Hydraulics and Pneumatics

More about Hydraulics & Pneumatics readers

Tue, 22 May 2012 13:09:00 +0000

On page 6 of the May 2012 issue of Hydraulics & Pneumatics, you will find our Editor's Page written by our Editor, Alan Hitchcox. Here is the electronic version. In this article, Alan reviews our recent Advertising Interest Measurement (AIM) study done over the May 2012 edition of Hydraulics & Pneumatics.

Alan referrs to the very strong readership following that our magazine continues to have. In this day of "followers" and "likes" we continue to have loyal readers. It really pleases us to know that over a quarter million people continue to read Hydraulics & Pneumatics every month as indicated in these survey results.

For our advertisers, you will be pleased to know that 87% of the respondents say that seeing a supplier's ad in H&P makes them more inclined to click on that supplier's listing in a search engine. This is further indication of the integration that takes place between printed media and electronic media.

If you would like a copy of the AIM results, please contact me at michael.ference@penton.com

Michael Ference's Blog, Publisher of H&P

Mixing Selling and Education in Minnesota June 26-27, 2012

Mon, 21 May 2012 15:52:00 +0000

Both the booth spaces and the conference sessions are filling up for the Fluid Power Conference & Expo that will be held in June at the St. Paul Conference Center of the University of Minnesota. At the moment, we only have four booth spaces remaining. We will be mixing networking and selling opportunities for our sponsors while offering excellent educational opportunities to our attendees.

Our Fluid Power Conference is filling up also. Our keynote speaker will be Anthony Welter, Segment Director Construction and Mining at Eaton Corporation. His topic will be Expanding the Boundaries of Power Management: Is Hydraulics the Next Gamer Changer? This presentation will officially kickoff the event on Tuesday, June 26th at 9:00 am.

Bob Sheaf, President of CFC-Solar and author of a monthly column in Hydraulics & Pneumatics titled Troubleshooting Challenge will be a presenter of multiple sessions starting with Hydraulic System Diagnostic s on Tuesday morning at 10:00 am. Bob has presented at previous FPC&E events and is an audience favorite as he brings years of fluid power teaching experience and a passion for the industry.

Ernie Parker is the Fluid Power Engineering and Manufacturing Instructor at Hennepin Technical College in the twin cities area and he will kick off his series of presentations on Tuesday morning as well. Ernie's first topic will be Fluid Power Basics 1. It will be followed by Fluid Power Basics 2 on Tuesday afternoon.

Everyone who is interested in learning more about fluid power technology and all whole make a living with fluid power should attend our event on June 26-27 at the St. Paul Conference Center at the University of Minnesota. Click here to register.

Michael Ference's Blog, Publisher of H&P

Eaton to merge with Cooper Industries, move global incorporation to Ireland

Mon, 21 May 2012 14:38:00 +0000

Cleveland-based Eaton Corp. announced this morning that it will merge with Irish electrical equipment supplier Cooper Industries, which is headquartered in Dublin. Eaton will acquire Cooper, but will now be incorporated in Ireland and will be called Eaton Global Corp. Plc. Eaton's current chairman and CEO Alexander M. Cutler will continue to head the new company. The company's global headquarters will remain in Cleveland, according to news reports.

This is just one of many recent acquisitions by the company, in the past six months. Eaton has recently added a South Korean hydraulics motor and valve company and a Turkish hose maker to its fluid power roster.

Cutler said in a press release, "This compelling combination of Eaton’s power distribution and power quality equipment and systems with Cooper’s diversified component brands, global reach and international distribution creates a game changer to serve the electrical industry. This combination significantly expands our ability to better serve our customers with their demands for critical energy saving technologies as they address the impact of the world’s growing energy needs.”

It will be interesting to see what will become of Eaton's other divisions, including its hydraulics operations in Eden Prairie, Minn. as it appears they are steering the company to lead in electrical power transmission systems.

Update: In a presentation to investors and reporters, Eaton said it would save $160 million in taxes over the next four years, so the move is no surprise financially. The presentation did also say Eaton remains committed to its other divisions and plans to continue to build on its leadership positions through its acquisitions for its electrical, hydraulics and aerospace businesses.

Eaton's presentation also noted that Cooper had $5.4 billion in sales in 2011 for its wide range of electrical products and it already serves the U.S. market, with 60 percent of its sales coming from here, and 40 percent coming from a growing international focus. The company has manufacturing facilities in 23 countries and employs 26,000 worldwide.

The combined companies will have $21.5 billion in 2011 sales, with $3.1 billion in combined 2011 EBITDA.

More details can be found on Eaton's corporate website.

Fluid Power Talk

Fluid Power Conference & Expo next month

Thu, 17 May 2012 20:32:00 +0000

The 2012 Fluid Power Conference & Expo takes place at the University of Minnesota Conference Center on June 26-27, 2012. If your company makes and sells fluid power components and related technology, please consider exhibiting. There are only 4 spaces left.

If you are a technical person looking to increase your knowledge of fluid power technology, please plan to attend as we have a FULL TWO DAYS of conference presentations on a variety of topics by expert persenters.

Please go to this link to register.

Michael Ference's Blog, Publisher of H&P

Mobile Solutions from Penton Marketing Services

Tue, 15 May 2012 15:18:00 +0000

Information is available in many forms to users of fluid power technology. Hydraulics & Pneumatics magazine is a primary source of technical content as are our website and e-newsletters.

Mobile content is certainly on the rise for personal use but it has also become very relevant for business to business communication. We at Penton Media have started a service that we call Penton Marketing Services. One of the services that we offer to our clients is Mobile Solutions.

Mobile is a strategic play and when designed with its uniqueness and your marketing goals in mind it provides branding, content, and a loyalty value anytime, anywhere. Included in the services offered by Penton Marketing Services under the heading of Mobile Solutions are Mobile Apps, Mobilize-Your-Site, and Tradeshow Apps.

Under Mobile Apps, can you think of a specific feature or functionality that users will need when they may not have internet access? This could be product selection or best design choice information about your product line. For your Mobilized Site, if your customers are on the go, then a mobile site can provide them with the basic information and resources they'll need - anytime, anywhere.

Finally, a tradeshow app can offer you an opportunity to sponsor a mobile app for a major tradeshow for the fluid power industry. You can be in front of viewers as they search for content and vendors. You can also build one for your own event.

For Mobile Solutions, please let Penton Marketing Services work for your company.

Michael Ference's Blog, Publisher of H&P

Safety air guns

Mon, 14 May 2012 19:57:00 +0000

Safety Air Guns, including Precision, Soft Grip, and Heavy-Duty styles, are available for blowoff, drying or cleaning. Now they come with chip shields to protect workers and help with OSHA safety standard compliance. They can be used on air guns with or without an extension pipe. Chip shields are made of durable polycarbonate to shield operators from flying debris often associated with blowing chips off machined parts. They keep coolant from splashing during drying operations.

Safety Air Guns use engineered nozzles to maximize entrainment of room air while minimizing compressed air consumption. Precision model is lightweight and comfortable to operate during periods of extended use. Heavy-duty and Soft-Grip models have a cast aluminum body for industrial use.

Exair Corp., (513) 671-3363, www.exair.com

Motion, Drives & Automation Conference at IMTS 2012

Fri, 11 May 2012 19:07:00 +0000

Registration just went live this week for our latest conference venture. H&P, and all of Penton Media's Design Engineering Group, is partnering with the NFPA to bring new technical conference topics to IMTS, which is slated for Chicago's McCormick Place September 10-15. Our conferences, called the Motion, Drives & Automation Conference, will be broken down into tracks — Hydraulics & Pneumatics in Automation, and Motion Control in Automation — will be presented Sept. 10 and 11.

