction of the Control Valves is based on the standard cavityfree plug valve with PTFE-sleeve or chemical resistant PFA/FEP-lining. Furthermore, a wide range of different materials are available for various applications. Heat Jacketed Control Valves are also available as well as different types of actuations such as pneumatic, electric and hydraulic systems. In case of a high flow velocity, a high pressure drop or solid-containing mediums, a protection insert can be added to increase the service life of the control valve. To control the pressure, flow or temperature as precisely as possible, 10 different plug forms are available per valve size, consisting of 5 linear and 5 equal percentage control characteristics. In case of very large flow rates, the full bore valve can be recommended and if there is a specific flow rate needed, the plug can be designed and manufactured according to the requirements.

Enquiry no: 32

end welders and deburring machines using cutting-edge technology, and distributes to over 53 countries. The equipment is exceptionally robust, according to Cronin. “Along with the high-level, specialist knowledge that comes from focusing on the tube and pipe industry, the robustness and sheer quality which Kent Corporation brings to the market is another compelling advantage for our local customers,” he says. “The strip preparation equipment is available as standard equipment; but can also be customised or retro-fitted to meet individual customer requirements and systems design.” Enquiry no: 31

his year’s Pipes VIII Conference, entitled “Plastic Pipe in Infrastructure” was specifically dedicated to plastic pipes. “Government has been making promises of massive expenditure (R800 billion) to improve the country’s infrastructure. South Africa has a fixed investment target (NDP) of 30 % of GDP by 2030 and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is developing a strategic vision for the broader plastics industry. All of these plans certainly appear to be good news, but we are not seeing it translated into reality,” said Jan Venter, Chairman of SAPPMA. According to SAPPMA information, the supply of plastic pipes currently far outweighs the demand. “The simple fact is that local municipalities are not investing in replacing or upgrading their water infrastructure. As a result, our industry is currently taking strain and is battling for survival despite the fact that the country’s infrastructure is sorely lacking. Many of our member companies are forced to shift their focus to elsewhere in Africa or to our neighbouring states in

SA’s water infrastructure order to keep their doors open,” Venter said. An extensive network of reliable water and sewage pipelines are essential for establishment and growth of civilization. “South Africa is experiencing a great need in this regard, and one would therefore expect our industry to flourish. Ironically, though, South African plastics pipe industry repeatedly finds itself in a situation of low demand and we find this scenario simply unacceptable,” he reiterated. SAPPMA represents more than 80 % of the plastic pipe produced in South Africa, and focuses its efforts on ensuring pipe systems that are leak-free and durable for long-term use. It also focuses on the rehabilitation of old pipelines. According to the Association, both the quality and quantity of water are under severe pressure in South Africa, aggravated by rapidly increasing demand, severe pollution and huge losses Enquiry no: 33 in distribution.

September / October 2014

PUMPS, VALVES & PIPES & FITTINGS

Ensure perfectly

New control-reliable soft start double valve

oss Controls announced the latest addition to its family of industry-leading pneumatic controls, the M DM2 Series C double valve with an integrated soft start function. This modular valve unites the proven ROSS DM2 function with an innovative on-board soft start capability that allows gradual introduction of air to the system when the valve is energized. The valve can be adjusted to provide slower or faster buildup of system pressure, depending on the ideal setting for your application. This advanced design helps ensure safer start ups, reduces risk of machine damage and enhances uptime. The valve includes Ross’ proven 3/2 normally closed DM2 design which provides dynamic monitoring and memory for CAT-4 systems such as air dump/release applications. Memory, monitoring and air control functions are integrated into two identical valve elements for convenience and enhanced safety. The M DM2 valve locks out upon detection of asynchronous valve element movement and requires overt solenoid action for reset. The valve rapidly exhausts downstream air pressure when

de-energized, removing stored energy for safe access. The M DM2 Series C valve with soft start is enhanced with a modular mounting design, allowing flexible air entry system assembly. This also streamlines inventory and procurement procedures because only one part number is needed, saving time and resources. The valve is also cost effective because its dirttolerant and wear-compensating poppet construction ensures long service life in harsh environments. The series C double valve with soft start also offers; PTFE backup piston rings to enhance durability and operates with or without inline lubrication; a LED indicator displays main solenoid operation, reset solenoid operation and status indicator condition; a status indicator with pressure switch contains both normally-open and normally-closed contacts for status feedback to the control system regarding lockout or ready-to-run conditions; high flow, clog-resistant silencer allows for reliable noise abatement and an optional transducer monitors downstream Enquiry no: 34 system pressure.

Specialists in Corrosion Protection

HotDip Galvanizing – 3m x 1.2m x 1.8m Thermal Zinc / Aluminum Metal Spraying

Protective Coatings and Linings Abrasive Blasting

Tel: 041 4511947 | Fax: 041 4510773 | Cell: 0824410692 E-Mail: henning@galvaspin.co.za | Website: www.galvaspin.co.za 2 - 5 Fearick Street, Sidwell, Port Elizabeth

EC Industrial & Business News

sized pumps for all food applications

atson-Marlow Pumps Group (WMPG) has introduced three new models to its MasoSine range of sinusoidal pumps. Two of the new models – the SPS 250 and the SPS 500 – provide customers will an even greater choice of pump sizes for a wider range of applications. The third new model – the SPS 600L - provides a cost effective solution for higher capacity applications. MasoSine pumps have an exclusive sinusoidal rotor that overcomes the limitations of conventional rotary lobe pumps to produce powerful suction with low shear, low pulsation and gentle handling performance and features expected from the MasoSine SPS range. Widely regarded to be the pump of choice for the food industry, MasoSine are highly reliable, economic pumps ideally suited to high pressure, hygien-

ic operations. The SPS pumps also ensure superior viscous handling capability delivering powerful suction up to 0.85 bar. This allows products with viscosities from 1cp to 8 million cP to be transferred with ease. SPS series pumps offer capacity up to 99.0 m³/hr and pressures up to 15 bar thanks to their heavy duty construction. They can safely pump high viscosity products, while their innovative yet simple design allows economical in-process maintenance. With a single shaft and rotor, there is no need for the complex timing gears and multiple seals associated with conventional rotary lobe pumps. Hygiene and product quality are two factors of paramount importance at food manufacturing plants. MasoSine pumps have a simple construction which makes them suitable for cleanin-place, steam-in-place or manual

emü has developed the world’s first Single-Use diaphragm valve. Gemü Sumondo represents the long-awaited paradigm change to Single-Use design: From manual systems to automation-capable and controllable plants for faultless operation and continual documentation by the plant monitoring system. The trend towards simplified upstream and downstream plant designs and the effective prevention of cross-contamination risks means that Single-Use disposable technology is becoming an increasingly highprofile and important field – especially in pharmaceutical process engineering. Single-Use design is increasingly being used particularly in the manufacture of smaller batch sizes, which are required, for example, in research

and pilot plants. The secondary processes for cleaning and sterilisation (CIP/SIP) that are well-known and required for classic stainless material plant designs are in practice no longer necessary at all with Single-Use plants and processes. The necessary purity is guaranteed through the sterilization by gamma rays of all the process components used. This not only reduces the investment costs of such a plant, but also eliminates extremely time-consuming cleaning validation for operating media that are no longer required. Gemü Sumondo links the valve body and actuator together using patent-pending locking technology: After the application process, only the valve body is removed, the actuator itself can be reused repeatedly in the plant. The valve body is manufactured from polypropylene in a cleanroom

KZN Branch:

CT Branch:

041 364 0204 ft@spppumps.co.za

031 700 3773 ng@spppumps.co.za

021 852 3962 rh@spppumps.co.za

and is gamma irradiated up to 50 kGy. It isolates the working medium hermetically from the environment and from the actuator through an ultrasonically welded TPE diaphragm. The medium remains closed off from the environment by the welded diaphragm not only during operation, but also after removing the valve body. The major advantage of this lies in the exact controllability of processes. Using a tried and tested actuator design from conventional plant engineering, the actuator can also transmit feedback to the plant monitoring system as required to ensure complete monitoring of the controlled Enquiry no: 36 system.

Evolving to meet industry needs

eir Minerals Africa is evolvW ing from a slurry pump organisation into a solutions provider. “It

is no longer sufficient to just sell an item of equipment and to provide spares. You have to do a whole lot more. There is a growing require-

ment to back up the sale with service and advice, in addition to ensuring that the equipment operates optimally throughout its lifetime,” Gavin Dyer, newly appointed Regional MD, Weir Minerals Africa and Middle East, says.

Specializing in : Unistream, Thrustream, Eurostream, Aquastream and Instream pumps supply, spares and service. Also including fire prevention sets.

