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IN MANY INDUSTRIES, DRONES NOW OFFER A WAY TO REALIGN RESOURCES, GATHER DATA, REDUCE COSTS, ENSURE SAFETY, OPTIMISE PROCESSES AND INCREASE EFFICIENCY.
plan the contents of each delivery to optimise the load weight for maximum efficiency.
Changes to laws and regulations Unfortunately, organisations can’t deploy all these drone applications right now. Legislation in Australia — and most other developed countries — restricts the height that drones can fly and requires them to remain in line of sight of an operator. While this might be important in populated areas, exceptions should probably be made for applications like remote powerline and pipeline inspections. But first you need to have organisations that are willing to do it and make a case to change the laws and regulations that are holding them back. Our proof of concept shows how the power of digital transformation doesn’t lie in individual technologies, but in combining new technologies in an integrated way. It’s how you connect
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these technologies with people and processes to solve problems within your business or your industry that makes a difference. And maybe we’ll need to update some laws as well. What we have demonstrated with drones, the Internet of Things and business software for aerial power line inspections is just a taste of what’s to come. *As Director of IFS’s in-house technology think tank, IFS Labs, Bas de Vos is responsible for innovation projects that illustrate the future of enterprise software. de Vos and his team research and develop ideas that derive from concepts and technologies beyond the usual context of traditional enterprise IT. IFS Australia www.ifsworld.com/au
RADAR LEVEL TRANSMITTERS A wide range of tanks, process liquids and conditions requires appropriate technologies to provide consistent filling level information. Using the right level measurement equipment makes this easy.
GF Piping Systems offers the non-contact radar level transmitter type 2290 and guided radar level transmitter type 2291 for the chemical process and water treatment industries. The products are used in challenging tank applications where other contacting or noncontacting measuring principles face limitations. The level transmitter type 2290 combines all advantages of radar level measurement in a compact and economical unit. It is available in a variety of different materials to resist even the most corrosive environments. With its tank mapping function, it is easy to block out objects like internal pipes, welding seams, stirrers or heating elements. The guided radar level transmitter type 2291 is suitable for tougher applications. It provides consistent measurement even in turbulent process vessels. The radar signal is sent down the probe assembly, eliminating the interferences caused by low dielectric liquids, heavy fuming, slightly conductive foams or internal tank obstructions. Transmitter type 2290 is available with PP or PTFE antennas. Type 2291 can be delivered with either stainless steel or FEP coated rope, or stainless steel or PFA or PP coated rod. The transmitters are equipped with a big LCD display for clear visualisation and easy configuration. The communication can be either via HART or analog. Georg Fischer Pty Ltd www.georgfischer.com.au
52 INSIGHTS 2017