This is our first venture into a conference of this type, but with focuses on closed-loop position and force control, energy efficiency, contamination, noise, and pneumatics, and more, we're confident most attendees will find something they can use in their everyday jobs.

This will be the third conference we present, in addition to our three Fluid Power Conference & Expos in Las Vegas (earlier this month), Minnesota (next month) and Charlotte later this year. Hope to see you at one of them!

A complete conference schedule and registration details can be found on our events page. Register now! September will be here before know it!

Fluid Power Talk

Motion, Drives & Automation Conference at IMTS 2012

Fri, 11 May 2012 15:23:00 +0000

Hydraulics & Pneumatics, as part of Penton Media's Design Engineering Group and the National Fluid Power Association will present two in-depth conference tracks — 1) Motion Control in Automation, and 2) Hydraulics and Pneumatics in Automation — for engineers and individuals tasked with improving performance, productivity, life, efficiency, and environmental footprint of manufacturing equipment and industrial automation systems.

The Motion, Drives & Automation Conference will highlight innovations in electrical, mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic motion systems, as well as electronic control, sensing and vision, condition-monitoring, and safety considerations.

Topics will include machine efficiency, noise and vibration, predictive maintenance, closed-loop control, and software and simulation tools for effective system design.

Location

McCormick Place - East Building Room 353 Chicago, IL

United States

41° 52' 41.2104" N, 87° 37' 47.2728" W

See map: Google Maps

Making Connections, H&P and NAHAD

Wed, 09 May 2012 13:29:00 +0000

Hose, Fittings, Connections, and NAHAD

Michael Ference

About 10 years ago, we at Hydraulics & Pneumatics decided that it would be a good idea if we joined an organization called The Association for Hose and Accessories Distribution (NAHAD) and we did. Our mission at Hydraulics & Pneumatics is to report on fluid power technology in print and online and deliver the content to an audience of highly-qualified recipients.

Well, a very large segment of the fluid power industry is the connector segment, which consists of hose, fittings, and assemblies. Thus, it makes sense for the magazine of fluid power to be associated with an organization that represents both distributors and manufacturers of hose, fittings, and assemblies.

The NAHAD organization is made up of distributors and manufacturers of all kinds of industrial hose, fittings, and assemblies —not just hydraulic —but a significant segment of the hose business is hydraulic. Many of our advertisers are members of NAHAD and their annual meetings are great opportunities for us to say in touch with them.

But there is so much involved with NAHAD and connections beyond the hardware that are called connectors. It is about manufacturers being connected with distributors and the reverse. It is about all of the members being connected with ideas, concepts, and facts that can help them with their business. It is about business networking that allows for business relationships to form and thrive.

The organization is managed by Joe and Kristen Thompson and their management company, and for the whole ten years that we have participated in NAHAD, it has been a very well-organized association with annual meetings that allow for many networking opportunities as well as learning experiences. Every spring, NAHAD holds its Annual Meeting & Convention in an interesting location. This year, 2012, it was held at The Palazzo Hotel in Las Vegas. Last year, it was in San Diego. Each event offers the 900 or so attendees an opportunity to attend informative business sessions, network with customers and suppliers, and enjoy the offerings of the particular location. It also includes some golf and lots of great food.

The 2012 event had some particularly good presentations, which were kicked off by the current and outgoing president of NAHAD, Tim O'Shaughnessy of Shamrock Hose & Fittings in Cleveland, OH. Tim, by the way, did a great job as president in his year ending at this Annual Meeting. The UNLV marching band helped to get the adrenaline flowing for the coming presentations.

The opening presentation of the event was given by author and speaker, Jaynie Smith and her topic was “Creating Competitive Advantage for Relevant Selling.” In this presentation, Jayne stresses the importance of making any advantage relevant to the customer in order to be a true competitive advantage.

Keep in mind that her audience is made up of hose and accessory suppliers and distributors. So, within this audience we have sellers and customers. So in making this point of relevant advantages, Jaynie was telling the audience to use whatever means available to understand what your hose and accessory customers want and need and make this one of your strengths. One of the ways that the seller/manufacturers could do this is through networking at the NAHAD Annual Meeting & Convention. They could use this time to better understand their customers/distributors. How timely?

In addition, through the networking time allotted at this event, manufacturers and distributors have the opportunity to share ideas on how they can together best serve their end-use customers through relevant competitive advantages of not only the products but the services that go with the products. Again, this is a very timely opportunity.

This opening presentation by Jaynie Smith did a great job of moving the agenda of networking and connecting and this is what NAHAD is all about. She set the stage for the second presentation that was given by Dr. Bill McCleave, President of W.H. McCleave & Associates, a consulting firm specializing in business relationships between manufacturers, distributors, and customers. Bill has spoken to this Association before as it is fitting for his area of expertise, consulting with manufacturers and their distributors.

The title of Bill's presentation was “Where Managers Blunder - Avoid Traps for Superior Performance.” In his talk, Bill revealed the results of a survey that was given to the NAHAD membership base and another on larger similar industrial base. The survey highlighted what makes managers successful. The results repeatedly showed where great communication, cooperation, and teamwork are the best ways to succeed.

Again, making connections and managing those relationships are essential to success in the hose and accessory business and most every other business. Communication is so important in making business work and Bill and Jaynie both did excellent work at making this very clear.

So far, our membership in NAHAD has helped us to stay connected with manufactures of hose and assemblies, allowing us to share our strength of having excellent fluid power content distributed to highly-qualified readers. Our position within the hydraulic and pneumatic hose and assembly community has been greatly enhanced by our membership and participation in NAHAD.

Even more fitting for this Association that deals with connecting people involved with connectors were the second-day “University in a Day”tracks given by speaker and consultant, Steve McClatchy. In his morning session titled “Trust, Confidence, and Business Relationships,”Steve went into great detail about the importance of relationships in business.

Again, in a meeting that focused on connections, discussing how to build and nurture business relationships was more than timely —it was right on the money. All too often, we take our business relationships for granted but we were reminded that they too need work. After all, business is people working, communicating, and cooperating with other people.

Leadership and management functions were key topics. One of the main takeaways was Steve's definition of leadership as involving things that change and are not in a hurry. Management involves things that stay the same but the things need to be done right away. These are very interesting perspectives.

In his afternoon session, Steve focused on “Leading Your Team - Beyond Process Management.”This session considered the elements of leadership —another important dynamic of connections.

The fluid power industry is a very large one that is estimated in the tens of billions of dollars of annual sales. Hose, fittings, and assemblies are a huge segment of the fluid power industry. Our job at Hydraulics & Pneumatics is to educate and inform all users of hydraulic and pneumatic hose, fittings, and assemblies on the products that are available, how they work, how they have been successfully applied, and who makes them. NAHAD connects sellers and distributors of these products.

Both functions are extremely important to make machinery the most effective, efficient, and productive. Users of hose, fittings, and assemblies need to know all that they can about the products. They also need to build relationships with the companies and individuals with whom they buy or sell these products.

Our association with this Association makes great sense. It helps that NAHAD and their members have accepted Hydraulics & Pneumatics into their group and that the meetings are so productive and fun. I compliment everyone who makes NAHAD work and we look forward to a long relationship between Hydraulics & Pneumatics and NAHAD.

