Pump designs fall mainly into two categories, centrifugal and reciprocating (piston) type, each with its own benefits and constraints. This article explores the design criteria and some of the applications. Information on the application and the fluids involved is key to matching the correct pump design to the application (see Fig. 1). Approaching a […]
From the ICMEESA archive Powder coatings as a means of finishing metallic objects have gained great popularity in the last five years. Many synthetic resins have been adapted to powders and at least a dozen different systems are currently in vogue overseas. While thermoplastic resins such as vinyl and polythene have been in use […]
The engineering challenge of designing and building a solar-powered racing car for a strenuous eight-day international endurance race brings together research, theory and development while promoting alternative energy and technological innovation. The Ilanga II is a prototype solar racing car developed by the University of Johannesburg (UJ) Solar Team to compete in this year’s […]
From the ICMEESA archive With its uranium enrichment expertise and technology, South Africa is in a strategic position to enrich and market its uranium and, perhaps in future, to provide fuel elements for manifold identical stages. Only thirty years have passed since Enrico Fermi gave a practical demonstration of a controlled fission chain reaction […]
Electrical energy cost represents some 40% of the total cost of ownership of pumping systems, yet many organisations fail to introduce the proper steps to leverage cost reduction through efficiency improvements. The following major barriers must be recognised and addressed to solve this dilemma: Lack of proper metrics: Energy efficiency has traditionally not been […]
From the ICMEESA archive Effluent treatment is based on the ingenuity of chemists and engineers. The chemist may devise a short-cut method for the precipitation of the components but the electrical engineer designs the controls while the mechanical engineer design filters, conveyers, agitators and others. The methods employed in effluent treatment can often be […]
Developing an augmented reality platform for use as a differential drive mobility aid in an enabled environment to help conduct simulations with various wheelchair constructs and to produce pitch and roll actuated actions. Physical or cognitive impairment may compromise the ability to walk. The degree of mobility largely determines the extent to which the […]
From the ICMEESA archive Methods of control for low and high pressure hydraulic braking systems which have been applied successfully to a number of hoists in South Africa. This article describes new and simplified control systems for low pressure and high pressure hydraulic braking systems with emphasis on air brake and low pressure oil […]
A hybrid jet-and-rocket powered vehicle will fire up its 135 000 hp engines to break the sound barrier and the world record alike in a 1600 km/h race at Hakskeen Pan, South Africa. The 14 m, 7 tonne Bloodhound supersonic car (SSC) was designed and is being built by the Bloodhound Project, described as […]
From the ICMEESA archive A closer look at South Africa’s most modern power plant, Arnot, focusing on its coal and ash handling plant; boilers; water plant; generators and control and monitoring, among others. Part 1 of this article discussed Arnot power station’s coal and ash handling plant; its boilers; circulation system; superheaters and reheaters […]
