Hydraulics & Pneumatics articles from March 2002

Hydraulics & Pneumatics archives from March 2002

Some frustration required. (Editor's Page).
March 1, 2002... As a new parent, I am continually discovering new things. How to best dispose of a less-than-fresh diaper. What not to put near the edge of the table. When to give up on an attempted nap. And, this past month, I discovered why engineers are...

A primer on hose carriers. (Ideas & Applications).
March 1, 2002... When two sections of a machine move relative to each other, hose and cable carriers can provide practical protection from premature wear and fatigue for multiple hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and other lines that run between the two...

Leaks glow under the gun.
March 1, 2002... The problems caused by leaking hydraulic fluid can be surprising. On a large multi-station transfer line in an engine plant, a process engineer complained that leaking hydraulic fluid was contaminating his cutting fluid -- and reducing the...

Air-hose coupler features safety. (Ideas & Applications).
March 1, 2002... Safe Air hose couplers -- from NewAge Industries, Inc. --incorporate a 2-stage disconnection sequence that eliminates the possibility of the pressurized end of the hose popping off. The blue central collar on body must be twisted in one...

Filter includes automatic pulsating self-cleaning cycle. (Ideas & Applications).
March 1, 2002... Mahle Filtersysteme GmbH, in Ohringen, Germany, developed their patented automatic hydraulic filter for unattended around-the-clock operation. This in-line unit provides fine and extra-fine filtration of low-viscosity liquids via a range of...

Product cross-reference is on-line. (Ideas & Applications).
March 1, 2002... VEST Inc. has introduced an online product-comparison and cross-reference tool -- fluidpowertools.com. Targeting the mobile hydraulics market, this tool extends the functionality of the company's schematic design tools and online smart-symbol...

Material delivers outstanding wear. (Ideas & Applications).
March 1, 2002... Morgan Advanced Materials and Technology has introduced several new nickel-chrome-impregnated carbon graphite materials that provide several times the wear performance of existing materials in their class. Tests show the three new grades -- MAT...

Coalescing filters capture oil aerosols. (Pneumatic Systems).
March 1, 2002... Almost every pneumatic application calls for clean compressed air. But clean doesn't always mean the same thing. Few applications can stand solid contaminants larger than 10 [micro]m, so there is a large number of filters on the market to...

Oil-X plus. (Pneumatic Systems).
March 1, 2002... ... range of filters incorporates matrix of specially treated borosilicate glass microfibers as media to actively repel oil and water present in compressed air; achieve efficiency better than 99.999% and particle retention down to 0.01...

Excelon. (Pneumatic Systems).
March 1, 2002... ... coalescing filters -- available with 1/4-, 3/8-, 1/2-, and 3/4-in. ports for inline or modular installation -- remove oil aerosols and particles as small as 0.01 [micro]m; handle flows to 60 scfm at 90 psig. Screw-on or bayonet bowls reduce...

4500 Series. (Pneumatic Systems).
March 1, 2002... ... tee-type coalescing filters are designed for pressures to 6000 psi; handle flows between 80 and 2700 scfm. DOP efficiency: 99.995% at 0.3 to 0.6 [micro]m. Maximum operating temperature: 300[degrees] F. Available with aluminum or...

Series C. (Pneumatic Systems).
March 1, 2002... ... modular coalescing filters are available with G1/4, G3/8, and G1/2 ports for 0.01-[micro]m elements, and G1 ports for 0.10-[micro]m elements. Metal bowls with sight glass may have manual, semi-automatic, or fully automatic drain valve....

HF series. (Pneumatic Systems).
March 1, 2002... ... compressed-air filters are available with choice of two coalescing elements: Grade 5 for water and oil aerosols to 0.008 ppm, and Grade 3 for ultra-fine oil aerosols to 0.001 ppm. Models handle 20 to 780 scfm. Modular connections,...

Hydromechanical aspects of the millennium pump. (Motion Control).
March 1, 2002... The inquiring mind will now be wondering how all the intelligence is imparted to the control system (computer), and that subject is worthy of some discussion. However, the exact details are beyond the scope of this brief introduction. Here are...

