SA Instrumentation & Control | Volume 40 | September 2024

40 VOLUME NO 9 SEPTEMBER 2024

Official publication of the SAIMC

INSPIRING AUTOMATION

Piecing together a 40 year legacy

Control systems | Food & beverage | Oil & gas | IT in manufacturing Electrical power & energy efficiency | Fieldbus & industrial networking

MANUFACTURERS

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VOLUME 40 NO 9 SEPTEMBER 2024

03 08 16 18 REGULARS News & events SAIMC news System integration

OUR COVER 14

40 VOLUME NO 9 SEPTEMBER 2024

Official publication of the SAIMC

The Topham family’s journey with RET Automation and Turck Banner is a story of visionary leadership, familial dedication, and an enduring commitment to innovation. With Brandon’s retirement, Turck Banner is reflecting on a legacy that spans four decades, and is rooted in innovation, dedication and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Read our cover story on Page 14 to find out how the family’s spirit and influence will remain an integral part of Turck Banner’s identity for years to come as a whole new team stands poised to fill in the pieces of the puzzle.

INSPIRING AUTOMATION

Automation professionals

Piecing together a 40 year legacy

Control systems | Food & beverage | Oil & gas | IT in manufacturing Electrical power & energy efficiency | Fieldbus & industrial networking

FEATURES

19

Control systems

Vepac Electronics, ifm – South Africa, Michael Brown Control Engineering CC, Beckhoff Automation

24

Food & beverage

igus South Africa, Vepac Electronics, Endress+Hauser South Africa, VEGA Controls SA

29

Oil & gas

VEGA Controls SA, WEG Africa, Parker Hannifin SA, Emerson Automation Solutions

34

IT in manufacturing

TechnicalLeaders

36

RJ Connect, Schneider Electric South Africa, LOESCHE South Africa, Turck Banner

Electrical power & energy efficiency

39

Fieldbus & industrial networking

Lapp Group, KROHNE SA, Turck Banner

www.instrumentation.co.za September 2024 1

welcome VOLUME 40 NO 9 SEPTEMBER 2024

Some random thoughts

EDITOR Kim Roberts MSc Chem kimroberts@technews.co.za

In the afterglow of the Olympics, my most enduring memory is the men’s 100-metre finals where the top four were separated by three hundredths of a second; and Noah Lyles beat Kishane Thompson by four thousandths of a second, while the entire field was separated by 12 hundredths of a second, and would have earned a medal in every previous Olympics. The implications for these incredible athletes with respect to recognition is huge. These random numbers are the difference between being ‘just’ a world-class sprinter and a superstar. This made me start thinking about numbers and their importance. For example, what are the random numbers that run our lives? The first thing that came to mind was gaming. One of the first (and few) programs I ever wrote was a program to play roulette. I was really proud of it and brought it out for a wine-filled student evening. It needed a random number generator, and my trusty 64K Apple had a command to do this. At the time I totally believed that this was truly random. Some further investigation has now taken me into the fascinating world of random numbers – gaming is only a tiny part of it – and randomness is not what I thought. It’s a critical component of things in our daily lives that we take for granted – like protecting our passwords, forecasting weather patterns, predicting trends in financial markets, modelling the spread of diseases (a bit close to home for most of us), improving the performance of large language models, optimisation of automation processes, and a whole lot more. So what exactly is a random number? It’s a value that is unpredictable and lacks any discernible pattern. In maths, random numbers must have no bias toward any value. Surprisingly true randomness is incredibly difficult to achieve in the digital world. Computers, by their nature, follow specific instructions. The problem is that they rely on internal mechanisms that are predictable, so the outputs of their algorithms eventually become predictable too. If computers can’t generate true randomness, what can? Researchers look for chaotic physical phenomena that can’t be predicted or manipulated, like the noise of an electrical storm or pictures of raindrops on glass. If you need some random numbers, the website random.org is one of the best-known places to look. It relies on high-quality atmospheric noise from nine large radio receivers worldwide. Another promising source for generating true random numbers to secure information is the unpredictable motion of the oily blobs in a lava lamp. Yet another is based on bubbles in

a fishtank; and another group of researchers found randomness in the unique genetic sequences in DNA molecules. The latest thinking is that the best random number generator (RNG) relies on quantum mechanics effects.

CIO & DIRECTOR Graeme Bell

NHD Elec. Eng., MBA gbell@technews.co.za

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Michael Brown BSc (Eng) (Rand), CEng MIEE MSAIEE Gavin Halse BSc Chem Eng

ADVERTISING Sales manager Jane van der Spuy jane@technews.co.za Tel: +27 83 234 5412 Heidi Hargreaves

