Electricity and Control April 2025

Safety of plant, equipment + people: Products + services

Data and sensing technology add value to PDS

in mine automation. It is seen by some stakeholders as the foundation for autonomous vehicles, specifically with the enhancements around Level 9 engineering control solutions for trackless mobile machines (TMMs). In another important trend, various mining stakeholders and organisations are engaged in workstreams to define specific PDS requirements applicable to dierent operations. “For instance, labour intensive operations have dierent requirements to automated operations,” he says. “At the same time, we are experiencing more engagement from OEMs, who have an integral role in the overall proximity detection ecosystem. This is also driving their own standards and regulatory compliance.” In general, Booyco Electronics is seeing more collaboration from a spectrum of stakeholders to ensure improvements on safety standards – actively promoting the drive towards Zero Harm. As a leading player in PDS technology, the company remains committed to continuous improvement and meeting best practices that include integrated real-time data solutions for customers, Lourens says. He highlights further: “In addition to the standard PDS functionality, the user gains significant benefits from using the data as a tool for change management. Beyond the ability to analyse traffic flow, for example, mines can identify high-risk areas and apply mitigating interventions. “With the deployment of additional integrated technology, the value of the data can be further extended to include the measurement and improvement of operator behaviour, and that in turn could lead to productivity increases,” he says.

Rapidly developing technology is constantly being harnessed by Proximity Detection Systems (PDS) to deliver steadily improving functionality for customers. Anton Lourens, CEO of Johannesburg-based PDS pioneer Booyco Electronics, says, “The world of electronic technology is an ever-evolving space with newer solutions being made available quicker than ever. In our experience, we see improved PDS solutions being developed, for instance, in the combination of multiple dierent sensing technologies into a single fully integrated solution.” This integrated sensing solution is then optimised through functional performance, driven mainly by soœware for these specific comprehensive PDS requirements,” he adds. As PDS technology evolves and matures, Lourens notes that the demand for processing power, and the ability to process multiple sensors, has increased dramatically since the first basic PDS units were developed. “Fortunately, in our continuously evolving electronic world – including the global development of artificial intelligence (AI) solutions and big data mining – the PDS industry can access the required processing platforms,” he says. “Similarly, sensing technology is expanding rapidly. This is introducing more suppliers of specific technology solutions, oœen making available dierent and better functions.” Lourens emphasises that PDS is playing an important part

Left: The integration of multiple sensing technologies into a single solution is a key development in delivering improved PDS functionality. Right: Booyco Electronics is committed to continuous improvement and meeting best practices that include real-time data solutions for customers.

Committed to full safety service

Dekra Industrial and its adult-based education and occupational skills training division, the Institute of Learning (IOL) are committed to providing holistic testing, inspection and training services across dierent industry sectors. Managing Director Johan Gerber says, “Integrating non destructive testing (NDT) inspections with adult-based education and occupational skills training, Dekra Industrial provides a comprehensive, value-driven solution to support its clients.” The company operates in key industrial centres around South Africa, including Sasolburg, Lephalale, Secunda, Middelburg and Cape Town. Dekra Industrial and the IOL have aligned their services to ensure that where inspections and NDT services are provided,

adult-based education and occupational skills training opportunities are also available. “With this integrated approach, we position Dekra as a strategic partner to serve our clients. Our branch oices are located in key industrial regions so that we can oer an accessible and complete service to our clients,” says Gerber. Together, DEKRA Industrial and the IOL oer a portfolio of services that includes non-destructive testing (NDT) inspections, vendor inspections, vehicle mapping, welding inspections, safety consulting, and adult-based education and occupational-based skills training. This service portfolio meets the needs of key sectors ranging from mining, power generation, and petrochemicals, to construction and manufacturing, assisting clients to meet stringent safety, compliance and quality standards. Dekra Industrial Continued on page 28

APRIL 2025 Electricity + Control

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