Mechanical Technology July 2016

⎪ July 2016 contents ⎪

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ON THE COVER

FEATURES SPECIAL REPORT 8 Microgrids: a resilient, cost-effective and greener power solution

On June 8, 2016, ABB inaugurated an integrated solar-diesel microgrid installation at its Longmeadow facility in Johannesburg. MechTech talks to ABB South Africa’s sales manager for microgrids and grid automation, Tony Duarte. POWER TRANSMISSION, BEARINGS, BUSHES AND SEALS 12 Don’t be bearing-wise and seal-foolish Andre Weyers, SKF platform manager for southern Africa, talks about SKF sealing systems and how sealing performance optimises product and plant efficiencies by extending equip- ment service life and boosting uptime for ultimate profitability. 14 Effective tools and fasteners enhance reliability 17 Bearing root-cause failure analysis service 19 Effective maintenance is key to productivity COMPUTER-AIDED ENGINEERING 20 SigmaNest minimises waste and cutting costs MechTech talks to SigmaNest product manager Hannes Pretorius of MECAD Systems about this world-leading profile cutting and sheet metal CAD/CAM software solution. 23 Robot Bike: optimised, 3D printed and customised for every rider HYDRAULIC AND PNEUMATIC SYSTEMS: POWER PACKS, COMPRESSORS AND VALVES 24 SA hydraulics stalwart more than doubles workshop capacity Following over 40 years in downtown Johannesburg, Axiom Hydraulics has relocated into an expanded facility in Wadeville, Gauteng. MechTech visits the new premises and talks to company director, Neil Simpson. 27 Compact cast iron gear pumps with 19 000 configurations 28 State-of-the-art pneumatic production facility now fully operational 29 Compressed air rental services launched STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING MATERIALS, METALS AND NON-METALS 30 Sassda: moving towards the remarkable Southern Africa’s Stainless Steel Development Association (sassda) held its 2016 AGM on June 22 following a one day seminar entitled ‘Stainless steel and the fight against corrosion,” MechTech reports. 32 Materials engineering in practice: musings on standards 34 Rectagrid creates space in facilities 35 Polyester fibres for cured-in-place pipe liners INNOVATIVE ENGINEERING 36 MTN pilots novel approach to transmission towers MTN, through energy solutions partner Clean Energy Investments, is exploring the use of hydrogen fuel cells and dc-powered energy efficient cooling solutions for use in its base sta- tion transceiver towers. MechTech talks to Gavin Coetzer MD of Clean Energy Investments. REGULARS 1 Comment 4 On the cover: Compressor Technique expands range to better meet client needs 6 Industry forum 38 Products and services 40 Nota bene

Compressor Technique expands range to better meet client needs Atlas Copco Compressor Technique in South Africa is expanding its offering of industrial compressors, nitrogen and oxygen generators, air treatment equipment, blowers and low-pressure compressors and air treatment solutions to better meet application-specific needs in the local market. MechTech talks to business line managers Charl Ackerman and Pieter van Wyk. For more information contact: Atlas Copco South Africa Innes Road, Jet Park, Boksburg Pieter van Wyk or Charl Ackerman: +27 11 821 9144 or +27 11 821 9113 pieter.vanwyk@za.atlascopco.com charl.ackerman@za.atlascopco.com www.atlascopco.co.za

Mechanical Technology — July 2016

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