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Maintenance and Refurbishment

Chain and sprockets offer cost savings on power transmission

12th November 2021 Engineering solutions provider BMG’s total plant management solutions encompass a technical advisory service for maintenance programmes that includes correct chain and sprocket selection, a critical factor in any power transmission system. “We believe that by investing in quality branded power... →

New division to provide tailored maintenance services

By: Cameron Mackay 12th November 2021 Facilities management services provider FM Solutions launched their specialist technical unit, FM Solutions Technical, in June 2021 – thereby expanding their facilities management services to include technical maintenance. “We are now able to provide a tailored package to our clients, ensuring... →

Image of FM Solutions director Zaahir Forbes

ZAAHIR FORBES Businesses have seen the need to reinstate facilities management services to ensure that facilities and workplaces are compliant and ready to accommodate returning staff members

Retail complex work complete

By: Cameron Mackay 12th November 2021 While the Montecasino leisure and retail complex in Fourways, Johannesburg, has its own maintenance team and specialised contractors, the complex occasionally requires work-at-height and confined-space experience for maintenance work, with rope access specialist Skyriders assisting in this... →

Image of Skyriders conducting at-height maintenance at Montecasino

AT-HEIGHT UPKEEP Earlier this year, Skyriders did maintenance work at the complex, including replacing an anchor system on a bell tower used to suspend advertising banners

Leak detection creates ease of maintenance

13th November 2020 Test and management service provider Comtest introduced the Fluke ii900, a handheld sonic industrial imager that enables maintenance to quickly locate air, steam, gas and vacuum leaks in compressed air systems. The straight-forward, intuitive interface allows technicians to isolate the sound... →

MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENTS The Fluke ii900 reduces leak detection time and improves reliability on the production line

Preventive maintenance an active solution

By: Theresa Bhowan-Rajah 13th November 2020 In large operating plants, whether power generation, or petrochemicals, rope access specialists Skyriders strongly recommends that clients carry out preventive, rather than reactive, maintenance. “Much like having a maintenance or service plan for a car, we recommend that our clients carry out... →

PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE Preventive maintenance usually starts with non-destructive testing, often through visual inspections, ultrasonic wall-thickness testing or x-ray testing

Maintenance saves companies’ bottom line

13th November 2020 With economic uncertainty levels reaching an all-time high, it is necessary to find creative and resilient ways to reduce budgets while boosting the bottom line. Preventive maintenance is often one of the most tempting to trim, however, doing so could end up costing a business significantly more... →

PREVENTION BETTER THAN CURE Companies can minimise the risk of costly reactive maintenance as reactive maintenance only addresses problems as it arises

Preventive measures vital for ‘new normal’ commercial operations

By: Theresa Bhowan-Rajah 13th November 2020 As a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, facilities management service provider Facilities Management (FM) Solutions points out that companies need to create a preventive maintenance plan for the upkeep of commercial spaces at regular intervals. “While self-performed maintenance protocols have not... →

A THOROUGH JOB Creating a preventive maintenance plan at regular intervals, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic, is of great importance

Machine maintenance in paper mills made easy

13th November 2020 Volatile global economic conditions and even tougher regulations are making it increasingly difficult for pulp and paper producers to protect their operating margins. As a result, mills are looking for methods of reducing operating costs, one of which is to minimise maintenance activities, while... →

CLEAN PAPER Equipment malfunctions in pulp and paper mills can, in most instances, be traced back to poor maintenance

Modular installation systems fitted in abattoir

By: Darren Parker 15th November 2019 Multinational construction services company Hilti designed and supplied the modular installation systems to support wet services for chicken producer Early Bird Farms, in Olifantsfontein. Early Bird Farms has been refurbishing and refitting its operations as part of Project Phoenix, which... →

CRIZETTE VAN DEN BERGH The modular installation system is beneficial in terms of maintenance because of reduced downtime

Quality gratings can reduce maintenance and costs

By: Darren Parker 15th November 2019 Grating, stair treads, expanded metal and handrail manufacturer Vital Engineering has supplied its Vitex expanded metal range of raised expanded metal walkway gratings and the Vitex flattened range, for safety guarding applications, to various mining and process plants in the last six months. The... →

GRATE JOB All products supplied by Vital Engineering are produced in compliance with local and international safety standards

Rising high with rope access to replace windows

By: Darren Parker 15th November 2019 Work at height company Skyriders completed the replacement of 15 large window panes in September at the Hilton Garden Inn, in Zambia. The Hilton Garden Inn is part of luxury hotel group Hilton’s recently refurbished 20-storey mixed-use development Society Business Park, in Lusaka. →

SEAL THE DEAL Finalising waterproofing on the hotel was challenging because there were no straight vertical or horizontal surfaces.