OTC 2012 - Amazing!

Tue, 08 May 2012 13:29:00 +0000

I have attended a lot of really great trade shows. The 2012 Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) was one of the most impressive that I have ever seen. The event was held at the Reliant Center in Houston on April 30 - May 3, 2012.

The Reliant Center is an enormous convention center and it was completely full of exhibits. As if that was not enough, the Reliant Arena, also on location, which itself is a fairly large facility was also full to the max with more exhibits. Add to that, a very large temporary structure that looked like a big tent and some outside exhibits, and you have quite an impressive trade show.

An extensive technical seminar program as well as numerous networking events were also held to make this a complete OTC experience for the over 80,000 attendees. It even included a Houston Astros baseball game!

In our estimation, OTC featured some 100+ fluid power exhibitors making this one of the largest displays of fluid power technology in the US. Fluid power plays a major role in the exploration, extraction, and processing of oil and gas.

This show is so successful, that it is completely sold out. The hotels, car rentals, and local restaurants are also booming from the event.

Our Southwest backcover advertiser for Hydraulics & Pneumatics hosts a fantastic hospitality for their customers in conjunction with the OTC and it is called the Crawfish Boil. Being a northerner from Ohio, Crawfish is not a regular part of my diet but I did partake. Thank you so much Hydraquip for inviting me! Thank you also for distributing copies of Hydraulics & Pneumatics at your booth at OTC.

Michael Ference's Blog, Publisher of H&P

Digital transducers have ultra-low energy consumption

Mon, 07 May 2012 18:28:00 +0000

Transducers Direct LLC, Cincinnati, offers the industry’s first configurable digital transducers, according to Rob Matthes, president. Series TD1000/1004 transducers are a direct replacement for any currently used analog unit but use time-to-digital technology for improved accuracy, reliability, and ultra-low power consumption.

Built-in functionality eliminates the need for separate analog temperature and pressure switches, with typical applications ranging from injection molding machines and hydraulic presses to construction equipment, regardless of the media — oil, air, or water.

“This is a digital transducer that is more accurate within a wider operating temperature range and has redundant sensor elements for added reliability. Our design enables it to be affordable without sacrificing features,” said Matthes.

TD1000/1004 units are customized for each application, including calibration for a specific task.

The transducers are direct replacements for analog units and have the same pin-to-pin configuration. A TD1000/1004 series transducer turns a digital signal into an analog output that is fed directly into an industrial controller.

“Tests have shown these digital units to be far less noisy than analog ones, which makes them less susceptible to electromagnetic interference,” Matthes explained. Current consumption is so low that, depending upon application and operating time, a four- to eight-year life is projected using a coin cell battery as a power source for wireless transducer solutions.”

The transducers feature built-in self diagnostics and are available with either a 2.3 mini DIN or M12 4-pin connector. They have a stainless steel housing and IP-69K rated seal. The operating range is –40° to 85°C (–40° to 185°F).

For more information about the new TD1000/1004 series of digital transducers, visit www.transducersdirect.com, or call the company at (513) 583-9491 to arrange for an on-site application review.

Cylindrical reservoir breaks from convention

Mon, 07 May 2012 18:20:00 +0000

The Cyclone reservoir has a cylindrical shape, and was originally developed and patented for use in hydraulic fan drives for mobile equipment by Price Engineering, Hartland, Wis. Now available for general application, officials at Price Engineering say the Cyclone reservoir reduces fluid volume and associated costs up to 95%.

The dramatically smaller size makes space available for mounting other components in a machine. It also reduces weight and is more environmentally friendly because less fluid is needed in the hydraulic system.

The reservoir also removes all free air from the hydraulic system and improves de-aeration approximately ten times over that of conventional reservoirs.

Price Engineering’s Cyclone reservoir is said to dramatically reduce the volume of fluid needed in a hydraulic system’s reservoir.

The Cyclone is available in four standard sizes for maximum flows from 20 to 140 gpm. The 10- to 20-gpm size comes in plastic or steel with a fluid requirement of only 1.3 gal, with a differential volume of up to 85 in.3 An integral float switch comes standard with the plastic model and is optional for the steel reservoir.

Two mid-range sizes include a 20- to 40-gpm reservoir with 3.75-gal fluid requirement and up to 156 in.3 differential volume and a 25- to 50-gpm reservoir with 4.5-gal fluid requirement and up to 195 in.3 differential volume. Both are constructed of steel and offer a float switch as an option.

The largest size is rated for flows of 70 to 140 gpm with 14-gal fluid requirement and up to 5.5 gal of differential volume. It is also made of steel, with an integral float switch as an option and provision for a return line filter.

The Cyclone is also available as an integral part of Price Engineering’s Our Fluid Conditioning Pod, which incorporates the Cyclone reservoir, return line filter, case drain filter, air-to-oil heat exchanger with fan, fluid level and temperature monitors, common inlet for multiple pumps, and lifting brackets for transport via forklift.

For more information, call Price Engineering at (262) 369-3700 or email sales@priceeng.com.

Mired in Muck

Mon, 07 May 2012 17:49:00 +0000

Menzi Muck AG, Widnau, Switzerland, makes all-terrain excavators named after a legendary elf, Mr. Muck, known as “the little man who does everything.” Menzi Mucks allow each leg or wheel to be raised, lowered, extended, retracted, or moved in or spread out so the operator can adjust the working base of the machine to conform to the terrain. This control provides extreme maneuverability and remarkable flexibility, stability, and safe operation.

The Menzi Muck A91, one of five different sized models, can climb and work up, down, and across steep slopes, in 7 ft of mud and water, in tight spots, or in bad weather that mires down other equipment. All the while, the operator sits comfortably upright, with a full 360° view and precise control, regardless of the terrain.

The Menzi Muck A91 uses electrohydraulic pump control that overcomes limitations of conventional load sensing and flow sharing systems

The basic version of the Model A91 features two-wheel drive, telescopic stabilizers, and full 360° rotation of the cab. Options include all-wheel drive, variable parallel wheel track widths, all-wheel steering, parallel or mountain stabilizers, and a host of others, all powered by hydraulics.

Pumps do it all
The A91 is powered by a John Deere 4045HF285 four-cylinder diesel engine that delivers 99 kW at 2000 rpm and is sized at 4.5 l. The engine transmits power to an over-under dual-station pump drive box connected to two variable-displacement axial-piston pumps. The pump drive box is geared to provide the most economical operation of the hydraulics. But the gearing can be shifted to provide higher torque at higher engine speeds for maximum power when needed. Electronic load limit control provides fast, smooth interaction between engine and hydraulics.

The upper mounted pump provides a maximum 220 lpm flow at 400 bar to power the A91’s hydrostatic transmission for propulsion. The operator controls this pump through a bidirectional, proportional foot pedal. The basic, two-wheel drive model has a speed range of 0 to 5 km/hr, with an optional two-stage version capable of 15 km/hr. Optional four-wheel drive models can attain 10 km/hr.

Tandem mounted to the rear of the upper pump is a gear pump rated for 36 lpm that powers the vehicle’s hydraulic fan drive. Compared to conventional belt driven cooling fans, the hydraulic fan drive reduces fuel consumption and emissions by providing only as much cooling power as needed. It also keeps the engine operating at optimum temperature. An optional directional control valve in the fan circuit reverses direction of the fan, which is useful for blowing debris or other contaminants from the radiator that would otherwise clog it.

