Application of technology is one of the major contributors to mining operations’ profitability – by introducing major savings in operation, training and support costs. This concept was recenty illustrated in one of the largest mining projects in Southern Africa, with a capital cost of some R10-billion. Exxaro’s Grootegeluk is the largest coal operation in […]
When it comes to plant availability, operators primarily rely on first-hand information directly from the source. Monitoring and analysing each individual component of the plant provides the insight needed for proactive maintenance and comprehensive asset management. Comprehensive plant asset management (PAM) is the key to improving the overall reliability, efficiency and productivity of a […]
Many users now create their automation networks on the basis of Ethernet-based communication, which involves the use of both copper and fibre-optic connections. Switches that are used to connect network segments and devices with each other normally offer a fixed number of copper and fibre-optic connections. System planners must therefore consider very carefully which […]
Wireless communications are well-suited for the oil and gas industry, especially given the often remote locations of production facilities, both on- and offshore. In the past, satellites provided producers with high-latency, low-bandwidth communications sufficient for transmitting telemetry data. But they fell short for system automation controls that required much less latency or for fixed […]
EtherCAT P technology has become an established global standard. It combines ultra-fast communication with 24 V power for the system and peripherals – and optionally with additional power supply capabilities. One cable automation (OCA) can now be implemented on the field level, enabling the plug-and-play connection of machines and other equipment ranging from 24 […]
A new field logic controller offers a different take on the edge computing concept by bringing simple logic control to Ethernet I/O blocks. The field logic controllers (FLCs) are programmed via the ARGEE environment, which uses a flow chart system to program the Ethernet I/O blocks via an HTML5-compatible web browser. Edge computing is one […]
The driving force behind progress in industrial automation in the last 20 years has without doubt been the networking of automation products via bus systems. The importance of industrial communication within machines and installations is increasing exponentially, especially in the context of recent Industry 4.0 and internet of things (IoT) discussions. Networking is decentralised […]
In an ideal world, railway operators would know the health of their rolling stock and infrastructure in order to optimise maintenance, avoid failures and improve reliability. Asset monitoring systems are becoming more widely available, and railways are investing in stand-alone systems such as measuring trains, on-board systems to report the health and status of […]
As information technology and automation technology continue to converge, cloud-based communication and data services are increasingly used in industrial automation projects. Beyond the scope of conventional control tasks, applications such as big data, data mining and condition or power monitoring enable the implementation of superior, forward-looking automation solutions. Industry 4.0 and IoT strategies place […]
A new era of industrial innovation is upon us. Referred to as the fourth industrial revolution (Industry 4.0), the deeper meshing of the digital world with the world of machines holds the potential to bring about profound transformation to global industry. This new industrial stage, where the internet meets production, is a major topic […]
