Articles

As Africa’s industrial sectors push toward greater efficiency, reliability, and sustainability, the optimisation of pumping systems has become a strategic priority. From mining and water utilities to petrochemical processing, pumps remain among the most energy-intensive—and often under-optimised—assets in operation. A recent webinar by Revalize, “How to Optimise Pumping System Performance with a Digital Twin,” provides insight into how digital tools such as PIPE-FLO are trans

Historically, cast iron has been the material choice for general service water pumps, such as commercial building water transfer services, with initial cost being the primary decision factor. This makes perfect sense for large pumps. However, for numerous reasons, it is not the obvious choice for smaller pumps; 20HP or less. Initial Cost In the past, both cast iron and stainless-steel pumps consisted of cast hydraulic components. Cast iron was always cost advantaged. Today, t

While Integrated Pump Technology has achieved remarkable growth across Africa, the company continues to place strong emphasis on supporting South Africa’s mining sector with world class dewatering pump solutions. Founded in 2014 as the official Grindex submersible pump distributor for southern Africa, the company has steadily expanded the footprint of this globally respected brand. Grindex pumps are now well established in both underground and surface mining operations throug

The ever increasing complexity of modern process plants, combined with tighter safety regulations and space constraints, is driving demand for electric actuators that deliver reliable performance in hazardous areas without excessive size or system overhead. PROFOX X from AUMA Actuators Limited has been designed to meet these requirements, providing a compact electric actuator platform specifically for use in explosive atmospheres and safety-critical installations. PROFOX X is

Why energising springs matter in sealing applications. A seal is only as good as the spring that energises it. In valves, actuators and sealing systems, it’s the spring that determines how effectively the seal maintains contact, compensates for wear, and performs under pressure. But how do you choose the right one from all of the different spring types and materials? Especially when you’re talking critical applications like hydrogen systems or subsea valves? Check out our C

Behind every reliable wastewater plant is an electrical system exposed to the effects of harmonics, voltage distortion and overloaded networks caused by fleets of variable speed drives on pumps and aerators. At plant level, harmonics are not just an abstract electrical theory issue, but a very real reliability risk, causing transformers to run hotter, motors and equipment to age more quickly, and cables to experience unnecessary stress. Protection systems start tripping more

In the Eastern Cape port city of Gqeberha, Weir’s Heavy Bay Foundry (HBF) is undergoing unprecedented expansion, establishing itself as a central manufacturing hub within the group’s global supply network. The foundry produces large high performance cast components used in Weir’s extensive range of pumps, screens, and crushers. Following major infrastructure and process upgrades, the facility has doubled its production capacity to meet rising demand from the global mining sec

Xylem, a global leader in water technology, announces a strategic update to its operating model in Southern Africa. Effective June 1, 2026, AQS Liquid Transfer PTY Ltd, part of AxFlow Holding, has been appointed as master distributor for Xylem’s Applied Water (Lowara-branded) products across key markets in the region. Where: Southern Africa, including: Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Republic of South Africa, Zam

High rainfall and resultant flash floods have become an annual reality in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. To keep their sites operational and running smoothly in the face of disruptive water accumulation in pits, mines and quarries in the region are turning to IPR (Integrated Pump Rent al) for custom dewatering solutions that speak directly to their site conditions. As during the past nine years, KwaZulu-Natal has this year again been battered by heavy rainfall. Durban, the metr

In today’s world, automation is at the heart of progress—and AUMA South Africa is leading the charge. With decades of experience in electric actuator technology, AUMA’s solutions are essential across a range of industries where precision, durability and control are non-negotiable. From keeping our water clean to powering up entire cities and safely handling oil and gas, AUMA actuators are hard at work behind the scenes. Let’s take a closer look at how they’re making a differe

When operational costs are under pressure and downtime carries real financial risk, confidence in your pumping infrastructure isn’t optional; it’s essential. That’s the thinking that drives Brehnor Pumps’ design and manufacturing philosophy. For over a decade, Brehnor Pumps has focused exclusively on axial flow technology, refining it through rigorous testing, precision engineering, and a clear understanding of operating conditions in the field. Purpose-built for high-volume

In 2008, the KSB GIW® MDX pump represented a major leap forward in mill duty applications. Prior to its introduction, KSB’s range of GIW® slurry pumps had already built a solid reputation in the industry. Nevertheless, the MDX was meticulously designed from the ground up as a world-class mill pump for cyclone feed applications. It incorporates cutting-edge features such as an adjustable suction liner, thicker sections for improved wear life, and oversized shrouds for superior

All too often, inefficiency, downtime and ballooning maintenance costs trace back to a simple misstep: the wrong pump was chosen for the job. Caleb Summers, a leading application engineer at Unibloc Hygienic Technologies, says the root of the problem is often avoidable. “With so much at stake, engineers may not want to blindly trust a vendor’s recommendation,” he cautions. “You need to understand your system, your product and your pump - and how all three interact.” During a

As wastewater challenges continue to evolve, users need dependable pumping solutions that can adapt to demanding conditions. Tsurumi Pump provides a robust lineup of open channel and chopper pumps, engineered to handle specific wastewater conditions while minimizing downtime and clogging. Whether the need is high flow or heavy duty cutting, Tsurumi’s wastewater solutions mitigate challenges to keep operations flowing. Open Channel Pumps: High Flow, Low Clog Risk Tsurumi’s ope

Established in February 2009, CMO AFRICA specialises in the importation, distribution, and marketing of both standard and specialised knife gate valves. With an extensive product range, the company is equipped to support a wide variety of industrial applications, offering precise control over all types of fluids. Backed by over 40 years of combined management experience in the valve industry, CMO AFRICA has built a reputation grounded in expertise and a commitment to excellen

In a remarkable demonstration of engineering excellence and manufacturing capability, Ithuba Valves has successfully designed, manufactured, and tested 37 high-efficiency DN300 triple eccentric metal seated butterfly valves, rated to a rigorous 7000 kPa test pressure, for Rand Water, one of South Africa’s largest water utilities. This milestone not only underscores Ithuba Valves’ commitment to quality and innovation but also positions the company as a leading supplier of robu

Valves—ubiquitous yet underappreciated—are fundamental instruments without which the modern world could not function. But how many of us truly know the origins of these pioneering devices? Where did they originate? Although no single inventor is credited with the creation of the valve, historical evidence suggests the Romans were among the first civilizations to utilize them, particularly in their canal and aqueduct systems. These complex structures, some extending over 90 ki

I was fortunate enough to have a mentor, Stewart Hogarth, (I mention his name in honour, as I was proud of his achievements with me as a student) a Civil Engineer from Scotland. Stewart always maintained that low pressure conditions in pipelines are as dangerous as high pressure conditions. My thinking was – how can that be possible? I was on site when we were busy with the commissioning of a pumping line to a reservoir at a higher altitude, and of course the pump start-up wa

New data reveals nearly half of South African water heater owners miss out on full warranty benefits due to unregistered products. In a sector where after-sales service can make or break customer satisfaction, recent internal audits reveal that up to 45% of warranty claims for water heaters are submitted without product registration or proof of installation, a trend that delays servicing, increases administrative overhead and leaves customers frustrated. Findings by the plumb

According to the International Association of Wildland Fire, unwanted wildfires across South and Southern Africa have surged in both number and intensity over recent years. Many have been major or catastrophic. So when you live in South Africa, you make a plan. You have to. Because, whether sparked by nature’s hand or human carelessness, wildfires don’t ask permission; they take what they want. Like the rest of the world, climate change has become a key driver in increasing w