A two-speed drive box powers a pair of axial-piston pumps. A gear pump tandem mounted off the upper pump provides power for a hydraulic fan drive.

The lower pump provides up to 220 lpm of flow at 280 bar of hydraulic power for all work functions. An optional axial-piston pump rated for maximum flow of 170 lpm at up to 340 bar may be tandem mounted to the rear of the lower pump. This optional pump has three settings for powering additional hydraulic implements through a joystick.

A standard two-wheel drive model has rear wheels powered through a hydraulic wheel-hub drive with integral gearing and spring-applied, hydraulically released parking brake. The wheel drives can be disengaged manually to allow towing of the vehicle. Four-wheel drive models have a variable gauge feature that allows adjusting the width between wheels, providing the operator with a choice between maximum stability or minimum vehicle width. Menzi Mucks are also equipped with hydraulically extendable stabilizers, and the front wheels can be pivoted upward to prevent impeding the stabilizers.

More hydraulics
The reservoir of the A91’s hydraulic system holds up to 180 l of fluid and comes factory filled with Panolin HLP46 or Synth46 hydraulic fluid. The fluid runs through a 10 µm filter with bypass and an air-to-oil heat exchanger before returning to tank. Fluid temperature is monitored, and a warning light indicates if the oil temperature reaches 85°C. The light goes off once fluid temperature drops below 80°C.

The A91’s cab features continuous 360° swing rotation provided by a hydraulic motor and two-stage planetary gear box to reduce speed and multiply gross motor torque to 46,000 N-m. This swing drive can rotate at up to 10 rpm and has an integral brake for precise positioning and maximum safety. A proportional, demand-driven torque control regulates the turning force via a joystick.

Versatile and efficient control
All Menzi Mucks are designed for high productivity, so they work fast. But to provide finer control for delicate operations, maximum load can be scaled down to work more accurately by limiting overall hydraulic flow rate without reducing working pressure. The operator can toggle fine mode on and off via a simple switch.

To ensure that flow matches demand, conventional systems use control valves with pressure compensators that control flow rate and distribution. The two most common are load sensing, which uses an upstream pressure compensator, and, flow sharing, which has a downstream pressure compensator.

In both, the pump operates as a hydromechanical closed-loop pressure control to ensure that supply pressure exceeds the highest load pressure by a constant differential pressure (∆P). Because supply pressure constantly adjusts to the highest load pressure, hydromechanical load sensing and flow sharing save energy compared to open-center controls that divert some flow to tank.

Menzi Mucks also use the latest generation of LIFD (load-independent flow division) technology for highly sensitive control and quick response. LIFD controls overcome the limitations of hydromechanical load sensing control. Instead, they use electrohydraulic flow matching (EFM) to improve the hydraulic system’s efficiency, stability, and dynamic response. EFM systems use a pump with an electronic displacement control instead of the hydromechanical displacement control found in conventional load sensing and flow sharing circuits. As a result, improvements include:

• The pump modulates flow proportionally, so excess pressure between the pump and control valve can be set independent of the system’s maximum load pressure. In certain cases, EFM’s ∆P is lower than the predetermined ∆P of conventional load sensing systems, which saves energy.
• Instead of operating as a pressure controller, the pump in an EFM system operates as an electroproportional variable pump in an open control loop. Therefore, instead of responding to changes in load pressure, it operates independently of a pressure compensator.
• Operation of the pump and control valve are more closely synchronized. Therefore, EFM eliminates delays between joystick inputs and the load sense signal arriving at the pump. This, in turn, improves system response and makes the working hydraulics more agile and less susceptible to oscillations.
• Finally, EFM can use well-established components, such as variable pumps with electrohydraulic load-sensing valves. This limits development work to functional interactions between components in specific applications.

For more information, visit www.menziusa.com or email sales@menziusa.com.

Data acquisition system from Webster Instruments

Mon, 07 May 2012 16:25:00 +0000

A brief introduction of the C2000 data acquisition system for hydraulic pump rebuilders from Webster Instruments, highlighting its capability to measure, record and store hydraulic test data.

May 2012 Hydraulics & Pneumatics

Mon, 07 May 2012 04:00:00 +0000

Teaser

Current Issue Block Teasers: Rock star of digging Reaping the benefits of accumulators Mired in Muck

Reaping the benefits of accumulators

Fri, 04 May 2012 18:33:00 +0000

Supplementing pump flow is one of an accumulator’s most important jobs. Here we look at why and finish with a spotlight on some of the industry’s latest components.

The most common use for accumulators is to supplement pump flow. Some circuits require high-volume flow for a short time and then use little or no fluid for an extended period. Generally speaking, when half or more of the machine cycle is not using pump flow, the application is a likely candidate for an accumulator circuit.

The circuit shown uses several accumulators to supplement pump flow because the dwell time is 45 sec out of the 57.5-sec cycle time. This circuit’s 22-gpm fixed-volume pump operates on pressure during most of the cycle to fill the cylinder and the accumulators. Without the accumulators, this circuit would require a 100-gpm pump driven by a 125-hp motor. The first cost of the smaller pump and motor plus the accumulators is very close to that of the larger pump and motor. However, energy savings over the life of the machine make the pictured circuit much more economical.

This circuit shows a common application of an accumulator supplementing pump flow.

One drawback of using accumulators to supplement pump flow is that the circuit must operate at a pressure higher than needed to perform the work. In the circuit, a minimum of 2000 psi is necessary to perform the work. This means the accumulators must be filled to a higher pressure so they can supply extra fluid without dropping below the minimum pressure. This circuit uses 3000-psi maximum pressure to store enough fluid to cycle the cylinder in the allotted time and still have ample force to do the work. The flow control in the circuit is necessary to keep the cylinder from cycling too rapidly. An accumulator discharges fluid at any velocity the lines can handle while operating at whatever the pressure drop is when a flow path is opened.

The pictured circuit uses a fixed-volume pump and an accumulator unloading-and-dump valve. The valve forces pump flow to the accumulators when pressure drops approximately 15% below its maximum set pressure. At set pressure, the unloading valve opens and all pump flow bypasses to tank at 25- to 50-psi pressure drop. While the pump is bypassing, a check valve keeps the accumulators from unloading to tank. The dump valve (which is a high-ratio, pilot-to-close check valve) is held closed by pump idle pressure until the pump shuts down.

This information was excerpted from Chapter 16: Accumulators of our Fluid Power Ebook Edition 1. Read the entire chapter here.