These are as random as it gets. For example, the behaviour of subatomic particles like the timing of the decay of a single radioactive atom is completely unpredictable. There’s even a project that uses a banana to generate random numbers, since bananas are known to be mildly radioactive. With the development of quantum technology, we can look forward to even more inventive RNGs in the future. RNGs operate behind the scenes in ways we don’t even realise. One essential application is in cryptography. Our online banking relies on them to create secure keys that protect data from unauthorised access. The strength of an encryption algorithm is directly related to the quality of its random number. They are also used to generate strong, unpredictable passwords that are difficult for attackers to guess or crack. Every time you choose a new password, a computer adds a random number to scramble it. The same applies when you visit a website that begins with https. The process automation world also increasingly relies on advanced algorithms based on randomness for modelling digital twins. Engineers can model variables such as equipment wear, environmental changes, or unexpected disruptions to get more accurate predictions on how they’re going to behave. By doing this they can assess risks, protect sensitive information, optimise their processes, and generally make better decisions. In hardware testing, RNGs can generate random signals to stress test components and systems. This is important in industries like aerospace or automotive, where systems must be highly reliable. By using RNGs to simulate a wide range of operating conditions, engineers can identify potential weaknesses before they become critical issues. Without random numbers, all these systems would be predictable, insecure or ineffective. Next time I do my banking, or check the weather, or look at my shares, or take a pill, or roll some dice, I’ll think again about what’s involved.

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Disclaimer While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements, inserts and company contact details are printed as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, adapted, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd, Reg No. 2005/034598/07

2 September 2024 www.instrumentation.co.za

NEWS & EVENTS

Festo makes strides in establishing Fourth Industrial Revolution technical labs Shortly after the launch at EEC, Waterberg TVET College in Thabazimbi finalised the official

Festo has long been referred to as the leader in industrial automation and technical education, but the role that they keep playing in driving educational transformation proves that they have earned and deserve their title. The company has been involved in a long-term project from the beginning of 2021. The Manufacturing, Engineering and Related Services Sector Education and Training Authority (merSETA), which is part of the 21 Industry Sector Education and Training Authorities for skills development, partnered with Festo to drive the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) project in rural colleges. The strategic alliance aims to introduce comprehensive 4IR educational programmes that will significantly boost the employability and productivity of the workforce, and also enhance the capacity-building efforts of the staff at Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. The first successful launch of the project was witnessed in 2022 at Maluti TVET College in the Free State. This was followed by Ekurhuleni East TVET College (EEC) in March 2024. The lab, named Indwe 4IR Lab, was launched through a national event attended by the Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Buti Manamela, and Festo representatives including Oliver Niese, CEO of Didactic Global and Digitalisation; Horst Weinert, head of Didactic for sub-Saharan Africa; Nader Imani, vice president of Global Education Projects; Amas Siszer, regional manager for Europe, Middle East and Africa; and Ramon Condal, the cluster spokesman of South-Europe and Africa.

opening of their Thabazimbi Technical Lab. The official opening of the fully equipped 4IR resource centre took place on 25 March 2024. The next institution that was earmarked for opening was the West Coast TVET College Atlantis Campus stakeholders, such as the principal of West Coast College, the acting CEO of merSETA, the CEO of Education, Training and Development Practices Sector Education and Training Authority SETA (ETDP SETA), and college partners. “The world is changing; the world of work is also changing; therefore, the world of education should also change. 4IR has impacted us in more ways than we could have imagined. We now talk about smartphones, smart cities, smart products, and smart factories. It is, therefore, fitting that we talk about smart colleges. The launch of the West Coast College 4IR workshop is not an accident; it is a step in the right direction,” said David Setlhake, area manager of Festo Didactic South Africa, during his speech. “For students to exercise their creative minds to innovate and attract the eyes of the industry, they must be exposed to 4IR technology such as those found in the 4IR workshop,” he added. These modern labs, equipped with various technology such as bionics, robotics and coding, embedded microcontrollers, mobile robotics, smart factory integration, fluid power, and sensor technology to mention a few, will in Cape Town. The lab was launched on 17 May 2024 in the presence of various

elevate the curriculum of these educational institutions. Colleges will open doors to new modules that will pave the way for continuous technological transformation. Festo has made great strides in the world of automation and technical education across the globe, and this momentous partnership adds to their accolades. As more colleges embark on this transformative journey, the ripple effects will be felt not only within the communities served, but also across the broader industrial sphere. Festo’s unwavering commitment to driving innovation and fostering skills development underscores its status as a trailblazer in the industry, with this partnership poised to leave a lasting legacy for years to come. For more information contact Festo South Africa, 08600 FESTO (33786), marketing.za@festo.com, www.festo.co.za Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Buti Manamela.

Michael Brown’s Online Practical Control Loop Optimisation Courses and Control Loop Optimisation Services

Optimisation Services and Consulting: Michael Brown has had 40 years of experience in control loop optimisation, and in that time has successfully optimised controls in many different types of plants, including pulp and paper, power stations, chemical and petrochemical, oil, steel, mining and metallurgical recovery, cement, brewing, glass, dairy, food, and sugar, both in South Africa and many overseas countries. His work has proved invaluable to plants and has resulted in greatly improved performance and ROI.

Courses: These well known courses are unique and invaluable to newcomers as well as experienced practitioners and process engineers in the field of industrial regulatory control optimisation. The courses offer a new and very practical approach to this subject, which very few people really understand properly. Courses are available on demand for classes of up to six delegates. They are suitable for instrumentation and control technicians and engineers, and for process engineers. Many chemical and mechanical engineers as well as metallurgists have gained a lot of practical insight from attending these courses. Also many Advanced Control practitioners have found the knowledge invaluable when optimising base layer controls, which ensures that the APC will operate much more efficiently. Even people with many years of experience in this field have found the courses a real eye opener.

