Electricity and Control January-February 2025

Safety of plant, equipment + people: Products + services

Safety for maintenance teams working on heavy equipment The partnership between Booyco Electronics and SafeGauge provides advanced wireless diagnostic tools which help maintenance teams stay safe when they are working on heavy-duty mining, construction, earthmoving or agricultural equipment. SafeGauge technology enables remote monitoring and testing of critical systems on heavy machinery, reducing the need for workers to be near equipment during hazardous live testing procedures. Louis Venter, Area Sales Manager at Booyco Electronics, says that by allowing artisans to conduct tests and gather real-time data remotely, SafeGauge tools significantly reduce the risk of injury, and create a safer work environment across operations. The SafeGauge range of equipment includes various specialised tools designed for di€erent measurement needs. The PT (Pressure Transducer) Series is used to measure pressures in hydraulic and pneumatic systems, and the DI (Dial Indicator) Series is designed for measuring clearance, tolerance and wear on machine components. The TM (Tacho Meter) Series measures fan speeds and other rotating components, the LD (Laser Displacement) Series tracks wear on moving parts and the PR (Push Rod) Series is used to measure displacement between two fixed points. Venter says all data collected by the tools can be processed

through the Multitool Pro, which allows for real-time generation of reports and graphs. “With its built-in cloud connectivity, the system makes it easy to export or share data instantly, streamlining operations and improving decision making e€iciency,” he adds.

Advantages for equipment owners Enhancing artisan safety is one of the main benefits of SafeGauge equipment. “Heavy duty machinery in the mining and construction industries can present significant risks during maintenance or diagnostic processes, particularly when it involves hydraulic systems or high-pressure environments,” Venter says. “SafeGauge’s wireless system allows for the tasks to be performed remotely, so workers don’t need to be exposed to the danger of moving parts or sudden pressure releases.” In addition to safety improvements, SafeGauge contributes to increased operational e€iciency. By enabling real-time monitoring and remote diagnostics, equipment issues can be identified and addressed faster, reducing unplanned downtime and preventing costly failures. This proactive maintenance approach helps to keep operations running smoothly and extend the life of key machinery components, reducing the need for expensive replacements. Advantages for heavy equipment operations “For businesses in mining, construction, forestry, agriculture and earthmoving, where operational continuity is crucial, SafeGauge’s ability to deliver timely diagnostics and maintenance insights is especially valuable. It allows maintenance teams to perform their duties more e€ectively, ensuring equipment remains in optimal condition,” Venter says. “This results in higher productivity and lower maintenance costs, adding value to day-to-day operations as well as long-term capital investment.” “As a distributor for SafeGauge in southern Africa, Booyco Electronics o€ers local operations access to this world class safety and e€iciency solution, helping companies meet stringent safety standards and drive operational excellence in even the most demanding environments,” he says. □

The wireless system eliminates the need for workers to be close to large machines during potentially hazardous testing procedures.

SafeGauge technology enables monitoring and testing of critical systems on heavy machinery from a safe distance.

Ball valves for oxygen applications

are used as the seal materials. GEMÜ customers can order the ‘O’ version of the ball valves specifically for use with oxygen. BAM emphasised the need for particular caution when handling oxygen. Because of this, all media wetted components in the ball valves for use with oxygen are carefully cleaned. Both the seal materials and the auxiliary materials such as lubricants and screw locking agents comply with the strict regulations.

Following a comprehensive examination by Germany’s Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM), GEMÜ BB02, B22, B42 and B52 ball valves have been deemed “suitable for use with oxygen”. This marks a valuable addition to the existing range of products, which already includes globe and diaphragm valves as well as butterfly valves, suitable for use with oxygen. The ball valve seals were examined in strict compliance with DIN EN 1797 and ISO 21010, and clear conditions for safe use were defined during this process. This means that GEMÜ BB02, B22, B42 and B52 ball valves are suitable for use with gaseous oxygen provided the operating temperature does not exceed 60°C and the maximum operating pressure is 30 bar. PTFE seals and O-rings made from fluorinated rubber (FKM)

With these ball valves, valve specialist GEMÜ o€ers another safe solution for handling oxygen. The result of the BAM examination confirms the quality and reliability of the special ball valves and reflects GEMÜ’s commitment to customer safety. □

The GEMÜ B22 ball valve.

JAN-FEB 2025 Electricity + Control

29