The following is a brief round-up of some of the latest accumulator products available in the fluid power marketplace:

Hydro-pneumatic accumulators

Miniature AC type hydro-pneumatic accumulators are made of steel and exceed 7000 psi. They are ideal for workholding and jigs. Available in two sizes with volumes of 13 cm3 (0.79 in.3) and 40 cm3 (2.44 in.3), they are easily integrated into the valve bank with a screw-in fitting and have an optional shut-off valve. They compensate for temperature-dependent volume variations, possible losses due to leakage, or to dampen oscillations in circuits with pressure-difference-controlled devices.
HAWE Hydraulics, (704) 509-1599, bit.ly/hp512haweAC

High-pressure bladder accumulator

Seamless bladder accumulator is rated for pressures to 10,000 psi. It features no moving seals to prevent contaminants from entering a system and is field-repairable. They are available in sizes from from 1 qt to 15 gal capacity. Standard materials include: standard, low-temperature (–40°F) and extreme low-temperature (–80°F) Buna-Nitrile; Butyl; Fluorocarbon; EPR; and Neoprene.
Accumulators Inc., 713-465-0202, bit.ly/hp512accumulators

Accumulator isolator block

SBA Safety Blocks now feature a lockout mechanism for work environments that mandate a “lockout, tagout” procedure. They allow an accumulator to be isolated from a hydraulic system then discharged; the new lockout mechanism helps safeguard against accidental rejoining of the accumulator and system while maintenance is being performed. They work with bladder, piston and diaphragm accumulators. A full range of adaptors is available to suit all common port sizes and styles including SAE and BSPP straight port. Three different sizes – NG10, NG20 and NG32 – are available in a corrosion resistant finish.
Parker Hannifin Corp., Global Accumulator Div., (815) 636-4100, bit.ly/hp512parkeracc

Pleated bladder accumulators

Nacol Accumulators range in size from 1⁄5 pint to 40 gal, rated for 3000 and 5000 psi. They are available in carbon and stainless steel. “Top easy maintenance design” makes it possible to inspect the inside and replace bladders without removing them from pipings. Dynac gas valve acts as a safety device in case of fire or extreme heat. Safety vent releases remaining gas when accumulator is disassembled. Seamless, one-piece molded bladder resists fatigue and has a low degree of gas permeability.
Wilkes and McLean, (847) 534-2000, bit.ly/hp512wilkes

Piston accumulators

Standard line of piston accumulators is available in pressure ratings of 3000 and 5000 psi in capacities from 1 pint to 30 gal. They come with bore sizes of 4.0, 6.0, 7.0, 9.0, and 12.0 in.; custom bores are available. Materials include carbon and stainless steel, aluminum, nickel and chrome-plated steel, and special paints and coatings. Standard porting includes SAE O–ring, NPT and NPTF, SAE 4–bolt flange, Code 61 and 62 and special ports.
Kocsis Technologies Inc., (708) 377-2681, bit.ly/hp512kocsis

Light-weight accumulators

CarbonWeight high-pressure bladder accumulators are 1⁄4 the weight of standard steel accumulators. They feature a spun carbon fiber-wrapped aluminum tank, a nitrogen gas compression bladder, and ports for fluid flow. They are available in 10, 15, 20, 22, 25, and 30 gal sizes for pressures to 6000 psi (414 bar). They are tested to 500,000 cycles and have been burst-tested to a safety factor greater than 3.4 times operating pressure.
Lightning Hybrids Inc., (800) 223-0740, bit.ly/hp512lightning

Hydro-pneumatic accumulators

Series GO piston-type accumulators provide auxiliary and emergency power and absorb or suppress hydraulic system shock pressures. They are available in sizes from 10 in.3 to 2.5 gal for pressures to 3000 psi. They offer rapid response rate using lightweight, low inertia aluminum piston. Recessed end cap receives piston for dashpot action when discharged. Safety gas vent prevents removal of end cap from charged accumulator. Standard charging valve is recessed and covered with cap for safety.
Cross Mfg. Inc., (620) 324-5525, bit.ly/hp512cross

Bladder accumulators

Hydraulic bladder accumulators are available in 1, 2.5, 5, 10, 11 and 15 gal sizes, for pressures from 3000 to 6000 psi with NPT, SAE and Code 61/62 porting options. For safety reasons, they cannot be disassembled under pressure and are interchangeable with other manufacturers. Bladder is available in standard rubber compounds, including Nitrile and cold-weather Nitrile. Standard porting is 11⁄4 and 2 in. NPT machined from alloy steel and coated for corrosion prevention.
PacSeal Hydraulics, (714) 529-9495, bit.ly/hp512pacseal

Simulation results for leakage parameters

Fri, 04 May 2012 18:07:00 +0000

The leakage input parameter was set to 2.75 in.3/sec for all the previous investigations. Now it is going to be seen how this value is only an estimate of the peak leakage that results from the simulation. Furthermore, the simulated peak leakage is affected by the amount of overlap that is used for any specific computer run.

Perhaps more importantly, though, the leakage parameter is just that: a parameter. It is directly tied to the amount of spool-to-bore radial clearance of the valve. The higher the leakage parameter, the greater the amount of clearance. Each new value for the leakage parameter establishes a new value for the physical overlap needed to produce critical lap flow metering.

Figure 1 — ISO format displays all four land KVL values on one set of axes and illustrates how increasing and decreasing the leakage affects the apparent overlap of the valve.

To carry out the leakage study, a simulation program was run five times, and each time a new value for the leakage parameter was used. The values were set, run-to- run, to 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 5.0 in.³/sec, respectively. The value for the input overlap was left at 0.85, which was the value that produced critical lap flow metering when the input leakage parameter was set to 2.75 in.³/sec.

KVL metering parameters
Figure 1 is indeed a busy one, what with four different valve lands and five different leakage parameters, all on one set of axes. Each land is labeled, and the minimum and maximum leakage parameters are indicated. It should not be surprising that increasing the input leakage parameter increases KVL value. Also, as the leakage increases, the transition region has a more rounded feature, while the lower leakages have sharper corners. This should not be surprising either.

Imagine that when the clearance is decreased (a lower value for the leakage parameter), the physical distance between the spool metering edge and sleeve’s metering slot will have to diminish at the transition point. This means that the transition from closed to open will be more abrupt, resulting in the sharper corner on the KVL curve.

Figure 2 — Flow metering characteristics reveal how the valve’s apparent overlap change with changing amounts of leakage (internal spool-to-sleeve clearance), and further, how the corners are sharper with the lower leakage parameter values.

Thus, we can see how the metering characteristics infer internal relative dimensions within the valve. This is especially true with KVL metering, which tells us something about radial clearances. Also, the tests can be used on a real valve in forensic situations. Erosion of the metering edges can be caused by years of use and accelerated if the fluid contains microscopic abrasive contaminants. Edge erosion will show up as increased leakage, and the forensic test results can be compared to the original performance data to assess the degree of the deterioration.

Flow metering parameters
The flow metering curves of Figure 2 show more clearly how the leakage parameter affects the apparent overlap of the valve. It also shows how the leakage parameter affects the sharpness of the transition corners with decreasing leakage and decreasing radial clearances.

Figure 3 — It should come as no surprise that the simulated peak leakage increases as the input leakage parameter increases. However, the input value is not the simulated value because of the ambiguity of the overlap.

Notice how the highest leakage parameter value, 5 in.3/sec, produced a valve that is slightly under lapped. This should be obvious because of the increased flow gain at zero. The next lower leakage parameter, 2 in.3/sec, not labeled in the figure, produces a slightly overlapped curve. This tells us that some intermediate leakage parameter value will produce critical lap.

Leakage metering parameters
The simulated leakage characteristics in Figure 3 drive home the idea that the leakage parameter in the input data to the program is a parametric estimate of the simulated leakage. The maximum value of the input parameter was 5 in.3/sec. However, the simulated value is closer to 6 in.3/sec. On the other hand, an input parametric value of 2 in.3/sec produces a simulated peak of only 1 in.3/sec. Clearly, some input value would produce the same simulated value. The search for that value will be left to another study.

Figure 4 — The pressure metering tends to spread as the leakage increases.

Figure 3 also shows that the value of the input leakage parameter and the subsequent value in simulation are related. However, that relationship at present is non-linear, but unknown. Also, due to graph scaling, the two curves for 0.1 and 0.2 in.3/sec are barely perceptible. Nonetheless, they are plotted, along the horizontal axis. Again, the input leakage parameter is best interpreted as a relative radial clearance as well as an approximation to the value of simulated leakage.