+27 82 440 7790 michael.brown@mweb.co.za www.controlloop.co.za

MICHAEL BROWN CONTROL ENGINEERING CC

www.instrumentation.co.za September 2024 3

NEWS & EVENTS

Process technology: SICK and Endress+Hauser sign strategic partnership

German sensor company SICK and the Swiss measurement and automation technology specialist Endress+Hauser have agreed on a strategic partnership. Endress+Hauser will take over worldwide sales and service of SICK’s process analysis and gas flow measurement technology, with a joint venture to be established for their production and further development. The aim of the partnership is to provide customers with even better support in increasing their efficiency and sustainability. The two companies’ offerings in process technology complement each other perfectly. SICK’s products are currently used, in particular, in waste incineration plants, power, steel and cement plants, in the oil and gas industry, in chemical and petrochemical plants and in shipbuilding, for example for analysing emissions in flue gas cleaning or for measuring the flow of natural gas and hydrogen. “This strategic partnership opens up opportunities for growth and development for SICK and Endress+Hauser. By collaborating and networking we can achieve more together than either side could on its own – all for the benefit of our customers and employees,” says Dr Peter Selders, CEO of the Endress+Hauser Group. “Our aspiration is to drive the sustainable transformation of the process industry and to support our customers in leveraging the opportunities presented by decarbonisation. We look forward to the strategic partnership and to

From left: Dr Mats Gökstorp, chairman of the executive board at SICK; Dr Peter Selders, CEO of the Endress+Hauser Group. shape the future of process automation together,” says Dr Mats Gökstorp, chairman of the executive board at SICK.

For more information contact Endress+Hauser South Africa, +27 11 262 8000, info.za.sc@endress.com, www.za.endress.com

Parker’s control systems in the 2024 America’s Cup

is vice president and chief technology and innovation officer for Parker. “Their elite sailors will helm some of the fastest boats ever built, and we look forward to the challenge of bringing the America’s Cup back in 2024.” We’re truly privileged to have Parker as a vital part of our team,” said Terry Hutchinson, skipper and executive director of American Magic. “Parker has brought in world-class engineers and cutting-edge products that significantly enhance our capabilities. Their extensive experience in sailing, the marine industry, and the America’s Cup has been invaluable.” By applying more than a century of engineering expertise, Parker will integrate its controls, hydraulics, and actuators into a key motion and control system that helps the boat achieve stability as it lifts onto its foils and accelerates. “When the America’s Cup racing yachts begin to rise above the water, travelling faster than the wind, and you watch as they literally take flight, part of it does feel like magic,” added Czaja. “Our engineers are excited to apply Parker’s technologies and flight control expertise at the highest level of international sport, and we are honoured to compete in this historic race as part of the American Magic team.” For more information contact Parker Hannifin SA, +27 11 961 0700, lisa.debeer@parker.com, www.parker.com/za

Parker Hannifin will design and implement advanced control systems for New York Yacht Club’s American Magic racing yachts, and support the challenger’s pursuit of the 37th America’s Cup. As Official Control Systems Partner to American Magic, Parker will use its proven aerospace and industrial technologies for systems that enable precise control of the yacht’s lifting surfaces and wing, providing optimum performance that is critical at the elite level of competitive sailing. The upcoming America’s Cup will feature the AC75 class, a high-performance foiling

monohull. With a crew of eight members, the AC75 is renowned for its distinctive engineering and sailing techniques, enabling it to attain early lift and reach remarkably high speeds while foiling. The boat undergoes continuous enhancements, focusing on reduced weight and upgraded onboard electronics and software systems. “Parker is thrilled to support American Magic once again, building on our achievements from the previous campaign and the trusted partnership we have developed together,” said Mark Czaja, who

4 September 2024 www.instrumentation.co.za

NEWS & EVENTS

Valve specialist, Valve & Automation, supplies total valve and control solutions to key process industries throughout southern Africa. The company has now been appointed as the exclusive agent for US company, Cashco, for the supply of control valves, regulators, tank equipment and flame arrestors. Founded in 1920, Cashco has become a leading manufacturer and worldwide marketer of a broad line of industrial control products, after a series of key acquisitions. These included Valve Concepts, Kaye & MacDonald and Sensiflo. This expanded Cashco’s product line with the addition of high-flow, high-purity, high-pressure and tank-blanketing valves, and also pilot-operated vent valves used to control the vapor space and emissions associated with storage tanks. The company has four separate product ranges: • Rotary and linear control valves. • Back pressure and pressure reducing regulators. • Tank valves including tank blanketing valves, pressure vacuum vents/valves. • Flame arrestors. It services its customers in industries including chemicals, terminal storage, oil and gas, electronics, food and pharmaceutical through a worldwide network of offices and representatives. Outstanding supplier relationships are key to Valve & Automation’s success, as is its ability to access support globally from wherever a project is situated. This new partnership is yet another testament to the company’s commitment to exceeding customer expectations with superior processes, systems, products and brands by using its world-class Valve & Automation is exclusive agent for Cashco

products and unmatched industry and application knowledge to help customers meet their business objectives more effectively.

