Hydraulics & Pneumatics articles from February 2002

Hydraulics & Pneumatics archives from February 2002

My "hydraulic" watch. (Editor's Page).
February 1, 2002... Dave Barry is a humor columnist for the Miami Herald and his column appears every Monday in my local paper, the Lake County News-Herald. For the last several years, Dave has devoted a column to his annual "Holiday Gift Guide." In this column he...

O-ring face seal fittings -- Curse or blessing? (Reader's Forum).
February 1, 2002... The article on leak-free fittings in your November 2001 issue prompted me to share some experiences with O-ring face seal fittings, which were mentioned several times in the article. Prior to becoming an engineering consultant, I was the...

LSHT hydraulic motor nibbles concrete slabs. (Ideas & Applications).
February 1, 2002... A major roadblock to successful use of conventional crushing equipment to recycle reinforced concrete slabs is that the steel reinforcement bars get tangled up in high-speed crushers. Engineers at Britain's MGH Recycling Ltd., located near...

FMR revises flammability tests. (Ideas & Applications).
February 1, 2002... Since 1975, Factory Mutual Research (FMR) had evaluated hydraulic fluids for flammability using Approval Standard 6930, Less Hazardous Hydraulic Fluids. This standard had been developed to simulate two typical ignition scenarios for hydraulic...

Sealing test rig aims at cylinders. (Ideas & Applications).
February 1, 2002... Ludowici Seals, Brisbane, has commissioned a unique testing rig, designed an manufactured in Australia. The rig will be used primarily for research and development of new hydraulic sealing designs. The company also invites cylinder...

The anatomy of a central hydraulic power system. (Ideas & Applications).
February 1, 2002... The design and construction of a large central hydraulic system involves some obvious and not-so-obvious considerations. Both of these need close attention to ensure optimum performance and reliability. Here are some of the more obvious...

Pressure sensors have digital CANopen-bus output. (Ideas & Applications).
February 1, 2002... Released by Robert Bosch GmbH in the mid-1980s for the European automotive industry, controller area network (CAN) has become the serial-communications standard on that continent. Fast, robust, and inexpensive, CAN is used today by most...

Pilot pressure for pump control. (Motion Control).
February 1, 2002... The classic servo-stroked piston pump common in hydrostatic transmissions uses a conventional servovalve -- usually a pilot operated flapper-nozzle or jet pipe design. But the millennium pump should use one of the newer, so-called zero-lapped...

Proportional controls. (Products for Motion Control).
February 1, 2002... Proportional valves include pressure and flow controls in subplate or cartridge-style configuration -- for flow to 3000 lpm and pressure to 315 bar. Simplify installation, wiring, and system set-up. Include integral analog or digital...

Servovalves. (Products for Motion Control).
February 1, 2002... Family of rugged servovalve products incorporates proven jet-pipe technology in customized packages for aerospace type reliability. Units handle flow rates to 40 gpm, operating pressures as high as 5000 psi -- with 100-Hz frequency response.

A guide to air-valve selection. (Pneumatic Systems).
February 1, 2002... When selecting a pneumatic directional control valve, there are four main criteria to consider: valve function, type of valve actuation, installation arrangement, and the flow capacity (or valve size) needed for the actuator. The first three...

Computer-based pneumatic training. (Pneumatic Systems).
February 1, 2002... FluidStudio is an interactive self-learning program that teaches the basic elements of pneumatic controls using computer-based exercises. You draw circuit diagrams and symbols, answer multiple-choice questions, identify and assign parts of...

Synchronous motor enhances rotary air compressor. (Pneumatic Systems).
February 1, 2002... Ingersoll-Rand Co., Woodcliff Lake, N.J., has introduced the Nirvana, an advanced rotary air compressor that is the first to be driven by a Hybrid Permanent Magnet (HPM) synchronous motor. Developed by Leroy Somer Inc., a division of Emerson...

Quick flow valves. (Pneumatic Systems).
February 1, 2002... Q2 Series of plastic, 2-way solenoid valves have high flow capability; are available with 1/4- or 3/8-in. OD John Guest quick push-to-connect tube fittings. Orifice sizes range from 1/8 to 5/16 with largest fittings. Combination of large ports...

Which filters are most effective? (Hydraulic Filtration).
February 1, 2002... When comparing the cost versus the benefits of hydraulic flitration techniques, some stack up better than others. Any industrial hydraulic circuit can benefit from the generous application of filters. However, cost and other factors, such...

