Instrotech Profile

Instrotech (PTY) LTD was formed in 1981 to create high quality process control instrumentation and industrial electronics. We are now a leading producer of process calibrators, weighing electronics, signal conditioners and digital display units with worldwide sales. Specialized products, such as our INSPECTA FFT tube leak detection system, have proved themselves on large power station boilers and gassifiers world wide. We import instrumentation with distribution rights for reputable international products.

Manufacturing Programme
	We produce instruments for process control, including calibrators, weighing electronics, signal conditioners, digital panel meters and acoustic steam leak detection systems. ISO 9001 quality management system Certificate

Tube Leak Detection System
In 1984 we produced a computer based acoustic tube leak detection system for use on large boilers. This system uses Fast Fourier Transforms for generation of audio spectrums and computer analysis to determine the size and location of steam leaks.

A few words on our Chairman and Founding Father
Dave Howcroft

Work Experience: Dave, after matriculating at Roosevelt Park High, attended a training course in Radio and Television in the UK. Thereafter he was instrumental in setting up various training and service centres in Zimbabwe with the onset of television broadcasts. His interest in Industry led to his employment with H Rohloff in 1963, with many an evening spent at the Wits Technikon, finally graduating with a National Higher Diploma in Instrument Technology and Industrial Electronics. Dave then joined Process Control Instruments which included distribution of Hartmann & Braun, Endress & Hauser, Krohne and Camille Bauer products. From 1974 he was the Technical Director of PCI. He established a firm relationship and grounding within the process control industry, working on various projects within the power generation and distribution, petrochemical, metallurgical and mining communities, to name but a few. In 1981 Dave established Instrotech and, in 1989 with the late Peter Krause, Digital Process Measurement, a local manufacturer of process control and industrial electronic systems. In 1993 Dave formed Instrotech (Australia) PTY LTD with John Julius. Imported and locally designed engineering solutions appear to have become a trademark for Dave, a Capetown born entrepreneur who has been elected as President of the South African Institute of Measurement and Control (SAIMC) (March 2000 to February 2001). As a fellow of the institute Dave has actively pursued the interests of the SAIMC, presenting lectures, arranging inter-organisational visits, promoting the continuation of training, and has been instrumental in driving the SAIMC endorsement of trade related exhibitions and shows.

The objective of the SAIMC is to advance the arts and sciences of measurement and control technology in Southern Africa in a manner which will contribute effectively, over the long term, to the economic growth of the region. Dave is also a member of the Industrial Instrumentation Group (IIG) and was the IIG Chairman in 2004.

Admires
Dr Hans Merensky, born 16 March 1871, he was one of South Africa's most famous pioneers. A prospector, geologist, humanitarian, nature lover and agriculturist, he discovered some of the greatest mineral and precious gem deposits ever found. His first great discovery of platinum was in the Lydenburg district in 1924, then Rustenburg and the Merensky Reef. The worlds largest deposits of Diamonds, Chrome, and Vermiculite, the Free State goldfields, then Phosphates and Copper at Phalaborwa. For all his wealth and position, he lived simply, ensuring that his work benefited as many people as possible and that whatever was extracted from the land was returned in kind through welfare, environmental conservation and rejuvenation.

Philosophy: "Whatever you do in life - perservere" form Erin Brockowich's father

Favourite past-times/hobbies : Dave owns Buffelsdrift Game Farm on the Elands River near Rust De Winter and believes that the splendour of the African bush, away from phones, television and technological gadgetry is fundamental in allowing him to pursue new thoughts, ideas and new product design.

Sports : He has kept in touch with motorsport as Chief Marshal of the Castrol Rally for twenty years as well as creating and supplying the Rallytime timing computers used in most championship rallies in Africa and Australia. Dave was a works driver for Volvo in the sixties, runner up in the 1969 SA Rally championship and winner of the International Sul Du Save Rally.

Favourite city in the world : Italy beckons Dave to Florence. Steeped in historical aspects of the renaissance, art, culture, architecture and the Roman influence have captivated his imagination.