Welding Alloys South Africa

15th November 2019 MillCarb – The future of grinding component refurbishment The enormous impact of wear in the cement industry has been evident since the invention of milling and crushing equipment but is most notable in mills. As a vital component in the cement manufacturing process, mills need to run at optimum... →

Demand for maintenance planning qualification increases

By: Darren Parker 15th November 2019 Enterprise asset management company Pragma successfully achieved its second intake of students for its Maintenance Planner qualification in August, with a third intake planned for January next year. The National Qualification Framework (NQF) Level 5 qualification, offered through the Pragma... →

QUANTIFYING A QUALITY QUALIFICATION The maintenance planning qualification can lead to good planning, which can boost each artisan’s efficiency on a maintenance team by about 45% to 50%

Refurbished building boasts new materials

By: Darren Parker 15th November 2019 Shared workspace provider WeWork will officially open its newly refurbished 155 West street building, in Sandton, next month. The building, which is more than 25 years old, was previously occupied by health insurance provider Discovery before it was overhauled. →

NOT JUST A PRETTY FAÇADE The interior of the refurbished building includes upgraded safety features and improved facilities

Lack of funding worsens skills shortage

By: Jessica Oosthuizen 16th November 2018 A lack of government funding is exacerbating the shortage of skilled coating technologists and accredited paint applicators, says paint industry representative South African Paint Manufacturing Association (Sapma) executive director Deryck Spence. The Chemical Industries Education and Training... →

LEAD FREE Sapma is advocating for the removal of lead from all paint

Boiler maintenance project close to completion

By: Thabi Shomolekae 16th November 2018 Maintenance and refurbishment services company GM Boiler plans to complete a boiler maintenance project at a local prison, in Johannesburg, by December this year. As part of government’s 36-month facility inspection programme, GM Boiler MD Gregory Morgan says the project includes the overhauling... →

Refurbishment service transfigured Lanseria’s departure lounge

By: Thabi Shomolekae 16th November 2018 Floor and building protection solutions company Polyflor South Africa (SA) has refurbished the 950 m2 domestic departure lounge of Lanseria International Airport, conveniently located between Johannesburg and Pretoria, in Gauteng, into an attractive and functional space that is in line with... →

RIP UP Floor maintenance and refurbishment service is in progress

Welding Alloys

16th November 2018 Maintenance of plant and equipment very often goes hand-in-hand with the need for refurbishment of worn components owing to damage caused by wear. Higher levels of maintenance often reduce the need for refurbishment, but if the need arises, experts in wear protection Welding Alloys South Africa... →

Leguan lifts introduced onto South African market

By: Thabi Shomolekae 16th November 2018 As part of expanding its product range, multitask articulated loader importer Avant South Africa (SA) started importing Leguan access lifts, developed and manufactured in Finland for maintenance purposes. Avant SA manager Steyn le Grange states that the first lift arrived in August in Boksburg... →

HIGH PLATFORM The Leguan lifts provide outstanding working height with stability

Monitoring system streamlines maintenance activities

By: Robyn Wilkinson 17th November 2017 Global test equipment manufacturer Fluke is enjoying significant market success following the launch of Fluke Connect ™, which combines high-quality test tools and digital technology to help small, medium-sized and large industrial companies streamline critical maintenance operations. →

INSTANT INFORMATION Measurements obtained from Fluke Connect enabled tools can be viewed simultaneously at the inspection site and from an off-site location

Focus on flooring helps companies save

By: Robyn Wilkinson 17th November 2017 Demand for the floor inspection services and maintenance programmes provided by concrete flooring solutions provider Concrete Laser Flooring (CLF) has doubled in the last six months as companies grow increasingly aware of the importance of basing operations on solid ground, says CLF manager Angus... →

SMOOTH OPERATOR CLF provided a seamless 200-mm-thick, fibre-reinforced concrete floor for Value Logistics

Maintenance programmes crucial for mine cost management

By: Robyn Wilkinson 17th November 2017 In challenging economic times, mining companies are looking to ‘sweat’ their assets, and a key cost management strategy in this endeavour is the implementation of sustainable cost management programmes with structured and proactive maintenance programmes, says mining, materials handling and... →

UPGRADE AND IMPROVE TAKRAF Africa’s redesign of a bucket-wheel reclaimer features three bolted segments that enable maintenance to be carried out only on the worn parts of the bucket wheel

Unique repair solutions have ‘unlimited’ applications

By: Robyn Wilkinson 17th November 2017 Applications for industrial lining solutions provider Groupline Projects’ (GLP’s) Armacoat and Armasteel composite repair systems seem to be “unlimited”, as the company embarks on a quest to tailor the repair solutions – tried and tested in the mining sector – for other industries, says GLP GM... →

AFTER The coatings are highly resilient and have, to date, proven to be completely durable, without a known failure

Specialised welding enhances refurbishment capabilities

By: Robyn Wilkinson 17th November 2017 Having proven the benefits of laser beam welding for the refurbishment of industrial components in a range of experimental projects, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research’s (CSIR’s) National Laser Centre (NLC) is working to commercialise this specialised technique for the South... →

PRECISION WORK Laser welding is best used in combination with other welding processes for applications that require the highly specialised capabilities

Welding Alloys

17th November 2017 Maintenance of plant and equipment very often goes hand-in-hand with the need for refurbishment of worn components owing to damage caused by wear. Higher levels of maintenance often reduce the need for refurbishment, but if the need arises, experts in wear protection Welding Alloys South Africa... →