PE Branch:

Enquiry no: 35

Controlled process reliability

SPP Pumps (South Africa) (Pty) Ltd are authorized distributors of the Global Sterling Fluid Systems Group originally founded in 1895. Our experience spans all pumps and associated parts, but is not limited to those designed and manufactured by SPP and Sterling Fluid Systems. The extensive SPP, SiHi, Halberg and LaBour range of specialist pumps is a prime example of the extent of our capability.

JHB / Head office: 011 393 7181/2 ph@spppumps.co.za www.spppumps.com

cleaning. Manual cleaning requires no special skills or tools and can be performed in-place by a line operative. All MasoSine SPS pumps have a 20 year warranty on pump housing and cover. Customers also benefit from fully interchangeable components between pumps of the same size, which reduces the spares inventory. Commenting on the extension to the MasoSine SPS range, Andrew Ashton, UK Sales Manager at WMPG said: “MasoSine offers exceptional batch transfer performance, ease of use and suction lift capability for products as diverse as soft fruit and savory pie fillings, as well as highly viscous products. This extension to our range can help even more of our food industry customers make significant improvements to their process performance and the integrity of the end-product.”

Tel: +27 31 701 3261/2

Fax: +27 31 701 8216

Email: reception@natalpumps.co.za Website: www.natalpumps.co.za

“This has underlined a lot of our success to date. We have been prepared to invest extensively in service infrastructure and will carry on doing so. We are prepared to engage with service that is infinitely flexible. We will design a service package for a customer to meet their specific needs, even if such a service package requires specific investment,” Dyer says. “Given the tough times our customers have gone through, we are there to support them and make sure we understand their needs and that we keep on designing the most appropriate solutions for them.” “Our strategic focus is well planned and documented, and it serves as a roadmap for the company. These actions are tracked, reported on and managed throughout the business not only to ensure a focused approach across business units and functional areas, but also to provide a medium term view of capital investment and resources that might be required to realise our objectives.” In May 2010 Weir Minerals Africa set itself the goal of diversifying across its complete product range. At that time, most of its revenue was derived from the sale of slurry pumps and the company had entrenched itself as the market leader in slurry handling equipment. There are a host of customer case studies that bear testament to the market acceptance and successes achieved across the non-slurry product lines. The next goal was to improve performance at both branch and product level across Weir Minerals Africa’s geographical footprint and to address the issue of product Enquiry no: 37 replication.

September / October 2014

EC Industrial & Business News

MOTORS, DRIVES & TRANSMISSIONS

Next-generation electronic overload relay 9

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

+27 11 723 6000

www.zest.co.za

CUSTOMER FOCUSSED

INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS

24/7 24/7

Supply and installation of electrical instrumentation and control/PLC SCADA n Construction specialist in all major sectors across Africa n

EnI Electrical

Mini Substations n Transformers n Switchgear n

WEG Transformers Africa

Packaged Switchgear Motor Control Centres n E-Housing n Containerised Substations n

Shaw Controls

ENERGY Power Generation & Energy Solutions n Substations & Electrical Infrastructure n Mobile Power Solutions n

ZEST Energy

Electric Motors Variable Speed Drives n Soft Starters n Transformers n LV Switchgear n Diesel Generator Sets n

ZEST Electric Motors

dvanced cable manufacturer Helukabel has introduced a cost effective and lightweight aluminium power transmission cable to assist alternative power producers to cost effectively plug into the country’s national power grid. The cable is ideal for South African conditions and ticks all the boxes when it comes to reducing cost, simplifying transport requirements, ease of installation and even reducing the risk of theft associated with copper power transmission cables. The new aluminium power cables are a small fraction of the cost of copper cables and offers similar performance characteristics and lifespan. Yet the cable is considerably lighter and as a result is far easier to transport and install. In certain instances the light weight of the cable may even reduce the cost of support mechanisms and cable trays. According to Doug Gunnewegh, MD of Helukabel South Africa, the cables also have a special finely stranded aluminium wire construction, which gives them an added measure of flexibility and makes them easier to route in confined spaces and evidently reduce labour cost and man power. The cables have specially formulated heat resistant insulation and are UV and oil resistant for installation in harsh environments. To meet international sustainable development and environmental requirements the cables are also manufactured from neutral materials and contain no harmful halogen (LSZH) Enquiry no: 39 substances.

MARKET OFFERING

cables

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

power transmission

The E300 modularity – consisting of sensing, control and communication modules – provides users the flexibility to tailor the relay to meet their sensing, control and communication needs. The sensing module is available with a combination of current, voltage and groundfault-sensing capabilities, as well as direct contactor mount, panel mount and pass-thru styles. The control module is available with variations of AC and DC digital inputs covering voltage ranges of 24Vdc, 110Vac and 240Vac, as well as positive temperature coefficient (PTC) and ground-fault options ranging Enquiry no: 40 from 20mA - 5000mA.

WHERE YOU NEED IT, WHEN YOU NEED IT

SUPPORT

Lightweight aluminium

24/7 technical back-up n Fully qualified technicians n 5 Fully equipped training centres across Africa n 187 site visits into Africa per year

WHY

The GRID is a graphic element that helps to create the ZEST indentity. Derivative of the proportions of the logo, it is based on a proportion of width and height of 2-to3. The distance between the GRID elements is 1/3 of the height of an element.

MG’s new Rexnord/Falk product range - which encompasses industrial gear units, low-speed backstops, couplings, bearings and chain conveying solutions - is designed to minimise ownership costs and maximise the productivity of capital equipment investments. “This new range enhances BMG’s capabilities to fully support the company’s goals of being a comprehensive process solutions provider to all sectors of industry in sub Saharan Africa,” says Dave Russell, director, BMG – Bearing Man Group. “Many of our customers, which operate in remote and challenging conditions, strive to balance maximised productivity and output against low capital outlay and spares inventory. Improved product reliability and dependability are key to meeting these conflicting goals and we believe that suppliers of equipment to industry and mining have a critical responsibility to adequately support their product and service offerings. “Certain products within the Rexnord/Falk range have been available in southern Africa for many years and have become the industry benchmark for dependability and reliability, providing the standards by which generically similar products are judged.” “Now BMG has the entire Rexnord/Falk range together and made these products available from one supplier, for the first time.” “BMG has introduced recently launched off-the-shelf Rexnord/Falk products to the local market. The benefit of new materials and the latest design concepts, ensures efficient operation in harsh operating conditions, that previously affected reliability and productivity.” Engineers at Falk have assessed operating conditions around the world and studied the critical issues that negatively affect the reliability of equipment. They have introduced appropriate solutions to improve durability and extend product life, especially in arduous operating conditions. This intensive approach to reliability and extended service life applies to all Rexnord/ Enquiry no: 38 Falk products.

The GRID What is it?

Absolute reliability

and Components, Rockwell Automation sub-Saharan Africa. “Customers told us they value the technology’s remote monitoring and predictive trip alerts, but they also want designs that simplify programming, preserve network nodes, save wiring time, ease maintenance and minimise catalogue numbers.” The Allen-Bradley E300 Electronic Overload Relay offers standardised EtherNet/IP communications ease of installation and use, intelligent integration and operation, the expansion I/O reduces wiring time and network node count and patented current-measurement technology within the modular design expands versatility.

AFRICAN MULTI-NATIONAL

nspired by input from End Users, Panel Builders, OEM’s and System Integrators around the world, Rockwell Automation Engineers developed the new Allen-Bradley E300 Electronic Overload Relay. The E300 overload relay integrates communications, including EtherNet/IP, patented currentmeasurement technology and time saving I/O options, all in a modular design. The modularity provides users with the flexibility to tailor the device to meet their exact needs, thereby enabling their motor-driven processes to perform more efficiently and profitably. “As adoption of electronic-overload-relay technology has risen over the past decade, so have practical expectations,” says Adrian van Wyk, Business Manager – Power

September / October 2014

EC Industrial & Business News

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY Passport to streamlined and reciprocal practices

housands of contractors across numerous industries in South Africa have streamlined their compliance with occupational health and safety regulations through the innovative web-based Contractor Passport system developed by KBC Health and Safety. The Contractor Passport electronically monitors, records and stores medical and training records of all on-site employees in a central database to ensure employer compliance with occupational health and safety regulations, while eliminating the risk of duplication and loss of hardcopy documents. Since the official launch of the system in 2011, KBC, MD Graham Emmett (pic-

tured) reveals that the Contractor Passport has served as a vital tool in certifying occupational competence for employees working in the mining, construction and manufacturing industries. “A large mining house implemented the Contractor Passport as recommended practice for participating platinum operations in 2012, and adopted the system in May 2014 for all of its coal operations too. KBC is currently in

advanced talks with a number of additional mining houses, and I am confident of gaining substantial ground across the chrome, diamond and iron ore sectors too,” he notes. In order to promote the benefits of the Contractor Passport to the construction industry, KBC hosted its Construction Regulations Solutions Workshop in May 2014. One of the major problems that was identified was the movement of workers across different sites, which often amounts to duplication of training, medical examinations, verification of competencies, and access to information. These challenges can be easily solved through the use of the KBC Contractor Passport.

