Local municipalities are going to have to commit to major investment in water and wastewater treatment works, in addition to a need for urgent proactive maintenance of ageing infrastructure.

“The demand for clean water will continue to increase as more and more people move to cities due to urbanisation,” comments Bearings International General Manager Christian Chipamaunga.

In addition, increasingly stringent regulations for water and wastewater treatment have seen significant investment in new treatment technologies and processes. Water and Sanitation (DWS) Minister Senzo Mchunu stresses that sustained investment in innovative technologies and solutions will revolutionise sanitation.

“Technologies which can use less water, or no water at all, are the future of our country, the continent, and the global community.” He adds that the National Water and Sanitation Master Plan highlights the top issues confronting the water and sanitation sector. It seeks to rally all water sector stakeholders to collaborate to ensure that South Africa stays ahead of the curve in relation to both current and future challenges.

Leading supplier BI has a broad product portfolio that provides cost-effective solutions for water treatment, where the bulk of the applications involves pumping. Here BI can supply a complete solution from the electric motor and Variable Speed Drive (VSD) to the bearings, seals, and lubrication, right through to the power transmission.

Special requirements for products used in the water and wastewater treatment sector are a high IP rating as they are exposed to constant elements such as rain and dust. In addition, potable water requires a food-grade level of lubrication quality. Any metal components subject to rust contamination must be made from high-grade stainless steel.

Other products from BI include V belts and pulleys, sprockets and chains, couplings, and gearboxes. BI is the authorised distributor for quality brands such as FAG, Koyo, Cooper, ABB, Rexnord, KOBO, Linkbelt and Continental. It recently launched a range of ABB electric motors, available through its extensive countrywide branch network.

The ABB Ability™ Smart Sensor is a condition monitoring sensor that converts traditional motors, pumps, mounted bearings and gearing into smart, wirelessly connected devices. It measures key parameters from the surface of the equipment that can be used to gain meaningful information on its condition and performance, allowing users to identify any inefficiencies within their system and to reduce risks related to operation and maintenance.

“Maintenance can now be planned according to actual requirements rather than based on generic schedules. This extends the lifetime of equipment, cuts maintenance costs, and reduces or prevents unplanned downtime,” concludes Chipamaunga.