For more information contact Valve & Automation, +27 31 579 2593, sales@valve.co.za, www.valve.co.za

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NEWS & EVENTS

Preparing engineering for the future

Thinking big but starting small is often a sensible step to take to be successful. To this end, the EPLAN Forum is a hybrid-format event taking place in Cologne on 25 to 26 September. The EPLAN Forum 2024 invites stakeholders from around the world to a top-class event for knowledge exchange. It is open to anyone interested in sharing knowledge and exchanging experiences related to automated engineering, machine cabling and ERP/PDM integration. It will focus on topics including automated engineering, machine cabling, and integrated ERP and PDM systems. Presenters from EPLAN’s clientele and other international companies will share their practical experiences using EPLAN software. They will provide valuable insights and assistance to other interested parties who would like to make the most of their processes, from upper management through to experienced EPLAN users.

marketing and networking environment where members can present inspiring case studies and success stories. Exhibiting vendors have the chance to deliver thought-provoking presentations without resorting to sales pitches, fostering the development of a vibrant manufacturing community in South Africa. Sponsors benefit from connecting with qualified decision makers and end users, resulting in unique marketing opportunities. For delegates, the summit offers a chance to gain insights from global thought leaders in business process management, robotic down as managing director after more than 25 years at the helm of Adroit Technologies. Johan Nieuwenhuizen, current sales director, and Frits Kok, current chief technology officer, have been appointed as joint chief executive officers. In addition, three new directors have been appointed to the board, namely Pawel Pietak, director of technical services, Jason Munitich, technical director, and Hugo Pienaar, director of digital services. Wibberley explains, “Adroit Technologies is a global software company supplying software into the factory and process industry in over six continents. With over 35 000 licences sold to happy customers in industries that span the industrial and IT environments, we have grown the business to 30 times the size it was when we first took it on 25 years ago. However, despite this success, Adroit needs new direction, leadership and energy to go EPLAN´s director of Vertical Market Management, Harold van Waardenburg explains, “Today’s companies must ask themselves how engineering and downstream processes can be optimised in a future-oriented way. The EPLAN Forum is the premium event for the complete automation of engineering processes. Increasing numbers of companies are focusing on eliminating manual work steps and expanding their automation in engineering. They are moving to the next level in the process of automated engineering. Here the focus lies on tried-and-tested strategies for the highest possible degree of automation in engineering. How can this be achieved? Standardisation is essential, but there are further methods and approaches depending on a company´s specific requirements. An example is the targeted integration of EPLAN

process automation, machine learning, artificial intelligence and hyperautomation. Delegates can stay abreast of the latest technology trends, engage in valuable networking, and participate in informal meet and-greet sessions with industry experts. The inclusion of case studies provides practical examples of success, while earning CPD points adds an additional professional development dimension to this comprehensive event. For more information contact Jane Collett, MESA Africa, +27 82 528 1238, jane@mesa-africa.org, www.mesa-africa.org to the next level. We felt that it was important going forward to reward and bring on internal staff that have in their own right shown the leadership, commitment, and initiative that have been the driving force behind the company’s success. The new directors bring skills that will continue to enhance and deliver products to our customers that will help them leverage their current investments in Adroit’s scada and related products. This will allow them to take advantage of the productivity gains possible in the digital world, while we will focus on the continued world-class service and support we have become so well known for.” Wibberley and Mike Lamusse will retain their positions on the board in an advisory capacity. For more information contact Adroit Technologies, +27 11 658 8100, info@adroit.co.za, www.adroit.co.za data into ERP and PDM systems, which can unlock huge potential.” Register at www.eplan-software.com/eplan-forum For more information contact Johan Reyneke, EPLAN Software & Service, +27 83 925 2054, reyneke.j@eplan.co.za, www.eplan.co.za

Adroit Technologies announces management changes

Adroit Technologies has announced the following management changes, effective from 1 August 2024. Dave Wibberley steps Dave Wibberley, outgoing managing director, Adroit Technologies.

MESA Africa 2024 Summit

The MESA Africa 2024 Summit will be held on 16 and 17 October at the Capital Empire in Sandton. With the theme ‘From Smart Factories to Brilliant Enterprises – The Evolution of Manufacturing’, this action-packed annual summit will have exceptional guest speakers and presenters from industry who will share their knowledge and expertise. The summit serves as a platform for established and emerging companies in the manufacturing and operations sectors to showcase their products and gain exposure. With a focus on knowledge sharing and community building, the event offers a unique

