Hydraulics & Pneumatics - Hydraulics & Pneumatics is the leading international technical resource for fluid power

Moving Innovation Forward at the Fluid Power Conference & Expo

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 14:06:00 +0000

Fluid Power Innovation, Fluid Power Conference & Expo, MSOE

Michael Ference's Blog, Publisher of H&P

Don't try this at home. . . or anywhere else!

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 01:20:00 +0000

Don’t try this at home. . . or anywhere else

Sometimes you must be resourceful when facing a challenging task, but not at the expense of safety.

The Hitch Post

IFPE, ConExpo, and Las Vegas

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 23:43:00 +0000

Event though IFPE 2014 and ConExpo 2014 won't open until March 4 of next year, preparations are underway by exhibitors and other companies and organizations participating in the festivities.

The Las Vegas Convention Center will host both events, and, as always, there will be lots going on. One of these will be KÂ, a Cirque du Soleil Show at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino. We published an in-depth article about the impressive hydraulics that work behind the scenes at KÂ.

Fluid Power Talk

Fluid Power Conference & Expo Summary part 1

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 15:30:00 +0000

Fluid Power Conference & Expo, fluid power training, NFPA,

Michael Ference's Blog, Publisher of H&P

Webinar on implementing ultrasound technology

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 13:58:00 +0000

This Wednesday, June 19^th UE Systems Inc. is hosting a webinar on the ultrasound program implemented at Novozymes.

Fluid Power Talk

Pinpoint power-loss problems

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 18:43:00 +0000

By using the power-lost method combined with histograms, engineers can generate a clearer picture of troublesome power-efficiency areas in pumps, motors, and cylinders.

Fluid power technology emphasizes the use of efficiencies as key figures of merit for many products across multiple marketplace segments. Such reasoning is sound, especially with the push to reduce energy consumption. However, efficiency is too simplistic a measure, and dare say, tends to be rather abused.

Virtual slip rings transmit power or signals across air gaps

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 18:35:00 +0000

Power Coupling Units (PCUs) can inductively transfer dc signals across air gaps to interface with solenoids, digital or analog sensors, switches, relays, and actuators on rotary indexing tables or moving equipment. Sensor Coupling Units (SCUs) take it a step further — transferring power and data simultaneously to rotating or moving sensors.

Return-line hose snakes its way to pumps

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 18:29:00 +0000

A big challenge to designing mobile equipment is finding a place to put all the hydraulic components. Locating cylinders is pretty straightforward, and valves and pumps need to be placed where they are accessible. But reservoirs are often placed anywhere on a machine that has a large enough void. This complicates routing of return lines because standard hydraulic hose may lack the flexibility to bend around obstacles.

Separator keeps air out of braking systems

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 18:22:00 +0000

Air or other gases entrapped in hydraulic circuits can cause erratic operation and lead to the formation of foam — which can be especially dangerous in braking systems. In a search for a reliable method to ensure that air would not get into the energy-assisted braking system of its machines, a manufacturer of mobile agricultural equipment found just that.

Cartridge valves add flexibility to excavators

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 17:41:00 +0000

Engcon AB, Strömsund, Sweden, is the world’s leading manufacturer of tilt rotators — attachments that are installed between an excavator’s boom and bucket to continuous 360° rotation and ±40° lateral pivoting of the bucket or other end tool. Engcon’s tilt rotators are equipped with a hydraulic motor for rotation and double-acting cylinders for optimized tilting force and even load distribution. Engcon´s tilt rotators can be used on most existing excavators and backhoe loaders within a weight range of 11⁄2 to 32 tons.

Pressure Switches

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 16:46:00 +0000

Alexis Coffey

Compact A Series pressure switches feature all-316-stainless-steel construction in weatherproof IP67 enclosure. Precision snap-acting microswitches are fully encased to prevent contact corrosion. SPDT or DPDT switching -- setpoint may be factory set or field adjustable. Pressure ranges: vacuum to 7500 psi. Operating temperature range: -40°C to 100°C.

Axial-piston pumps

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 16:42:00 +0000

Alexis Coffey

Compact and quiet A11VO Series 40 axial-piston pumps are offered in five sizes with displacements ranging from 110 to 280 cc. Open-circuit pressure capacities are 350 bar nominal, 420 bar maximum. High power density and efficiency reduce fuel consumption and boost productivity of implement hydraulics on mobile equipment. Universal through-drive combines easily with broad range of other pumps.

Valve connectors

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 16:36:00 +0000

Alexis Coffey

Hirschmann GDM-series type A valve connectors are available either with electronic inserts with LED function display and/or circuitry to protect downstream electronics from voltage surges or electromagnetic interference. They facilitate both reliable power supplies and secure data transmission for components such as pressure transducers, temperature sensors, and flow monitors. Both designs have integrated strain relief and comply with UL 2238.

Compressed air may be more efficient than you think

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 14:51:00 +0000

Edited by: Alexis Coffey

Compressed air technology today is more economical than ever. Recent innovations make it possible to save energy and further promote the advantages of safe and reliable pneumatic technology.

Today people no longer think of industry or technology without compressed air. Some examples of compressed air technology are the filling of widespread PET bottles, and the purification of water in sewage treatment facilities.