IFPE is preparing to join the largest industrial show in North America. (IFPE Preview).
March 1, 2002... It's less than a month until the first co-located IFPE/Conexpo show, and hotel rooms are becoming scarce in Sin City. That sounds amazing, given that Vegas has an estimated 120,000 hotel rooms. But it's to be expected, when one stops to...

Split flange adapters. (Selection of IFPE Products).
March 1, 2002... Range of split flange adapters offers one-piece carbon steel construction, for simplified installation and elimination of potential leak points. Other features: zinc dichromate finish for high corrosion resistance, compact size. Optional thread...

Swaging machine. (Selection of IFPE Products).
March 1, 2002... P32 bench-top swager features 200 tons of swaging force, has maximum speed of 850 swages/hour and opening of 87 mm. Can accommodate hose to 2 in., tube or pipe to 3 1/2 in. Optional Quick Change Tool System allows for changing dies in one...

Power units. (Selection of IFPE Products).
March 1, 2002... Series P923 power units feature reciprocating pumps driven by compressed air, provide 1.5 gpm at 3000 psi. Mount directly onto D03 manifolds via 2-bolt interface. Circuits calling for higher power are accommodated by extending manifold to hold...

Digital pressure gauges. (Selection of IFPE Products).
March 1, 2002... Series 1000 digital pressure gauges are accurate, stable, provide accuracies of [+ or -] 0.5% or optionally [+ or -] 0.25% full scale. Feature 1/4-in. NPT male or 7/16-in. UNF pressure connections, ranges from vacuum to 6000 psig. Can be...

Clamps. (Selection of IFPE Products).
March 1, 2002... Family of clamps is offered in various styles in zinc plated steel and stainless steel. Design provides for quick installation, tamper resistance, low profile, constant seal. Will hold against pressure, vacuum, vibration, temperature...

Output signal adapters. (Selection of IFPE Products).
March 1, 2002... BOS-S sensor signal adapters modify sensor outputs to provide counter, timer, and signal inverter functions for automotive, packaging, and material handling applications. Compatible with all sensors; install between sensor connector and cable....

Urethane parts. (Selection of IFPE Products).
March 1, 2002... Variety of machined urethane parts and seals are offered with fast turnaround to customer specifications. Many are available off-the-shelf for faster deliveries, including metric and non-standard sizes. Seal profiles include rod, piston, guide,...

Planetary hoists. (Selection of IFPE Products).
March 1, 2002... CH210 hydraulic planetary hoists feature pull rating of 21,000 lb, increase of up to 25% over comparable models. Improvements in oil flow, internal gear design increase high speed operation, service life. Booth S13240

Moisture sensor. (Selection of IFPE Products).
March 1, 2002... Model MS100 moisture sensors provide compact, real-time solution to continuous water contamination monitoring in most hydraulic systems. Sensor alerts operator to changes in water concentration within operating system's fluid. Allows for...

In-reservoir filters. (Selection of IFPE Products).
March 1, 2002... Modular Build-A-Filter In-Reservoir system allows custom design of system return filter. Enables multiple ports of different sizes and locations to be specified. Outlet line from filter to tank is eliminated, and reservoir is filled through...

Hydraulic control. (Selection of IFPE Products).
March 1, 2002... Range of feathering and non-feathering valves, modulating pneumatic shift cylinders, custom consoles, swivel pedestals, color-coded tubing, and fitting kits are offered for industrial and mobile applications. Also available: oiler lubricator,...

Pressure transducers. (Selection of IFPE Products).
March 1, 2002... Model 243/343 pressure transducers feature low cost, small size, environmentally sealed housing, vibration- and shock- resistance, long service life (1,000,000 cycles), welded stainless steel construction. Measurement ranges: 0 to 300 through...

Tie-rod cylinders. (Selection of IFPE Products).
March 1, 2002... Chief TC3 tie-rod hydraulic cylinders have 3000 psi rating, are available in stock bores from 2 to 5 in., with strokes from 4 to 60 in. Intended for double-acting applications, feature skived tubing and premium seals. Custom sizes and colors...

