Electricity + Control March 2018

LIGHT + CURRENT

2017TechnologyTransfer Award

into the insulator space. Our research team has excelled in the ap- plication of research and technology in solving an operational chal- lenge of both size and significance, A special congratulations goes to Nishal Mahatho for taking the lead in the project and ensuring that Eskom continues to champion technology within the organisa- tion and across the industry thus driving progress in the electricity sector by providing meaningful benefits for its stakeholders and for society. This award is a testament to the immense talent and capability within Eskom in leading technology development and application on a global level.” Enquiries: Email mediadesk@eskom.co.za

Eskom Research, Testing and Development (RT&D) has been hon- oured with the 2017 Technology Transfer award by the US-based Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) for research conducted on the 765 kV Insulator project on 7 February 2018 in California. The results of the study were implemented in the parameters that guided Eskom in its choice of polymeric insulators for a section of the Kappa Sterrekus 765 kV line in the Western Cape. This section of the line is situated in a coastal environment and therefore it is important to get a reliable insulator which matches the expected life time of the line. This is the first project where Eskom has used a single piece polymeric insulator at 765 kV. The Electricity Power Research Institute (EPRI) Technology Transfer awards recognises industry leaders and innovators at the vanguard of adopting new technology and spearheading the application of research findings. Those recognised exemplify the initiative, collaboration, and leadership that transform research into results. Eskom’s RT&D Acting General Manager, Sumaya Nassiep said: “We are immensely honoured to receive this award and for the recognition of the value realised from our research investment

Three key ‘rare earths’ inWestern Cape in high demand

pick-ups, headphones and loudspeakers, magnetically coupled pumps, door catch- es, motors and generators, MRI scanners, magnetic therapy, ABS (anti-lock braking) system sensors and lifting machinery, amongst many others. Without neodymium magnets, many technological advancements over the last 30 years would not have been possible. Because of their great strength, perfor- mance and resistance to demagnetisation, neodymium magnets can be made in dif- ferent shapes and sizes, even as small as 1 mm diameter. Dysprosium is used to make alloys for various electrical and electronic devices. An alloy is made by melting and mixing

two or more metals. The mixture has prop- erties different from any of the elements. Some dysprosium alloys have good mag- netic properties. Enquiries: Charles Smith. Email charles@csa.co.za

The prices of neodymium, praseodymium and dysprosium, rare earths, representing 85% of the economic value of the rare earth deposits at the Steenkampskraal mine in theWestern Cape, have increased by more than 50% last year. Total reserves at the mine have a market value of $2 bil- lion. “Neodymium magnets are used in in- dustries such as electrical motor manufac- ture, medical science and renewable ener- gy which rely on high-strength neodymium magnets,” says Trevor Blench, chairman of Steenkampskraal Holdings, owners of the Steenkampskraal mine. These magnets are also used for audio equipment such as microphones, acoustic

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BMG

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50 Electricity + Control

MARCH 2018