Switch To Mobile Version

  • VIEWS & OPINION: more >>

  • LIGHTING: more >>

    • How electrochemical compounds protect LEDs from environmental conditions

      by Jade Bridges, Electrolube

      How protective compounds and thermal management are enhancing the performance and prolonging the life of LEDs. It is hard to ignore the phenomenal growth of the LED market, spurred on by new applications, advertisements for energy savings and company policies to switch to more efficient lighting systems. In conjunction with the design freedom and application […]

    • Quantum dots: a technology evolution

      Information from IDTechEx

      The application landscape for quantum dot (QD) technology is rapidly evolving and QDs are already used in display applications. This article discusses the innovation and commercialisation frontiers of this technology. Quantum dots (QDs) in displays are nothing new. They are being used to widen the colour gamut of liquid-crystal displays (LCDs), enabling these devices to […]

    • The psychology of colour and how it impacts branding

      by Philip Hammond, BHA Lighting and BHA School of Lighting

      This article explores the perception of colour across cultures and highlights the use of colour in corporate branding. Never underestimate the importance of selecting the right colour to represent a brand. Every colour used in branding has a psychological link or message. It is, however, very important to remember that these psychological links can differ […]

  • SWITCHGEAR & DRIVES: more >>

    • Mitigating internal arc impact in switchgear

      by Marley Becerra, Ulf Sand and Jörg Lehmann, ABB

      A new arc simulation platform incorporating three gas-flow simulation tools can assess internal arc withstand to mitigate internal arc impact in switchgear. Unintentional electric arcs created between energised conductors in electrical systems can be highly energetic. These arcs can create plasmas with temperatures well in excess of 10 000°C, driving a fast and violent expansion […]

    • Designing in safety

      by Brad Zilch and Jeff Rohde, Siemens

      Reduce the arc flash risk in low-voltage installations by means of adjustable instantaneousness breakers. An arc flash is current flowing through air that flashes from one exposed live conductor to another conductor or to ground. When an arc flash happens, the temperature can reach up to 35 000 degrees Fahrenheit. This is four times the […]

    • A new way of motion control

      by Kevin Wu, and Craig Nelson, Siemens

      This article provides new paradigms in motion control, allowing machine designers and users to reduce motion design time and training costs. To compete in the global market today, machine builders must deliver high-performance machines that are faster, more automated and more flexible, while always meeting customer expectations and keeping design costs under control. New technologies […]

  • MECHANICAL TECHNOLOGY: more >>

    • Extending pump life expectancy

      by Chris Muscavage, Sulzer

      The importance of pump performance testing and how it can improve plant reliability. Feedwater pumps are at the heart of any steam generation process and, as such, they are considered critical assets. When viewed from the cardiologic perspective, feedwater pump criticality becomes patently obvious; without a healthy heart, the process will degrade and eventually cease […]

    • Swedish submarine technology turns industrial waste gas to electricity

      Information from Swedish Stirling

      Cleantech company Swedish Stirling has developed a unique solution to harness energy from flare and industrial residual gas combustion. The solution is based on Stirling technology, a 200-year-old invention with decades of operation service in Swedish submarines that can cut costs and lower carbon dioxide emissions for the South African mining and processing industries (see […]

    • From the ICMEESA Archive: Vacuum degassing of steel

      by FI de Waal and BJ Lodewijks, ISCOR

      From the ICMEESA Archive This article provides the basics steel degassing and discusses the history, principles and benefits of this process. As early as 1886, Russel Aitken suggested that various plate defects might be avoided by treating liquid steel under vacuum to remove gases, especially oxygen. It was then already known that the oxygen in […]

  • INSTALLATION & CONTRACTING: more >>

    • Copper: A universal trooper

      Information from the Copper Development Association Africa (CDAA)

      The versatility of copper is astounding and the efficiency of the material makes it an attractive alternative for various applications. Over the years, copper has grown increasingly popular as its applications diversify. Various industries rely on this material for safe, reliable and efficient results. Plumbing industry Copper is one of the most durable piping materials […]

    • A safety guide to switches

      Information from SAFEhouse

      In the South African electrical industry, it is often said “a switch is a switch is a switch!”. The fact is, nothing could be further from the truth. Switches and sockets are not only functional devices, they are also elements of interior design. They must have the technical requirements essential for modern household, office appliances […]

    • Lightning and surge protection for golf courses

      Information from DEHN

      On golf courses, it is imperative to install lightning and surge protection measures at shelters, club houses, caddy and trolley sheds, the irrigation systems and service stations. Golf courses by their nature extend over large areas and include facilities such as club houses, caddy and trolley sheds (frequently with integrated driving range), locker and change […]