Plant maintenance, test + measurement
the required 40 to 50% in mandatory improvements, it is o¦en diicult to measure this as few companies have equipment in place to monitor energy produced, combustion flue gases, CO 2 , excess air or carbon in ash. “More data, better analysis and control of equipment can have a positive impact. Measuring fuel usage is essential as, in South Africa, the current carbon tax for stationary combustion systems such as boilers is based on the quantity of fuel used. Every tonne not used, is a tonne not applied and a tax not paid.” Operations data systems are also helpful in indicating a need for proactive or reactive maintenance, which also impacts eiciency and emissions. Striking a balance Although AES first recommends the ‘low-hanging fruit’ of equipment optimisation and expert operational intervention to deliver targeted improvements, when requirements are beyond an asset’s capabilities, it is time either to change existing equipment or to switch fuels. Williams advises that companies need to balance compliance requirements with ensuring the capex and opex spend is warranted: “When a company is weighing up legal compliance and production objectives, we put forward a solution that is best aligned with both. However, a degree of foresight is also needed – to look at the full picture and consider the future implications. O¦en it makes sense to spend the money now rather than wait until the last minute,” he says.
emissions were concerning. New boilers with upgraded boiler control systems, including using variable speed drives on fans instead of mechanical dampers, improved overall eiciency and contributed to reducing the plant’s carbon footprint. “AES installed improved emissions abatement plant and high-eiciency, multi-cyclone grit arresters to reduce particulate emissions. Additional benefits included lower CO 2 emissions due to fuel savings, and an improved relationship with the surrounding community, due to reduced visible emissions and fallout from the plant,” Williams highlights. AES also assisted a tank terminal operator in the Durban harbour precinct, where stricter-than-usual emissions limits were in place within the polluted South Durban basin. “We assisted with a complete turnkey project, working with the eThekwini Municipality’s Department of Health. We did emissions modelling based on the boiler and emissions abatement plant selected. Installation of a coal-fired facility – rather than a boiler using HFO – was approved. This project also included the use of a bag filter, which we continue to operate,” he adds. These changes have contributed to improved operational efficiency as well as an improved carbon footprint for the company and lower SOx emissions.
Taking control of emissions Although Williams estimates that these interventions can meet
For more information visit: www.aes-africa.com
Plant maintenance, test + measurement: Products + services
Digital solutions for mine shaft inspections
ABB participated in a specialist industry event – ‘Sha¦ Inspections 4.0’ – hosted last year by Dwyka Mining Services and Point.Laz, to showcase advances in automated visual and LiDAR (Laser imaging and ranging) scanning technology for mine sha¦s. Attending this event was part of its ongoing commitment to delivering digital and AI-driven solutions that enhance infrastructure management across the mining sector. “Sha¦ scanning is one of the initiatives we are looking into to expand our services to hoisting customers. We see great potential in this technology and more generally in providing digital and AI-driven solutions in the mining industry,” says John Manuell, Global Business Unit Manager at ABB. The specialist industry event brought together mining engineers, hoisting specialists, and inspection professionals to explore how traditional manual sha¦ inspections are being replaced by autonomous, drone-based, and data-driven technologies. These platforms can generate high-resolution structural models and reduce human exposure to hazardous underground environments. “Our focus is on integrating autonomous inspection data into hoisting, safety and asset management systems, particularly in deep-level mining environments common in South Africa,” says Henk Wiedemann, Hoisting Service Manager at ABB. “The industry’s key challenge is no longer sensor capability, but the validation and operational use of data.” Alex Grenier, CEO of Point.Laz, says the technology was designed
around real mining conditions. “Our system was built to create spatially repeatable datasets that allow engineering teams to track deformation, structural fatigue and water ingress over time, enabling a shi¦ from reactive repairs to predictive, engineering-led interventions.” Jamie van Schoor, CEO of Dwyka Mining Services, says the focus is on improving safety and operational eiciency. “By reducing exposure time and improving data quality, we allow highly skilled personnel to focus on diagnostics, planning and execution rather than high-risk time-limited inspection work.”
Point.Laz demonstrated its Lazaruss 3D scanning system, designed to generate repeatable datasets that can be linked to digital maintenance platforms to enable condition-based maintenance and improve long-term asset planning.
The Lazarus 3D scanning system.
ABB continues to invest in innovative inspection and automation technologies that support safer, more eicient and more sustainable mining operations. With decades of expertise in hoisting systems and electrification, the company aims to enable data-driven decision- making and improved asset performance for customers across the region.
For more information visit: www.abb.com
FEBRUARY 2026 Electricity + Control
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