KBC has displayed its commitment to creating sustainable solutions to the various industry challenges that were raised at the event, through the recent establishment of specialised task teams that have been set up to work together with industry representatives, in order to establish and implement a single standard across the construction sector. “KBC is currently engaging with the Department of Labour and SAFCEC (South African Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors) in order to highlight the benefits of using the Contractor Passport as a database to regulate qualifications across the industry. Enquiry no: 41

Drug abuse in the workplace

lcohol testing the workplace has become increasingly common, as the dangers and liabilities in many industries of employees being under the influence of alcohol can be significant. Drug testing, however, is less common, even though the consequences are no less severe and the same legislation governs the usage of both substances. Drug testing has often been seen as challenging to implement from a legal perspective, as well as expensive, an invasion of privacy, and a host of other perceived obstacles that have limited its use. Improvements have made drug testing easier and more affordable than ever, and this, combined with appropriate education and drug testing policies, can assist organisations to save lives as well as improve productivity and their bottom line. This is according to Rhys Evans (pictured), Director of ALCO-Safe. Both alcohol and drugs cause impairment of judgement that can constitute a workplace hazard, particularly in environments that involve the operation of machinery. Preventing substance abuse in the workplace is not only generally accepted to be best practice, it is also regulated by the Operational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), which applies not only to dangerous environments but to any

business in any industry. OHSA General Safety Regulation 2A states that every employer has a duty to stop persons from entering or remaining at work if they appear to be under the influence of intoxicating liquor or drugs. A drug-free workplace can also help to improve productivity and employee performance, which helps to add value to business. Implementing drug testing alongside alcohol testing is essential for OHSA compliance, comprehensive substance abuse control, and ensuring workers are performing to the best of their ability. However, in order to ensure that drug testing does not become a legal issue, a multi-faceted approach is required. This includes substance abuse policies, employee education and drug testing. Substance abuse policies need to include full details of procedures to be followed when doing testing, outlined as a step-by-step process. It is also advisable to involve any appropriate unions in the formulation of drug testing policies, to ensure that there is no misunderstanding or misinformation at a later stage. Operators of drug testing equipment need not be medical professionals, but they do need to undergo competency training, so this should be included in the formulation of policies as well. Once these policies have been put into

place, the appropriate drug testing equipment can be integrated into the organisation. When it comes to selecting equipment, there are a number of different solutions available. Urine testing solutions are often cost effective and are highly portable. They are available as single and multi-panel dip tests, cassette tests where a pipette is used to drop samples for testing onto the tests and integrated cup tests, which incorporate the test panel into the sample cup. However, urine testing is not suitable for all applications. Due to the need for privacy, females must be tested by females, and males by males. There must also be a private bathroom available to obtain the urine sample. This is not always possible, however, so for applications where urine testing is not possible, saliva testing provides a convenient option. Saliva testing uses a swab to produce results in a matter of minutes, and can be used to screen for a panel of five common illegal substances including heroin, cocaine, marijuana and methamphetamines. There are no privacy concerns with such testing, and a male or female tester can test both male and female subjects. Drugs have the potential to cause as many problems in the workplace as alcohol, and the OHSA governs the control of all intoxicating substances, including drugs.

Enquiry no: 42

Ladder climb and descent-assist

ew to Becker Mining South Africa’s range of Tractel personal protection equipment, which ensures the safety of workers at height elevations, is the Tractelift climb and descent assist system. “The company’s new Tractelift climbing aid minimises worker fatigue and increases safety, while ascending and descending a ladder during installation and maintenance procedures,” says Charlotte Megannon, product manager for Becker Mining South Africa. “This climb assist system, which is easy to install onto any kind of vertical ladder, requires minimal operator training.” The Tractelift climb assist system, with a long lasting, reinforced synthetic belt, relieves the weight of workers, reduces effort and minimises injuries, thus increasing productivity. Features of this climb assist system include a continuous run rope loop which enables many workers to use the climbing aid without having to reset the system; an automatic start facility

which activates the system as ascent or descent commences and an automatic stop facility. For increased safety, an emergency stop device is also available. Tractelift can be fitted with a fixed or detachable motor and control, depending on user preference. There are two models in the range, with various features for use in different applications, including confined spaces, on high elevation inspection stations, wind power turbines and on communication towers.

Enquiry no: 43

Optimal functionality for safety

ooyco Electronics’ Remcon range of products provides industrial networking, telemetry, monitoring and control solutions and has been designed to function optimally with both conventional and contemporary technology. The innovative Remcon Fire Detection system meets the mining industry’s specific requirement for monitoring multiple gases at precise locations underground. Booyco Electronics has supplied some of the industry’s biggest installations in the gold and platinum sectors, including a system comprising 750 sensors. The Remcon Fire Detection system incorporates Booyco Electronics’ Smart Sensor that enables a localised display of sensor information. Incorporating this sensor in a “plug and play” format makes system maintenance faster and easier, allowing sensors to be replaced underground without the need for recalibration. The sensor can also accommodate up to 15 different gas types.

The equipment used for the Remcon Fire Detection system uses open wire modem technology and can run over long distances. The control room system is able to use any industrial type SCADA software package, such as Adroit, iFix, Citect, InTouch and Wincc. All panels are supplied standard with battery backup, a feature considered critical in today’s mining environment where power supply is not always assured. Panels are IP55 rated, while the industrial enclosures are manufactured from mild steel, stainless steel or polycarbonate materials, depending on the application. Booyco Electronics supplies quality specialised electronic safety equipment, including collision intervention systems. Its range of reliable accurate warning, locating and monitoring systems is engineered to operate in the harsh African conditions. Enquiry no: 44

September / October 2014

EC Industrial & Business News

COMPANY & PRODUCT NEWS

New affordable mobile communications device e eziFone is a new unique voice communications device that seamlessly combines the fundamentals of mobile phone technology with simplicity, convenience and affordability. Communication is a crucial human need and most people today own a cell phone. “But overengineering seems to be the modern trend, especially when it comes to smartphones and often products are designed to be an integrated life support tool when all you really need is a simple function like the ability to keep in contact,” says Marketing & Sales Director, Martin Bizior. “This drives up cost and complexity. Given the socio-economic climate, we identified a definite gap in the market for a product like

eeziFone which offers an affordable way to communicate while offering important cost control and safety options.” “This personalised little phone, and by little I mean a convenient pocket size - only 7mm thick (the size of a credit card) and weighing only 40 grams - offers just enough in terms of mobile communications. Yet it has unlimited possibilities and is suitable for applications across a widely diverse audience – from commerce and industry to leisure and education.” The handset sports a minimum of two, and a maximum of twelve contact buttons, each of which is printed with a contact’s name which corresponds to a predefined number. “The user simply selects the relevant contact name and presses the button to make

the desired call - true simplicity. Users can update the stored names and numbers at any time through an internet based dashboard and change them at will in real time.” The user interface removes the need for a screen making the eeziFone robust and durable. In fact the phone can be dropped from a second storey

Energy saving specialists now in PE

Enquiry no: 45

LSis Resin Core Transformers

hermoWise, specialists in energy saving systems for the industrial, commercial, domestic and agriculture sectors, has recently opened a branch in Korsten, Port Elizabeth. “The establishment of our new outlet in the Eastern Cape follows the opening of our Johannesburg facility earlier this year,” says Bronwynn Fine, director, ThermoWise. “The company’s expansion programme encompasses a strategy to establish a network of dedicated ThermoWise branches in key regions in South Africa, which are geared to service our growing customer base around the country. We will shortly be opening a branch in Bellville, Western Cape.” ThermoWise, which is committed to helping companies reduce energy consumption and optimise production efficiencies, supports an extensive range of energy efficient systems, with a specialist project and energy saving solutions service. The ThermoWise range of energy saving systems encompasses a full range of air to water heat pumps from 3.5 kW – 1 000 kW output; calorifiers designed and custommade to exact specifications, as well as energy saving and vandal resistant shower Enquiry no: 46 heads.

for Power Distribution, Static Converter, Traction Application.

