Technologies

By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor During everyone’s basic training in fluid power, we talk about “spring-centered” this and “spring-retract” that. Springs are used in nearly every component in hydraulics; valves, pumps and cylinders. So prolific in hydraulic components that it’s clear we’re taking springs for granted. Ground compression springs are used in most pressure valves…

In this blog post, we will discuss the third of five industrial compressor capacity control modes. A moderately efficient method of controlling a compressor at part load uses load/unload mode with adequately sized storage receiver capacity. With this mode, a pressure switch, or electronic control, is used to provide load and unload signals to the […]

In this blog post, we will discuss the second of five industrial compressor capacity control modes. The least efficient method of controlling a compressor at part load is using modulating mode by way of pneumatically controlled inlet valve control. With this mode, a pneumatic system detects the compressor discharge pressure and compares it to a […]

The Filtration Division of Eaton has launched its new VS6 electronic differential pressure sensor. This advanced clogging indicator continuously measures the differential pressure within hydraulic and lubrication oil filters for users to easily evaluate the status of the filter elements. The VS6 sensor features a dust and splash-proof stainless steel housing and is suitable for […]

In this blog post, we will discuss the first of five industrial compressor capacity control modes. The simplest method of controlling a compressor is Start/Stop mode using pressure switch control. This control simply turns on the compressor to run at full load when the pressure hits a lower pressure level — and turns off the […]

By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor This is part 6 in this series on hydraulic oil analysis, and if you’ve missed any of the previous issues, you can find them here — part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, and part 5. I’ve covered everything from viscosity to water saturation already, and we’re not done […]

Ensuring that air-operated double diaphragm pumps run consistently and optimally through long cycles is easy with Proportion-Air’s new Pump Controller. Many AODD pumps operate with just a ball valve and shop air. This can lead to inaccurate, inconsistent material flow. The Pump Controller is a turnkey system that eliminates these issues. Run-dry situations can be […]

Learn the advantages and disadvantages of the four phases of electrifying mobile machinery — swapping diesel for batteries, optimizing hydraulics, recuperating energy, and going completely electric and eliminating hydraulics. Mobile machinery power transmission is rapidly evolving, driven by regulatory pressures, growing demands for greener technologies, and reduced operational costs. In this article, we delve into […]

HydraForce launched its patented EHBL Digital Boom Control, a pressure control valve with an electro-proportional relief valve that improves operator productivity and reduces energy consumption. “The HydraForce Digital Boom Control can be part of an ISO 8643 compliant system for hose burst while ensuring smooth operation and conserving energy,” said Brian Del Bene, HydraForce, Cartridge […]

By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor In part 5 of this series covering hydraulic oil analysis, we move on to discuss acidity. As it pertains to hydraulic oil, we need to know the total amount of acidic substances found within the sample. Most commonly referred to as the Total Acid Number, or TAN for short, the […]

By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor If your hydraulic cylinder is moving slowly and you’re reading this article, your cause is not likely a lazy operator. Your situation is obviously one where an expected performance isn’t being met, or there was a sudden and dramatic slowdown of your cylinder velocity. Diagnosing the cause of a cylinder…

  A compressed air auditor regularly flow-tested the compressors under his study. This generally would be done if the air compressor was drawing low amps — a telltale sign that the unit is producing low flow output — or if the compressor has excessive hours. Often times, internal wear due to age will reduce output […]

By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Hydraulic hoses come in many sizes and designs, and the expression of each design is a result of the purpose of that hose. Generally, there are three common locations where a hose is used in a hydraulic system: suction lines, working lines and return lines. Each location has its own […]

Contributed by Enrique Busquets  •  Director of Engineering Systems and Components, Bosch Rexroth Fueled by unceasing innovation, electric motors have solidified their position as a catalyst for change, reducing countries’ greenhouse gas emissions (ghg) and lowering total cost of ownership for heavy- and medium-duty vehicles and machinery. The accelerated adoption of electric motors has been […]

The EHS series of high-pressure electronic valves from Clippard is precision-engineered to deliver robust performance in higher pressure (up to 1,000 psig) applications, prioritizing both safe functionality and the reduction of potential leak points. Building upon the foundation set by the ES series, the EHS incorporates key features such as substantial cross sectional O-rings, proven […]

Contributed by Robert Sheaf, Founder of CFC Industrial Training In this month’s challenge, we go out into the utility world, where digger derrick trucks operate to prepare worksites. Here, a digger derrick truck could not operate any function that required pressure above 50 psi. The pump load sense was set at 300 psi with the…

It is common to see the air in a complete plant dried by a desiccant dryer only to service one small end-use that is subject to freezing temperatures. The purge from a large desiccant dryer is much more costly than that of a small point-of-use dryer, which can be placed on the outdoor feed. The […]

At iVT Expo last week, Sun Hydraulics was highlighting some of its newer technologies, including its eSense counterbalance solution. This load-holding technology allows users to save energy without sacrificing performance. Designated as part of Sun’s ecoline program, this solution adapts to any load and provides up to 85% of energy-efficient power to applications. Combatting the […]

By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor In the bustling battlefield of pneumatic systems’ hose and tubing, two contenders stand ready for combat: polyethylene and nylon tubing. Armed with unique strengths and weaknesses, they prepare to face off in the high-pressure war, so let’s dive into this skirmish and see who emerges victorious. Round 1: The Durability […]

Proportion-Air is expanding its proportional electro-pneumatic pressure and flow control into the testing equipment field with its newest product, the Proportion-Air Supply. This benchtop unit for lab or manufacturing use is designed to regulate compressed air and other gases within prescribed pressure and flow limits for easy use. Suitable for developing, testing, and diagnosing pneumatic […]

Unitized sealing solutions feature over-molding and precision machining to eliminate challenges inherent in standard piston and gland designs. Contributed by Andrew Iddeson, Product Technology Director, Advanced Sealing Technologies and Chuck White, Global Product Development Manager Hydraulic cylinders are a key component in efficiently harnessing the power created by a fluid power system into usable linear […]

In linear motion applications, pneumatics, servo pneumatics, and controlled pneumatics each deliver unique motion and force capabilities. Contributed by By Frank Langro, Director of Product Market Management, Pneumatic Automation, Festo Pneumatic linear actuators are fundamental for automation because of their low cost, ease of installation and operation, high yet compliant force, speed, compactness, safety in hazardous areas, […]

Contributed by Gary Molton • BSc, Owner, Engineering Adventures Poor assembly or using the wrong type of fluid power fitting has been shown to increase risk of fluid leakage and industrial injury. Fitting designs have changed considerably over the last 30 years to reduce these risks but this has resulted in a myriad of assembly […]

Compactness is crucial for many equipment applications, with machine builders aiming for smaller parts that maintain high power. Finnish hydraulic motor manufacturer Black Bruin launched its new X-series for such applications, including recycling, marine and offshore, construction, mining, and material handling. With its patent-pending design, the company aims to enhance the performance, durability, serviceability, and […]

By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Comparing electrical with hydraulics is one of my favorite topics to write about. When you study both fields, you quickly realize how much the concepts, mathematics and symbology coincide. However, not all readers share my same enthusiasm for the analogy. Many years ago, one LinkedIn member commented that I was […]