Page 18 - Energize February 2021

NEWS

High-speed pyrometer improves industrial processes

ith very fast processes, requirements for the pyrometers used the pyrometer, in order to detect components running hot, in good time.
for temperature measurement are especially onerous. Typical Instrotech, local supplier of Optris products now offers the new
Wexamples are plastics processing machinery, such as those used high­speed pyrometer CT 4M for these types of challenging tasks. With a
for blow­molding PET bottles, which work on very short cycle times. detection time of just 90 µs, it is the fastest pyrometer within the Optris
Another application is the monitoring of rail vehicles, where the product range.
temperature of the wheelset bearings is measured as the train wheels pass The CT 4M measures within the spectral range of 2,2 to 6,0 µm,
making it ideal for low­temperature measurements on metals, metal
oxides, ceramics or for materials with an unknown or changing
emissivity. Here, low temperature means the measurement range spans
zero to 500°C. The sensor head of the new pyrometer is very compact;
with a diameter of 14 mm and a length of 28 mm, it can easily be
installed even where space is at a premium, for example directly within
a machine. The remote electronics unit is connected to the sensor head
via a cable which can be up to 15 m long. Important parameters can be
entered here directly via three keys and an illuminated display.
The integrated interface allows the CT 4M to be connected directly to
a PC, where all settings can be fine­tuned in the CompactPlus Connect
software. Data capture and recording are also possible using the software.
Other serial interfaces or an Ethernet interface are also available as
options. Instead of a PC, the pyrometer can also be connected to an
Android mobile device which has the free IRmobile app installed. This
allows the settings of the pyrometer to be adjusted very conveniently
during commissioning or maintenance work directly on site.
To connect the CT 4M to the process, two scalable analog outputs
and three I/O pins are available. n

Contact Instrotech, Tel 010 595-1831, sales@instrotech.co.za
Video Link: https://youtu.be/6qtM-td-_3Y

Support for bid to lift licensing threshold welcomed

by Nivesh Govender, SAPVIA Regulator of South Africa (Nersa).
The benefits of a specific allocation
he South African Photovoltaic within the Integrated Resource Plan (IRP)
Industry Association (SAPVIA) and lifting of licensing thresholds are now
Twelcomes comments made by Eskom common knowledge and as a key
CEO Andre de Ruyter recently in support of government partner in the energy space,
an increased distributed generation license SAPVIA remains committed to engaging and
exemption cap. Distributed generation can collaborating with both DMRE and Nersa to
add capacity to the grid, reduce load­ develop the required changes.
shedding, and create jobs but there must be Increased deployment of embedded
policy and regulatory action. generation capacity will release the pressure
SAPVIA has long been engaged in on Eskom’s already constrained supply.
advocating for the systematic easing of Simply put, distributed generation provides,
licensing thresholds, to unlock the significant rapid, clean, additional capacity to the grid.
opportunity held by distributed generation. No one could disagree with the need for
We therefore welcome the support of the increased capacity as our economy is
state­owned utility for lifting licensing hamstrung by the ongoing blight of load­ Nivesh Govender
thresholds from 1 to 50 MW to accelerate shedding. But distributed generation will
distributed generation by large customers. also create jobs, spur localisation and ongoing energy crises and we are hopeful that
As a key sector player, Eskom’s industrialisation, which will be vital in this will be followed up with the necessary
support in this effort should encourage driving South Africa’s economic recovery. legislation changes to make this a reality. n
more haste in regulatory changes from the It is clear from De Ruyter’s comments
Department of Mineral Resources and that Eskom realises that the utility must look Send your comments to
Energy (DMRE) and the National Energy for alternative solutions to combat the rogerl@nowmedia.co.za

energize | February 2021 | 16