Multiple disc brake. (Selection of IFPE Products).
March 1, 2002... Gold Series M-Mount multiple disc brake uses high-performance lining that allows for high torque in compact size (4000 lb-in. available). Capable of full system pressures to 3000 psi, with high-speed capabilities to 4000 rpm (vertical position)...

Cylinder-barrel material. (Selection of IFPE Products).
March 1, 2002... Black Amalgon filament-wound fiberglass tubing is lightweight, high-strength, cost-effective alternative to metal hydraulic and pneumatic cylinder barrel materials. Operating temperatures: -90[degrees] to 225[degrees] F; available in IDs to 30...

Guided cylinders. (Selection of IFPE Products).
March 1, 2002... HB series of guided cylinders includes non-rotating, light-duty/compact, high-load, and gantry styles. Available in 1 1/2-, 2-, and 2 1/2-in. bores, with stroke lengths to 42 in., load capacities in excess of 1100 lbs. Standard dowel-pin holes...

Safety couplers. (Selection of IFPE Products).
March 1, 2002... Self-venting safety couplers are easy to operate, prevent injuries and equipment damage caused by whipping hoses when coupler and plug are disconnected. Available for industrial (green sleeve), Aro (orange sleeve), and Euro High Flow (blue...

Cylinder switches. (Selection of IFPE Products).
March 1, 2002... Inductive cylinder switches reduce cylinder machining time by eliminating tool changes; same SAE tap to machine fluid port is used for sensor mounting. Commonly used NPT ports have been replaced, reducing leakage in high-pressure applications....

Quick-connect couplings. (Selection of IFPE Products).
March 1, 2002... Series 74/CP74 Drybreak couplings are flat-face, quick-disconnect style; conform to ISO 16028, are available in sizes from 1/4 to 1 in. CP74 option provides ability to connect under pressure with either half (nipple or coupling) under static...

Metric fittings, adapters. (Selection of IFPE Products).
March 1, 2002... Variety of metric components are offered, including adapters, tubes, clamps, and fittings, as well as tube fabricating equipment. Booth S13151

Solenoid valve. (Selection of IFPE Products).
March 1, 2002... Solenoid option for 30 gpm, 3000 psi Series BA valve is available in 12- or 24-V DC, or 120- or 240-V AC. Provides convenience and remote control capabilities of electrical operation with load check advantages, ideal for lifting applications....

Hydraulic rotators. (Selection of IFPE Products).
March 1, 2002... Rototilt family of excavator rotators allows 360[degrees] unlimited rotation in both directions, 40[degrees] of side tilting. Construction features sealed worm gear combined with low-mounted, telescoping tilt-cylinders and hydraulic swivel...

Valve controllers. (Selection of IFPE Products).
March 1, 2002... PLG50, part of ProValve line of proportional valve controllers, is fully configurable digital valve driver housed in standard DIN 43650 connector. Plug-style driver mounts directly to solenoid for compact, remote operation. All settings are...

Valves. (Selection of IFPE Products).
March 1, 2002... Hammer family of valves is priority-type flow regulator/diverter, used to add functions to machinery: breakers, hammers, grapples, and delimbers. Offered in 30-, 65-, 130-gpm input flows, with single or dual pump models. Line mounted designs...

Tube fittings. (Selection of IFPE Products).
March 1, 2002... Twin sealing system in UltraFlare stainless-steel tube fittings consists of machined PTFE ring that is backed up by metal-on-metal contact. Teflon seal compensates for minor flaws (such as scratches or weld seams), as well as assembly...

Zinc dichromate tubing. (Selection of IFPE Products).
March 1, 2002... Seamless tubing with zinc dichromate coating offers corrosion protection at minimal cost, produced according to DIN 2931C/J524/ASTM A179. Size range from 0.158- to 11/2-in. OD. Also available in metric sizes. Booth S15450

Temperature measurement. (Selection of IFPE Products).
March 1, 2002... Buhler Thermolog MK2 measures existing temperature quickly, precisely, delivers analog signal (4-20 mA) to PLC or other device. Can be mounted in tank top or sidewall, using standard fittings. Sensor available in brass or stainless steel. ...