Expanding EC industrial sales and rental presence

EnviRonmEnTaLLy SafE

successful growth trajectory for Renttech South Africa has seen the company acquire a number of new businesses, expanding its operational footprint and strengthening its position as a leading supplier of industrial equipment in both rental and sales. One of the company’s recent acquisitions, East Coast Industries Gas and Welding Supplies (ECI) in East London, has given Renttech SA a far greater presence in the Eastern Cape. “With branches in Port Elizabeth and Durban, it made sense to extend our reach in the Eastern Cape. ECI has provided expert service in welding and industrial gases for years, and was also a distributor of Lincoln products. As Renttech SA is the largest distributor of Lincoln in the country, it made for a good operational and cultural organisational fit,” says Gerrit van Zyl (pictured), MD of Renttech South Africa. The new East London branch of Renttech SA has given the company a strong presence not only in the immediate vicinity, but a capacity to service customers in the more remote areas such as Umtata and Queenstown. “Since the acquisition, we have been steadily expanding our customer base. This has also been assisted by the newly diversified product portfolio and the fact that we can now offer a rentals service,” says Renttech SA’s Regional Sales Manager Enquiry no: 47 Kevin Townsend.

window onto concreate and still make a call. With no screen to drain the battery, eeziFone offers a three-day standby and a shut off switch that can extend the battery life for as long as a year, making it the perfect emergency communication tool. eeziFone offers an ideal cost-effective mobile communication solution. Companies that have service teams out in the field can now operate with complete control over their technicians’ phone calls and expenditure. Runners and cyclists can purchase a cheap handset to take with them to stay in touch with friends or family and school kids can be empowered with mobile communication in a safe and controlled manner.

LS Cast Resin Transformers will not emit oil or toxic gases into the atmosphere. Therefore, they do not pollute the environment and are strongly recommended as a replacement for askarel (PCB)-filled transformers.

• Low maintenance

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“To be able to meet these objectives it was necessary for us to move from importing the vacuum trucks to partnering with a local manufacturing company. By building to individual customer specifications, local manufacture also reduces lead times from eight months down to between 12 to 16 weeks from order to delivery.” The systems are built on locally sourced UD 26-370 truck chassis homologated for on-road use in Southern Africa. “Positive displacement, liquid ring and vacuum/jetting combination systems are practical working solutions for local air conveying applications in industries such as oil refineries, chemical plants, foundries, cement plants and power stations where other methods cannot be employed,” explains GCE’s National Divisional Sales Manager, Graeme Kruger. “Positive displacement, which uses cyclone filtration with a multi pocket filter chamber, is highly suited for the removal of fine materials such as dust, cement powder and fly ash.” The Liquid Ring is the best solution for slurries and sludge but he adds that it can also be successfully used for the removal of fine dust.”

Filling a vacuum in the local market

oscor Cleaning Equipment (GCE), in a joint venture with Highpoint Vacuum, recently showcased the new class-leading, locally manufactured Vac-Master vacuum truck at Electra Mining 2014 . The Vac-Master, available in three configurations - Positive Displacement, Liquid Ring and a jetting/vacuum combination, will efficiently recover a full spectrum of materials, from solids and dry bulk powders (fine dust, fly ash and high SG (specific gravity) products) to liquids, slurries and thick sludge. “Our decision to enter into a joint venture with Highpoint Vacuum in April 2014 to manufacture and supply a quality range of air movers, vacuum trucks, jetting and combination jetting machines was based on a number of clearly defined objectives,” notes GCE’s National Sales Manager, Alex Theodoridis.

September / October 2014

COMPANY & PRODUCT NEWS

Enquiry no: 48

EC Industrial & Business News

Power project gets a lift H eavy lift, abnormal transport and plant relocation specialist, Vanguard, has completed a successful turn-key project for the R3,5-billion Dedisa peaking power plant. Vanguard carried out the transport, offloading and final positioning on site of the major power generation equipment for the plant located in the Coega Industrial Development Zone. Two sets of 191 ton gas turbines, 231 ton generators and 140 ton transformers were transported from the Coega port to the project site, where they will help stabilise the national electricity grid from 2015. The Dedisa peaking power plant, which will operate in times of high electricity demand or shortfalls of supply, will produce 335 MW from the two open-cycle gas turbines; Eskom has contracted to purchase the electricity under a 15-year agreement. The six heavy units arrived at the Coega port during August in two shipments, according to the Vanguard project manager Dale Huddy. “After directly discharging the vessels, we staged the heavy units in our port yard – in order to relocate the equipment in the required sequence for delivery,” said Huddy. “The turbine needed to arrive at the Dedisa site first, and was loaded onto our 16-axle,

three-file Goldhofer trailer.” Each Goldhofer muti-axle combination loaded with the heavy units was powered by a push – pull combination of Mercedes Actros horses. Passing under the N2 highway, the planned route for the convoy included only a couple of challenging corner turns. “We managed to navigate the tight corners so that there was only one road island to traverse, and the trailer’s sophisticated multi-axle suspension technology handled that with ease, distributing the load evenly despite the axles having to navigate different heights,” he said. To lift and place the heavy units

into final position on their respective foundations, Vanguard had set up its 500-ton ‘Power Tower’ hydraulic lift system, commonly known as a gantry system, on site. “This is a top-of-the-range gantry with a hydraulic drive system that allows easy travel along rails,” said Huddy. “We manoeuvred the trailer in line with the foundations and between two sets of rails on which our gantry system was placed.” In this way, everything was lined up with the unit’s foundations to facilitate quick and accurate placement to within a tolerance of just one centimetre. “After detaching the turbine’s transport saddle, our gantries were able to lift and travel forward with the turbine over a distance of 40m to its final resting place – lowering the unit onto four threaded rods on either side of the turbine itself,” he said. “Alignment was achieved by the accurate placement of slings over the header beams and lifting the unit in the correct position.” The generator and transformer were then relocated, offloaded and positioned on site in a similar fashion, using a second set of Vanguard’s 600 ton gantries in the yard at the port to lift the units onto trailers. Enquiry no: 49

Revolutionary industry trend for wood preservation

he wood preservation and building timber industry is set to embark on a revolutionary new product, called Biligom timber. Biligom International (Pty) Ltd, a South African company, has developed and patented a way to manufacture Eucalyptus construction and building timber that complies with all requirements for ongoing technical and quality accreditation as demanded by the industry. Biligom is currently in full production and will shortly be negotiating license agreements with interested parties who want to produce the product. Lonza Wood Protection has played an instrumental role in the design of the treatment plants for Biligom timber, with the first Tanalith E plant already installed

and in production near Tzaneen in the Limpopo Province. The project has received notable endorsements from various financing houses and other institutions. Furthermore, Abie Steers, Head of the South African Technical Auditing Services (SATAS), has confirmed that he has audited and awarded full SATAS accreditation to Biligom, and is satisfied that the entire production process together with all the documentation submitted has been verified with the wood preservation treatment. Biligom is positioned as a lucrative business opportunity for black entrepreneurs, who will be able to establish themselves in a sustainable construction wood and preservation treatment business that will create job opportunities

THE LEADERS IN STORAGE AND MATERIALS HANDLING SOLUTIONS

Enquiry no: 50

We pride ourselves in being the leading company offering choice, quality, value and excellent service for all your materials handling requirements

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• Pallet racking • Light duty racking • Fencing • Mezzanine ﬂoors • Conveyor systems • Vertical storage solutions • Linbins • Containers • Workbenches • Lockers • Cabinets • Shelving • Bulk storage • Trolleys & Ladders • Flooring & Matting • Drum storage • Pallets • Lifting equipment • Safety & Security equipment • Medical equipment • Refuse containers • Ofﬁce equipment • Washroom products • Cleaning products JOHANNESBURG • TEL: (011) 608-0250 • E-mail: salesjhb@linvar.co.za CAPE TOWN • TEL: (021) 380-8760 • E-mail: salesctn@linvar.co.za DURBAN • TEL: (031) 700-1434 • E-mail: salesdbn@linvar.co.za PORT ELIZABETH • TEL: (041) 367-1178 • E-mail: pesales@linvar.co.za

within their communities. Prospective clients who obtain a license for the Biligom /SATAS certified business kit will enjoy a reasonably hassle free start up experience and Lonza will be responsible for the supply and installation of the Tanalith E treatment plants and the supply of Tanalith E timber preservative at each production unit. Biligom timber addresses and provides a groundbreaking solution to the growing industry problem of a shortage of pine. In comparison to the 20 – 35 year growth turnaround time of pine, sawn green eucalyptus gum can now be treated with Tanalith E while still wet - meaning a much shorter six-year turnaround time.

