A compressed air auditor was excited to see logbooks for each of the compressors at a large mineral processing facility. Each book was protected from the environment by a really nice orange plastic case. The auditor was interested to see the compressor history and opened the book, only to discover it was blank — no […]
NITRA nickel-plated brass PTC fittings from AutomationDirect
AutomationDirect has added a variety of new NITRA push-to-connect fittings. These fittings feature durable nickel-plated brass bodies, threads, and release sleeves. They have a maximum pressure rating of 300 psi and can withstand temperatures up to 175℉. Numerous fitting styles have been added, including male straight fittings, male elbows, branch tees, union straight fittings, union […]
Hydraulic crawler crane makes and preserve space exploration history
An LR 1750/2 hydraulic crawler crane lifted the Endeavor space shuttle orbiter into launch position at the Samuel Oschin Air and Space Center. Preserving humanity’s accomplishments keeps a record of our existence and our exploration of the vast unknown. The Endeavor space shuttle orbiter, which flew 25 missions from 1992 to 2011, was one such […]
August 2024 Issue: Sustainability takes the wheel in mining
Are we designing our way into a skills vacuum? My father was from Ireland, and I’ve spent many a summer enjoying all this beautiful country has to offer. I am now introducing my own children to the joys of a couple of weeks spent in simpler pleasures — long walks along the bay hunting for…
Mining innovations zero in on sustainability
As professionals rev up for MinExpo International 2024 in Las Vegas, here’s a look at some mining innovations released since the last gathering. Electrified vehicles, battery storage, and autonomous technology are top of mind across the mining industry, as all companies strive for net-zero targets and more sustainable operations. One glaring challenge is providing fast charging […]
Comparing electric versus hydraulic motors
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 […]
When to use (or not use) BSPT fittings?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor If you’re not terribly familiar with hydraulic fittings, you may think BSPT is a typo. Is it supposed to be BSPP (British Standard Pipe Parallel) or perhaps NPT (National Pipe Thread)? No, it’s not a typo – we’re actually talking about British Standard Pipe Taper, which is the version of […]
Singer Industrial teams up with hose company MEP Brothers
Singer Industrial has teamed up with MEP Brothers Inc., a provider of industrial and hydraulic hose, gaskets, and environmental spill response products. MEP Brothers is headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and will operate within the Industrial Rubber Division of Singer Industrial. The capabilities of MEP Brothers will create a greater breadth and depth of support for […]
Compressed air fail: Clutch play
A compressed air auditor recently performed an energy audit at a mineral processing facility. Plant personnel were constantly complaining about production outages due to low pressure. The problem was that when the pressure dips down below 80 psi, the drive clutches on the large ball mills — that grind the processed down minerals to powder […]
Bailey gives back with a different type of power
One of the best parts of my job as an editor of Fluid Power World is the community. The fluid power people are some of the kindest and most compassionate individuals I meet at trade shows and gatherings. They’re juxtaposed against the brawn and grit of the technology and the environments where fluid power is…
Motion commits to the CCIB and Canada’s Indigenous businesses
Motion Industries announced its commitment to the Partnership Accreditation in Indigenous Relations (PAIR), a program of the Canadian Council for Indigenous Business (CCIB). Originally established in 2001, the PAIR program includes an online management and reporting tool that supports participating companies’ efforts toward progressive improvement in Indigenous relations and a certification program that confirms corporate…
Compressed air fail: Condensate disposal
A compressed air auditor found, during a site visit to a mine, that compressed air condensate was left to drain from stopcock at the bottom of piping low spots. The oily condensate pooled on the ground, creating a slippery mess that polluted the environment and caused a safety hazard. This mine had no air dryers […]
China grants Domin patent for its S4 Pro servo valve
Domin announced that the patent for its ground-breaking S4 Pro servo proportional valve has been granted in China. Alongside existing patents worldwide, this marks a significant milestone in strengthening Domin’s position as an innovator within hydraulics in the Asia-Pacific region. “Since we secured patents for this technology in the UK and USA in 2023, our […]
Danfoss launches ePanda eDrive for low-voltage applications
