Electricity and Control March 2016

HAZARDOUS AREAS + SAFETY

ROUND UP

Pilot electronic signalling contract for Transnet Freight Rail completed ACTOM Signalling recently completed a pilot electronic interlocking contract for Transnet Freight Rail (TFR) that encom- passed provision of a system for a single existing station.The validation process also required a simulated ‘validation station’ containing the full scope of permutations for electronic signalling systems. will be monitored by TFR prior to granting full and final approval of the interlocking system,” said Peter Colborne, ACTOM Sig- nalling’s General Manager. developed by Alstom. It is programmed to apply TFR’s HR97 interlocking rules to the required station layout. Enquiries: Peter Colborne.Tel. 011 871 6600 or email peter.colborne@actom.co.za

The core of the electronic interlocking system is Alstom’s integrated Vital Proces- sor Interlocking (iVPI), a product that was initially developed for the North American market but has been applied inmore than 16 countries. ACTOM developed the hardware and software interfaces to all the trackside equipment and the CS90 remote control system. “Our engineering configuration program, called Engineering ConfigurationTool (ECT), has the capability to automatically generate interlocking equations for individual stations according to their specific layout and signal- ling requirements,” Colborne explained. This custom-designed engineering configuration tool, developed in-house by ACTOM Signalling, is an extra layer of soft- ware that utilises the programming tools Whenever and wherever a pH, conductivity and oxygen value needs to be controlled Endress+Hauser ’s Liquiline To Go meters provide correct values with 100% signal integrity. They are equipped with Memos- ens technology that converts the sensor values into a digital signal and transmits it interference-free. The result are reliable measuring values with which the user can take correct and appropriate actions fast to keep the process running under optimal conditions. Grab sample analysis with different tech- nologies as installed in the process, often leads to inconsistencies and measurement discrepancies. Liquiline To Go handhelds allow the use of the same robust Memosens

ACTOM Signalling has developed and installed an electronic system designed specifically for Crescent station, situated near Potchefstroom station in North-West Province on the line to Klerksdorp, while the validation station simulation it has de- veloped as part of the pilot contract serves as a master model for all other stationsTFR may assign to the business unit to design and provide electronic interlocking systems for in future. The multi-million rand contract was awarded in mid-2014 and the system at Crescent was completed and commissioned in September 2015. “The Crescent system

ACTOM Signalling’s Frans Badenhorst (left), Application Engineer, and Leon Pienaar, Senior Development Engineer, with the newly-installed electronic interlocking system in Crescent station’s relay room.

Analytical measuring points – 100% signal integrity

The new Liquiline To Go CYM290/CYM291 multi-parameter handhelds for pH, con- ductivity and oxygen measurement, bring reliability and safety directly to the sample point.The portable instruments guarantees stable measuring values and easy control of measuring points in all environmental conditions.

sensors as in the process. This guarantees a full data consistency between lab and process measurements and maximises the reliability of the grab-sample results. Both LiquilineTo Go versions can be used in the most challenging environments.The robust housing with ingress protection to IP66/67 brings a large improvement for the safety in many process industries. A fast control of measurement values directly at the sample point is now possible, with a minimised risk of sample contamination. In addition to the CYM290 version, the CYM291 with ATEX/ IECEx certification allows process control also in hazardous areas. Enquiries: Jan Swart.Tel: 27 (0)11 262 8000 or email Jan.Swart@za.endress.com

Safer energy distribution

Prolec-GE today announced the expansion of its eco-friendly offer- ing with the launch of the newVG-100 Natural Ester Fluid (VG-100). Derived from vegetable sources, VG-100 is a 100% biodegradable dielectric coolant with a high flash point that represents a safer al- ternative to the conventional mineral oil that is used in transformers. Mineral oil is commonly used in transformers to keep the core and coil cool, but unexpected power surges can cause overheating, creating a fire hazard, leaving houses and businesses vulnerable to power outages. VG-100 has a higher flash point than mineral oil, which reduces fire risks, making electricity distribution safer and more reliable. Completely natural and non-toxic, VG-100 helps customers prevent potential damage to the environment in the

event of leaks or spills. This fluid also has the ability to draw out moisture from paper, increasing the lifetime of the transformer’s cellulose insulation. In addition, its self-extinguishing and high flash point (>300°C) feature help improve fire safety. Formulated using a proprietary process, this 100% biodegradable dielectric fluid does not contain any synthetic antioxidant, sulphur or petroleum-based compounds. VG-100 complies with international standards such as IEEE, Factory Mutual and Underwriters Laboratories. It is patent- granted for use in new electrical transformers or to replace mineral oil in existing transformers. Enquiries: Patric Rayburn and Julie Khoo. Email Grid.MediaRelations@ge.com

March ‘16 Electricity+Control

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