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Expanding your reach romotional on-pack solutions are the P easiest and most common form of brand awareness in the retail industry. With many

different options available to choose from when it comes to on-pack devices, the idea is to choose one that best suits your brands’ needs and grabs the most attention from consumers, which in turn boosts sales. The multiple products promotion is a wellrecognised strategy whereby a brand will be offering two products to consumers – such as a buy one, get one free scenario or the second product purchased will be offered at a discounted price. Consumers respond well to this on-pack promotion because they are gaining something in return or saving on costs. The challenge, however, comes in joining these two products together and presenting them in an attractive and eyecatching way. “The Bedford ElastiBand is an innovative band and elastomer combined as one which works great for both bundling and labelling of products,” says Timothy Beattie, General Manager of Pyrotec PackMedia, a leading South African provider of on-pack solutions. “The idea behind the ElastiBand is to label, brand and market a wide variety of products and it is ideal for interlinking large diameter products that are normally difficult to tag or label together.” This device can be easily custom manufactured to suit a brand’s need and style. Enquiry no: 51

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September / October 2014

COMPANY & PRODUCT NEWS

EC Industrial & Business News

B Chevron South Africa CEO Stephen King (left) and CECM Board member, Greg Webb (right) look on as CECM CEO Clive Berlyn cuts the ribbon symbolising the official opening of the CECM regional offices in Port Elizabeth

Expanding footprint in Nelson Mandela Bay

ALTEX Eastern Cape Marketer (CECM), the home-grown Eastern Cape master franchisor for global fuel company Chevron, marked a new wave of growth with the opening of a fully-fledged regional office in Port Elizabeth in late September. CECM chief executive Clive Berlyn said investment in offices in the growing business area of Newton Park made commercial sense, as Nelson Mandela Bay accounted for 45% of the company’s trading volumes, and 60% of its real estate holdings in Caltex retail sites. The move to open a regional office also ensured that dealers would be serviced effectively and efficiently by a dedicated team focused on the western region of the province. The event marked two years since the company doubled in

size overnight in a R130-million acquisition of 41 additional sites, extending its footprint from its original East London base across the entire Eastern Cape. Berlyn said that the 2012 investment had amounted to R69-million in the Nelson Mandela Bay area. Since then CECM had invested a further R18-million in the area, in five new retail sites as well as an ongoing programme of underground storage tank replacements, and site remodelling and upgrades. “We are a proudly Eastern Cape company, having started from humble beginnings with 34 sites in the Transkei area in 2005. Today we have 98 sites across the province, and spend 95% of our non-fuel expenditure here in the Eastern Cape.

Enquiry no: 52

New range of solar power solutions

aster Power Technologies has launched a new range of photovoltaic solar solutions to compliment its current range of products for use in industrial applications in hot, arid regions, or wherever utility power is expensive or unreliable. The solar power systems are designed to supplement or replace utility power to save money and reduce the user’s carbon footprint, and some designs can feed excess power back into the power grid. “The Master Power Technologies’ battery-free solar power solutions have been designed with characteristics such as low heat degradation and high durability, making the equipment ideal for power installations throughout Africa,” explains Andre Naude, strategist for business development at Master Power Technologies. “Some of the benefits we have designed into the product include a constant power-output curve to maintain the electricity supply needed to meet peak demands, the ability to operate without active cooling mechanisms and almost no energy loss at high ambient temperatures.” The company has a range of grid-connected, grid-tie (or ongrid), stand-alone and off-grid solutions to choose from.

Grid-connected photovoltaic power systems are energised by photovoltaic panels that are connected to the utility grid. These power systems consist of photovoltaic panels, MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking, a technique used to obtain the maximum possible power from photovoltaic devices), solar inverters, power conditioning units and grid connection equipment. Unlike standalone photovoltaic power systems, they seldom have batteries or diesel generators attached. Grid-tie solar systems use inverters that meet stringent requirements, such as not emitting noise that can interfere with electrical devices, and must retain acceptable levels of harmonic distortion for quality of voltage and current output waveforms. “Grid-tie systems are advantageous as the electricity generated is used by the owner during the day.” says Naude. “During the evenings, when solar electricity is not generated, electricity is drawn from the grid, avoiding the need for costly battery banks.” Stand-alone photovoltaic power systems, on the other hand, are electrical power systems that are independent of the utility grid. Master Power Technologies also supplies off-grid solar generators. Enquiry no: 53

Queenstown aggregate crushing plant completed

&E International, a partner of choice for the mining and construction industries with its integrated crushing, mining and mineral processing solutions, has successfully completed an EPCM contract for the design, manufacture and installation of an aggregate crushing plant in Queenstown in the Eastern Cape for client Raubex Aggregates. “The plant needed to produce at least seven different types of aggregate specifications at any given time,” Dewald Janse van Rensburg, B&E International, MD, says. This was in order to be able to cater for the diverse requirements of the Queenstown market in the most cost effective and efficient manner possible. “Normally the production of so many different aggregate specifications calls for a major plant that has to be stopped for screen and liner changeover when the specifica-

tion needed to be altered. Instead B&E International designed a plant that can produce all these specifications simultaneously as well as allow for the opportunity to produce larger volumes of a single specification for major projects,” Janse van Rensburg says. “With our plant it is very easy to make all these different aggregate sizes work with the least amount of downtime.”

The head feed capacity of the plant is 200 tph while the crushing equipment specified comprised a Metso C100 jaw crusher with a vibrating grizzly feeder, a three deck CVB 1845-3 screen, a four deck CVB 1845-4 screen and two HP 200 cone crushers. Typical products produced by the plant include all road stone specification materials, namely 6.7 mm, 9.5 mm, 13.2 mm, 19 mm and sand fractions, in addition to ballast and gabion and base course specification materials. “The plant has been designed in such a way that the changeover needed to shift production from one specification to another has been optimised,” Janse van Rensburg says. This was achieved by means of SCADA automation in addition to highly mobile and flexible conveying systems being incorporated in the design philosophy of the plant. Enquiry no: 54

September / October 2014

COMPANY & PRODUCT NEWS

EC Industrial & Business News

Challenging power station maintenance

ope access specialists Skyriders has successfully completed a maintenance project at the Matimba power station, working at extreme heights on two of the power station’s stacks. Matimba is the largest direct dry cooling power station in the world. The coal-fired power station is run by Eskom and is located in Lephalale, Limpopo. It features six 655 MW units with a total installed capacity of 3 990 MW. The power station is fuelled by Grootegeluk open cast coal mine. Skyriders has been involved with various projects carried out at the power station since 2003. Marketing manager Mike Zinn notes that the company’s latest scope of work involved a high pressure wash and the application of acid resistant paint to the top 40 m of the two stacks.

“Working at such a height required having to pump the water up to the top of the two stacks, at a height of 250 m, which was a challenge. Another issue that had to be overcome for this project was the excessive wind, which resulted in approximately 52 days of work being lost,” he explains. An additional challenge that the Skyriders project team of eight rope access technicians faced was the short pot life of the coating system. The system was supplied by National Urethane Industries (NUI), a South African polyurethane systems house. Skyriders’ previous project experience at Matimba includes; coal silo maintenance, control bin inspection and maintenance, standby rescue on coal bunkers, and storm water downpipe sealing. Given the company’s proven performance and capabilities, Zinn is optimistic of future contracts. “Having proven ourselves to be highly skilled and proficient in the power generation sector, Skyriders will continue to carry out coal silo maintenance, control bin inspection and maintenance, as well as standby rescue on coal bunkers for Matimba in the foreseeable future,” he concludes. Enquiry no: 55

friSam’s offering to concrete precast manufacturers (CPMs) operating in today’s highly competitive marketplace incorporates several value-adds designed to improve the performance of their products and help to contain costs. Underpinning the primary products supplied to this market, Rapid Hard Cement in the 52.5R strength class and High Strength Cement in the 42.5R strength class in the northern market and a 52.5N product in the southern market, AfriSam’s value-adds include on-site technical services to determine the ideal mix designs for customers’ specific applications and propose aggregates that meet these requirements. SANS-accredited laboratory services are also available to verify and test the efficiency of mixes, and product deliveries can be specifically scheduled around customers’ individual activities. “In the CPM market we focus on

Value-adds for the CPM market

assisting our customers to operate as efficiently as possible,” Mike McDonald, manager of AfriSam’s Centre of Product Excellence, says. “This involves evaluating their existing mix designs and helping them to reduce unnecessarily costly components without compromising the quality of the end product. For example, certain customers have successfully switched to our SlagCem 42.5N product available from our Vanderbijlpark plant, a cost effective alternative to High Strength Cement in this market. “There is not a one-size-fits-all approach in the CPM market, so we draw from all the alternatives available to provide the most cost effective solution for each customer. We value our CPMs and we’re committed to building relationships that will give them a competitive edge. Our success to date reflects the quality, consistency and high performance of our products.”

