Water sustains every form of life on our planet – from the smallest microorganism to entire ecosystems and human communities. Yet the quality of this vital resource is constantly threatened by pollution, industrial discharge, and agricultural runoff. Accurate and reliable water testing is essential to ensure safety, sustainability, and compliance with environmental standards.

The HI98294 Multiparameter Portable Meter from Hanna Instruments is designed for professionals who demand precision and durability in the field. This rugged, GPS-enabled instrument monitors up to 14 water quality parameters – including pH, ORP, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, chloride, nitrate, ammonium, and temperature – providing a complete picture of water health in real time.

The Multiparameter pH/EC/ISE/Turbidity/DO Portable Meter Key Features:

• Built to withstand harsh environmental conditions
• Meter rated IP67 for protection against dust and water ingress
• Probe rated IP68, ensuring reliable performance even during continuous immersion
• Graphic backlit LCD display showing up to 12 parameters simultaneously
• On-screen graphing for easy data visualization
• Intuitive menu system for simple and efficient operation

The integrated 12-channel GPS receiver allows users to log data with precise location tracking (within 10 m accuracy), ensuring that repeated measurements can be taken at the exact same site. Each data point is stored with GPS coordinates, time, and calibration information, making it ideal for environmental monitoring, research, and compliance reporting.

Fieldwork efficiency is enhanced through Quick Calibration, which allows single-point calibration for pH, conductivity, and dissolved oxygen using one solution. The Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) feature automatically stores the last five calibrations, while the USB Type-C interface enables fast data transfer to a PC or memory stick in .csv format.

The HI98294’s multi-sensor probe features field-replaceable, color-coded sensors with automatic recognition, simplifying maintenance and reducing downtime. Its stainless-steel weighted guard ensures stability during submersion, and the included protective rubber boot shields the meter from impact in rugged environments.

With its combination of advanced technology, robust design, and user-friendly interface, the HI98294 stands as a benchmark in portable water analysis. It empowers scientists, environmental engineers, and water quality professionals to make informed decisions – because when it comes to water, accuracy matters.

Water is life — measure it with confidence.                                                 

JHB (head office) | +27 (0) 11-615 6076

EXPORTS | +27 (0) 72-910-5749

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The first SynthDetect instrument and its successor SynthDetect XL – released in 2017 and 2018 respectively have been among the most successful instruments in De Beers Group’s suite of diamond verification instruments due to their outstanding technical screening functionality and ability to test multiple stones in set jewellery at once without the need for a probe.

With SynthDetect 2, De Beers Group Science & Technology has worked closely with a range of trade participants to innovate on how best to integrate the technology with customer operations. This process has resulted in the development of an instrument that makes the diamond screening process significantly easier, faster and more cost-effective for diamond manufacturers, laboratories, and retailers’ back-office operations.

SynthDetect 2’s increased screening speed, throughput and productivity mean that the time taken for a full tray scan has been reduced from around 30 minutes to under five minutes. The instrument can screen more types of diamonds and jewellery than previous versions, while increased automation reduces the need for operator input, helping to reduce costs in the screening process. With the instrument also offering automatically generated reporting and software updates, SynthDetect 2 provides a comprehensive screening tool for trade participants.

“We have worked closely with industry partners to ensure that SynthDetect 2 is not only tailored to meet diamond companies’ screening requirements, but also to meet their operational needs. Through this process of collaboration we are proud to introduce SynthDetect 2, providing the trade with an instrument that will integrate seamlessly into their operations, marrying outstanding technical performance with enhanced speed, cost and efficiency,” said Sarandos Gouvelis, Senior Vice President for Science & Technology at De Beers Group.

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The new Cat® D11 XE electric drive dozer is designed to help customers do exactly that, delivering up to 25 percent less fuel consumed per unit of material moved and moving five percent to ten percent more material per hour than the next generation Cat D11. Its electric drivetrain has 60 percent fewer moving parts than a mechanical drive system, helping simplify service and lower owning and operating costs over the life of the machine.