All bets are off: as IFPE conferences move to fun, lively Las Vegas. (Conference Preview).
February 1, 2002... Technical conferences tackle the latest research and application information on power transmission systems, components, and controls. If it seems like it simply couldn't have been four years since the last IFPE Show, you're right. This huge...

Sizing and applying: Magnetostrictive linear position sensors. (Sensors).
February 1, 2002... Many types of industrial processing equipment use sensors to provide information needed to monitor and control processes. This allows design parameters to be maintained or modified in order to manufacture products at the desired level of...

Information on accumulators. (Software & Website Showcase).
February 1, 2002... Users of this website can learn what accumulators do, where they are used, how to specify them, and how to perform installation and maintenance. Contains an online specification form that can be e-mailed to a company engineer, as well as a...

Precision microhydraulics online. (Software & Website Showcase).
February 1, 2002... Interactive Online Technical Hydraulic Handbook provides convenient access to company's line of miniature precision fluid control products, including plugs, flow restrictors, check valves, relief valves, flow controls, safety screens, solenoid...

Software to solve flow problems. (Software & Website Showcase).
February 1, 2002... Design Flow Solutions brochure explains how timesaving, efficient, verifiable software (Branch for single-line, multiple-component systems; DesigNet for flow networks) can solve fluid-flow problems for engineers in seconds using comprehensive...

Engineered cylinders, other components. (Software & Website Showcase).
February 1, 2002... Website showcases company's products, facilities, capabilities. Products include multi-stage telescopic cylinders (strokes to 100 ft); tie-rod, custom-welded, mill-type, and special bolted cylinders; multi-port rotary hydraulic swivels; and...

Hydraulic system analysis. (Software & Website Showcase).
February 1, 2002... HYSAN software provides dynamic simulation capability to hydraulic designers at any stage of the design process: initial component or system concept, system design with existing components, or analysis of an existing system for problem solving....

Orifices and fluid controls. (Software & Website Showcase).
February 1, 2002... Website offers catalogs describing precision orifices ranging in size from 0.0003- to 0.250-in. diameter. Standard materials include sapphire, brass, or stainless steel. Complete product line includes precision orifices, check valves,...

Fluid power products. (Software & Website Showcase).
February 1, 2002... Distributor's complete line of hydraulic, pneumatic, and vacuum products, accessories, related components, plus repair and value-added services are spotlighted in website. Convenient hyperlink buttons provide quick access to online catalogs...

Plastic protective products. (Software & Website Showcase).
February 1, 2002... Easy-to-navigate site contains details on line of caps, plugs, covers, and other protective devices. Sections cover different product areas, corporate background, FAQs, online ordering, and the latest news. Users can out an online form to...

Custom-molded components. (Software & Website Showcase).
February 1, 2002... Website spotlights company's custom molding capabilities, along with their standard line of caps and plugs. New items include silicone masking products and tubing inserts. Manufacturing facilities total 60,000 [ft.sup.2] of space, which houses...

ASA hydraulic. (Software & Website Showcase).
February 1, 2002... Website introduces "the coolest heat exchangers" for mobile and industrial applications, which feature capacities from 2 to 175 gpm, and heat rejection from 1 to 105 hp. Includes product information, calculation and inquiry forms, corporate...

Plug-in air valves. (New Products).
February 1, 2002... Bankable Type V15 pneumatic directional control valves offer easy installation with minimal space requirements. Electrical and air connections are made simultaneously as valves plug in, lock with twist of cam. Line has integrated tube fittings,...

Air regulator. (New Products).
February 1, 2002... Compact MAR-1 air regulator is offered in eight pressure ranges from 0 to 10 through 0 to 100 psi. Design permits pressure adjustment both upward and downward; eliminates creepage of downstream pressure. Knurled micro-adjustment knob -- with...

Modular spin-en filters. (New Products).
February 1, 2002... Build-A-Filter spin-on family lets user custom-locate outlet port and up to three inlet ports; each can have different thread from choice of 12 standard sizes. Flow capacities range up to 225 gpm. Elements offered in Beta, absolute, and nominal...

High-pressure hoses. (New Products).
February 1, 2002... Both 792TC and 792ST high -pressure hydraulic hoses exceed SAE 100R15 specifications. Construction: six spirals of high-tensile steel wire reinforcement, oil- Resistant high-nitrile inner tube, rugged MSHA-accepted Tough Cover (on 792TC);...

