International news digest
2nd Quarter 2009
News & events
ANSI, the American National Standards Institute, has approved a second standard in the ISA99 series Security for Industrial Automation and Control Systems.
The new standard, ANSI/ISA-99.02.01-2009, Establishing an Industrial Automation and Control Systems Security Program, describes elements to set up a cyber security management system and provides guidance on how to meet the requirements for each element. Topics include policies, procedures, practices, and personnel.
The new standard follows last year’s publication of the first standard in the series, ANSI/ISA-99.00.01, which serves as the basis of all standards in the ISA99 series by presenting key concepts, terminology, and models. Additional ISA99 standards under development will cover how to operate a security program after it is designed and implemented, and technical security requirements for industrial automation and control systems.
Danfoss has announced that as a result of poor fourth quarter performance, 850 jobs will be cut in 2009. Around 300 of these jobs will be eliminated in Denmark. The action is being taken as a result of the impact of the continuing global financial recession. The Danfoss Executive Committee has emphasised that the Group’s competitiveness must be safeguarded.
When the accounting write-downs following Danfoss’ takeover of the controlling interest in Sauer-Danfoss are included, the 2008 annual accounts are expected to show both a pre-tax and an after-tax loss, in spite of the continuing positive EBIT result.
Danfoss High Pressure Systems (previously called Nessie) has announced that Palle Kruse, who is currently head of Danfoss Group & People & Organisation (previously called Danfoss Global HR), has been appointed senior vice president.
High Pressure Systems began as a technology project that targeted the replacement of oil hydraulics with water hydraulics. In his new role as Senior Vice President of Danfoss High Pressure Systems, Kruse’s primary responsibility will be to exploit the very large development potential of the business area and drive growth.
ISA is holding its 55th International Instrumentation Symposium from Monday, 1 June 2009 through Friday, 5 June 2009 in League City, Texas, USA. The last day to pre-register online is 27 May, 2009.
Industry experts will present papers on topics like electronic instrumentation, wireless technology, cyber-security, aerospace systems, process measurement and control, virtual instrumentation systems, laser and electro-optics instrumentation, geo-science and remote sensing, and more. The event will also feature volunteer-led tutorials, social events, exhibits, networking, and social functions, including a student presentation/paper competition. Onsite training courses will be offered on various topics.
Full details can be found at www.isa.org.
General Motors Corporation is funding researchers at the Hydrogen Systems Laboratory of Purdue’s Maurice J. Zucrow Laboratories. The researchers have developed a critical part of a hydrogen storage system for cars, making it possible to fill up a vehicle’s fuel tank within five minutes with enough hydrogen to drive 300 miles.
The system uses metal hydride to absorb hydrogen gas. The researchers have created the system’s heat exchanger, which circulates coolant through tubes and uses fins to remove heat generated as the hydrogen is absorbed by the powder.
The research is directed by GM researchers Darsh Kumar, Michael Herrmann and Abbas Nazri. In February, the team applied for three provisional patents related to this technology.
Further reading:
Innomotics showcases efficient motors and drives at Hannover Messe
News & events
Innomotics recently presented its innovations and solutions for a sustainable industry at Hannover Messe 2025. Highlights included a novel Active Vibration Control System, IE6 energy efficiency class motors, and new product partnerships.
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A racing partnership
SKF South Africa
News & events
In one of motorsport’s most demanding arenas, a partnership forged in engineering precision and high-performance ambition has proven its worth. SKF, a global leader in bearing technology and innovation, celebrated a remarkable milestone in partnership with SVR Toyota GAZOO Racing, taking second position overall at the 2025 Dakar Rally.
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German Chancellor visits Beckhoff at Hannover Messe
Beckhoff Automation
News & events
As part of the traditional Hannover Messe opening tour, Federal Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz visited German company, Beckhoff Automation. Hans Beckhoff, managing director and owner of Beckhoff Automation, presented his company and its comprehensive expertise in the field of software and AI.
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Festo 100th Anniversary: Celebrating a century-long legacy of innovation and commitment
Festo
News & events
Festo has officially begun celebrating 100 years of groundbreaking technology, commitment and enduring partnerships. To kick off this historic milestone celebration, their Customer Innovation Day and ThankYou Party series brought together customers, partners and employees to reflect on their journey and look ahead to an exciting future.
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SANSA Hartebeesthoek provides critical support for lunar mission
News & events
The South African National Space Agency (SANSA) is providing vital tracking, telemetry and command (TT&C) support for Intuitive Machines-2 (IM-2) lunar mission from its Hartebeesthoek ground station.
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Siemens and Oracle Red Bull Racing celebrate 20 years of innovation
Siemens South Africa
News & events
Siemens Digital Industries Software is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its collaboration with Oracle Red Bull Racing, representing one of the longest standing technical partnerships in Formula 1 today.
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A new generation of solar professionals
News & events
A new generation of solar professionals is rising in Cape Town. The second cohort of the Solar Youth Project has just completed an intensive eight-week training course and is ready to take on the next stage, 10 months of work experience.
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From the editor's desk: The new space race
Technews Publishing
News & events
The other day an interesting report captured my attention. Within four days, two different private American companies recently succeeded in landing their spacecraft on the moon. Intuitive Machines landed
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Upskilled workers add value to maintenance teams
News & events
Maintenance costs, which are traditionally grudge expenses for businesses or industrial operations, can be kept to a minimum by ensuring that maintenance crews are properly trained in key aspects of the condition monitoring process. Wearcheck offers a choice of more than 15 courses covering a wide range of topics, from general oil analysis to thermography, transformer maintenance and many other reliability solutions services.
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BMG powers up at Nampo 2025
Bearing Man Group T/A BMG
News & events
The BMG team was highly prominent at this year’s Nampo agricultural show, held near Bothaville recently. This prestigious event, which is one of the largest agricultural exhibitions in the southern hemisphere, is a highlight for manufacturers and suppliers of farming equipment, as well as for farmers, families and the entire community.
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