Page 21 - Energize June 2021

NEWS

Evaluation LOCAL INSTRUMENTATION AND PROCESS
In so-called detection modules,
the analogue sensor signals are CONTROL COMPANY TURNS 40
converted to digital ones before being
passed on to the central evaluation
unit (master). For this purpose, an his year, Instrotech
internal communication bus has been celebrates 40 years
developed, with the principal task of Tin the business of
transferring any triggering information providing industrial electronics,
at ultra-high speed. The detection instrumentation, calibration
modules also receive their power via equipment and solutions
this line. Each module has its own in the process control and
address through the interlink assigned instrumentation industry.
to a specific busbar section, the so- Founded by Dave Howcraft
called protection zone. To monitor in 1981, Instrotech has evolved
two or more busbar sections, it is also appreciably from offices in Kya
possible to build up a complex arc- Sands, to the Comtest Group’s
protection system via a “masterlink.” headquarters in Linbro Business
Park, Gauteng, when the company
Quenching was acquired by the Comtest
The quenching device ensures extremely Group in 2010.
fast mitigation times. In less than 1 ms, Pieter Deysel, Instrotech’s
it generates a three-phase short circuit MD says, “Our core vision is to
in order to remove energy from the be the preferred and leading
arc fault. A pyrotechnically initiated provider of locally designed and
actuator, of the type used in airbag manufactured, cost-effective, high-quality industrial electronics and calibration equipment, as
systems, then accelerates a copper bolt well as representing international manufacturers of high-quality equipment, for the process
that punctures an insulating plate and control instrumentation industry.”
thereby establishes an electrical contact. “Talking about our local development and technology, Instrotech is constantly upgrading and
renovating the product offering, ensuring the future longevity of the company. This, in conjunction
Disconnection with our international suppliers, means we can give our customers the best innovative solution for
The incoming circuit breaker has the their applications,” he added.
task of disconnecting the affected Barend Niemand, Comtest Group MD added, “Our paths crossed in 2009/2010 when Comtest
busbar section from the mains supply. acquired Instrotech and Calog companies, opening up a new market with new products, enabling us
This is initiated by means of the short- to use local innovation to better support our customers.
circuit release. As a back-up measure, “I am very proud of the staff who make up the Instrotech team – they’re hard-working, and
an additional disconnection command having pulled through a very tough 2020, we can look back with pride at the tremendous support
is sent to the shunt release by each given by Instrotech’s staff. Looking ahead, I feel confident we will be able to meet and adapt to
incoming circuit breaker in the affected market challenges, and seize any opportunity that arises, so that all Instrotech’s stakeholders will
busbar section. Busbar sections that are reap the rewards,” he added.
not affected remain operational. Part of the Comtest philosophy is to attract, employ and retain professional, self-motivated
staff, and so provide a top-quality service. A prime reason Instrotech’s top technical staff stay, is that
Eaton’s ARCON arc-fault they’re constantly involved in diverse markets and interesting solutions.
protection system And what of Instrotech’s future? Well, several new products featuring Instrotech’s innovation and
Regardless of all the preliminary product development will be launched this year.
protective measures you take, arc faults Instrotech’s INSPECTA is a boiler protection system helping South Africa to keep electricity flowing
may still occur in electrical energy and the lights on. Installed in the boiler, the system continuously monitors sound to detect any
distribution systems. You therefore changes which would indicate a steam leak within the boiler. This allows plant operators to identify
need to implement suitable measures the affected area and plot the progress of the leak for planned shutdowns.
to prevent the occurrence of these Instrotech’s AUTO PURGE system is designed to ensure that the Inspecta pipe sets remain clean
extremely serious events and the at all times. If the pipe sets are not free of ash, the boiler is at risk of a steam leak not being detected
damage they may cause, for example by early enough for proactive action.
opting for ARCON. Instrotech’s new 9000 DIN rail mount programmable isolated transmitter is faster, and better
equipped to handle today’s requirement.
Click here to watch a video about Leanne Cole, Comtest’s group marketing manager, who started 17 years ago as a receptionist
Eaton’s arc-fault protection system, at Instrotech, says, “Instrotech is keen to continue developing products and solutions to aid our
ARCON customers. Instrotech has stood by you for the past 40 years, and I’ll bet that Instrotech will be here
with you for the next 100 years!”
For more information on the new
ARCON 3G, visit www.eaton.com Contact Instrotech, Tel 010 595-1831 sales@instrotech.co.za

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