A 'toolbox of technologies' for sustainability.

Bart G. Bartholomew, SKF USA Inc.

The targets of opportunity for sustainability improvements can be found in virtually every piece of equipment and among all applications and processes. All the while, the enabling technology 'toolbox' for sustainability is rapidly filling up with solutions.

Specific and highly practical benefits from proactive sustainability programs can accrue in reduced operating costs; increased productivity and profitability; measurable energy savings and reduced CO2 emissions; improved waste and chemicals management; enhanced equipment reliability; and better health and safety working conditions. Great strides have been made in the evolution of approaches and technologies to help realize these goals.

For example, a dominant trend pertaining to sustainability is a transition from fluid-dependent hydraulics and cumbersome pneumatics to cleaner, more environmentally friendly and simplified electromechanical actuation systems. Mechatronics technology is at the forefront.

Mechatronics for sustainability

Mechatronics delivers motion and control in one package, integrating mechanical and electronic technologies with application-specific software. Compared with hydraulic or pneumatic systems, mechatronics can become especially sustainability-friendly where motion will come into play, such as robotics applications.

The infrastructure required for hydraulic systems necessitates a hydraulic unit, a tank for oil and filter systems and other components; pneumatic-driven systems must rely upon air compressors, compressed air filters and filter systems. In contrast, mechatronic-based systems require only power and control wires to perform. Other issues linked with hydraulics and pneumatics include relatively high costs associated with system assembly and mounting; over time, more maintenance will be necessary; noise levels will be noticeable; and the danger of hydraulic oil leakage will be ever-present. All tend to be inconsistent with sustainability goals and make a strong case for organizations to assess the viability of mechatronics for plant operations.