Directional valves. (Selection of IFPE Products).
March 1, 2002... Series DlMW directional control valves are intended for use in mobile equipment applications; 4-way design with either 2- or 3-position operation. Feature high cycle rates, long life, increased efficiency. Maximum flow is 12 gpm; pressure...

Quiet pumps. (Selection of IFPE Products).
March 1, 2002... Floating cup hydraulic pumps and motors combine advantages of slipper-type and bent-axis models, resulting in low cost, compact size, balanced operation, as well as reduced pulsations and noise. Straight-axle design allows for multiple units to...

Push-in fittings. (Selection of IFPE Products).
March 1, 2002... Line of push-in fittings can be re-used thousands of times without affecting pneumatic and mechanical seal. Provided in various configurations; clamping spring has special shape to grip pipe without scratching or deforming it, facilitating...

Expander plugs. (Selection of IFPE Products).
March 1, 2002... Koenig expander plugs use expansion of sleeve to achieve multiple seals within given hole. Suitable for permanently plugging cross-drilled holes in both ferrous and non-ferrous metal manifolds and valves. Wide range of sizes is available, for...

Tubing. (Selection of IFPE Products).
March 1, 2002... TuffDOM cold-drawn, stress relieved tubing is provided in two distinct strength levels: 520, with yield strength of 75 ksi min, and 620, with yield strength of 90 ksi min. Superior fracture and notch toughness, machinability, and weldability...

Electrohydraulic control. (Selection of IFPE Products).
March 1, 2002... INCOVA (intelligent control valves) system for electrohydraulic control uses four independently controlled poppet valves per function, provides precise bi-directional metering, as well as zero leakage. Can be controlled through SAE J1939 (CAN)...

Piston pumps. (Selection of IFPE Products).
March 1, 2002... P2/P3 mobile piston-pump line includes four displacement offerings: 60, 75, 105, 145 cc/rev. Rated for 320 bar, features compact packaging, low noise, low system vibration. Available with popular controls, such as load sensing, torque limiting,...

Hydraulic swivels. (Selection of IFPE Products).
March 1, 2002... Line of hydraulic swivels for mobile applications features smaller and lighter packages, long life. Configurations range from 2-port 1/8-in. NPT swivels to 15-port designs. Media may be petroleum or synthetic hydraulic oil, air (lubricated...

Tubing. (Selection of IFPE Products).
March 1, 2002... QDOM is thermo-mechanical, drawn-over-mandrel tube, exhibiting yield strengths in excess of 100 kpsi, with guaranteed longitudinal and transverse impact energies at 40[degrees]. Can be integrated into any hydraulic cylinder. Booth S15927

Pumps, motors. (Selection of IFPE Products).
March 1, 2002... Family of pumps and motors is suitable for mobile and industrial applications. All feature aluminum alloy bodies, covers, and flanges. Booth S15264

Design software. (Selection of IFPE Products).
March 1, 2002... Automation Studio V4 provides dynamic simulation of pneumatic and hydraulic systems. Simulation mode shows valves shifting, cylinders stroking, fluid lines changing color to indicate pressure status. Includes extensive symbol libraries. ...

[0] Valves. (Selection of IFPE Products).
March 1, 2002... Range of direct-acting motion control valves are designed with flows of 8, 23, and 37 gpm, pressures to 5500 psi, pilot ratios of 2.5:1, 4:1, 5:1, 6:1, and 10:1. Relief characteristics allow for maximum stability in flexible, inherently...

Flowmeters. (Selection of IFPE Products).
March 1, 2002... JVKL series of flowmeters is available with flow ratings from 0.001 to 110 gpm. Applications include production and R&D testing of hydraulic pumps, motors, cylinders, actuators, and valves. Maintain [+ or -] 0.5% linear accuracy over extended...