Pressure metering parameters
Pressure metering at various values of the leakage parameter is shown in Figure 4. The curves are all lying one atop the other for all the lowest values of the leakage parameter. Only when the parametric leakage results in apparent underlap do the curves begin to spread out. This is a result of the effective lap being under lapped.

Book details electrohydraulic control of pressure and cylinder force

Control of pressure is vital to controlling force or torque from actuators and is subject to the constraints of the system non-linearities. This third edition textbook presents all the mathematical wizardry needed to design effective, predictable, and controllable pressure control systems using electrohydraulic servo and proportional valves. It contains background theory and derivations and introduces ways to control gauge and differential pressure. It also covers problems associated with the control of cylinder output force. It is written for engineers in the third or fourth year undergrad who intend to design pressure and force control loops. The soft cover book contains 220 pages and sells for $59.95

For a more in-depth description of this book (including a full table of contents) and to browse other titles, go to www.hydraulicspneumatics.com/Bookstore-0. To order, fill-out the interactive PDF order form, and email, fax, or mail the form to us. To ask the author a question about the book’s technical content, email jack@idaseng.com.

Rock crusher overheating and shutting down

Fri, 04 May 2012 15:50:00 +0000

By Robert J. Sheaf, Jr., CFC Solar

An automotive company built an assembly plant on land that had a limestone base. Research found that if the limestone was removed, crushed and re-laid, the plant stability and harmonics would be improved to a point that would offset the cost of crushing the limestone.

They used a large rock crusher that had a fairly simple hydraulic circuit, as pictured. Two Caterpillar front end loaders would dump large chunks of broken limestone into a chute from either side of the rock crusher. A mechanical vibrator would move the limestone down to a large rotating drum with 50 to 60 swinging hammers that would pulverize the limestone into stones no larger than a tennis ball. The crushed stone would then be laid back into the ground to build the base for the new plant.

A large pressure-compensated piston type motor powered the drum. If the rock pieces were large in size, the motor and drum speed would slow down but the torque at 3000 psi would increase, thus giving it the sufficient crushing force it needed.

The problem they were experiencing was overheating of the hydraulic oil, which caused the over-temperature sensor to shut the unit down. It could be up to an hour before the system would cool down and reset the sensor.

We were asked to investigate and fix the problem. The customer was sure it needed a larger fan-cooled heat exchanger. We watched the operation for a couple of hours and noticed that the overheating shut down occurred shortly after the crusher drum was stopped or allowed to free wheel for more than 20 to 30 minutes.

Any idea what could have been causing the problem? Can you think of a simple fix?

Robert J. Sheaf, Jr. is the founder of Certified Fluid Consultants (CFC) and President of CFC-Solar Inc. CFC-Solar provides technical training, consulting, and field services to any industry using fluid power technology. Visit www.cfc-solar.com for more information.

Find the solution

Think you know the answer? Submit solutions to mary.gannon@penton.com. The correct answer will also be published in the next edition of “Troubleshooting Challenge.”

Congratulations go out to Chris Goodlet, CFPS, of Prodomax Automation Inc., who was the winner of our April Troubleshooting Challenge.

All correct solutions will be entered for a chance at a $50 gift card — we will randomly select a winner from all correct answers. The winner’s name will be printed in the next edition of “Troubleshooting Challenge.”

Solution to April’s stretching machine problem

The circuit design on the 300-hp power unit for the stainless steel stretching machine had a design flaw that caused both of the large volume pumps to rupture.

When the system was started up, the large vane pumps primed quickly while the piston pumps lagged behind. It was later determined that the piston pump cases were not prefilled with system oil, making it even more difficult for them to prime.

The vane pump unloading valves were piloted open from the piston pump’s pressure. The redesign involved moving the signal (pilot) line to the outlet side of the piston pump. This will allow the vane pump pressure to open the unloading valve, which will act as a relief, until the piston pumps develop pressure.

This was a very expensive lesson to learn and to think of the potential harm it could have caused.

Rock star of digging

Fri, 04 May 2012 15:15:00 +0000

Low-speed, high-torque hydraulic motors and innovative valve design give rotary drive clear advantages over its competitors.

Digga dubs itself Australia’s premier attachment manufacturer. But these aren’t just empty words. Established in 1981, Digga pioneered pendulum drilling in Australia and is Australia’s leading manufacturer of planetary drive boring and trenching attachments for construction and other heavy industries. Digga offers more than 80 different attachments, an extensive line of replacement parts, and service.

The high power capability, compact design, and reliability of Digga’s equipment is typified in its I-Drive system that mates with Digga’s high torque planetary gearboxes. The I-Drive is designed to fit 18 to 50 ton excavators for installing ground screw anchors, core barrelling, foundation drilling, and similar high-torque operations.

Attached to the boom of an excavator, the MD200 (200,000 Nm) 4-motor I-Drive is used for tasks including core barreling, screw anchoring, and foundation drilling. The compact I-Drive allows these operations to be performed in confined areas and close to existing structures.

The I-Drive can take full advantage of the hydraulic flow capabilities of an excavator producing up to 1000 lpm to deliver a maximum torque of 300,000 Nm and 240 kW. That’s actually more hydraulic power than most excavators can provide, so the I-Drive has a built-in margin of safety while delivering up to 300% greater productivity than currently available systems.

A Digga official explained, “I-Drive technology allows us to harness the total available hydraulic power of the host machine, essentially increasing productivity up to 300% over previously available drive systems. We like to think of the design as being ‘bullet-proof’ and immune to operator errors that can damage power heads that aren’t as robust as the I-Drive.”

Rugged, simple, compact
Digga set out to design a compact, high-capacity power head that was significantly more tolerant of abuse than others on the market. But they also wanted to provide the additional benefit of substantially higher productivity.

A power head is attached to the boom of an excavator to generate high-torque rotation for the task at hand. Conventional power head designs require three or more hose connections (including case drains), which make them difficult to attach and set up in the field. They also require an operator to modulate the excavator’s hydraulic output to keep it within the typical 250 lpm flow common to these units.

The Award-Winning Digga I-Drive power head uses four Eaton 6000 Series motors and a screw-in cartridge valve-based manifold. The compact I-Drive is more than 300% more productive than competitive systems. (Model UD300 shown with hood assembly removed to reveal the four motors and manifold system.)

Digga designed the I-Drive to survive the heavy-duty use and potential abuse that construction equipment is usually subjected to. One way to achieve this goal is to keep the design simple. Digga’s I-Drive power head requires no complex hose, valve, or filtration arrangements. And because its motors have no case drain, the I-Drive does not require a third hydraulic line, which conventional drive heads do. In service, the design has been immune to operator errors that can damage less robust power heads.

Digga’s I-Drive uses valves and motors from Eaton Hydraulics to meet its design challenges. It is designed around multiple Eaton 6000 Series disc valve motors, resulting in a compact unit that is extremely tolerant of contamination. Henry J. Szota, of Eaton Hydraulics Group, Tullamarine, Vic., Australia, explained that the radial- and axial-piston motors widely used for this application typically tolerate contaminant particles sized to about 15-25 µm or 5-10 µm, respectively. However, the 6000 Series motors can operate with contaminant particles as large as 25 to 40 µm.

The compact 6000 Series motors use Eaton’s Geroler based design, whereby rolls seal the space between a rotating “star” and stationary gear ring. A rotary disc directs fluid into the void between the star and ring, causing the star to rotate and giving the motor its name.