The “R” early strength factor in AfriSam’s 52.5R CEM I Rapid Hard Cement and 42.5R CEM II High Strength Cement is proving to be a real differentiator in the CPM market. Top of the range 52.5R Rapid Hard Cement, developed for specialist concrete product manufacturers, is performing particularly well, achieving in excess of the SANS 50197 minimum of 30 MPa mortar strength at the twoday mark. This is enabling CPMs to develop a variety of new high specification products, such as highway barriers, roof tiles, retaining wall systems, culverts and concrete pipes. AfriSam is the only company to manufacture 52.5R Rapid Hard Cement as a standard product. Its 42.5R High Strength Cement has been specially formulated and activated to allow for further extension with additional mineral components in the production of structural concrete. Enquiry no: 56

Cable fault finding system

he Megger PFL22M-1500 Cable Fault Locator System provides a safe, efficient and easy-to-use solution for quickly identifying, prelocating and pinpointing various types of cable faults over a wide variety of power cables. The test set incorporates a high voltage generator with surge generation capabilities and a high performance time domain reflectometer, enabling a wide range of fault pre-location and location techniques to be deployed without the need for additional equipment. Designed for reliability and ease of use, the high-voltage generator incorporated in the PFL22M-1500 provides user-selectable surge output ranges of 0 to 8 kV and 0 to 16 kV, with constant surge energy of 1 500 Joules. It also offers a steady dc output of 0 to 10 kV at up to 115 mA, and 0 to 20 kV at 55 mA. These facilities, in conjunction with the integrated time domain reflectom-

eter, support the use of the arc reflection, arc reflection plus, differential arc reflection and current impulse techniques for fault pre-location. The high voltage generator also allows users to perform conditioning to stabilise faults, and to carry out high voltage insulation tests. In addition, the surge generator function is an ideal complement for the Megger MPP2000 acoustic and electromagnetic pinpointer for the accurate final determination of fault locations. The MTDR100 time domain reflectometer incorporated in the PFL22M-1500 CFL system, has a large 260 mm XGA colour display and offers intuitive and convenient single jog-dial operation. It covers distances from 100 m to 55 km in ten ranges, and offers pulse widths from 50 nS to 10 µS.

When used with the arc reflection plus fault prelocation technique, which is unique to Megger equipment, the MTDR100 can capture up to 1 024 traces during the period of the arc and subsequently analyse these to provide the best possible fault location information in even the most difficult of cases. As standard, the PFLM1500 cable fault location system operates from nominal 110 V or 220 V single-phase supplies, but an inverter module is optionally available to allow power to be derived from a battery source to facilitate use in locations where no convenient mains supply is available. Megger is represented locally by Enquiry no: 57 Surgetek.

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2014/06/13 11:04 AM

lower rebuilding costs

PD’S new C12 engine basic overhaul kits, cylinder kits, bearings, IPDStyle 1-2-3 and multiple style gasket sets, valve train and cam and pin bushings provide all the basic overhaul parts necessary to rebuild the Caterpillar C12 engine. The quality of this new line of components is characteristic of what mechanics around the world have come to expect from IPD, yet available at an extremely competitive price. Specifically designed to lower the cost of rebuilding Caterpillar engines without jeopardising engine performance or life, the C12 line is the latest in a series of new products that IPD has released. Available from official southern African distributors, Metric Automotive Engineering, the kits have been developed in response to demand from the highly competitive construction and mining industries. The kits include IPDSteel articulated twopiece pistons with IPD patented cast steel crown and aluminium skirt, together with piston pin, rings and liner. The IPDSteel pistons are manufactured in IPD’s California ISO9001:2008 Lloyd’s accredited facilities using state-of-the-art CNC equipment. Other elements in the kit are the IPD induction hardened liner for maximum wear resistance; the IPD rod and main bearings, made from heavy-duty industrial grade materials; and the IPDStyle 1-2-3 gasket sets that provide all the items needed for a proper in-frame Enquiry no: 58 engine overhaul.

September / October 2014

COMPANY & PRODUCT NEWS

EC Industrial & Business News

High tech fire trucks for SA airports

ustria-based Rosenbauer supplies tailor-made, state ofthe-art technology to airports throughout the globe. Every year over 2,600 fire trucks have been successfully shipped to their designated homes. In a first for the South African business, Dachser South Africa recently delivered a total order of 10 units of Rosenbauer 6 x 6 and 8 x 8 Panther firefighting vehicles for Rosenbauer’s client ACSA to major airports nationwide. The variety of vehicles shipped by Rosenbauer is vast: it ranges from chassis and bodies to deploymentready fire trucks, assembled precisely to customer specifications. The Panther powerhouse can accelerate

from 0 to 80 kph within 25 seconds or less. It can still unleash the full force of its firefighting power, even when at full throttle. The roof and front water nozzles are designed to deliver a peak flow volume of up to 10,000 liters per minute and a throwing reach of 90 meters, putting incredible power and technology in the hands of firefighters when they need it most. The vehicles arrived in South Africa via Dachser logisticians based in Hörsching, Austria. “We are constantly facing new challenges when it comes to customized and specialized models of six to 52 tons,” explains Dachser logistician Peter Windhager. Under these conditions, he and his project planners anticipated an approximately two to four week “preliminary notice period,” just to be able to reserve the proper ship capacities, obtain the special driving permits, and organize the flatbed trailers as well as drivers. Either on the back of a flatbed truck or—if possible—on their own four wheels, these fire engines are sent to ports at Bremerhaven, Hamburg,

or Antwerp. A portion of the freight vehicles get on what are known as “RoRo boats” (roll-on, roll-off ) to their countries of destination. If such basic shipping is impossible, then the fire trucks are either hoisted by crane into the belly of a “break bulk” ship or loaded onto so-called “flat-rack containers”—the kind with no sidewalls and no roof—and then onto container ships. The vehicles arrived in South Africa in the ports of Durban and Port Elizabeth. “As soon as the vehicles were driven off in Durban and Port Elizabeth it took about week to clear customs and have the Panther vehicles delivered to their respective destinations. Professional drivers with special permits were hired to move the vehicles. The project went very well with no real challenges,” says Detlev Duve, MD of Dachser South Africa. “We’re proud to have been part of bringing these formidable machines to South Africa.” According to Gerhard Wierer, Head of Logistics and Purchasing at Rosenbauer, the industry is continuing to grow, especially in countries with high security needs and in emerging markets like South Africa with intensified infrastructural investments. “We believe our prospects are excellent in the international project Enquiry no: 59 business.”

21 SANRAL Community Development Specialist, Dr Mongezi Noah (centre), gives truckers, Richard Peter and Petro Tefo, a safety care pack and tips at the N2 Engen Mayibuye Truck Stop in Port Elizabeth before they hit the road

Truck driver outreach initiative The South African National Roads Agency Limited recently hosted an awareness and education outreach programme to improve road safety on the N2 in light of the Eastern Cape having one of the country’s highest accident rates. Elna Fourie, SANRAL Road Safety and Awareness manager, said that as part of a national initiative, the agency was targeting long-haul drivers of heavy transport vehicles. “The road safety outreach programme at the N2 Engen Mayibuye Truck Stop in Port Elizabeth was the fourth and final outreach for the year.” Fourie says that heavy transport vehicle drivers often travel longer distances than motorists. “A recent Wits university study showed that three quarters of truck drivers reported fatigue on the job due to prolonged working hours. In addition, the study found that some truck drivers work 90 hour a

week, and that half of truck drivers get less than 5 hours of sleep per day.” A separate study into the causes of road accidents (including both motorists and truck drivers) points that the main factors were on the one hand human related driving errors (78%) and on the other as a result of unsafe vehicle mechanical issues (10%). Over 100 information packs were handed out to truck drivers as they woke up at the truck stop as well as soup and a roll. One driver, John Selai (59), who has been driving trucks since 1978 said that SANRAL “blessed our morning, because it is risky on the road”. Dr Mongezi Noah, SANRAL’s Southern Region Community Development Specialist, who was part of the morning wake-up call team, said that truck drivers are literally driving the economy of the country. The more support they get the better. Enquiry no: 62

Compaction indicators says when to stop

he complexity of different soil types makes quality compaction a challenge. Too little compaction and the soil may settle, causing structure failure. Too much compaction leads to unnecessary machine wear and downtime. Over-compaction can also cause some soils to “crack” under increased pressure. The compaction indicator on the Atlas Copco LG500 reversible plate measures the vibration patterns in the plate and shows how well the soil is compacted beneath the surface. The compaction indicator is mounted at the centre of the handle and the system communicates via a clear system of indicator lights. The three lights; yellow green and red, signal

the different stages of compaction. When the red light flashes the particular soil type has reached maximum compaction and it is time to stop. By combining compaction indicator-technology and operator’s knowledge, the risk of over- or under compacting is much reduced. The combination will save the operator’s time and increase uptime for the reversible plates. This

is thanks to less servicing, due to machine wear. To get an even safer compaction experience, the Atlas Copco’s CompBase provide detailed compaction data and capacity information based on full-scale tests. The machine and method selection is based on the material to be compacted and provides information on the expected depth effect and degree of compaction after any given number of passes. Enquiry no: 60

Property specialists in COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL • RETAIL • LEASING • SALES • PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Justin Smith 083 325 1880 Rudi Verfuss 083 995 4904 Kevin Slattery 084 469 9899

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Office: 041 363 5519 • Email: admin@northpointgroup.co.za • www.northpointcommercial.co.za

Low friction general purpose wiring

berdare Cables, a Powertech company, manufactures the Slipdac range of general purpose wiring with low friction characteristics. The wiring offer contractors a significantly easier approach to pull through conduit than standard house wire, saving time and effort. Designed for wiring in industrial buildings, housing and control panels, Slipdac’s cable-to-conduit and cable-to-cable friction is markedly lower than standard products thanks to a specially developed low-friction PVC compound used in the insulation. The single-core wiring is particularly suited for long and difficult wiring runs. Slipdac features high conductivity annealed stranded copper conductors to SANS 1411 Part 1, insulated with PVC to SANS 1411 part 2. Slipdac has a voltage rating of 600/1000V and is suitable for use in operating temperatures from -10°C to 70°C. The Slipdac PVC compound is low-friction as a result of slip additives migrating to the cable surface and therefore lower pulling forces are required to draw the cable through the conduit run making installation a much easier process. Perforations at both the top and bottom of the packaging allow coils to be stacked one on top of the other so that different coloured wires can be drawn smoothly and simultaneously into the conduit. Enquiry no: 61

We don’t know what the car of the future looks like. But we know how it will be built. Making things right. Answers for the future of manufacturing.

