There was a time, during the heady race into space and to the Moon, when working at NASA was perhaps the ultimate dream for an engineer. And there was also a time a few decades later, when the space shuttle program felt stagnant, and working for NASA sounded more like a punishment to a graduating […]
Compressed air fail: High discharge pressure
By Ron Marshall for the Compressed Air Challenge An automotive manufacturer was having trouble with its large centrifugal compressors, which were constantly going into surge condition. This is a damaging condition where the air going through the compressor suddenly stops and starts, shocking the fast spinning rotors in the machines and causing stress on the internal […]
Hydraulics tilts excavator buckets
PowerTilt, a hydraulically powered construction-equipment attachment from Helac Corp., Enumclaw, Wash., lets operators of backhoes and excavators tilt any bucket or attachment side-to-side up to 180°. According to the company, users can increase productivity and versatility by simply tilting the attachment instead of moving the entire machine. It is suited for tasks like cleaning ditches, […]
What is the purpose of hydraulic fluid?
Hydraulic fluid is used in fluid power systems mainly because of its incompressibility or stiffness. This allows it to provide consistent and powerful transmission of energy throughout a hydraulic system, which allows the actuators to complete the work, whether they are linear or rotary motions. The advantage of a fluid’s compressibility ensures a hydraulic machine […]
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How do you measure threads on a hydraulic fitting?
Before you select a hydraulic fitting, you must first determine if its threads will match the hose you have selected. Measuring and identifying the fittings is easily done but you must have the correct tools. These tools include ID/OD calipers and thread pitch gauges. Using the thread pitch gauge, as seen in Figure 1, simply […]
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What type of compressor should I use for my industrial site?
There are many choices to consider when looking to buy a new compressor for your industrial plant. The most common choices are reciprocating compressors, screw compressors, and centrifugal compressors. The best choice depends on the size of your facility and how you use compressed air. If you have a very light compressed air load—and don’t […]
What is pressure compensation?
You’ve been around hydraulics a while, haven’t you? With that in mind, you probably take some things for granted. There is plenty of jargon in our industry, and it isn’t learned overnight. However, if you were like me, the term pressure compensation was difficult to grasp early in your hydraulic career. If you still don’t […]
New modular directional control valve from Aventics simplifies assembly
At PackExpo last month, Aventics, Lexington, Ky., launched its new ES05 pneumatic directional control valves, a modular, one-tool valve for packaging and industrial automation applications. Designed to specifically to reduce the number of components, assembly is completed with one single tool. According to Erl Campbell, Key Account Manger for Food & Beverage for Aventics, “The […]
HYDAC raises the bar in portable hydraulic measurement
Mobile hydraulic measuring equipment requirements correlate with ongoing improvements in machine technology (providing for example, a greater number of functions, shorter production cycles, and higher process precision) and with higher expectations with regards to inspection, testing, fault finding and documentation (such as documentation for final machine acceptance). Furthermore, measurements now need to include events and […]
What are single-point lubricators?
Single-point lubricators provide consistent delivery of the exact amount of oil required for pneumatically driven tools. Tools that run off of pneumatic power — such as handheld power tools, screw drivers, nut runners and more — operate best when they consistently receive the correct amount of oil. Too much oil can puddle in low points […]
Industrial shock absorbers: The sizing process
Machine builders are always on the lookout for ways to run equipment faster and increase throughput and productivity. However, components moving at high speeds often must decelerate and stop without damaging the equipment or payload. Otherwise, the consequences are excessive loads, vibration and noise that can compromise safety and machine reliability. Engineers can sometimes dampen…
Why is hydraulic fluid compatibility important for seals?
In a fluid power system, fluid compatibility is often discussed with respect to seals. This means, does the chemical composition jibe with the fluid composition? Chemical composition is the composition of the seal itself. What type of rubber, essentially, is it made from? Generations ago, fluid power seals were made of things like leather and […]
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Parker’s Air Saver decreases compressed air waste, increases productivity
At PackExpo last month, Parker Hannifin highlighted its Air Saver Unit, which allows for easy adjustment of impulsed air flow to blow off contaminants, clean, move, and agitate products. Additionally, the company launched an updated suite of 15 apps to help properly size compressed air devices to reduce energy and waste. After a soft launch […]
Hydraulic fluid test matches real-world conditions
Thanks to higher operating pressures, power density in many hydraulic systems has increased significantly in recent years. That can mean higher performance, smaller and lighter components and better efficiency, although it can also increase the susceptibility to wear and premature failures. Newer pumps and motors are built to handle higher loads and still offer long […]
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2017 registration for University of Industrial Distribution now open
The University of Innovative Distribution is a concentrated educational program focused on the unique needs of the wholesale distribution industry. 2017 marks the 24th year that UID has been serving the supply chain. Known worldwide for excellence in education, UID is sponsored by the leading distribution professional associations, in cooperation with the Department of Technology […]
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Portable dryer keeps water out of hydraulic oil
Most fluid-power users understand that particulate contamination in hydraulic oil can markedly degrade the performance and life of mobile and industrial machinery. Perhaps less recognized is that water contamination in the oil can similarly lead to component failure. Water, whether dissolved in the oil, present in an emulsion or as free water, is harmful. It […]
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How can you keep your mobile machine running efficiently? Part 1
Learning how to properly maintain your hydraulic system with precision will help support a high-performance, well-functioning machine. By Carl Dyke, Contributing Editor Half of the battle in hydraulic system troubleshooting is knowing exactly what ‘normal’ is. It’s hard to diagnose a component or a section of a system without knowing normal parameters, such as: Speeds Pressure Valve […]
AutomationDirect offers additional NITRA pneumatics solenoid valves series
AutomationDirect’s line of NITRA pneumatics now includes two additional series of valves and manifolds. The BVS-3 series modular solenoid valves are body ported 3-port (3-way) poppet valves available in 2-position, normally open or normally closed configurations with 12 and 24 Vdc, or 120 Vac coils. Starting at $29.00, models are available with an 8-mm Micro […]
Why do cylinders fail on an excavator?
Hydraulics works well in extreme conditions, including in mobile equipment such as excavators. Hydraulic systems run at higher pressures here, typically 4,000 psi or more. The components used, including the cylinders, are very heavy duty in nature, and they have high duty cycles—which means these machines can run for hours at a time—continuously. And, it […]