Szota revealed, “This design accommodates high flow rates and high pressures while providing high starting and low-speed torque characteristics. The Geroler design is inherently more efficient than standard gerotor designs for two reasons. First, the rollers provide tighter sealing between the moving parts. Second, the rolling action creates less friction than the sliding motion of gerotor designs.”

Digga engineers also designed a screw-in cartridge valve manifold system to control flow to the I-drive four disc valve motors. The manifold simplifies operation by allowing the operator to selectively engage and disengage motors to provide variable speed and torque.

Dealing with decompression
The manifold system also contains a Digga-designed and patented flow-reversal bypass valve, dubbed a “swoosh” valve, to control fluid decompression. Fluid decompression is inherent to screw anchoring and similar operations and occurs when torque load on the rotating tool drops sharply and suddenly. The hydraulic motor normally encounters high resistance to rotation from the load, so fluid pressure rises. Hose and tubing expands in response to the high fluid pressure, and the fluid itself may compress. (Hydraulic fluid is often assumed incompressible, but it is not. A fluid’s bulk modulus serves as a measure of a fluid’s resistance to compressibility.)

If a bit breaks through or fractures a rock, the torque load will suddenly drop to near zero. The compressed fluid will then release its stored energy, causing a violent surge in motor velocity. The swoosh valve compensates for this fluid decompression to smooth out flow surges.

Continuing success
The Digga I-Drive was recognized with an “Australian International Design Award” in 2009 as one of the year’s “best examples of Australian design and innovation, and the high quality of design expertise available to manufacturers in Australia and internationally.”

The I-Drive is available in four standard sizes for handling maximum flow of 375, 500, 750, and 1000 lpm, and maximum torque rating of 300,000 Nm. They come in single-, dual, and three-speed configurations to deliver high speed/low torque, mid-speed/mid torque, or low speed/high torque operation.

For information on the I-Drive, visit www.digga.com or email info@digga.com.

An alternative to piston motors

Gerotor and Geroler hydraulic motors are low-speed, high-torque (LSHT) devices often used in direct-drive applications. Deepak Ganapathy, of Eaton’s Hydraulics Group, Eden Prairie, Minn., said they are available in sizes small enough to compete with electric servomotors to moderately large ones that would compete with small and mid-size piston-type motors.

Ganapathy explained that Eaton’s Char-Lynn gerotor and Geroler motors have an inner rotor, called the “star,” and a non-concentric outer rotor. The star and the outer rotor have an unequal number of teeth. The volume of the spaces between the teeth of the two rotors changes continuously during each complete cycle. Pressurized fluid flows into a small cavity that expands into a larger space, creating torque on the shaft attached to the inner rotor as the rotors turn.

Eaton’s Char-Lynn motors are based on what its developer, Lynn Charlson, called the orbit principle — which gives them their high power density, modularity and economical design. The orbit principle describes the motion of the star in both gerotor and Geroler motors as it rotates inside the stationary outer rotor.

Geroler motors use a roller in the spaces between the rotors, whereas the two rotors contact each other in gerotor motors. Geroler motors are more efficient because the rolling friction between the rotors is less than the sliding friction between the rotors in a gerotor motor.

Ganapathy said that the choice between a gerotor and Geroler motor is based on duty cycle and cost for most applications. The Geroler design is more efficient, has a longer service life, and is more expensive. The gerotor design is, in many cases, “good enough” and less costly.

Another factor to consider is operating pressure, which determines the type of valve for controlling flow through the motor. The choices are:
· spool valves for pressures up to 2000 psi,
· disc valves for pressures up to 3000 psi, or
· valve-in-star and high pressure for continuous operation at 4500 psi and higher.

Ganapathy explained that the higher efficiency of Geroler motors is important in applications like the Digga I-Drive, where space and power-density are critical factors. “The 6000 medium-pressure disc valve motors are very compact for their torque output, as well as being considerably less costly than a radial-piston motor with the same capacity. Geroler motors deliver very smooth low-speed performance, which is also important in applications like the Digga I-Drive. These motors have a low no-load pressure drop due to their relatively large fluid passages, which causes them to generate less heat.”

Whether gerotor, Geroler, or radial piston, low-speed, high-torque motors typically do not require a gear box to reduce speed and increase torque. Ganapathy said that based on power density, cost, and reliability, this makes them a better choice than an axial-piston motor with gear box in space-constrained applications like the Digga I-Drive.

For more information on Eaton’s Geroler motors, visit bit.ly/HP512geroler.

Expandable valve manifolds

Fri, 04 May 2012 15:00:00 +0000

VS manifolding valve product range improves design, maintenance and performance of pneumatic systems in industrial machines, by allowing expansion of the manifold in the field without tearing it apart or replacing it. Modular design allows expansion of single stations by up to 16 valves. Expanding VS18, VS26 or VS45 valve manifolds takes only seconds using plug-in printed circuit board (PCB) technology. Three sizes of plug-in sub-base valves offer flows of 0.52 up to 4.2 CV.

Connections are simple, with a two-screw system for attaching the manifold bases.

They come with two unique spool technologies. Softseal spool achieves enhanced flow rates to maximize speed. Their glandless spool and sleeve delivers hundreds of millions of trouble-free cycles. Both can be incorporated in the same manifold to meet application-specific requirements. Accessories optimize air use and reduce costs by using sandwich regulators and flow controls, allowing for interruption-free valve exchange for easier maintenance and reduced downtime.

Norgren, (720) 283-5417, bit.ly/hp512norgren

Fully-submersible labels

Fri, 04 May 2012 14:58:00 +0000

CILS-8200 fully-submersible, computer printable rating plate labels resist seawater, gasoline, diesel, oils, chemicals, solvents, etc., for long-term identification. Printable in minutes from a laser, inkjet or thermal transfer printer, variable data (serial numbers, barcodes etc) can be added in-house, saving time and costs. Specially formulated hi-tech adhesive ensures permanent bonding to all smooth, textured, powder-coated, cast metal and other difficult surfaces when fully submersed.

CILS International, (877) 512-8763, bit.ly/hp512cils

Compact CAN controller

Fri, 04 May 2012 14:53:00 +0000

CAN-IO14 control unit has four proportional outputs and four pulse-width modulation (PWM) outputs, which can also be configured as inputs. Output ports combined with six analog inputs have ranges between 0 to 10 V and 4 to 20 mA, offering simplified wiring and decentralized control of components. It is only 60 × 60 × 30 mm and is IP67 rated. It withstands temperatures from –40°F to 185°F. If all the outputs are configured as inputs, it becomes a dedicated input node.

For example, in applications with multiple sensors for load limiting or leveling, temperature, machine condition, and safety, it can convert analog and digital signals to CAN messages for use in conjunction with proportional directional spool valves, PSL CAN, and other devices on the CAN network.

When used as a slave to enhance programmable-logic valve control PLVC, functioning as both peripheral input and output nodes, it receives commands from the controller via the CAN bus and sends back real-time data. This reduces the wiring necessary to control distributed valve banks.

HAWE Hydraulics, (704) 927-5618, bit.ly/hp512hawe

Low-temperature hose

Fri, 04 May 2012 14:50:00 +0000

New 472LT and 722LT hoses work in temperatures from –70°F to 212°F (–57°C to 100°C). They are designed for high-impulse, applications. The 472LT is available in 1⁄4- to 1-in. sizes. No-skive, two-wire braided hose is rated for pressures to 5800 psi (40 MPa). Rated up to 4000 psi (28 MPa), the no-skive, four-wire spiral 722LT is available in sizes from 3⁄8 to 2 in. Both use 43 series fittings; 722LT also uses 71 series. Both feature a half-bend radius.

