Electricity + Control December 2017

round up

FLOW MEASUREMENT

Technical Support Brings Customised Applications’ Solutions to the Fore

application, it is important to understand that selecting sensors is not as simple as matching a model number to a require- ment. “One needs to carefully assess the operating environment. Parameters that should be considered 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. By adopting a structured approach to selecting the most appropriate sensors or flow monitors for a given application, customers will expe- rience enhanced operational advantages.” Enquiries: Gerry Bryant. Tel. +27 (0) 11 615 7556 or email bryant@countapulse.co.za HOTLINE: 066 148 5287

When economic pressure increases, com- panies often adopt a cautious stance. Con- versely, Countapulse Controls has sur- vived by instituting technological innovation in the face of socio-economic uncertainty. In its more than 60 years in business, this leading supplier of sensing solutions has created a sustainable business model by focusing on anticipating and exceeding market demands. The resultant range of high quality sensing and monitoring devic- es has often been first to market. Advances in sensing and monitoring technology Since introducing Hengstler mechanical counters to South Africa in the 1950s, the company has witnessed drastic advanc- es in sensing and monitoring technology. Managing director, Gerry Bryant, says that it is critical for companies to keep abreast of ever developing sensing technology. Sharing knowledge He emphasises however that all this tech- nology is worth nothing if the technical support is not available. “The sharing of applications knowledge plays a crucial role in increasing productivity and reducing downtime, especially as many companies no longer have internal technical support divisions.” Technical pre- and after-sales advice An aggravating factor for customers is the emergence of a plethora of online shops offering sensing and monitoring technolo- gy at bargain basement prices. “While the low prices might be an at- traction, the lack of technical pre- and af- ter-sales advice is a liability. Hi-tech items, by their very nature, require instruction for their maximised performance. It is unlike-

ly that this level of guidance and support is available in an online shopping forum,” Bryant cautions. In the complex process and manufacturing environments, utilis- ing sensing, monitoring and measuring instruments that have not undergone due diligence and that do not have a great deal of reputational weight is highly risky. The failure of such products causes major pro- duction line issues and the safety around such products cannot be guaranteed. Conclusion Bryant says that the wise alternative to online shopping is one-on-one technical in- struction and support. “A reputable sup- plier will leverage the years of

hands-on experience and expertise resident in its technical staff. OEM training provides the supplier’s team with specialised knowledge and skills pertaining to specific instrumentation. By focusing on tried and tested matching of prod- ucts to applications, suppli- ers are able to ensure best fit in all instances.” Bryant says the com- pany’s hotline is one way of investing its experi- ence and capabilities back into the industry. “This product and applications knowledge is delivered as a value-added benefit to our customers.”Bryant maintains that when one considers the customer’s

Countapulse Controls is able to provide high levels of technical support through their technical hotline. Selecting sensors for specific applica- tions requires the necessary expertise of a dedicated supplier such as Countapulse Controls in order to ensure optimum func- tionality and technical applicability.

Full range of RC vibration sensors launched A sound way of establishing a predictive maintenance programme is to install fixed mount vibration sensors. These sensors are then hard-wired to a control room where the information can be logged and displayed as trend graphs, as well as in real-time. A further improvement will be to program the control software to incorporate warning and trip levels. This will elimi- nate the human factor in decision making. R&C Instrumentation can now supply and support the RC range of vibration measurement products. These instruments are manufactured for the company in Europe, and conform to European standards as far as manufacture, quality and reliability is concerned. The standard range of RC vibration sensors are available with ei- ther mV/G or 4 to 20 mA velocity output, as well as, the best of two worlds sensor with 4 to 20 mA vibration and 10 mV/°C temperature output. Portable instruments, raw data converters, and programmable vibration switches complete the range of RC products. Enquiries:Tel. +27 (0) 86 111 4217 or email info@randci.co.za

Electricity + Control

DECEMBER 2017

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