To ensure long-term success in the automotive market, production has to react flexibly to its changing needs. Nowadays it is about more than just the mere manufacturing process – product design, production planning, and service performance are also key factors. Volkswagen has already collaborated with Siemens to make production more intelligent. In the future, machines will learn to communicate

independently and to optimize production steps. The goal is to simplify the manufacturing of different car models. The benefits include greater flexibility, ncreased efficiency, and improved global competitiveness. The answers for the future of manufacturing exist. And now is the time to make things right. Because the world of tomorrow needs answers that last today. www.siemens.co.za

September / October 2014

COMPANY & PRODUCT NEWS

EC Industrial & Business News

Ultrasonic component cleaning

he cleanliness of engine components prior to inspection, testing and assembly is critical to the subsequent successful remanufacturing of diesel engines. Metric Automotive Engineering recently invested in an MOT 750 ultrasonic component cleaning machine to provide faster turnaround times to the benefit of its customers. Metric Automotive Engineering is a familyowned and operated company that remanufactures complete diesel engines and components. The company has built a reputation for superior service and a customer-centric attitude. Regular feedback from customers and research into new technology provide Metric Automotive Engineering with a sustainable business model. “The ability to more rapidly prepare the components for inspection and testing ensures that we are able to speed up the quotation time to our customers. This results in reduced downtime of customer machines,

with the concomitant improved productivity and enhanced return on investment,” Andrew Yorke, operations director at Metric Automotive Engineering, says. The Tierratech MOT 750 ultrasonic cleaning machine operates on the principle of releasing ultrasonic high frequency waves (20 kHz and greater) into the liquid in which the compo-

nents are immersed. The ultrasonic energy produced breaks the mechanical and ionic bonds that exist in the dirt and debris surrounding and within the components. The components are bombarded with ultrasonic waves over 40 000 times every second, producing a highly efficient micro-bush effect for maximised cleaning effort. The system is so effective that it is able to penetrate nooks and crannies that are inaccessible using other cleaning media. “Not only can we guarantee customers improved lead times on their remanufactured components and engines, but we are also exhibiting our commitment to environmental stewardship by using such a green cleaning methodology. The MOT 750 consumes minimal cleaning materials, since it operates at a very low concentration of about 2%. In addition, we are able to drastically reduce the amount of water used in the cleaning process, Enquiry no: 63 he says.

Sabre saw blades for pallet repair

he South African division of Bosch Power Tools has launched a new range of sabre saw blades for pallet repair which offer the user the best combination of strength and flexibility. Bosch Power Tool SA Accessories senior brand manager Campbell Mhodi notes that the new sabre saw blades boast numerous features, including a reverse tip, reinforced and radiused shank, vario tooth geometry and application specific bi-metal (BiM) material. He explains: “The reverse tip is ideal for pallet repair, as it offers the user a prolonged blade life, as well as reduced jamming and bending during operation. The radiused shank transition increases shank life, while a special shank treatment ensures greater strength of the blade.” Mhodi adds that the vario tooth geometry provides the user with a smoother cut and lower vibration in pallet repair applications. “The vario tooth design allows for flush cuts and corner chamfer cuts on wooden pallets. The blades are made from an application specific BiM material which offers the user the optimum balance of strength and flexibility for numerous surface types.” Bosch Power Tools SA has launched four models of sabre saw blades for pallet repair applications locally. They include; the S722VFR, S1122VFR, S725VFR and S1125VFR. All of the sabre saw blades feature application specific BiM material, a reverse tip, and the vario tooth technology. The S722VFR and S1122VFR blades feature designs optimised for ultimate flexibility, and have cutting depths of 125 mm and 165 mm respectively. The S725VFR and S1125VFR have blade dimensions optimised for low vibration levels and stability with high service life and also have cutting depths of 125 mm and 165 mm respectively. Enquiry no: 64

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ooyco Electronics supplies a range of IS barriers tailored to the specific needs of the southern African mining and petrochemical industries. These barriers are suitable for use in all hazardous areas and are compact, easy to use and robust enough for both surface and underground environments. A major advantage of these units is that they are single-device barriers, with each unit serving as an isolation barrier on a communication bus between a non-hazardous and hazardous area in a mine or plant environment. The application of alternative battery technology has resulted in the development of an IS uninterruptible power supply (UPS), which offers reliable performance under the harshest operating conditions. The Booyco Electronics IS-UPS is locally manufactured under stringent quality management systems and meets all statutory regulations pertaining to IS equipment. This innovative technology provides a direct current output of 12 V or 24 V or a combination of both for extended periods of time and is suitable for a number of critical applications, including maintaining communications systems and fire detection systems. To cater for individual application requirements, the units can be supplied in multiple outputs. Combining the IS battery with the IS-UPS eliminates the dangers associated with a conventional UPS, making it possible to use a far lighter, and more cost effective, explosion proof enclosure. Also part of the IS barrier range is Booyco Electronics’ active high power, 2 Amp at 12 V IS Power Supply Unit (PSU), suitable for providing items in hazardous areas with various Enquiry no: 65 DC IS power.

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September / October 2014

COMPANY & PRODUCT NEWS

EC Industrial & Business News

“Only one truck works for Africa”

hat more can a truck manufacturer wish for than a customer who not only sings the praises of its brand and its aftersales support, but also claims that for their own operation there is “only one truck that works in Africa”? Buks van Rensburg, MD of Buks Haulage Limited (BHL), which primarily uses these FAW units in its 130-vehicle fleet, has made this exceptional accolade for the FAW 28.380FT (commonly called the J5). To bear out this claim, he has ordered a further 100 FAW vehicles to back-up the 99 units he already has. “I took the decision in October last year that all my replacement vehicles

will be the same FAW 28.380 truck tractor in future. We use it in two configurations – one with a side-tipper trailer supplied by Afrit Trailers and the other with a flat deck.” BHL have been running 70 of the FAW 28.380FT side-tippers, transporting copper concentrate from the mines in Zambia to the countries smelters. Thereafter the robust 29 FAW flat decks transport the beneficiated material from the smelter, over 2 400 kilometre from Ndola, Zambia, to Walvis Bay, Namibia, for export to China. “Treacherous roads with the worst conditions ever seen – dirt tracks, potholes, sludge, sand and rubble. Hard on any truck and driver, and capable of virtually breaking the

camel’s back – the vehicle’s and the driver’s – in very quick succession,” explains Van Rensburg. Being very logistics savvy Van Rensburg keeps his fleet ‘loaded’ with all return trips from Namibia to Zambia, carrying various chemicals, some hazardous even – like sulphuric acid - needed by the mining industry up in the African copper belt. BHL has 100 depot employees, of which 12 are FAW-trained technicians to look after the FAW fleet. BHL holds R5-million in parts and spares, to not only service and maintain the vehicles but to carry out repairs and even conduct rebuilds if necessary. “Ironically, we purchased quite a lot of parts, anticipating some particular high repair rates. Of the

50 clutch kits purchased 18 months ago, we have only used 8 to date.” “We’ve seen concrete evidence of FAW’s durability, reliability and simplicity. Our drivers love their FAW trucks. BHL follows a one-driverone-truck policy. Also our drivers prefer the manual transmission because they are quicker to repair

and, frankly much easier to drive in Africa. The 28.380FT has the best uptime – a big incentive for drivers too. Keeping our well-trained drivers comfortable the FAW provides a cosy cab with air-sprung seats, airconditioning and all the necessary creature comforts.” Enquiry no: 66

