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Mechanical Technology — March 2016
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March 2016 contents
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ON THE COVER
Smart solutions and the Synertrex
initiative
MechTech
talks to Lungile Mdlazi,
condition-monitoring engineer; Christian
Stehle, engineering development man-
ager; Rui Gomes, slurry pump product
manager; and Kobus Steyn, valves prod-
uct manager about Weir Minerals’ new
Synertrex™ initiative to further improve
production efficiencies and reliability and
to reduce costs of ownership.
For more information contact:
Weir Minerals Africa
Rene Calitz
T +27 11 929 2622
M +27 82 973 6310
r.calitz@weirminerals.com www.weirminerals.com8
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26
FEATURES
SPECIAL REPORT 8 The African Energy Indaba: for Africa by Africans MechTech reports on the recently held Energy Indaba, with its focus on regional integration between clusters of African countries. PUMP SYSTEMS PIPES VALVES AND SEALS 10 State-of-the art pumps for Sishen’s modular pump station Following the delivery of a first-of-a-kind modular pumping plant to Sishen earlier this year – a system constructed, tested and commissioned under factory conditions in Efficient Engineer- ing’s Germiston workshops – MechTech talks to KSB’s Gideon Rochér about the pumps used for the installation and his company’s local offering. 13 Valves and enhanced fluid technology services 14 Proper maintenance via a multi-faceted service strategy 15 AES Group companies win Level 4 BEE certification 16 Oxy-Dep: increasing the efficiency of wastewater treatment 19 SlurrySucker optimises water storage SUSTAINABLE ENERGY AND ENERGY MANAGEMENT 20 First ever refuse-derived fuel plant in SA Waste management specialist, Interwaste, has launched South Africa’s first refuse-derived fuel (RDF) plant at its Germiston depot. MechTech attends the launch and reports. 23 Generator sets: a lifeline to Ghana hospital 25 The RMG 5020 gas pressure regulator AUTOMATION, MECHATRONICS AND ELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEMS 26 Automated and connected water solutions for rural Africa Festo is combining measurement, control and regulation technology with pneumatic actuators and valve terminal blocks, along with its Aquatronics training capability, to supply customised automation solutions for water and wastewater treatment. MechTech talks to the company’s water & wastewater specialist, Strini Perumal. 28 VTT’s robot innovation and 3D printing research 29 Stainless steel safety hinge solution MODERN TRANSPORT AND VEHICLE SOLUTION 30 New water tractors for Alexandria Port Authority The Egyptian port of Alexandria, one of the world’s most important trade ports, has placed orders for a total of four new port tugs, equipped with Voith Schneider Propellers (VSPs), which will be manufactured at two Egyptian shipyards.31 Fishing breakthrough with America’s Finest trawler
32 New regional centre for commercial vehicles 33 Modular terminal tractors for distribution and logistics centres REGULARS 1 Comment 4 On the cover: Smart solutions and the Synertrex initiative 6 Industry forum 34 Products and services 36 Nota bene