Update on the tubing industry

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 15:37:00 +0000

Current news for the tubing industry includes the relaunch of Sharon Tube. Sharon Tube announced its relaunch in April, and held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 11^th. To join in the celebration they invited family, customers, and the media to their facility in Wheatland, PA.

The event also included speakers Barry Zekelman, CEO of JMC Steel Group, Brian Beader the Mercer County Commissioner, and Sharon Tube’s president Bill Perrine.

Sharon Tube’s relaunch marks a positive future for domestic industry.

Fluid Power Talk

Sharon Tube's ribbon-cutting ceremony

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 15:19:00 +0000

Alexis Coffey

On June 11, 2013 Sharon Tube hosted a ribbon-cutting event, “Media Day,” celebrating the relaunch of the Sharon Tube brand. Employees, families, customers, and the media gathered at the precision tube facility to celebrate the new manufacturing process, as well as domestic producers and the resurgence of American manufacturing.

At Sharon Tube’s Media Day there were speeches from JMC Steel Group CEO Barry Zekelman, Mercer County Commissioner Brian Beader and Sharon Tube President Bill Perrine.

Marmon/Keystone breaks ground for larger facility

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 14:47:00 +0000

Alexis Coffey

Marmon/Keystone’s new McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania metals service center building will be located at 196 Secrist Lane. The new facility is expected to be fully operational by September 2013.

PTO with vane pump

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 19:45:00 +0000

Alexis Coffey

PTO and vane pump combination based on the Parker T6C family. Interchangeable vane cartridges provide flow rates from 3.4 gpm (12.9 lpm) to 31.7 gpm (119.9 lpm) at 1200 rpm and pressure ranges to 3500 psi (240 bars). Design provides quiet operation. Clutch pack provides single continuous duty torque rating of 335 lb-ft. (454 N-m).

Parker Hannifin Corp., Chelsea Products Div.

Position switches

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 19:32:00 +0000

Quick couplings

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 19:24:00 +0000

Patented eSafe coupling combines high flow with low pressure drop in a durable compact envelope that has the dimensions of a standard coupling. Ergonomic easy-to-grip design and low connecting force allow convenient one-hand operation. Coupling vents downstream pressure before disconnection to eliminate hose whip and reduce noise. Complies with ISO 4414 and European EN 983 standards.

CEJN Industrial Corp.

Miniature servovalve

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 18:59:00 +0000

More news is big news

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 18:28:00 +0000

If you’re a regular reader, you’ve probably noticed our new look by now. Our content is still the same, but we have a new logo and use colors and organization that mimic other publications within our business group. The biggest change is to our news section.

Continental Hydraulics launches new website

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 14:16:00 +0000

Continental Hydraulics Inc., a manufacturer of hydraulic components and systems, announced the launch of its new website at www.continentalhydraulics.com.

“Continental is excited about the launch,” said Dale Horihan, Continental’s CEO. “It offers quick and easy access to essential information for our distributors and the design engineering community.”

The new site includes the following site enhancements:

Hydraulic troubleshooting video

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 14:03:00 +0000

Last year Webtec sponsored the first “Introduction to hydraulic fault prevention and diagnostics” day at the National Fluid Power Centre, in Worksop, England. The day provided opportunities to participate in hands-on workshops, and hear a number of speakers. Webtec recorded John Savage’s, Director of the NFPC, seminar on hydraulic fault-prevention.

NFPA announces 2013 Fluid Power Systems Conference

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 13:52:00 +0000

Registration is opening soon for the 2013 Fluid Power Systems Conference, formerly known as the Energy Efficient Hydraulics and Pneumatics Conference, November 19- 21, 2013 at the Doubletree Hotel, Rosemont, Illinois.

Hosted by the International Fluid Power Society (IFPS), the FPDA Motion and Control Network (FPDA), and the National Fluid Power Association (NFPA), this two-day educational conference will focus on:

Beauty isn’t just skin deep

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 13:19:00 +0000

Unless you build hydraulic test stands, you probably rarely see bright, shiny new ones. But you’ll find just that in Fountain Inn, S. C. As part of the grand opening for its new hydraulics campus in Fountain Inn, Bosch Rexroth US unveiled a new test stand for evaluating its Rineer brand of vane type variable-displacement hydraulic motors.

Troubleshooting Challenge: Slow Motor with Low Torque

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 12:53:00 +0000

Robert J. Sheaf Jr.

Target shooting for the physically challenged

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 22:36:00 +0000

A puff of air is all it take to pull the trigger.

Fluid Power Talk

Integrated air cylinder aids brewery production

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 18:57:00 +0000

An actuator that combines cylinder, valves, and controls helps clean and fill kegs

Keg filling is a critical process in breweries large and small. A machine that helps speed the process – aided by pneumatics – has recently been introduced by KHS, an OEM based in Dortmund, Germany. Its Innokeg Till CombiKeg is a compact keg washer and racker well suited for craft brewers.

Pressure Control Valves

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 17:29:00 +0000

I have discussed the pressure control valve previously in my series on hydraulic schematics, but those descriptions were primarily focused on the symbology explanation and how the circuit symbol is drawn. I’m going to do a blog series on pressure valves, because covering all pressure valves in one go would make this missive longer than any of my full length articles.

Fluid Power Tips