Helping drive the D11 XE’s productivity, efficiency and durability improvements are upgrades throughout the machine’s powertrain and major systems. The Cat C32B engine operates at a lower high-idle speed to help the D11 XE deliver up to 20 percent longer life between rebuilds than the D11. Planned component repair intervals for the engine, final drives and hydraulic systems increase from 15,000 to 18,000 hours, aligning with the electric drive’s 18,000-hour rebuild centerline.

The result is the most efficient and productive D11 model to date, consuming up to 20 percent less fuel per hour and producing 20 percent to 25 percent fewer greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Designed to improve efficiency while reducing drivetrain complexity, the electric drive system eliminates the bevel gear used in mechanical drive systems. The engine drives a generator that sends power through an inverter to two motors, delivering clean, consistent power to the tracks.

“The D11 XE is designed to help customers get more from every hour of operation. By combining the proven capability of the D11 platform with the benefits of electric drive, it delivers meaningful gains in productivity, efficiency and lifecycle value,” said Luke Fischer, product application specialist for Caterpillar.

“It also reflects how far dozer performance has advanced, offering up to 25 percent greater efficiency than today’s D11 and up to 40 percent greater efficiency than the first D11N introduced in 1986.”

With no gears to shift, the D11 XE electric drive system simplifies operation. A dedicated drive motor at each track provides power-turn capability for strong maneuverability and pry out force. By powering both tracks throughout the turn, the system enables smoother, sharper maneuvering and helps operators push more material through the turn.

The suspended undercarriage absorbs impact and reduces shock load transfer to the undercarriage by up to 50 percent, helping create a smoother, more comfortable ride. Accessible, low-effort electronic steering, ripper and dozer controls support precise maneuvering, while the primary multifunction touchscreen gives operators a clear view of machine performance

and convenient access to operating settings. Together, these features help operators work more consistently and productively throughout the shift.

The Cat C32B engine delivers the same power and performance as the Cat C32, with heavier-duty internal components designed for greater durability and longer life.

Compared with the D11, the D11 XE can achieve similar total operating hours with one fewer rebuild over the machine’s life, helping lower total cost of ownership. The electric drive generator and motors are designed to last through two machine lives with only rebearing and resealing, reducing the investment required during every other rebuild. A modular design allows major components to be removed independently, helping streamline

service and minimize downtime.

“Together, these design choices mean fewer service touches and more time available for productive work,” Fischer added.

A new radiator guard and upgraded case and frame help improve durability, extend machine life and reduce maintenance downtime. Larger lift-cylinder trunnion bearings simplify service. Redesigned pin joints with replaceable bearings eliminate the need for line boring and simplify bearing-insert replacement on the ripper, blade and push-arm trunnions. Up to 85 percent commonality with the D11 further supports serviceability through shared components and a familiar modular design.

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Bannerman Energy has launched a fully underwritten placement to raise A$124 million (before costs) at an issue price of A$4.00 per share (placement), following the company’s recent announcement in relation to confirmation from CNNC Overseas Limited (CNOL) that all conditions precedent to completion of its strategic investment and joint venture for the funding, development and operation of the Etango Uranium Project (Etango Project or Etango) have been either satisfied or waived.

CNOL is part of a leading integrated global nuclear utility group, China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC).

The proceeds from the placement are expected to fully fund Bannerman’s share of the residual working capital required to fund the Etango Project through construction and ramp-up, following completion of the transaction with CNOL.

In addition to the Placement, Bannerman will conduct a non-underwritten share purchase plan (SPP) to raise up to A$10 million.

“It has been a transformational calendar year for Bannerman, particularly now that the Etango strategic financing transaction with CNNC/CNOL is unconditional and we have launched an underwritten equity raising which will see Etango fully funded through production and ramp-up, inclusive of working capital requirements,” said Bannerman’s Executive Chairman, Brandon Munro.