6 September 2024 www.instrumentation.co.za

NEWS & EVENTS

Empowering the next generation of engineers

RS South Africa is excited to announce the winners of the inaugural Student Project Fund, an initiative aimed at empowering the next generation of engineers by supporting hands-on prototyping and experimentation. “The Student Project Fund is a product donation programme that supports students who want to advance their projects from just a concept to something physical, and to have the experience of building and testing their innovation,” explains education and social impact specialist, Wesley Hood. The six selected winners will each receive R10 000 worth of RS products to assist in bringing their ambitious projects to life. These projects span a diverse range of fields, from environmental conservation to advanced healthcare solutions. “We are excited to help these young people advance their projects, as they bring new ideas that will help solve problems in various industries, regardless of how small or big the positive change might look,” says Hood. Dylan Opperman, from Nelson Mandela University is developing an autonomous solar panel cleaning robot. This project addresses the critical issue of dust accumulation on solar panels, which can significantly impact their efficiency and performance. Mishay Naidoo and team (Stephanie Paine, Ryan Jones and Tristyn Ferreiro), from the University of Cape Town are working on a project to enhance conservation efforts for the Southern Yellow-billed Hornbill, a species currently facing endangerment in the Kalahari. Michael Awe, also from the University of Cape Town, aims to revolutionise preventive healthcare through early disease detection. His project involves developing a low-cost, high-accuracy sensor array to identify disease specific VOC profiles, enabling early diagnosis of conditions like Parkinsons.

Annabelle Bester and Team TuksBaja, from the University of Pretoria.

Annabelle Bester and Team TuksBaja, from the University of Pretoria are designing and building a small, single-seater offroad vehicle. Their project adheres to the rules set by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), and demonstrates their commitment to automotive engineering. Shamira Pillay, from the University of Witwatersrand is fabricating and optimising anaerobic biobatteries using banana waste. This research aims to achieve optimal power density, longevity, stability, thermal resistance, and biodegradability for industrial energy storage applications. Lebogang Moloto from the University of Johannesburg is developing a real-time sensor-based monitoring system to detect and

remediate heavy metal contamination in water, addressing a critical environmental and public health issue. With the Student Project Fund, RS South Africa demonstrates its commitment to supporting students in engineering and technology-related courses. By providing essential resources for prototyping and experimentation, the company aims to equip students with the skills necessary for their future careers. “We strongly believe these innovations could transform our world for a better future,” concludes Hood. For more information contact RS South Africa, +27 11 691 9300, sales.za@rs-group.com, za.rs-online.com

MESA Africa 2024 Summit 16 - 17 October

INSPIRING AUTOMATION

ADVISORY COUNCIL FOR COMPUTER ENGINEERING

The Capital Empire, Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa

Guest speakers: Walker Reynolds (keynote speaker), Lungile Mginqi, Prof Theuns Pelser and Michael Payne “From smart factories to brilliant enterprises – The evolution of manufacturing”

www.mesa-africa.org

MESA Q.indd 1

2024/08/29 12:50

www.instrumentation.co.za September 2024 7

SAIMC NEWS

National Members

From the office of the CEO

The 2024 SAIMC AGM was the most efficient meeting − not just AGM − that I have ever attended, even with 44 members in attendance. We even beat the record of one hour set by our previous chair of the board, Oratile Sematle. Among the issues discussed was the SAIMC 2026 strategy, which prioritises the success and well-being of our members. This has led to a couple of actions, one of which is our collaboration with Discovery Health, which gives SAIMC members access to beneficial rates. We have also implemented the Never Work Alone programme. You can contribute and participate for your own benefit and for the benefit of the industry. There is more information on the SAIMC website. SAIMC is thriving beyond all our expectations. Companies are joining, government is requesting input, workshops for professional registration are being arranged on a regular basis, and we have many more activities. There can be confusion about the role of ECSA and voluntary associations (VAs) such as SAIMC. ECSA ensures that our standards are aligned with the rest of the world and that the public is protected against malpractice by its professionals. The responsibility for providing benefits to members lies with the VAs. The annual gala dinner held at the Monte Casino Ballroom in Fourways was an enormous success thanks to Jane van der Spuy ( Technews ); Jane Collett (SAIMC); Ina Maartens (SAIMC); Chad Andrews (Lapp); Llewellyn du Plessis (RX Africa); and all our sponsors and guests. A special word of thanks goes to Jane Collett, who coordinated all the arrangements relating to the dinner to ensure that everything went smoothly. She has a history of arranging events like this and it showed. Another special word of thanks goes to Jane van der Spuy for her tenacity when it came to inviting guests and sponsors to attend this showcase event for the automation industry. Without her, it would not have been possible. Thanks also go to Ina Maartens, who kept a watchful eye over the budget and table seatings to ensure that the event would be enjoyed by everyone without breaking the bank. Lastly I would like to thank Chad Andrews for the wonderful job he did as master of ceremonies. He went out of his way to ensure that everything went smoothly, and quickly filled any gaps in the evening’s events − like stepping in when a speaker forgot to introduce the next speaker. We also handed out certificates to our new Didactic members, North-West University, Polytech Africa and Tshwane University of Technology (Nelson Mandela University could not attend).

Johan Maartens.