Hose handling equipment. (Selection of IFPE Products).
March 1, 2002... Variety of hose handling equipment includes reel and coil racks, hose payout and marking machinery, manual and automatic cutters, winders, coilers, and stem inserters. Booth S16155

Safety education. (Selection of IFPE Products).
March 1, 2002... Seminars and 72-page manual contain information designed to minimize costly repairs, production downtime, and worker injury. Topics include hydraulic cleanliness, troubleshooting, hose selection, inspection procedures, proper hose routing, and...

Flange adapters. (Selection of IFPE Products).
March 1, 2002... Unified Code U61 4-bolt and 2-bolt flange adapters are offered in 1/8- to 2-in. sizes. High strength fasteners reduce space required between ports, increase maximum working pressure of flange connection. Booth S15352

Skid-steer motors. (Selection of IFPE Products).
March 1, 2002... ML series of hydraulic motors is designed specifically for use in skid-steer loaders. Features include low noise, compact size, high performance, integral brake, SoftShift design for easier on-the-fly shifting. Three sizes offered, with...

Particle analyzer. (Selection of IFPE Products).
March 1, 2002... LPA2 twin laser particle analyzer counts and sizes particles of solid contaminants in fluid power systems -- on line -- to 400 bar working pressure. Calibrated with ISO Medium Test Dust, designed to meet new ISO 4406 cleanliness classification...

A systems approach to Electronic control: the best control systems use elements doing what they are best suited for and communicate through a fast, efficient network. (Control Methods).
March 1, 2002... Building high-performance fluid power control schemes requires a systems approach to selecting and connecting the functional elements. Designers who employ flexible system designs using standard interfaces to connect "best-in-class" functional...

Sound solutions for quieter hydraulics: the most effective techniques for reducing noise generated by hydraulic systems treat the cause, not just the symptoms. (System Design).
March 1, 2002... Experts on hydraulic systems point to the power unit -- especially its pump -- as the chief contributor to noise generation. But quieting a loud power unit involves more than just specifying a pump with low noise specifications on its data...

New series of shows: opens in Hartford next month; Total Design Solutions hosts its first show on April 10-11 at the Hartford Civic Center, in Connecticut's capital city. (Show Preview).
March 1, 2002... The first Total Design Solutions show is set for next month in Hartford, Conn., and Professional Tradeshows, Inc. (PTS), the show operator, is expecting a strong event. Hundreds of companies will be represented, along with the latest products...

Servovalves. (New Products).
March 1, 2002... Rugged Model 27S R-DDV servovalves are single-stage, 4-way flow controls designed to be explosion-proof in hazardous environments. Available with six rated flows ranging from 0.5 through 10.5 gpm at 1000 psi. Maximum supply pressure: 4000 psi....

Precision orifices. (New Products).
March 1, 2002... Laser-drilled, wire-lapped orifices in ruby or sapphire are available in sizes from 0.0004 through 0.0810 in. to control flows as low as 1 cc/mm. Preinstalled in Stainless-steel, brass, or plastic fittings, or custom mounted. Stainless-steel...

Clamps and clips. (New Products).
March 1, 2002... Wide variety of clamps and clips are designed to hold, manage, and organize tubing, wires, cables, and other components. Types range from self-adhesive to adjustable -- in sizes from 1/8- to 2-in, diameters. Colors: natural, black, and gray.

HSTs. (New Products).
March 1, 2002... Heavy-duty Series 1 transmissions are assembled from six models of 6000-psi variable-displacement piston pumps matched with six models of either fixed- or variable-displacement motors rated for 3500 psi continuous, 6000 psi peak. Torque output...

Vacuum check valve. (New Products).
March 1, 2002... Heavy duty stainless-steel unit combines check valve and vacuum flange; has flat, accurate surface finishes for easy assembly. Check mechanism consists of simple single-piece elastomeric U-style cup and guiding seal groove; provides cracking...

Proportional valves. (New Products).
March 1, 2002... Line of pneumatic proportional valves offers orifice sizes ranging from 0.032 to 0.625 in., with some models UL-approved for hazardous locations. Frequency response for all is 250 Hz; hysteresis is low. With no rubbing surfaces, 2-way poppet...