Munro said the company is rapidly progressing Etango towards first uranium production and delivering commitment to be the next large-scale greenfield uranium producer globally.

“This underwritten placement, in addition to the near-term investment by CNOL, means we are funded to deliver the development of Etango on a debt-free basis, financially de-risking construction and ramp-up, while also having the benefit of securing CNOL’s strong execution support alongside fully market priced exposure to uranium through the flexible cornerstone offtake arrangement.

“This is a highly robust outcome that further emphasises the natural leverage to uranium price upside that Bannerman boasts by virtue of Etango’s large scale and expansion potential”

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Robbertse succeeds Thomas Holtz, who has led the business for the past 20 years and will remain Chairperson of the Multotec Board, ensuring continuity as the company builds on more than five decades of innovation, global growth and customer partnership.

The leadership transition follows two decades of sustained international growth that transformed Multotec from a predominantly South African manufacturer into a globally integrated business serving customers in more than 70 countries.

Under Robbertse’s leadership, the company will build on this foundation while continuing its customer-focused strategy, global collaboration and product innovation.

Holtz joined the company in 1996 as a Project Manager before progressing through a series of leadership roles across the business.

In 2008, he succeeded his late father and Multotec co-founder, Ernst Joachim (EJ) Holtz, as Group CEO, becoming only the second CEO in the company’s 53-year history.

During his tenure, Holtz led Multotec through a period of significant transformation, guided by a vision to build a globally competitive manufacturing business from Africa, powered by African talent. At a time when deindustrialisation was reshaping domestic manufacturing and the South African mining market remained largely static, he remained steadfast in his belief that sustainable growth could be achieved through international expansion while continuing to invest in local manufacturing capability.

Under his leadership, Multotec achieved a cumulative annual growth rate of nine percent growing from a business that exported approximately 15 percent of its production to one that now exports around 60 percent of its equipment to more than 100 countries worldwide. Supported by manufacturing operations across Africa, South America, Asia and North America, alongside sister companies in Europe and Australia, Multotec evolved into a globally integrated business while retaining its South African roots. This foundation positions the company for its next phase of growth under Robbertse’s leadership.

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“Mining companies are under increasing pressure to process more complex ores, improve recovery and reduce their environmental footprint.

“The Sampo Cell represents a significant leap forward in flotation technology. By expanding the recoverable particle size range and simplifying coarse particle flotation, customers can unlock additional value from existing operations,” said Teemu Kaarniemi, Senior Vice President of Separation at Metso.

Traditional flotation circuits typically require extensive grinding to bring particles into an optimal range for efficient recovery. The coarse particle flotation changes this paradigm by expanding flotation performance to significantly coarser and less liberated particle sizes.

Based on a froth-feeding principle, the Sampo Cell technology gently feeds slurry directly into the froth phase, where separation takes place under low-turbulence conditions. This minimizes particle detachment and enables efficient recovery of particles that are typically lost in conventional flotation circuits. The Sampo Cell can be applied for front-end gangue rejection or as a scavenger stage to recover valuable particles from intermediate or final tailings.

The design also simplifies coarse particle flotation flowsheets compared to other solutions. It operates without feed classification, fluidization water, or additional concentrate dewatering stages, reducing equipment requirements, and supporting easier integration into existing plants. The Sampo Cell uses familiar flotation controls and instrumentation, making implementation straightforward for plant operators.

The Sampo Cell is part of the Metso Plus portfolio, supporting more efficient minerals processing through improved energy and water efficiency and higher resource recovery.

Since March 2026, the Sampo Cell has been in continuous 24/7 operation in industrial-scale scavenger duty at a copper mine in Chile. Operated by the customer, the technology has demonstrated a significant increase in total plant recovery by capturing particles typically lost in conventional flotation cells. The implementation has proven the value of coarse particle flotation under real operating conditions.

