Electricitiy + Control February 2015

SENSORS, SWITCHES + TRANSDUCERS

ROUND UP

Fit-for-purpose solutions

and associated operating costs,” Bryant says. A failure to understand the full capa- bilities of a specific device could result in the selection of a far costlier sensor, when a more cost effective option would suffice in a particular application.Technical acumen and experience play a large role in reducing the effects of human error, which could result from uninformed product choice and the absence of appropriate technical counsel. This is where a dedicated technology and solutions provider like Countapulse Controls plays a vital role. “Each application has unique, specific needs. In order to provide a balanced solutions driven approach, it is advisable to select a supplier with extensive industry knowledge and a diverse portfolio of customers.” Countapulse Controls is able to provide its local customers with the latest technology and innovations being introduced intomajor international markets such as Europe and the US. “Bymaintaining excellent relationships with our principals, in addition to an intimate understanding of the local market, we are able to identify those products that are most suited to the southernAfrican context.This differentiates us fromonline suppliers that aremerely sell- ing boxes, as opposed to application specific solutions,” Bryant concludes. Enquiries: Gerry Bryant.Tel. 011 615 7556 or email bryant@countapulse.co.za

level support. This is underpinned by as- sistance in both the selection of application appropriate and cost effective solutions, as with the installation of total systems. “When one considers a customer’s application, it is best to look beyond a single problem area. A more structured approach is needed in order to obtain a general overview of the customer’s specific requirements. By con- sidering the overall operation of the plant, one will be able to find a solution that will encompass any unforeseen needs within the process,” Bryant says. “It is important to comprehend that selecting sensors is not as simple as matching a model number to a requirement. One needs to assess the operating environment and gain a compre- hensive understanding of the elements that need to be monitored and what would be the most appropriate product from a ‘big picture’ perspective.” Parameters that need to be taken into account include the range of the sensor, the speed of the automatic pro- cess, the background conditions and type of product, auxiliary equipment and the circuits within the process. An example is selecting a photo electric sensor that is suitable for various switching distances within a plant. “The customer then has the option of stand- ardising on one sensor type, as opposed to having different devices throughout the process, which will reduce parts inventory

The replacement of original sensing, meas- uring and monitoring devices represents a perfect opportunity to assess a specific application and the suitability of the equip- ment. “A more fit for purpose solution, based on the incorporation of new technol- ogy, could be considered at this stage,” Gerry Bryant, managing director of Countapulse Controls, says. “It is entirely possible that selection of the original units occurred with one particular machine, rather than the entire process, in mind. When replacing these units, it is then possible to achieve a more holistic overview of the process. In so doing, the supplier will be able to provide a far more cost efficient and plant related solution.This is becoming ever more critical as process plants andmanufacturing operations are facing increasing pressure to cut costs,” Bryant comments. Business methodologies have had to adapt as sens- ing and measuring technology itself has developed. In keeping with this transfor- mation, Countapulse Controls has evolved from being a supplier of technologically superior sensing and monitoring devices to a solutions provider offering advanced technology packages that incorporate high