Liquid-level gauges. (New Products).
March 1, 2002... Line of modular, flush-mounting, liquid-level gauges has circumference of sight glass sealed to survive in industrial environment. Bodies are aluminum extrusions, end blocks are machined aluminum. Liquid enters gauge through hollow lower...

Gear pumps. (New Products).
March 1, 2002... Compact 50 Series gear pumps are rated for full 3000 psi as well as 3000 rpm. Pressure - balanced loading plates on both sides of gears provide high efficiency. Design produces smooth operation and low noise levels. Six displacements run from...

Single-board computer. (New Products).
March 1, 2002... Economical BL2100 Smartcat single-board computer provides Ethernet connectivity and keypad/display options in small (4.14 x 3.41 in. form factor) package -- suitable for embedded control and data acquisition. Available in four flexible...

Tube fittings. (New Products).
March 1, 2002... Metru-Lok push-to-connect tube fittings in metric, BSPT, and BSPP sizes work with both copper and plastic tubing. Single-piece, ready-to-use, bite-type connector has ferrule held captive by nut; no disassembly is required prior. Wedging action...

Calibrated stop collar. (New Products).
March 1, 2002... Micro-Adjust stop collar allows precise adjustment of cylinder's extension stroke; has easy-to-read scale with 0.001-in. calibration, can be locked in place. Design has no pinch point. Available on TDA TA and multistage MSE tie-rod cylinders....

Sealing plugs with magnets. (New Products).
March 1, 2002... Zero-Leak Gold plugs can have optional magnets to remove ferrous particles from fluid stream. Basic design incorporates taper under fitting head that forms metal-to-metal seal with taper on SAE J1926 port -- backed up by elastomeric seal --...

Miniature gauge. (New Products).
March 1, 2002... Durable Ashcroft Minigauge is only 23 mm in diameter with highly readable dial face available in ranges from 60 through 300 psi. Direct-drive design uses spiral Bourdon tube to transmit motion to pointer; there are no gears or bearings to wear...

Bearings. (New Products).
March 1, 2002... Maintenance-free, dry-running DryLin R linear plain bearings have polymer running surface that works well against hardened steel; stainless and aluminum shafting. Are suited for rotary, linear, and oscillating motion; high-frequency,...

Particle counter. (New Products).
March 1, 2002... Rugged, HIAC PM4000 self-contained particle counter uses laser-based light-extinction technology for real-time evaluation of contaminant levels in hydraulic and lubrication equipment based on latest calibration and report formats.

Pneumatic cylinders. (New Products).
March 1, 2002... NEPA DM2 cylinder line incorporates extruded-body design that eliminates tie rods, thus suits clean environments with frequent wash-downs, Constructed with wear-compensating seals and PTFE wear ring around piston. Bore diameters: 1 1/2, 2, 2...

Pressure gauges. (New Products).
March 1, 2002... Rugged Fearless SF Series gauges employ special damped movement for steady pointer action and legible readings under vibration and pulsation conditions. Result is dry gauge with liquid-filled performance. Case and locking bayonet-type bezel...

PVC tubing. (New Products).
March 1, 2002... Durable corrosion- and abrasion-resistant Nylobrade can handle higher pressures than unreinforced PVC tubing. Transparent material allows full visual contact with interior; smooth inner surface provide out-standing flow characteristics....

Dual-diaphragm pump. (New Products).
March 1, 2002... UL-approved Model VC0201B dual-diaphragm pump can produce 3.4-psi pressure or 190-mm Hg vacuum -- and flow 40 lpm. Compact unit (approximately 5.5 X 5.5 X 3.5 in.) runs on 115-V AC; operates at 35-dB(A) noise level.

Safety valves. (New Products).
March 1, 2002... Updated 19 Series pressure-relief valves meet ASME Sections I and VII safety standards; offer pressure settings to 300 psi at 422[degrees] F. Features include stainless-steel springs, tapped drain connections, high flow ratings, Teflon soft...

Torquemeter. (New Products).
March 1, 2002... Robust MCRT 48550V and 480551V DC-operated torquemeters with spline drives measure drive-line torque with fast response and 0.1% accuracy. Will mate with and support any components that meet specified spline standards. Interface directly with...