Electricity and Control May 2020

CONTROL SYSTEMS + AUTOMATION : PRODUCTS + SERVICES

Wall mounted solution for critical IT infrastructure Big data, the Internet of Things and edge computing are altering the distributed computing landscape. In line with these changing trends, there are changes in the IT infrastructure needed to support our increasingly connected environment. “We have seen computing power move from network cabinets – infamous for their nests of tangled wires and poor labelling – to powerful, compact micro datacentres,” says Jonathan Duncan – Secure Power VP for Anglophone Africa at Schneider Electric. Responding to the call for smaller and more convenient IT closets, Schneider Electric’s latest iteration of its 6U Wall Mount unit enables convenient and easy deployment of edge computing systems. “The 6U Wall Mount is about the shape and size of an electrical panel and allows heavy edge servers to be mounted safely on the wall, out of the way,” Duncan explains. He adds that this space-saving solution, with integrated dust filter and fan ventilation, has a wide range of applications, from businesses and shops to manufacturing sites and warehouses. “This solution can be deployed almost anywhere, and offers critical computing infrastructure to remote locations.” Designed to house servers, UPSs, storage and networking equipment, the 6U Wall Mount can help in rolling out mission critical IT equipment to places where it has never existed before. Furthermore, it can reduce unanticipated business downtime with Schneider Automation in ore sampling laboratories With the general decline in ore grades in mining, FLSmidth’s market-leading expertise in mineral sampling and laboratory automation holds increasing value for mines. Martin Matthysen, Director, SPA (sampling, preparation and analysis), Sub Saharan Africa and Middle East at FLSmidth, says, “The more mines understand about the characteristics of the ore entering their process plants, the better it can be treated. But this needs technology that can sample high volumes, maintain rapid turnaround times, and deliver quality results.” Only then can plant operators respond to laboratory data in real time, which is one of the keys to effective plant optimisation. With over 30 years’ experience, FLSmidth

Electric’s additional solutions, which can provide data- centre-like resilience. These include battery backup, power protection, remote monitoring, standardised designs, redundancy, and cooling solutions. As the applications for edge computing have expanded, so has the diversity of micro datacentres available to meet end-user edge computing needs. Duncan says, “A very basic system can consist of a simple rack with a UPS to provide battery backup and power protection. Adding a simple switch and server is enough to begin the process of local data capture and data sharing. More complex micro data centres can incorporate modular designs comprising sealed solutions equipped with hyper-converged IT, ruggedised components that resist the dust and moisture of harsh environments, and built-in fire suppression and cooling technologies.” How big and complex a micro datacentre will need to be depends on the IT technology required to address the business challenge, productivity goals and local application to be supported. The 6U Wall Mount empowers customers to support critical business operations in non-IT environments. Schneider Electric has designed this solution to be easy to deploy and cater to the changing needs of businesses with the rise of edge computing. tories constructed over the past 12 years or so in the global mining industry.” FLSmidth designs solutions for exploration and ore characterisation, grade control, process plants and port shipment. The highest quality equipment is sourced and applied to a laboratory solution to achieve accurate sampling, effective sample preparation and detailed sample analysis. Each laboratory is designed to suit the customer’s particular operating conditions and goals. This requires close collaboration with the customer and a detailed examination of mined material and process demands. This ensures that the laboratory generates the analytical data that the plant operators require. “With our world-class mineral research and testing facilities, we are constantly pioneering innovations that add value to customers,” he says. “Our automated solutions also offer consistency and traceability, while improving ergonomics and eliminating hazards to laboratory personnel. “We are accredited in terms of international quality standards, and work strictly to our customers’ specifications regarding health, safety and environment,” Matthysen adds. For more information contact FLSmidth. Tel: +27 (0)10 210 4000, email flsm-za@flsmidth.com or visit: www.flsmidth.com For more information contact Schneider Electric. Tel: 27 (0)11 254 6400, or visit: www.se.com/za

The new 6U Wall Mount unit makes it easy to deploy edge computing systems conveniently and safely.

The state-of-the- art automated zinc laboratory at Vedanta's Gamsberg Mine.

has pioneered laboratory systems integration and driven automation in the laboratory environment. “Our particular expertise in laboratory automation is now recognised world- wide,” says Matthysen. “We have supplied 95% of all automated labora-

8 Electricity + Control MAY 2020