Improved dispatch times reduce maintenance delays

By: Aarifah Nosarka 11th November 2016 Self-lubricating bearing manufacturer Vesconite Bearings is ensuring that its internally lubricated polymers and polymer bearings for fishing boats are exported faster to Mauritius to ensure prompt maintenance. “Vesconite Bearings has been engaging with its courier company to speed up delivery of... →

BOAT MAINTENANCE Internally lubricated polymer bearings for fishing boats increase maintenance intervals

Company offers aftermarket maintenance services for various industries

By: Aarifah Nosarka 11th November 2016 Opencast mining and mineral processing equipment specialist Tenova Takraf Africa offers maintenance and refurbishment services through its Tenova Client Support Services business unit, currently operating from the company’s headquarters in Kempton Park, Gauteng. The unit comprises 1800 m2 of... →

BRADFORD BREAKER Tenova Client Support Services has upgraded several Bradford Breakers

Need for regular periodic maintenance on roofing systems emphasised

11th November 2016 The Institute for Timber Construction South Africa (ITC-SA) says although certain roof systems require less intense maintenance than others, all roofing systems should be checked periodically and maintained accordingly. “The best preventive measure one can implement in the care of a roof... →

ROOF MAINTENANCE All roofing systems should be checked periodically and maintained accordingly

New tech recommended for refurbishment

11th November 2016 Vinyl flooring and protection solution specialist Polyflor South Africa marketing director Tandy Coleman recommends two modern technology methods of removing bitumen from floors during floor removal. “Bitumen can be very difficult to remove. Over the years many methods have been tried, some with... →

FLOOR ADHESIVE Bitumen is less affected by moisture than any other adhesive products

Rope-access specialist successfully completes Eskom silo maintenance

By: Kimberley Smuts 13th November 2015 Rope-access specialist Skyriders removed coal hangups and conducted high-pressure washing on the internal silo surfaces at one of State-owned power utility Eskom’s silos. The project started in mid-July and was completed that same month. Removing the coal hangups required two teams of experienced... →

COAL HANGUPS SUCCESSFULLY REMOVED The Skyriders team spent five days and five nights removing the coal hangups, with the high-pressure washing of the internal silo taking three days

Swiss product range plays integral role in Maitland water pipe refurbishment

By: Malusi Mkhize 13th November 2015 Swiss-based waterproofing, protecting and reinforcing products supplier Sika provided the range of products used in the refurbishment of the Nelson Mandela Bay metropolitan municipality’s main city water pipeline at the Maitland river mouth in the Eastern Cape. The pipeline which has not... →

Diagnosis technology simplifies fault detection

13th November 2015 The anticipation of problems can reduce the risk of sudden failures and allow for maintenance to be scheduled at the most effective time thus reducing breakdown maintenance costs. In line with this, process automation technologies industry expert Emerson Process Management offer the PeakVue... →

Regular fire risk assessments important

13th November 2015 Fire safety and security solutions experts Chubb Fire and Security South Africa offer fire risk assessments, which highlight any risks at a site and recommend the necessary changes that align with the requirements prescribed by the Department of Labour under the Occupational Health and Safety... →

Simpler machines better for maintenance – crane manufacturer

By: Malusi Mkhize 13th November 2015 When designing and manufacturing high-powered specialised lifting and materials-handling equipment for the African and global market, local crane manufacturer Condra Cranes has relied on simplicity, adhering to its dictum of manufacturing machines that are simple to operate and easy to maintain.... →

Thermal imaging technology a useful tool in preventive maintenance

By: Malusi Mkhize 13th November 2015 Thermal imaging technology has become one of the most valuable diagnostic tools for industrial applications as it detects irregularities that are normally invisible to the naked eye. As such thermal imaging allows for corrective action to be taken before costly system failures or fires can occur,... →

Lubricants continue to drive equipment performance

By: Malusi Mkhize 13th November 2015 South African petrochemicals major Engen’s two lubricant ranges - Engen Gengear XEP and PETRONAS Grease LiX Syn series – are just two recent additions to the range of lubricants which form part of its Fluidlink solutions to deal with equipment lubrication-related concerns and maintenance and... →

Water-blasting technology applied in airport maintenance

By: Malusi Mkhize 13th November 2015 Gauteng-based facilities maintenance, civil works and general construction specialist Tswelokgotso Trading Enterprise (TTE) has implemented a new water-blasting technology to effectively execute several of its maintenance projects including the OR Tambo International Airport maintenance project.... →

Photo by TTE
BLASTING THROUGH DIRT The SK3000 is an environmentally safe alternative to harmful chemicals used in other cleaning methods.

Maintenance integral to proactive asset management

By: Malusi Mkhize 13th November 2015 An intentional shift towards proactive asset management is one of the ways in which companies can prepare for the future, as proactive asset management offers an alternative to the current reactive asset management practices that are not working within a stressed economic market environment.... →

Photo by Duane Daws
EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE The success of asset management lies in coaching and training of artisans

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