Danfoss Power Solutions’ new ePanda eDrive for low-voltage applications is designed as a propel solution for mobile elevating work platforms. It is an integrated compact power system comprising an electric motor, microcontroller unit, and reduction gearbox aimed at maximizing efficiency, reliability, and safety. The eDrive joins the ePowerpack in the company’s ePanda series of products […]
Pirtek expanded network in Q2 with support for military veterans
Pirtek USA continued its strong growth trajectory in Q2, marked by the awarding of 12 new territories. Seventy-five percent of these new territories are going to military veterans, including distinguished members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines. This expansion underscores Pirtek’s commitment to supporting veterans and fostering entrepreneurship among those who have served. […]
Compressed air fail: The bag method
Did you know that garbage bags have a use in the compressed air industry? The use of garbage bags to determine compressed air leakage, is described in the U.S. Department of Energy’s (USDOE) MEASUR tool and is a straightforward and cost-effective method for roughly estimating air leaks in a compressed air system. This technique is […]
Four tips and strategies to ensure hydraulic health and safety
Hydraulic machinery has a crucial role to play in many facets of modern society. From transport to construction, marine and shipping or food processing, machinery powered by hydraulics acts as the backbone to getting jobs done efficiently and repeatedly. The HSE reported that 561,000 people in 2022/23 sustained an injury in the workplace, and given […]
New pneumatic robotic tool changers from SMW Autoblok
SMW Autoblok just launched a new line of quick-change, pneumatic robotic tool changers that can be combined with various pneumatic grippers and C40 inductive couplers for contactless, wear-free energy and signal transmission. With these new products, grippers, tools, and other end effectors can be changed quickly to increase cycle time and productivity and are effectively […]
AutomationDirect adds Bucher Hydraulics HPUs, heat exchangers and solenoid valves
AutomationDirect has added hydraulic power units (HPUs), heat exchangers for HPUs, and hydraulic solenoid valves from Bucher Hydraulics. Hydraulic power units contain a reservoir, pump/motor, filter, and all necessary controls to power a hydraulic system. They are offered in the single-phase powered M-series and three-phase powered T-series models. A T-series dual-flow, dual-pressure model is also…
There’s nothing artificial about the benefits of AI for manufacturers and distributors
Contributed by Mike Marks, Founding Partner of the Indian River Consulting Group In recent years, the supply chain has become unpredictable, and manufacturers and distributors alike must make bold moves to continue growing. One such move is to invest in and implement new technological solutions — especially those powered by artificial intelligence. AI isn’t just…
Zero-Max celebrates 75 years and hints at future plans
Zero-Max takes pride in responding to customer needs through innovative products and exceptional service. Its first product was a unique mechanical variable speed drive that solved application challenges in varied industries, and many of these drives are still in use 75 years later. With the drive’s successful entry into many different industrial markets, Zero-Max capitalized […]
Direct-acting, poppet-type hydraulic cartridge valve for pressure-limiting needs
The new DRV screw-in, poppet type, direct-acting cartridge-style hydraulic relief valve from Doering is designed for use as a pressure limiting device for common hydraulic circuit protection. The DRV blocks flow from port 1 to port 2 until sufficient pressure is available at port 1 to force the poppet from its seat. The cartridge offers…
Simulations serve as valuable tools for sealing fluid power components
Contributed by Alan Astbury, Simulation Methods Developer, Trelleborg Sealing Solutions To achieve optimal efficiency, fluid power applications and their sealing components need good friction characteristics and long life to reduce maintenance. Engineering simulations and the experts to interpret them can result in better sealing and material recommendations, leading to faster prototyping, predictive maintenance and a […]
Pre-configured and assembled air preparation units for safe food use
Festo introduces a line of pre-configured, assembled, and tested compressed air preparation units that not only makes specification and ordering faster and easier, but also ensures clean air in food and beverage production. Right out of the box, the new units meet the Safe Quality Food (SQF) guidelines of final filtration stage 0.01 micron (µm) […]
Extreme-duty hose reels for up to 5,000 psi hose
For years Coxreels has supplied heavy duty reels with triple axle supports and solid ¼-in. plate bases for demanding applications and environments. The company engineered strength with features, balancing performance with cost, bringing suitable solutions for many market sectors. Some industries still demanded more. Some industries, similar to mining, heavy equipment, lubrication, or other off-road […]