Local manufacturer showcases international competency through MeerKAT project

From Creamer Media in Johannesburg, this is the Real Economy Report.

Sashnee Moodley:
Heavy engineering company Efficient Engineering has delivered 15 radio antennas which are being used for the MeerKAT radio telescope project, the first phase of the Square Kilometer Array project in the Northern Cape. David Oliveira tells us more.

David Oliveira:
Efficient Engineering division Efficient Power MD Warwick Jackson highlights that the next milestone for Efficient Engineering will be the delivery of an additional 17 integrated pedestal and yoke units by the end of April. Final delivery of all 64 units is scheduled for December 2016.

He highlights that, owing to the complexity of the project and the accuracy required by radio antenna systems, the engineering of the antenna positioners required significant levels of manufacturing accuracy and repeatability, particularly the slew bearing, which connects the stationary pedestal with the rotating yolk that holds the antenna backup structure.

Efficient Power MD Warwick Jackson:

David Oliveira:
Another important requirement for the radio antenna is the prevention of unwanted electromagnetic interference, which can interfere with the specialised signal receiver equipment. Jackson notes that there are extremely specialised requirements around the fabrication of the shielded drive compartment to ensure minimal electromagnetic interference, as it houses a unique servo system designed by Germany-based satellite antenna specialist and MeerKAT designer Vertex Antennentechnik.

Efficient Power MD Warwick Jackson:

David Oliveira:
Every aspect of the system is tested for faults at Efficient Engineering’s facilities by the company as well as by independent testing companies before the completed radio antenna’s are transported by road to the SKA site.

Meanwhile, Jackson asserts that the MeerKAT project is demonstrating South African companies ability to handle global projects and deliver quality engineered solutions.

Efficient Power MD Warwick Jackson:

Sashnee Moodley:
Other news making headlines this week:

Areva and Rosatom on nuclear costs, secrecy and the South African tender

Nuclear vendor Areva, which is planning to participate in a French industry bid for South Africa’s proposed nuclear build programme, indicated on Tuesday that, in the absence of an actual tender, it was not possible to offer any certainty as to the likely cost of the programme.

Areva South Africa MD Dr Yves Guenon:
 

Sashnee Moodley:
That’s Creamer Media’s Real Economy Report. Join us again next week for more news and insight into South Africa’s real economy.