Parker Hannifin Corp., Hose Products Div., (800) 272-7537, bit.ly/hp512parker

Cartridge valves

Fri, 04 May 2012 14:47:00 +0000

Series 09 cartridge valves for proportional and on/off pilot control of clutches, brakes and directional control valves are a hybrid product that combines 10 size cavity with 08 size tube/coil. Two on/off valves offer a choice of 2-position, 3-way (SV09-23-02) or 2 position, 4-way (SV09-24-01). Both operate to pilot pressures of 100 bar (1450 psi), with flow rates of more than 20 lpm (5.3 gpm). PPR09-POD provides electro-proportional control of clutch or directional valve. It comes with reduced pressure settings of 20 and 25 bar (290 and 360 psi), with flows exceeding 25 lpm (7.0 gpm).

PPR09-POD is a proportional pressure reducing/relieving valve that is pilot operated and normally open to drain. This means that there is no actuator movement with zero current, which is ideal for these pilot control applications.

The large 10 size cavity provides high flow capability with low pressure drop, while the 08 size tube/coil provides a smaller package size and lower power consumption of the coil.

They are designed for pilot applications requiring minimal pressure losses in the system.

Coils are designed for incorporation on machine control architecture that uses PLUS+1 hardware.

Comatrol, (864) 644-0055, bit.ly/hp512comatrol

Pneumatic tubing and fittings

Fri, 04 May 2012 14:42:00 +0000

New Nitra pneumatic tubing and fittings come in many sizes. Available in 100 and 250-ft lengths, Nitra 16-mm polyurethane tubing provides tight OD tolerance and has good kink resistance. Ether-based tubing provides hydrolysis, oil, and cold resistance. Ten styles of Nitra brass adapter fittings and plugs are made from yellow-brass bar stock or forgings, to withstand pressures to 800 psi. Designed with NPT threaded connections, male and female connectors are available in 1⁄8 to ½-in. sizes.

AutomationDirect, (800) 633-0405, bit.ly/hp512autodirect

Base controller

Fri, 04 May 2012 14:34:00 +0000

Versatile Base (VB) series of controllers is rated for 8 to 32 Vdc input power and temperatures from –40° to 80°C. Based on PLC on a Chip technology, it suits standard and custom I/O expander boards and is programmed with EZ Ladder software which supports ladder diagram with function block programming. Model VB-1000 features 12 8-32 Vdc inputs and eight digital outputs rated to 4 A with automatic over-current protection. Outputs may be configured as PWM with 1.5 Hz to 1 KHz frequency modulation. Seven analog input channels with 10 bit resolution can be field configured individually to 0-20 mA dc, 0 - 10 Vdc, or 0-5 Vdc as required. Networking includes two CAN ports configurable as OptiCAN or SAE J1939 in addition to Modbus Slave functionality.
Expansion connector provides connection to the processor’s SPI port. Functions can include: quadrature counting, D-A and A-D conversion, motor or fan drives. Two pre-engineered expander modules are currently available in the series. Model VBEX-4K provides input of four Type K Thermocouples with 12 bit input resolution. The second is Model VBEX-4K4DOT which provides four digital outputs in addition to four Type K Thermocouple inputs.
Typical industrial use includes electro-hydraulic control, control of engine driven pumps and compressors, mobile asset management and tracking, intelligent mining or oil field equipment, and marine application.
Divelbiss Corp., (800) 245-2327

Load-position sensing cylinders

Fri, 04 May 2012 14:25:00 +0000

Electronic positioning transducer cylinders are available for hydraulic and pneumatic cylinders. Electronic load-position feedback is via magnetostrictive linear-displacement transducer. It features rod diameters from 5⁄8 to 4 in. and cylinder bores from 11⁄2 to 8.00 in. They are rated for minimum release pressures from 750 to 1500 psi and maximum holding force of 1100 to 80,000 lb. The transducer provides precise position resolutions within 0.002 in. for a wide variety of applications – including those in harsh and shock-prone environments. (The transducer’s output signal requires a PLC or servovalve to complete a closed-loop feedback system.)

Electronic load-position feedback is via a custom-length transducer probe sliding within a gun-drilled counterbore in the piston rod, an encased magnet and non-ferrous spacer retained in the piston by a snap ring, and a totally enclosed sensor housing with integral electronics mounted on the cylinder’s cap end.

They feature clamp diameters from 4.37 to 16.14 in. and clamp lengths from 3.55 to 11.50 in.

A protective transducer cover is optional. The non-ferrous spacer shields the magnet from any induced effects on its magnetic force and concentrates the magnetic lines of force reaching the transducer to maintain proper function. Because the electronic package is external to the cylinder envelope, it can be serviced without disturbing the tie-rod torque. Various length cord sets are offered. If mounting space is an issue, more-compact embedded LVDT-transducer technology is available.

Peninsular Cylinder Co., (586) 775-7211, bit.ly/hp512peninsular

Spring-biased shuttle valve

Wed, 02 May 2012 18:50:00 +0000

Miniature 375 spring-biased shuttle valve is ideal for system pressures to 5000 psi. Poppet in this 3⁄8-in. diameter shuttle valve is biased so emergency port is NC, and the normal and service ports are connected. For installation flexibility, it is available with biased port at either end. With a mass of only 12 g, it is constructed entirely of stainless steel.

The Lee Co., (860) 399-6281, bit.ly/hp512lee

Air lubricators

Wed, 02 May 2012 18:47:00 +0000

Line of Mindman air units lubricates air tools, cylinders, valve, air motors, and other air-driven devices. They are available in port sizes from 1⁄8 to 11⁄2 in. and rated for pressures to 17.5 kgf/cm2 (1.75 MPa) and temperatures to 80°C. They offer lubricating oil capacity from 20 to 1000 cc. Stainless steel 316 is available in three models. In addition to PT threads, BSP and NPT are also available.

Airstra Corp., (909) 606-8610, bit.ly/hp512airstra

Electronic foot pedal

Wed, 02 May 2012 18:40:00 +0000

PLUS+1-compliant KEP3 electronic foot pedal is a bi-directional, over-center rocker pedal that drives vehicles equipped with hydrostatic transmissions and/or electronically controlled engines. It delivers commands to the electronic transmission or the engine controller, where the output signal of the foot pedal is proportional to the angle of the foot pedal actuation. Fourteen degrees of angular rotation fore and aft and a sensor designed for heavy equipment applications use Hall effect technology.

Sensor provides two different types of redundant signals and feature independent isolated circuits and protection against electrical misconnection.

It provides smooth operation for applications with a high duty cycle of direction changes, such as warehouse trucks, piggyback fork trucks and other material handling equipment.

It offers a 3 million full actuation cycle life with a wide operating temperature, IP-66 sealed electronics and the ability to withstand high static loads. Redundant outputs integrate into safety functions to SIL 2 (Safety Integrity Level 2 according to IEC 61508) Performance Level d (per ISO 13849-1), including the Sauer-Danfoss H1 Automotive Control system. The pedal is also compliant to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards FMVSS 124 and 302.

Sauer-Danfoss, (763) 694-2151, bit.ly/hp512sauerdanfoss