Robert Louw

I am a skilled and experienced control and instrumentation technician with extensive expertise in electrical and computer systems, process control systems, PLC programming, preventative maintenance and strategic planning.

Advanced business and technical acumen ensure a firm understanding of effective processes and systems including resolving issues and implementing appropriate improvements, while enhanced liaison and negotiation skills allow for successful collaboration with stakeholders from many professional, technical and cultural backgrounds.

Highly developed analytical expertise and problem solving, time-management and organisational skills guarantee precise attention to detail, exemplary performance under pressure and the ability to achieve tight deadlines in fast-paced environments.

Control and Instrumentation Technician

February 2012 - Current

• Providing extensive control and instrumentation expertise to plant automation projects
• Planning and executing maintenance, repair and installation of all process instrumentation equipment and control systems
• Fault finding, wiring and repairing DC / AC electrical circuits
• Performing online fault diagnosis using PLC and SCADA systems
• Fault finding, installing and configuring PLC hardware and programs
• Programming, maintaining and modifying PLC programs
• Developing, designing, assembling and installing field and plant SCADA
• Reading, interpreting and understanding plans, schematics, technical manuals, diagrams, blueprints and drawings related to instrumentation and electrical circuits
• Installing and calibrating nuclear devices used to measure level, thickness, moisture and density
• Installing, calibrating and loop checking field instruments
• Fault finding and maintaining burner management systems, VSD and speed control systems
• Maintaining and calibrating belt scales, weight feeders and weighbridges
• Maintaining, installing and configuring Profibus network and communication
• Participating in post-event failure analyses, root cause discussions and solutions development
• Executing start-up activities including pre-commissioning and commissioning plant equipment and projects
• Identifying and reporting all potential hazards before commencing work
• Performing as a strong leader of a cohesive team with strict enforcement of health, safety and statutory regulations, quality standards, governance processes and compliance requirements
• Ensuring the currency and accuracy of safe work permits
• Demonstrated Abilities
• Skilled and experienced control and instrumentation technician with a solid background in mining and industrial environments
• Strong business acumen with an excellent understanding of effective systems and processes
• Proven ability to work within the scope of practice to meet organizational objectives, promote departmental efficiency and deliver operational excellence
• Good written and verbal communicator with superior interpersonal, negotiation and liaison skills
• Able to relate to a wide range of people from various cultural, professional and technical sectors
• Solid analytical aptitude with advanced organizational, problem-solving and time-management skills
• Safety conscious with strict adherence to health and safety regulations and guidelines
• Able to work well under pressure and meet strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Strong team player with the ability to work unsupervised
• Displaying a high level of professionalism and confidentiality, with meticulous attention to detail

• Trade Certificate - Electrics Chemical Instrumentation
• NQF Level 4 Certificate, Electrics Chemical Instrumentation – SASOL
• Successful Skills Assessment from Trade Recognition Australia
• Electronic Instrument Trades Worker (Special Class)