Pressure controllers. (New Products).
February 1, 2002... Type 3500 Series electropneumatic pressure controllers use low-energy signal to control high-energy output; feature advanced RISC microprocessors running PID software, RS-485 bus (allowing up to eight devices on single line that are easily...

Precision check valves. (New Products).
February 1, 2002... 3505 Series check valves offers zero-leak performance in liquid and gas; can use either elastomeric or plastic seat and seal materials. Are suited for pressures as high as 6000 psi. Unique internal design offers minimum restriction through full...

Quiet piston pumps. (New Products).
February 1, 2002... Vickers M Series piston pumps -- with intermittent pressure capability up to 320 bar -- are offered in four frame sizes covering displacements from 18 to 141 cc/rev. Teardrop-shaped housing reduces structural and fluidborne vibrations to lower...

Digital hydraulic valve. (New Products).
February 1, 2002... Digital Interface Valve -- with electronics on-board -- offers highly precise digital flow and pressure control; has fieldbus communications and configurable functions. Diagnostic capabilities, integrated monitoring of key environmental and...

[0] Solenoid valves. (New Products).
February 1, 2002... Completely sealed Series 50 solenoid valves are available in 2-way, NC and 3-way configurations as well as variety of AC and DC voltages. Construction is all 430F stainless steel with either 1/8- or 1/4-in. OD stainless-steel welded tubing as...

Rotary actuator. (New Products).
February 1, 2002... Series RF rotary actuator features low-profile body design with single-piece pinion/output-hub that provides durability and long life while accommodating wide range of applications. Available in 14-, 20-, and 25-mm bores sizes with infinitely...

Hydraulic filters. (New Products).
February 1, 2002... RF Series tank-top-mounted filters - for mobile and industrial applications - have magnetic pre-filter as part of cartridge and inside-to-outside flow path. Diffuser delivers cleaned oil below surface in tank. Eleven sizes handle flows from 25...

Cable cylinders. (New Products).
February 1, 2002... Three series of cable cylinders - standard, guided, and totally enclosed - can be custom built within 5 to 7 days of order. Pneumatic and hydraulic models in bore sizes of 1/2, 3/4, 1, 1 1/2, 2, 2 1/2, 3, 4 and 5 in. Stroke lengths up to 60 ft...

Pneumatic valves. (New Products).
February 1, 2002... "IT" ISO Series solenoid-pilot valves are available in three sizes with [C.sub.v] ratings of 1.55, 3.60, and 6.60. Features: 1.8-W current draw, LED power indication, surge suppression, and manual override. Simple plug field-converts from...

Pressure gauges. (New Products).
February 1, 2002... Rugged and durable Ashcroft Direct Drive gauges have no gears or bearings, thus avoiding mechanical problems and wear, while affording high shock resistance. Available in 60- to 400-psi ranges. Materials: one-piece ABS case and back-mount...

Solenoid valves. (New Products).
February 1, 2002... Model 8257 high-flow solenoid valves have stainless-steel diaphragm valve that makes them suitable for control of slightly aggressive liquids and gases as well as for vacuum. Compact design with few parts generates zero pressure differential....

Pressure transmitter. (New Products).
February 1, 2002... Rugged, CE-marked Model 440 stainless-steel, 2-wire pressure transmitter operates on 9- to 32-V DC supply voltage, provides 4- to 20-mA standard output, covers 5- to 10,000-psi pressure ranges with 0.2% FS accuracy. Pressure port is 1/418 NPT...

Fluid power fittings. (New Products).
February 1, 2002... Forged, flare-less, bite-type fittings for hydraulic and pneumatic applications are available in more than 400 standard configurations; handle working pressures to 5000 psi. Precision-machined ferrule inside nut bites into outer surface of...

Hydraulic fluid. (New Products).
February 1, 2002... Environ line of environmentally friendly hydraulic fluid meets or exceeds all current major OEM requirements for oxidation stability, shear stability, and wear protection; formulations include anti-wear AW straight grades and multi-viscosity MV...

Digital pressure sensor. (New Products).
February 1, 2002... Programmable sensors combine digital gauge and 2-switch output device 1.25-in, square unit; cover range from -14.0 to + 14.0 psi. Solid-state components and dust/drip-proof enclosures (IP65 standard) add reliability and durability. Available in...

