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Mechanical Technology — June 2015
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June 2015 contents
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ON THE COVER
8
Handling flexibility and ‘out-of-the-box’
automation
With the launch of its specialised applica-
tion Maxolution and the new Variolution
concept with its library of configured end-
user solutions for the automotive, food
and beverage and logistics applications,
SEW Eurodrive has established a new
and more flexible approach to factory
automation and production line handling.
MechTech
talks to Ute Schoeman, the
company’s South African MD.
For more information contact:
SEW-Eurodrive
Rene Rose, GM Communications
+27 11 248 7131
+27 84 657 4636
rrose@sew.co.za|
www.sew.co.za14
20
36
Features
Special report 8 Unilever’s SA capacity transformation projectUnilever’s R1.4-billion Khanyisa Home Care factory in Boksburg was opened on June 2,
2015. The following day, the company’s Indonsa factory expansion was opened in Durban,
a R511-million investment.
Pump systems pipes valves and seals 10 Best-fit fluid handling for AfricaMechTech
talks to Set Point’s Letaba pumping division heads, Bernd Irle, Brubin’s general
manager and Ian Duke, general manager of Letaba Industrial.
13 The Pump Guy: When is a pump problem not a pump problem? 14 Weir Minerals Africa adapts to meet mining challenges 17 Pump rental: reap benefits while reducing costs 18 Mag drive exports buoy local pump manufacturer Sustainable energy and energy management 20 Renewable energy: a business case approachMechTech
talks to Dave Smith, the newly appointed managing director of Jasco Renewable
Energy about balancing technology and financial sense in this challenging emerging sector.
22 Servicing Africa’s genset manufacturing sector 25 Solar installation reduces grid reliance by 40% 26 Solar modules study reveals better energy recovery 27 Large, modern gensets now available in Africa Robotics, automation and mechatronics 28 Automatic wet batching for quality concreteReady-mix wet batch plants – with capacities ranging from 30 m
3
to over 240 m
3
per hour –
are a more cost-effective alternative to the traditional dry ‘Karoo’ batch plants that currently
dominate the local market.
29 IT automation unlocks innovation 31 Port of Ngqura’s automated mooring system Modern transport and vehicle solution 32 UD Trucks launches Quester rangeUD Trucks Southern Africa launched its new Quester extra heavy truck range earlier this year,
which includes 13 derivatives in its line-up. This article summarises its modern features.
35 Container handling expansion for Durban harbour Innovative engineering 36 Tech4RED, hydrogen fuel cells and development partnershipsOn June 12, Minister of Science and Technology, Naledi Pandor launched the Technology for
Rural Education and Development Project (Tech4RED).
Peter Middleton
attends and reports.
Regulars
1 Comment
4 On the cover: Handling flexibility and ‘out-of-the-box’ automation
6 Industry forum
38 Products and services
40 Nota bene