Electricity + Control January 2018

round up

CONTROL SYSTEMS + AUTOMATION

ID scanners upgraded at ORTambo International Airport SICK Automation recently upgraded luggage identification scan- ners at OR Tambo International Airport, the largest and busiest airport in Africa. The upgrade included replacing SICK’s recently discontinued range of CLV 490 scanners with its next generation CLV 690 laser-based barcode scanners that offer improved read rates. The upgraded scanners ensure reliable and accurate lug- gage barcode scanning, no matter the luggage shape, height or orientation. The new scanners are mount- ed onto aluminium frames along the airports’ luggage conveyor belts to scan and identify luggage in accord- ance with the International Air Transport Association

(IATA) standard. The identification data captured is communicated to the airport’s higher-level control system. SICK replaced a total of 310 barcode scanners at Terminals A, B and CTB at the airport. In order to minimise any disruption to the airport’s operations dur- ing the upgrade, SICK installed the scanners in one-day phases throughout the various terminals. “Most of the world’s airports use SICK scanners for luggage identification,” adds Labuschagne. “This market-share enables us to deliver an effective, highly technical solution that we know operates reliably and efficiently at the world’s busiest airports.” SICK Automation Southern Africa was contracted by system integrators Krier Technologies on be- half of Aviation Coordination Services (ACS). The OR Tambo Inter- national Airport upgrade was completed in March 2017. Enquiries: Danie Labuschagne.Tel.: +27 (0) 11 472 3733 or email Daniel.Labuschagne@sickautomation.co.za MICROMINE to preview latest software solutions at Mining Indaba 2018 Latest software solutions – Mining Indaba 201MICROMINE will showcase its entire suite of software solutions at the event, includ- ing secure and flexible data-management solution Geobank, 3D modelling and mine design solution Micromine, and market-lead- ing fleet management and mine-control system Pitram.“We give our customers an in-depth understanding of their projects so as to ensure that prospective exploration regions can be targeted more accurately,” MICROMINE South Africaregional manager Renier Stry- dom explains.Both Geobank 2018 and Micromine 2018 have been developed on the back of extensive client consultation. “We place a substantial emphasis on, and invest a large amount of financial re- sources in, research and development of our software solutions.We are deeply committed to provide regular product releases that build upon the strengths of previous versions,” Strydom comments.The latest iterations of both Geobank and Micromine will be launched of- ficially in March, with new features aimed at improving functionality and usability. Product specialists will be on-hand at the MICROMINE stand at Mining Indaba 2018 to provide delegates with more detailed information about the latest software solutions.Billed as the largest event of its kind for the mining industry in Africa, MICROMINE will use Mining Indaba 2018 as a platform to not only catch up with ex- isting clients and their current project portfolios, but to establish new relationships with potential clients, and to introduce them to the myriad benefits of its software solutions.The MICROMINE team present at Mining Indaba 2018 will focus on explaining to delegates how its software solutions can assist mining operations in meeting their business objectives inan increasingly cost-competitive com- modities’ environment. Enquiries: Visit https://www.micromine.com

“The original scanners were installed between 2008 and 2010 and are still operating to spec,” comments Danie Labuschagne, Logistic Automation Manager, SICK Automation Southern Africa. “But as the range had been replaced with the newer models, spare parts availability was becoming more difficult. And with the fast pace and need for accuracy at any airport, let alone Africa’s busiest, having the newest technologies and ample spare parts drove the need for the upgrade.” Better solutions with magnetic sensors In special applications, the ifm magnetic sensors with these new targets offer long sensing ranges where other tech- nologies reach their limits. In challenging applications, the combination of magnetic sensor and target can maximise performance. New magnets with a small design offer easier mounting options in a machine, even where space is restrict-

ed, due to countersinks or a thread. Due to the new targets it is possible to dou- ble the M12 sensors’ range while an en- largement of clear space between sen- sor and magnet provides a more flexible installation as well as an increased pro- cess safety. Enquiries:Tel +27 12 450 0400 or email info.za@ifm.com

IO-Link master for intelligent sensors in hygienic areas The decentralised IO-Link masters are used as gateways be- tween intelligent IO-Link sensors and the fieldbus. Thanks to their special housing materials and high ingress resistance (IP 69K), they can be used directly in wet areas in the food in- dustry. The materials and production methods are identical to the ifm jumper cables of the tried-and-tested EVF product se- ries. The ecolink technology guarantees reliable, permanently ingress-resistant M12 connections of the connection cables. High-quality materials especially suited to the application and

intensive monitoring during and after production guarantee maximum quality standards. Enquiries: Tel: +27 (0) 12 450 0400 or email info.za@ifm.com

Electricity + Control

JANUARY 2018

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