Compressed-air drains. (New Products).
February 1, 2002... Zero Air Loss drains conserve expensive compressed-air energy by only expelling oil/water condensate from system. As liquid collects in internal sump, system pressure holds diaphragm closed; when sensor detects sufficient liquid accumulation,...

British IFPEX show to be re-branded, moved. (Industry News).
February 1, 2002... The British Fluid Power Association has announced that its International Fluid Power Exhibition is to be rebranded and moved alongside the growing Total Engineering and Manufacturing (TEAM) event. IFPEX will now be known as Motion and Control...

CIMA -- EMI association picks a new name. (Industry News).
February 1, 2002... The Boards of Directors of the EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURERS INSTITUTE and the CONSTRUCTION MANUFACTURERS ASSOCIATION have selected a new name for the newly consolidated groups: the Association of Equipment Manufacturers (AEM). AEM's membership...

NEMA releases energy management guide for electric motors. (Industry News).
February 1, 2002... The National Electrical Manufacturers Association has released MG 10-2001, Energy Management Guide for Selection and Use of Fixed Frequency Medium AC Squirrel-Cage Polyp base induction Motors. The guide provides practical information on...

Free online vibration analysis training offered. (Industry News).
February 1, 2002... Mobius Corp., Fort Meyers, Fla., has launched an Internet-based online training program, Introduction to Vibration Analysis. The program is part of the first Online Reliability & Maintenance Conference, being hosted be Reliabilityweb.com. The...

Intellectual property hook for engineers: a smart idea. (Industry News).
February 1, 2002... The American Society of Mechanical Engineers has published Intellectual Property: A Guide for Engineers. The 74-page book provides practical information on patents, copyrights, trademarks, international protection of IP, copyright transfers,...

Instrumentation show scheduled for Brazil. (Industry News).
February 1, 2002... ISA, the Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society announced that the expanded ISA Show South America 2002 will take place at the ITM Expo Fairs & Convention Center in Sao Paulo, Brazil from November 19-22. The conference and exhibition...

People. (Industry News).
February 1, 2002... Advance Hydraulics, St. Frances, Wis., has announced the addition of Chuck Berth as sales and systems engineer manager. Chuck is a certified fluid power specialist, with 37 years experience in the industry.

www.acecontrols.com. (Web Wire).
February 1, 2002... If you're looking to decelerate something, the ACE Controls website is a good place to start. Users will find catalogs on dampeners, shocks, and related products -- along with distributor information, company news, and sizing software.

www.supercomputersale.com. (Web Wire).
February 1, 2002... The Super Computer Sale is a traveling sale that seems to hit most mid- to large-sized markets across the U.S. We were at first concerned that there was a charge for admission, but found our local show to be quite worthwhile. Vendors have a...

www.hoseandfittings.com. (Web Wire).
February 1, 2002... This simple site has a multitude of information on -- you guessed it hose and fittings. Click on a product to find out complete engineering details and specifications.

www.niagaraplastics.com. (Web Wire).
February 1, 2002... The website for Niagara Plastics, a manufacturer of plugs, caps, and other closures, has introduced a new online ordering system. Using the database, a customer can select the desired parts and then enter the quantity and shipping options.

www.monkeyphonecall.com. (Web Wire).
February 1, 2002... This sure sounded like an amusing idea. The people at this site will call anyone you know within 2 business days and howl like an insane monkey. Our unsuspecting victim was called first thing in the morning at work. She loved it, but asked us...

www.directindustry.com. (Web Wire).
February 1, 2002... This site, a self-proclaimed "virtual exhibition," does a nice job of emulating an online trade show. Searching can be accomplished by product or company name. Links are provided to the individual company websites for further information.

www.zipcode.org. (Web Wire).
February 1, 2002... If you're in need of a zip or postal code, this is the site for you. In addition to U.S. zip codes, there is a nice link page for International postal codes -- it even describes whether the link will be in English or the country's native...

www.midlandindustrial.com. (Web Wire).
February 1, 2002... This is home to Midland Metal Manufacturing, which produces fittings, valves, clamps, and accessories for hose, pipe, and tube. The site provides a rundown of the various products, along with an online catalog in .pdf format. Users can also...

Air cylinder modification handles higher ambient heat. (Ideas & Applications).
February 1, 2002... The technical roots of Germany's Hoerbiger-Origa Corp. go back to the original rodless pneumatic cylinder developed by Origa in Sweden in the 1970s. Since then, the rodless-cylinder concept has been adapted, copied, modified, and improved by...