Hydraulics & Pneumatics

Mary C. Gannon

Associate Editor

Penton Media

Mary joined Hydraulics & Pneumatics in 2005. She graduated from Boston University’s
College of Communication in 1998 with a BA in Journalism. She began her career as a business reporter at a daily newspaper in Greater Cleveland. Prior to joining the H&P staff, she worked in public relations.

Articles by Mary C. Gannon

Booklet targets fluid cleanliness

The new Rexroth Oil Cleanliness Booklet, available for free download, explains the basics of contamination control and serves as a reference and information tool for users of hydraulic system.

Fluorescent dyes

Full line of Spectroline fluorescent leak detection dyes is formulated for oil-based industrial fluid systems, including hydraulic fluids. Dyes are available in a choice of seven colors (yellow, white, green, bright blue, yellow-green, blue, and red) to help differentiate between leaking fluid systems, especially those leaks where portions of the hoses are hidden from view.

Portable data recorder

HMG 3010 portable unit measures and captures data tasks in hydraulic and pneumatic systems and communicates with computers via USB port. Its provides fast and accurate data collection and processing.

Pneumatic metal tacks

Metal-Tack fasteners mechanically attach name plates, wiring clips and components to pressurized devices and equipment without drilling. They are more permanent than adhesives and faster, safer and cleaner than drilling. A portable air tool drives the tack into virtually any metal, creating a durable blind displacement anchor with a typical load or extraction rating exceeding 200 lb.

Proper filtration cuts operating costs

Pirtek USA, known for its 1-hour on-site hose and fitting repairs and replacements, recently added a line of filtration products to reduce hydraulic oil changeouts.

Safety with explosion-proof air springs

ContiTech Air Spring Systems, Munich, released a new line of ATEX-certified air actuators, making them suitable for explosion-prone areas of industrial applications. As Category 2 and 3 equipment (Equipment Group II), they can be used in atmospheres containing volatile gas or dust.

Firestone names director of technology

Air spring manufacturer Firestone Industrial Products, Indianapolis, has promoted Graham Brookes to director of technology. He will be responsible for strategic planning and technology direction for the entire company.

Brookes began his career at Firestone almost 13 years ago. For the past six years he has been division manager of technology.

HAWE Hydraulics acquires Pacific Fluid Systems

HAWE Hydraulics Inc., Charlotte, N.C., has acquired Pacific Fluid Systems, Portland, Ore. The deal will strengthen HAWE’s North American presence, as the Munich, Germany-based company moves to strengthen its market share in the U.S. and Canada.

Deadline is near for IFPE abstracts

IFPE 2014 has issued a second call for abstracts to fluid power professionals to present their research and applications work at the IFPE Technical Conference and the IFPE Innovations Theater March 4-8, 2014 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The deadline to submit abstracts is June 6, 2013.

Sauer-Danfoss earns certification for designing safe software

Sauer-Danfoss, Ames, Iowa, announced that it has become the first company to achieve TÜV-Nord certification of process quality, with Software PDLP development process, which simplifies functional safety software project management.

NFPA draws new technology roadmap

The National Fluid Power Association (NFPA) published its Technology Roadmap for the Fluid Power Industry in 2009 to provide NFPA member companies and their research partners with a consensus regarding the research and development needs of the industry. It has been used by the NFPA Education and Technology Foundation and Center for Compact and Efficient Fluid Power to guide their research efforts; by NFPA to guide its standards development work, and by NFPA members to inform decisions about research partnerships and product development.

Metric retaining rings

Metric Hoopster retaining rings retain mechanical components when space is limited. Their minimal radial projection and shallow groove depth allow them to fit where conventional stamped rings and retaining rings cannot. More than 150 carbon and 302 stainless steel rings are available in sizes from 10 to 76 mm. They are suitable for light to heavy loads and for thin wall tubes.

Hydraulic oil coolers

Four series of heavy-duty hydraulic oil coolers for mobile and industrial applications are available, including: ULAC with ac motor for industrial use, with maximum cooling capacity up to 400 hp; ULOC cooling system for industrial use, with maximum cooling capacity up to 60 hp; ULDC with dc motor for mobile use, with maximum cooling capacity up to 40 hp; and ULHC with hydraulic motor for mobile and industrial use, with maximum cooling capacity up to 215 hp.

Parker Hannifin, Accumulators Div., (815) 636-4100,

Compressed air filtration

Series of Extractor/Dryers is designed to be used as point-of-use filters that efficiently remove moisture and contaminants to improve and extend the life of pneumatic components. Two-stage filter operates most effectively within 25 ft of the point of use. Each model offers a standard 5-μm rating with lower ratings available. They are rated for flows of 15 to 2000 scfm and pressure ratings to 250 psi.

Hydraulic hose sleeves

Diamondback line-of-sight hose sleeves offer abrasion protection and simplified bundling. They contain fluid at pressures exceeding 725 psi or temperatures above 60°C (140°F). They are available in 300 ft increments in sizes ranging from 1.18 to 7.75 in. flat width and 0.67 to 4.41 ID.