It was a night of magic, with entertainment by illusionist, Larry Soffer and music by the Julia Lamberti quartet, and Chad showing boards to inform us when to clap, whistle or applaud – and sometimes all three. It was magical! Getting back to earth, the world is in turmoil, with people blaming each other and having strong opinions with little to no knowledge of a situation The media is having a field day with half-baked truths designed to achieve maximum financial benefit from other people’s misery. This reminds me of a story. A child visiting a zoo somewhere in the USA gets too close to the lion’s enclosure. The lion gets a hold on the child’s jersey and starts pulling. A man sees this, rushes in, and hits the lion on the nose. The lion lets go. A journalist who watched the whole scene rushes closer and declares the man a hero, saying that he will definitely publish the brave deed in the next morning’s paper. They get to talking and the journalist finds out that the brave man supports the opposing political party to that of the journalist. The next morning’s paper reads, “Man attacks immigrant and steals his lunch.” Everybody is now looking for this man, and when they find him they say it will not be a pretty picture. There is no way that we can enjoy a healthy life and a feeling of well-being when there is no peace. Who is right and who is wrong? Against what do you measure this? Without measuring something, it cannot be improved. You cannot measure unless you calibrate your measuring device. To calibrate a device, you need to know what to use as a standard. The problem is that mankind has decided to create its own standards. Because people can never agree with one another, we cannot develop a universal standard that is applicable to all. Without a universal standard, measurements do not make sense and therefore mankind cannot judge who is right and who is wrong. Everything is based on the feelings and manipulation of people who have ulterior motives. Yours in automation Johan Maartens

8 September 2024 www.instrumentation.co.za

SAIMC NEWS

Johannesburg branch

In celebration of Women’s Month, the SAIMC NPC Johannesburg Branch hosted a ladies event on 16 August 2024 at the Northcliff Country Club. The theme was ‘art class’ and each lady got to paint and decorate two wooden houses. The hands-on approach of Carol Willemse from Carol’s School of Art put our ladies completely out of their comfort zone, but everyone got advice or assistance from Carol on improving their project. Catering was by Adele Maritz from aDeli, and the ladies could not get enough of the delicious treats. They ranged from something for the health conscious to decadent Tiramisu and custard eclairs. Our attendees included representatives of the SAIMC Exco, Ki Leadership Institute, Technews , Rx Global, iToo Special Risks, Eagle Technik, TANDM Technologies, Pepperl+Fuchs and WIKA Instruments. Thank you to every lady who attended and made our function so enjoyable, the Johannesburg team appreciates your support. Hats off to Ann and Cheryl and their suppliers for a super afternoon. The people were very friendly, and diverse in age and ethnicity. It was such a relaxing and fun afternoon. I am no artist, but I had such fun decorating my wooden houses for my granddaughter. It was great to meet people whose names we had only previously seen on paper. The activities were unexpected and different, but so good. A huge thank you to Ann and Cheryl for arranging this, I had a super time. Delightful, refreshing and challenging. From the thoughtfulness of the exquisite catering to the artistic challenge, this was one of those exceptional events. It was calming, engaging, fun, interactive and different to normal motivational functions. Thank you for the unusual approach. The brilliant artist facilitating the process had such a delightful, non-intrusive way of guiding us. Thank you, Ann and Cheryl. This was seriously needed.

k24ICsep44.Leigh Image Filename: k24ICsep44 Wordcount: 314 Print Section: SAIMC Johannesburg Ladies Day Online section: SAIMC

www.instrumentation.co.za September 2024 9

SAIMC NEWS

MC, Chad Andrews.

Julia Lamberti Quartet.

SAIMC gala dinner By Jane van der Spuy.

In the glamorous setting of the Monte Casino Ballroom, the 2024 SAIMC gala dinner kicked off with delicious purple cocktails in the foyer, and a soundtrack of ‘oohs and aahs’ at the array of beautiful and interesting masks adorning the guests in keeping with the theme of Masquerade Ball. There were batmen, rabbits, and devils, some were scary and industrial, others were decorated with glitter, glamour, silver, gold, diamante and feathers, and there was even a COVID mask, as everybody stretched their imaginations and played out their fantasies through their attire. Guests were dressed to the nines, and there was an air of excitement and anticipation of a great fun evening to come. As everyone entered the

venue they were met by the soothing sounds of jazz from the Julia Lamberti Quartet, who played during the starters and main course. The proceedings were led and kept well on track by MC, Chad Andrews, managing director of Lapp, who was witty, professional and fun. As the objective of the evening was to meet up with friends old and new, the formalities were kept to a minimum, starting off with a welcome from chair of the SAIMC board, Marc Van Pelt, who wished everybody a splendid evening after giving an optimistic view of the automated world of the future with SAIMC making significant waves within it. CEO, Johan Maartens was next, giving some insight into the

CEO Johan Maartens.

Chairman Mark Van Pelt.

Entertainer Larry Soffer.

Carol Weaving RX Managing Director.