“The industrial-scale operation in Chile has validated both the performance and scalability of the Sampo Cell. The results show how customers can improve overall plant recovery without major changes to the existing flotation circuit,” says Antti Rinne, Vice President of Flotation at Metso.

The launch of the Sampo Cell further strengthens Metso’s leadership in flotation technology. Metso offers one of the industry’s most comprehensive flotation portfolios, covering mechanical flotation, pneumatic flotation, flotation services, process expertise, digital optimization tools, and aftermarket support.

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SKF has been supplying the customer, a leading OEM supplier of bulk materials handling equipment solutions to mining and heavy industry, with a range of industrial products and seals since September 2022.

“Building on this successful foundation, we have now strengthened our customer partnership by expanding our offering into service solutions to remanufacturing,” said Shailin Govender, SKF Key account manager: Heavy Industries.

SKF South Africa’s specialist Bearing Remanufacturing Centre, located at their Johannesburg head office, demonstrates the company’s commitment to circularity by extending the life of high‑value bearings and housings through second, third and even fourth use. Circularity replaces the conventional ‘take‑make‑waste’ approach with regenerative cycles that keep products, materials and resources in circulation for longer. By prioritising reuse, repair, remanufacture and recycling, SKF minimises waste, conserves valuable resources and contributes to lower emissions. “However, clearance modification through remanufacturing was a new capability for the team,” explains Govender.

“Our customer had previously purchased SKF 24160CCW33 spherical roller bearings with standard clearance, designed for use in the mining industry, specifically in crusher units. However, their end user specified C3, placing the customer at risk of having to scrap the inventory. This prompted them to approach SKF to modify bearing clearance to C3, within the framework of the existing value‑based partnership.

In addition to underscoring the pivotal role of radial internal clearance in bearing remanufacturing, Govender also elaborates on how clearances are defined and applied.

He explains that radial internal clearances are set in ranges with C3 denoting greater than normal clearance, while C4 is larger still. These ranges can be further refined to indicate position within the band; for example, C4L reflects the lower end of the C4 range, whereas C4H marks the upper end.

“Such precise measurement provides critical insight into the bearing’s condition and guides the remanufacturing strategy. If the clearance is already at the upper threshold, it is likely to shift into the next class due to material removal.”

“This rigorous focus on clearance not only secures accuracy in remanufacturing and extends bearing life but also underscores SKF’s commitment to sustainable practices by responsibly prolonging product lifecycles. We are able to adjust tolerances for multiple bearing types, provided they meet the necessary criteria for remanufacture.”

After carefully inspecting the bearings, the SKF Reman team disassembled and extensively polished the units to replicate factory production processes. They were then measured against the defined clearance tolerances for C3 bearings and confirmed to meet requirements, successfully increasing the bearings’ clearance to the specified C3 range while upholding SKF’s stringent quality standards.

In addition to delivering value for the customer through its wide scope of Reman capabilities, SKF also achieved notable sustainability gains, including reduced emissions and lower direct energy consumption.

Although the process had never been tested before, SKF successfully demonstrated an additional capability within its Reman services, altering a bearing’s clearance to a specified upper range. By excelling in meeting the customer’s requirements, the Reman team not only salvaged critical inventory but also proved their standing as a premium service provider, reinforcing SKF’s reputation for innovation and reliability.

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The new digital solutions – Metso Digital Production Management, Metso Data-driven Performance Analytics, and Metso Safety Performance Platform are expected to help customers turn operational data into business results.

“Mining companies are under constant pressure to increase production, improve safety and get more value from existing operations. Our new digital solutions help customers identify issues earlier, understand what is happening in their process and act faster in an optimized manner.

“Whether the goal is to increase throughput and recovery or strengthen operational safety, we help customers turn operational data into practical improvements that deliver measurable results,” said Arttu-Matti Matinlauri, Vice President, Minerals Digital at Metso.

Metso’s new digital solutions leverage AI and advanced analytics to help customers optimize production decisions with intelligent recommendations, uncover improvement opportunities hidden in operational data, and transform safety observations into proactive action.

