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Mechanical Technology — July 2016
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July 2016 contents
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ON THE COVER
Compressor Technique expands range
to better meet client needs
Atlas Copco Compressor Technique in
South Africa is expanding its offering
of industrial compressors, nitrogen
and oxygen generators, air treatment
equipment, blowers and low-pressure
compressors and air treatment solutions
to better meet application-specific needs
in the local market.
MechTech
talks to
business line managers Charl Ackerman
and Pieter van Wyk.
For more information contact:
Atlas Copco South Africa
Innes Road, Jet Park, Boksburg
Pieter van Wyk or Charl Ackerman:
+27 11 821 9144 or +27 11 821
9113
pieter.vanwyk@za.atlascopco.com charl.ackerman@za.atlascopco.com www.atlascopco.co.za8
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FEATURES
SPECIAL REPORT 8 Microgrids: a resilient, cost-effective and greener power solution On June 8, 2016, ABB inaugurated an integrated solar-diesel microgrid installation at its Longmeadow facility in Johannesburg. MechTech talks to ABB South Africa’s sales manager for microgrids and grid automation, Tony Duarte.POWER TRANSMISSION, BEARINGS, BUSHES AND SEALS
12 Don’t be bearing-wise and seal-foolish Andre Weyers, SKF platform manager for southern Africa, talks about SKF sealing systems and how sealing performance optimises product and plant efficiencies by extending equip- ment service life and boosting uptime for ultimate profitability. 14 Effective tools and fasteners enhance reliability 17 Bearing root-cause failure analysis service 19 Effective maintenance is key to productivityCOMPUTER-AIDED ENGINEERING
20 SigmaNest minimises waste and cutting costs MechTech talks to SigmaNest product manager Hannes Pretorius of MECAD Systems about this world-leading profile cutting and sheet metal CAD/CAM software solution. 23 Robot Bike: optimised, 3D printed and customised for every riderHYDRAULIC AND PNEUMATIC SYSTEMS: POWER PACKS,
COMPRESSORS AND VALVES
24 SA hydraulics stalwart more than doubles workshop capacity Following over 40 years in downtown Johannesburg, Axiom Hydraulics has relocated into an expanded facility in Wadeville, Gauteng. MechTech visits the new premises and talks to company director, Neil Simpson. 27 Compact cast iron gear pumps with 19 000 configurations 28 State-of-the-art pneumatic production facility now fully operational 29 Compressed air rental services launchedSTRUCTURAL ENGINEERING MATERIALS, METALS AND NON-METALS
30 Sassda: moving towards the remarkable Southern Africa’s Stainless Steel Development Association (sassda) held its 2016 AGM on June 22 following a one day seminar entitled ‘Stainless steel and the fight against corrosion,” MechTech reports. 32 Materials engineering in practice: musings on standards 34 Rectagrid creates space in facilities 35 Polyester fibres for cured-in-place pipe linersINNOVATIVE ENGINEERING
36 MTN pilots novel approach to transmission towers MTN, through energy solutions partner Clean Energy Investments, is exploring the use of hydrogen fuel cells and dc-powered energy efficient cooling solutions for use in its base sta- tion transceiver towers. MechTech talks to Gavin Coetzer MD of Clean Energy Investments.REGULARS
1 Comment 4 On the cover: Compressor Technique expands range to better meet client needs 6 Industry forum 38 Products and services 40 Nota bene