To enjoy all the photos from the evening please visit: https://johanspiesfotografiebk.shootproof.com/gallery/25276966/

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an article like this would be an injustice, but suffice it to say that he lived up to his mantra of inspiring the audience to ‘believe to see’ instead of ‘seeing to believe’. It could only be described as mind-blowing, and nobody came away disappointed at this fitting ending to a wonderful evening. The SAIMC would like to thank all the table sponsors: Proconics, RJ Connect, ifm, Lapp, Iritron, Allpronix, Comtest, Adeptly Africa, SAIMC Johannesburg, Creative Plastics, Eagle Technik, MESA Africa Computer Engineering Advisory Council to SAIMC, and SECO Process Instrumentation. Additional thanks go to those companies who took specific sponsorships (see previous page).

structure of the SAIMC, and it was his honour to hand out Didactic certificates (see his CEO’s letter on page eight). The formalities ended with a short address by Carol Weaving, managing director of RX, who thanked the industry for their support of AATF and reinforced the importance of the relationship between the SAIMC and RX. Carol added further sparkle to the evening (on top of her gorgeous gold dress) by giving everybody in the audience tickets to the upcoming ComiCon event. Our entertainment for the evening was illusionist, Larry Soffer. Once he took the stage the ‘oohs and aahs’ escalated to exclamations of delight and disbelief at his magic. Trying to do justice to it in

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Johannesburg branch

The SAIMC Johannesburg Branch technical event for August was hosted by Swagelok, with the guest speaker being Keenan Naidoo. Keenan is a field engineer whose expertise shone through in his wonderful presentation. The topic was ‘Clean Energy: Hydrogen Basics’. In this rapidly developing world, with its constant pressure to reduce carbon emissions, there has been a strong move towards developing clean energy. One promising source of alternative energy is hydrogen. This is present in natural resources such as water and hydrocarbons like methane. Two commonly mentioned ways of extracting hydrogen are steam methane reforming and electrolysis. The production of hydrogen is often categorised into colours, which describe the process and the byproducts. Grey hydrogen is the standard, but the process produces substantial amounts of carbon emissions. Blue hydrogen is the output of the steam methane reforming process, and converts natural gas into hydrogen, with carbon dioxide as a byproduct. The carbon dioxide is then captured and stored underground. This process is cheaper than green hydrogen and less destructive to the environment than grey hydrogen. However, it has the potential to make environmental issues much worse should there be a release of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. Green hydrogen is the latest development, and the technology is the subject of extensive research and development. It is produced through the electrolysis of water using renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. The process splits water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen, resulting in a clean fuel that produces only water vapour on combustion. Once the hydrogen gas is produced what do we do with it? As a gas it has a low density and takes up a lot of space, but there are solutions. By increasing the storage pressure it can be compressed to reduce the space it occupies, or it can be liquefied by cooling. Each of these methods has its own requirements. Because of its properties, caution also needs to be exercised when handling hydrogen. For example when fluid systems are being designed, careful consideration should be given to the selection of materials and elastomers as hydrogen interacts with these materials uniquely.

Ann de Beer (left), with Keenan Naidoo.

Green hydrogen is already being utilised in applications worldwide, including vehicles, trucks, forklifts and generators. These generate their own electricity using a fuel cell rather than relying on a built-in battery as in electric cars. The fuel cell converts green hydrogen from a tank in the car and oxygen from the air into electrical energy through electrolysis. This process produces only heat and water vapor, with no emissions. This is a big win as current internal combustion engines produce a whole range of harmful emissions. Green hydrogen is definitely on track to being better understood and shows great promise as a fuel for the future. The Johannesburg team would like to thank Swagelok for the insightful presentation.

12 September 2024 www.instrumentation.co.za

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Secunda branch efficiency, drone and 3D technologies are emerging as powerful tools that can reshape traditional practices, and we got a glimpse into how they are revolutionising this field. PC and Robert showed how drones can play a valuable role by bringing the plant to the engineer using the power of Lidar scanning of real-world applications. This provides an immersive experience using VR and AR to simulate actual conditions, providing engineers with a hands-on understanding of their projects, without leaving the office. By bringing the plant to the engineer, utilising advanced lidar scanning, and leveraging VR and AR, we are witnessing the dawn of a new era in engineering. The Durban branch of the SAIMC held a most interesting and well-attended technology evening in August. The topic was the application of drone technology in engineering work, and the evening was kindly sponsored by Proconics. PC Annandale and Robert Theron took us on a fascinating journey, with lots of ‘wow’ and ‘awesome’ heard from the audience. PC is currently the Responsible Person for Flight Operations (RPFO) at Proconics, and Robert manages the automation, ICT and RPAS team. In a world where engineering demands constant innovation and Durban branch

The audience was treated to live demonstrations of both traditional and SLAM-based lidar scanning. These technologies enable the creation of highly accurate 3D models that are essential for a variety of engineering applications. The Durban branch would like to thank Proconics for their sponsorship of the evening. Mark Calvert (right), Durban GM thanking Robert Theron.