Metso Digital Production Management helps operations respond faster to changing ore characteristics, process conditions and operational constraints.

The solution rapidly generates accurate production plans based on site-specific targets and constraints, reducing the need for hours of scenario simulations to be able to identify optimal operating settings. By combining planning data, operational information and simulation models, it automatically evaluates alternative production scenarios and recommends optimized actions that support objectives such as higher throughput, improved recovery, increased reliability or balanced production and maintenance priorities.

Metso Data-driven Performance Analytics is a continuous, Metso expert-led service that evaluates how equipment is used in operation and how effectively they perform as part of a specific process. Service provides daily asset and process performance monitoring, identifies performance gaps and bottlenecks, and prioritizes and communicates continuous improvement actions for sustained operational results. This enables higher throughput, improved recovery and a more consistent operational performance. The service is provided by Metso Performance Centers, which deliver also Data-driven Condition Monitoring services for Metso customers globally.

Metso Safety Performance Platform helps organizations strengthen workplace safety by making it easier for employees and contractors to report risks, incidents, near misses and best practices from any device. AI-assisted reporting drives greater workforce engagement, improves data quality and consistency, and helps organizations identify risks earlier. Real-time dashboards, trend analysis, easy risk hotspot identification on a map, and AI-powered recommendations turn safety data into actionable insights that support incident prevention and continuous improvement.

Improved production, performance and safety through Metso Digital

Metso’s three new digital solutions further strengthen the Metso Digital portfolio, which is built around four key areas of operation: Plant Planning, Production Planning, Equipment Performance and Process Performance. Together, these areas help customers optimize plant

design, production planning, asset performance and process efficiency across the minerals processing value chain.

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By Steven Lumley, technical manager, WearCheck

This edition of WearCheck’s “When Good Oils Go Bad” series gives insight into microdieseling.

There’s a creature in the ocean that kills its prey without ever touching it.

Say hello to my little friend – Synalpheus fritzmuelleri, better known as the pistol shrimp, and arguably the deadliest gunslinger in the sea.

At just 3-5cm in length, it hardly looks like a formidable predator. But this tiny shrimp has a rather dramatic way of proving that appearances can be deceiving.

With a snap of its oversized claw, it fires a cavitation bubble through the water at speeds of around 100 km/h. When that bubble collapses, it produces a shockwave reaching sound levels of up to 218 dB, louder than a jet engine at close range, and briefly generates temperatures of approximately 4720°C.

A tiny, collapsing bubble generating temperatures hotter than molten steel – its prey doesn’t stand a chance.

So, what does this little vignette have to do with microdieseling? Quite a lot, actually.

Because this isn’t just a marine biology curiosity – it’s a perfect demonstration of the destructive power of collapsing bubbles. The same fundamental phenomenon occurs in lubricated systems every day.

Not just in the ocean – inside your oil, thousands of times per second. Welcome to the explosive world of microdieseling.

When Air Isn’t Just Air

Air is one of the most overlooked contaminants in lubrication systems. It’s invisible, it’s everywhere and – under normal conditions – it doesn’t seem particularly harmful.

But I’m about to burst your bubble.

When air becomes entrained in oil (existing as tiny, unstable bubbles), it creates the perfect conditions for one of the most destructive degradation mechanisms in lubrication. Because under pressure, air doesn’t behave like a harmless contaminant – it behaves like fuel.

What Is Microdieseling?

Microdieseling is a form of pressure-induced thermal degradation, also known as compressive heating. It occurs when entrained air bubbles move from a low-pressure zone to a high-pressure zone within a system.

As this happens, the bubbles are rapidly compressed. Because this compression occurs faster than heat can dissipate (a process known as adiabatic compression), the temperature inside the bubble rises dramatically. In many cases, these temperatures exceed 1000°C.

At this point, something remarkable, and destructive, happens – the oil surrounding the bubble doesn’t just degrade, it burns.

