Sensors for De Hoop Dam
1st Quarter 2018
Other technologies
The De Hoop Dam is a gravity dam on the Steelpoort River near Burgersfort, Limpopo. The dam is 81 metres in height and 1000 metres in length, with a total capacity of 347 million cubic metres and a surface area of 1690 hectares. It is operated by the Department of Water and Sanitation. The De Hoop Dam project, worth R3,4 billion, is the largest dam built in South Africa since the 1970s. Its purpose is to enable the extraction of rich mineral deposits in the eastern Limpopo province and to improve the supply of water to towns, industries and communities in the Sekhukhune district. The dam opened in 2014.
Challenge
There have been large earthquakes in South Africa in the past, notably a 6.3 magnitude earthquake north of Cape Town in 1969. Experts report that the East African Rift tectonic plate faultlines are spreading to southern Africa. Cognisant of the fact that major earthquakes can lead to large scale loss of life and property, the government wanted a system that would effectively monitor the dam. The remote location of the dam made the installation a substantial challenge because all the necessary equipment and consumables had to be brought in from outside.
Solution
The goal of the project was to supply a modern, state-of-the-art seismic monitoring system as well as an Ambient Vibration Monitoring (AVM) system. GeoSIG offers a wide range of seismic sensors, recorders and software for projects of this nature. With more than 25 years experience in providing earthquake, seismic, structural, dynamic and static monitoring and measuring solutions, GeoSIG’s partner, Tilt-Tech proposed a winning solution with the expert help of engineers at GeoSIG. In this case two GMSplus recorders and six AC-73D digital force balance accelerometers were utilised. Communication to the outside world was achieved with industrial GSM modems connected to an LPDA high gain antenna.
The six sensors required 900 metres of industrial cable to be installed, including about 370 metres of the outside cable into galvanised pipes for protection against the elements. Even the pipes had to be installed using saddles and anchor nails. The main equipment, such as the two GMSplus units, battery and battery charger, was installed into a specially manufactured stainless steel enclosure, which also housed the modems, network switches, inverter and laptop. The battery enclosure and charger were installed just below the main enclosure. The system is currently being monitored remotely and is set up to send system error messages, log files and event triggers. The customer also concentrates on ambient vibration monitoring in order to ascertain the health of the structure over the years to come. Site inspections, as well as collection of raw data, are done on a monthly basis.
This is another example of a solution using GeoSIG instruments together with a capable partner, effectively showing that quality and reliability can also be cost-effective.
For more information contact Jan Hanekom, Tilt-Tech, +27 (0)83 370 2125, [email protected], www.tilt-tech.co.za
Further reading:
Monitoring vibration allows for equipment longevity
Iritron
Other technologies
Unscheduled downtime and maintenance on machines is often a source of frustration for many companies active in industrial manufacturing as it results in loss of process and productivity, which in turn equates to loss of revenue.
Read more...
Building resilience in extreme environments
Other technologies
The petrochemical and oil and gas sectors operate in unforgiving environments. In this high-stakes industry, operational efficiency is vital, and unplanned downtime can have severe consequences. To thrive in this demanding landscape, a proactive and sophisticated approach to maintenance is no longer an option, but a necessity.
Read more...
Extending oil drain intervals
Other technologies
In a recent field study, African Group Lubricants tested the performance of Mobil Delvac Modern MX 15W-40 Super Defense engine oil under rigorous operational conditions. The goal was to extend the oil drain interval while maintaining optimal engine performance and reliability.
Read more...
Electric chain hoist where advanced features are standard
Other technologies
Konecranes has launched the new Konecranes D-Series electric chain hoist, designed to meet the demands of industries that require high-performance lifting equipment.
Read more...
Latest advance in automotive cooling fluids
Other technologies
The automotive industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by advancements in vehicle design and increasing demands for enhanced performance and durability. These changes are bringing a marked shift toward formulations that offer improved heat dissipation and robust corrosion resistance.
Read more...
Advancements in wire rope testing
Other technologies
Being able to get instant, real-time and portable detection of wire rope flaws can make a significant difference for operational teams. There have been a number of significant technological advancements and tools entering the market that help wire rope operators detect and resolve problems faster.
Read more...
Complete solutions for the die casting industry
Other technologies
Die casting is a manufacturing process that involves injecting molten metal into a mould to produce complex, high-precision components. FUCHS Lubricants South Africa addresses the evolving demands of the die casting sector through continuous product innovation and development.
Read more...
Regular maintenance of cutting fluids is essential to maintain quality
Other technologies
Regular cleaning and maintenance of cutting fluid systems significantly enhances overall efficiency by extending the life of the cutting fluids, reducing downtime and improving the quality of the end products.
Read more...
Rethinking common approaches to wire rope lubrication
Other technologies
: Wire ropes are hard-working components in many different applications, from mines to lifts, ports, construction sites and drainage systems. Correct lubrication of wire ropes is absolutely critical because wire ropes are more than just cables, they are intricate machines composed of interdependent parts in constant motion.
Read more...
Quantum refrigerator paves way for reliable quantum computers
Other technologies
Quantum computers require extreme cooling to perform reliable calculations. Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, and the University of Maryland, USA, have engineered a new type of refrigerator that can autonomously cool superconducting qubits to record low temperatures, paving the way for more reliable quantum computation.
Read more...
printer friendly version