The scattered light that returns is analysed to provide temperature data. This technology has a wide range of applications, including the oil and gas industry, power and energy sector, mining operations, environmental monitoring, structural monitoring, and research and development. Despite its numerous advantages, including long-distance monitoring and real-time data provision, DTS technology also presents certain challenges. The high cost of the system compared to traditional monitoring methods is a significant disadvantage. Furthermore, the installation process is complex, particularly the software component that houses the system’s intelligence. Calibration can also be a challenging aspect of deploying this technology. In summary, Mpendulo’s presentation highlighted the sophisticated capabilities and wide-ranging applications of DTS technology. This technology is essential for

Mpendulo Shabangu from Mbonyasambe Technology Solutions visited the Secunda branch on 7 August, to deliver a presentation on Temperature Profiling using Distributed Temperature Sensor (DTS) technology. The presentation included a detailed explanation of DTS, and its advantages, disadvantages, and other relevant aspects. This advanced technique utilises fibre-optic cables to measure temperature continuously along the entire length of the cable, offering a sophisticated solution for temperature monitoring. During his presentation, Mpendulo elaborated on the intricacies of Rayleigh, Brillouin and Raman scattering techniques, explaining how each contributes to the measurement process. DTS systems mainly uses two of these methods to accurately measure temperature. In the process, light is directed into the cable and bounces along the fibre.

Bernard Sello (left), SAIMC Secunda Committee, with presenter Mpendulo Shabangu, Mbonyasambe Technology Solutions. temperature profiling and monitoring in various industries, providing accurate and continuous measurement solutions. The Secunda SAIMC committee would like to thank Mpendulo for his time and presentation, and Proconics for hosting the monthly Technology Evenings.

www.instrumentation.co.za September 2024 13

Farewell to a family legacy path in automation, one that would make a real difference in how industries operate. Our journey has always been about more than profit – it’s about innovation and creating lasting relationships with our clients.”

In the landmark year of 1984, Rodney Topham embarked on a journey that would not only define his career but also leave an indelible mark on the automation industry. The birth of RET Automation was more than just the inception of a company; it was the beginning of a family legacy rooted in innovation, dedication and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Now, as the curtain is about to fall on this remarkable era with Brandon Topham’s impending retirement at the end of September, it is time to reflect on a family legacy that spans four decades. A visionary beginning RET Automation Controls was founded in 1984 by Rodney and Eva Topham, their initials creating the acronym RET. Rodney began by buying and selling automation products from his garage in Edenvale, Johannesburg, laying the foundation for what would become a pioneering company in the field. An increasing number of satisfied clients and principals soon saw it expand into a business with modern spacious premises just off the R24 in Edenvale. First occupied in 1995, they soon expanded through the purchase of an adjacent building in 1998. Rodney’s vision for RET Automation was both ambitious and revolutionary. In an era when automation was still in its infancy, he foresaw the transformative potential it held for industries worldwide. His dedication to advancing technology and improving operational efficiencies became the bedrock of RET Automation’s ethos. Under his leadership, the company swiftly gained a reputation for delivering cutting-edge solutions tailored to the specific needs of its customers. “Starting RET was not just about business,” Rodney reflects. “It was about pioneering a

Town (CiM Automation) were responsible for

servicing the needs of their regions. The achievements of RET and the stability of the business resulted in a very low staff turnover, contributing

Rodney’s hands-on approach, coupled with his ability to foresee market trends, propelled RET Automation to the forefront of the industry. The company flourished under his guidance, expanding its product lines and establishing a loyal customer base that appreciated RET Automation’s commitment to quality and innovation. Building the legacy The first principal represented by RET was US-based Banner Engineering Corporation. With his background in photoelectric sensors, Rodney seized the opportunity to represent a globally respected sensor company. Over time, while remaining focused on sensors, RET meanwhile expanded its agencies to provide better support to its customers with complementary products. One of the first of these new agencies in 1990 was the German company Turck, which already had a close relationship with Banner on a global basis. A new chapter: Brandon Topham’s arrival In November 1998, a new chapter began when Rodney’s son, Brandon Topham joined the company. As a qualified chartered accountant with a keen understanding of modern business practices, he quickly became an integral part of the company’s leadership. RET was fortunate to have dedicated and dynamic distributors across the country. These distributors, located in Durban (D&I Controls), Gqeberha (TW Technical Services), East London (Electronic & Power Manufacturing) and Cape

to its increasing success as a result of the staff’s increasingly in-depth knowledge of the company’s products and applications.

Transition to leadership: Brandon as CEO

After 31 years, Rodney decided it was time to pass the torch to the next generation. His retirement in 2015 marked the end of an era, but it also signalled the beginning of a new one under Brandon’s stewardship as CEO. Taking over the reins from his father was both an honour and a challenge for Brandon. He inherited not just a company, but a legacy built on decades of hard work, trust and family values. Under Brandon’s leadership, RET Automation continued to thrive. He maintained the company’s core values while steering it toward new horizons. His tenure as CEO saw the company embrace digital transformation, leveraging advanced technologies to enhance its product portfolio and streamline operations. In 2018 the company’s name was changed to Turck Banner when RET was purchased by Hans Turck and Banner Engineering to establish a South African joint venture company. Brandon’s vision was not just about keeping pace with industry changes, but about leading the charge, ensuring that the company remained a trailblazer in the automation sector. “We’ve always been at the cutting edge,” Brandon says. “Our commitment to innovation

14 September 2024 www.instrumentation.co.za