Diesel Combustion on a Microscopic Scale

The term microdieseling is no exaggeration – it is called “dieseling”, because it mimics the combustion process of a diesel engine on a microscopic scale. Just like in a diesel engine, compressed air leads to ignition, but in this case, the “fuel” is the oil itself.

As the bubble collapses, the surrounding oil is exposed to extreme localised temperatures and the bubble interface becomes carbonised, resulting in partial combustion. The result is the formation of carbon (soot), tars, sludge and varnish-type, resinous deposits. And just like in a diesel engine, this combustion is incomplete, leaving behind solid carbon by-products that contaminate the oil and deposit on surfaces.

Why the Damage Varies

Not all microdieseling events are created equal.

The intensity of the bubble collapse, specifically the implosion pressure, determines the type of degradation products formed. High-intensity collapse tends to produce combustion-related by-products such as soot, tars and sludge. Lower intensity events are more likely to produce varnish, resins and coke-like deposits.

This explains why some systems experience heavy soot loading and rapid oil darkening, while others suffer from varnish, sticky deposits and valve stiction. Different conditions, same root cause.

More Than Just Oil Degradation

Microdieseling doesn’t just damage the oil – it affects the entire system. Each collapsing bubble generates extreme local temperatures, shockwaves and micro-jets of oil. Over time, these repeated micro-events lead to surface-pitting and erosion-increased wear, valve-sticking due to varnish deposits, and reduced efficiency with sluggish system response.

In hydraulic systems, the presence of air further reduces the oil’s ability to transmit pressure, resulting in that familiar “spongy” behaviour. So, while the explosions may be microscopic, the consequences are anything but.

What Causes Microdieseling?

For microdieseling to occur, two key ingredients are required- air in the system and a rapid change in pressure.

Air in the system

Air can enter or form in oil through:

• Suction-side leaks
• Low oil levels
• Turbulence and agitation
• Contamination or poor handling practices

It can also form when dissolved air comes out of solution due to pressure drops.

Rapid pressure changes

These are commonly created by:

• Flow restrictions and orifices

• Cavitation conditions

• Valve operation (opening and closing)

• Pumps (especially across suction and discharge zones)

In fact, microdieseling often occurs in the same regions where cavitation is present, but with an important difference: cavitation collapses bubbles – microdieseling ignites them.

Detecting Microdieseling Through Oil Analysis

Microdieseling is often a hidden problem, but it leaves behind a distinct signature. Unlike other degradation mechanisms, it combines elements of thermal stress, oxidation and combustion, resulting in a unique mix of indicators. Rapid oil-darkening due to soot-formation, increased insoluble content, elevated oxidation levels and high varnish potential are all common signs. The challenge, however, is that many of these indicators appear later in the degradation process, making early detection difficult without targeted analysis and a clear understanding of the underlying mechanism.

The key tests and indicators used to assess microdieseling and its associated degradation effects are summarised below.

The Real Problem

It is tempting to treat microdieseling as an oil failure, but it isn’t. Microdieseling is fundamentally an air-management problem. As long as air is present in the system and subjected to rapid pressure changes, the conditions for these microscopic combustion events will exist. Control the air and you control the problem.

Final Thought

While great in champagne, tiny air bubbles can have very different consequences in lubricating oils and the systems they protect. Those tiny bubbles drifting through your oil may look harmless. But, under the right conditions, they become something far more destructive – collapsing, igniting and releasing bursts of energy powerful enough to degrade the oil, damage components and ultimately shorten equipment life.

In lubrication, it is often the smallest things that cause the biggest problems, and when it comes to microdieseling, those tiny bubbles are anything but harmless.

Look out for the next instalment of this series, where we explore Electrostatic Spark Discharge – when static strikes back.

Please visit www.wearcheck.co.za or contact WearCheck on marketing@wearcheck.co.za  or +27 (31) 700-5460.

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