Local company wins big award

MA Engineering was one of only five suppliers recognised as “Top Supplier to Volkswagen South Africa” at the VWSA Supplier Recognition Awards Function recently. The company’s award as “Volkswagen Top Supplier – Reliability” is their second major award from VWSA, having scooped the “Top Supplier Award” in 2011. SMA Engineering manufactures and supplies the full range of air conditioning lines that are assembled into the Polo and Vivo vehicles, built at the VWSA Plant in Uitenhage. In addition, the company has been awarded the global contract to supply into the Bentley SUV platform which will be built in Crewe, United Kingdom start-

ing late 2015. In addition, SMA Engineering is celebrating its 15 year anniversary in October. The company currently employs over 400 dedicated staff that manufacture around 10,000 lines per daily from the state of the art manufacturing facility in East

London. Continuous support comes from SMA’s sister company, SMA Metalltechnik, located in Backnang Germany, as well as from shareholder INDUS, Germany. Currently SMA Engineering main customer is Mercedes Benz South Africa Export Department, followed by BMW South Africa Export and Volkswagen South Africa. SMA exports 80% of their products to Mercedes Benz, Germany, on various platforms, BMW, Germany, as global supplier into the 3-series built in Germany and VW with growing market share. Locally SMA supplies into VWSA Uitenhage, and BMWSA, Rosslyn. Enquiry no: 67

Increased power and reduced fuel consumption

oith’s two-stage air compressors offer a range of benefits to commercial vehicle operators including a high degree of energy efficiency, low-emissions, reduced weight and longer service intervals. The key to this range of benefits is an inter-cooling system that ensures consistently high air quality and noticeably lower fuel consumption. An extended compressor lifetime is another advantage of the two-stage principle which benefits all bus and truck operators using any Voith air compressor. The extent of the demand for Voith air compressors can be seen in the figures noted by the Zschopau site.

The team there only began developing and setting up production for air compressors back in 2009. Yet within the last two years, Voith has manufactured 100,000 compressors which are now in use in trucks and buses worldwide, working to ensure higher vehicle efficiency. The latest compressor generation the LP 725 and the LP 490, are based on a cast aluminum concept. These compressors in light-weight version are already being incorporated as standard into Mercedes Benz’s

Actros, Antos and Arocs trucks, as well as its latest generation Euro 6 engine buses Travego, Citaro and Setra, to name but a few. A two-stage Voith air compressor with a gray-cast iron design is integrated as standard into MAN city buses fitted with D08 and D20 diesel engines, as well as Volvo Buses Sweden. The two-stage principle features an intermediate chamber with cooler between the suction and pressure chamber. This allows air to be cooled as it makes its way from the first to the second compression stage. Enquiry no: 68

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September / October 2014

INDUSTRY PEOPLE

EC Industrial & Business News

R638 million EC school infrastructure programme on track

Local dealership - a shining star Mahindra Motorland in East London was one of the brightest shining stars at Mahindra South Africa’s annual awards evening in Kempton Park recently. This dealership was not only the top seller in the Mahindra network with 225 units sold in 2013, but was also the winner of the prestigious Dealer of the Year award in the large dealer category. Pictured above with the other winners and Mahindra representatives is fourth from left, Steve Chandler, DP, Mahindra Motorland in East London

New MD for Volvo Trucks and Renault Trucks SA Volvo Group Southern Africa has announced the appointment of a new MD for Volvo Trucks and Renault Trucks SA. Christian Coolsaet, a Belgian national, will take up his new position with immediate effect, looking after the Volvo Trucks and Renault Trucks brands in the region. Coolsaet was previously the Volvo Group’s director of Commercial Trucks in Central Europe.

Two new directors

ontinental Tyre South Africa (CTSA), is pleased to announce the appointments of Fayruz Abrahams (top right) and Sivuyile Boqwana (bottom right) as Directors to the CTSA board as of August 2014. Abrahams will be serving in the capacity of Independent Non Executive Director and Boqwana as Executive Director. “We are very excited about this move. Both ladies bring a wealth of experience and dynamism to the board” said fellow Executive Director and MD of CTSA, Dieter Horni.

CDC board of directors

oega Development Corporation welcomed Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality Mayoral Committee Member for Economic Development, Tourism and Agriculture, Babalwa Lobishe, (top left) and KwaZulu-Natal based advocate Thandi Norman (bottom left) to the CDC Board of Directors

UD Trucks to appoint new MD

he Board of UD Trucks Southern Africa has announced the resignation of the company’s managing director, Jacques Carelse. Rory Schulz (pictured), a well-respected and experienced stalwart at the company, has been appointed as acting managing director.

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he Coega Development Corporation (CDC), implementing agent for several DOE projects, have announced that it has completed sixty school infrastructure programmes across the Eastern Cape in just one year. “We currently sit at 82% of the projects done. We have a total of 73 school infrastructure upliftment projects valued at R638 million that need to be completed by the end of year,” said Zine Mtanda, CDC programme director for education and sports, recreation arts and culture. Sixty construction and refurbishment projects, including emergency schools, early childhood centres, technical workshops and the eradication of mud structures, have been completed in just one year, and have been handed over to The Department of Basic Education and the Eastern Cape Department of Education throughout the province. The school infrastructure upliftment programmes have been for communities in OR Tambo, Chris Hani and Amathole rural districts of the Eastern Cape.

The CDC estimates that in addition to new modern education facilities, around 1 575 jobs have been created for the communities where those schools reside. The latest school infrastructure improvement project was the R16 million Manqulo Junior School in Butterworth. The project encompassed the development of nine new classrooms, an early child development centre, soup kitchen and media centre, rainwater tanks, ablution facilities, security and stock fencing, and full grade electricity. “The remaining thirteen schools of the 73 projects will be completed and

handed over in December this year,” adds Mtanda. “Eradicating mud schools restores dignity to education and is transforming people’s lives for the better. Learners and educators have better access to improved environments for learning, teaching and growth,” added Mtanda. “The programme – are the outcome of a desire of both government and the CDC to bring positive transformation in the education sector for the Eastern Cape through decent schooling facilities to children in the province,” said Dr Ayanda Vilakazi, CDC head of marketing and communications “The programme aims to deliver adequate standard of schools to all children in the province and to ensure that the facilities are conducive for effective teaching and learning,” added Dr Vilakazi. “Schools play a critical role as a catalyst for a better life and the gateway in equipping society to improve its liveliEnquiry no: 69 hood.”

Employees give back to adopted school

eneral Motors South Africa (GMSA) employees volunteered their time recently to ensure that learners at a disadvantaged Port Elizabeth school have a safer, cleaner learning environment. GMSA encourages staff to get involved in its corporate social investment projects, and this year adopted Tjaart van der Walt Primary School. The school accommodates more than 1 000 learners from the lower-income area of Algoa Park and nearby Missionvale, one of the poorest areas in the city. About half the pupils at the school are exempted from paying school fees, while the school has to employ four additional teachers and eight cleaners from its own funds. This puts a strain on the budget available for critical expenses such as much-needed repairs to fences that

ensure the safety of learners, deputy principal Margi Bigge said. GMSA came to their aid by erecting palisade fencing at the front of the school, and a group of 10 employee volunteers spent From Maxine Frieslaar, Levina Moorcroft, Zeeyana Dastager and Esterline Martin. a morning at the school – cleaning the library, planting flowers to beautify the school environactively contribute and give back to sociment, and handing out snacks to the ety. We encourage employee volunteerlearners. ism whereby staff can play an active role Ms Bigge said the school also had its in improving the lives of the less fortunate own feeding scheme that assisted 124 and the vulnerable in our community. learners daily, and gratefully received “Employees give freely of their time and the GMSA team’s donation of 288 meal have the opportunity to engage with our packs that feed six people each. community partners, while contributing to “As a responsible corporate citizen, GMSA’s standing as a caring organisaGMSA cares about the community and tion,” GMSA Corporate Communications environment in which we operate, and Manager, Gishma Johnson, said. Enquiry no: 70 we constantly seek ways in which we can

Homes and soup kitchen for Bay’s underprivileged communities

everal shipping containers have been transformed into homes and a community kitchen facility for underprivileged communities in Nelson Mandela Bay established as part of Ford’s Global Week of Caring. In all, more than 13,000 volunteers from Ford operations in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America contributed around 81,000 hours of expertise and labour to improve their communities during this period.

The projects in Nelson Mandela Bay were spearheaded by Basil Raman, Production Manager at the Ford Struandale Engine Plant, and unveiled by Jeff Nemeth, President and CEO of Ford Motor Company of Southern Africa and government officials from the Department of Human Settlements. The metal shipping containers will provide much needed housing to several

households in the Vastrap informal settlement in Booysens Park, while the soup kitchen in Malabar has a capacity of serving 500 disadvantaged people a week. Staff (pictured) of the Ford Struandale Engine Plant were responsible for the conversion of the containers into community-uplifting assets with a purpose of addressing social inequalities. Enquiry no: 71

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7/18/2014 1:14:46 PM