Fluid Power World June 2024

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Mary C. Gannon • Editor-in-Chief

Where are we headed — recession or a boon?

I’VE ALWAYS BEEN A BELIEVER in selffulfilling prophecies. If economists keep telling the world we’re heading for recession, businesses and individuals will tighten their purse strings, the market will respond, and we will experience recession.

For the past year or two, that’s exactly what’s been happening. The “R” word has been floated so many times. But each time I’ve talked with sales managers and leaders of fluid power companies, they echo the same sentiment — business is still going strong, many are in growth mode, and they’re not experiencing any softness. What’s more, if that softness is coming, it’s not expected until the end of this year or next. Even companies like Danfoss saw a 7% increase in sales in 2023, despite what they referred to as “increasing headwinds.”

So just where is this recession?

At NAHAD in late April, Taylor St. Germain of ITR Economics said during the opening keynote that yes, we are in a recession (by definition) but it’s very mild. And many of the key indicators he highlighted showed positive progress.

Global GDP — If you look at global GDP, the U.S. still comes in at number 1, at 26%. The U.S. is further distancing itself from the number 2 country, China. He added that pending some major disaster, ITR did not foresee anyone in the conference room living to see China surpass us.

U.S. supply chains — Nationalism is the long-term play, with supply chains coming back on shore. This is generally a good thing for the state of U.S. manufacturing. But it means prepare yourself for more tariffs or protectionist policies. I’ve seen this myself repeatedly, as we’ve reported on many companies expanding manufacturing and distribution throughout North America.

Labor and wages — Wages being up during a time when the economy is weak is unusual. And that's because of the tight labor market. We need to embrace AI, automation, and innovation to make the labor force more efficient. These sentiments were later reiterated at NAHAD by futurist Zack Kass, who noted that the growth of AI will be the most profound industrial revolution we’ll ever experience as humans, mostly because of how quickly it will propagate. Kass also added that there is a 12% increase in productivity by companies that use AI. Here, he offered a backward look at history, noting that both industrial revolutions of the past have produced a net result of new jobs. These jobs are safer and usually pay better, he concluded.

Consumer spending — We're still spending money (mostly led by high-income earners). Two-thirds of GDP growth is consumer spending in the U.S. So, when the media says that consumer spending is down, that’s misleading. If you look at spending graphs

over recent years, spending peaked with stimulus money, but the trajectory shows continued normal growth over the years.

Housing — This is one of the few problematic areas. The average mortgage payment in the U.S. is $2,356. That is double what it was three years ago. That’s concerning. And that’s what happens when the Federal Reserve raises rates in a way that they have, said St. Germain.

Commercial construction — Despite a projected decline in commercial construction, we should be excited about the future. U.S. manufacturing construction is behaving differently from other commercial construction datasets at a record high growth rate of 64%, resulting from onshoring and reshoring that’s coming back. This spells good news for fluid power users and manufacturers.

All these things point to positive outcomes in the coming couple years. If you’re feeling that little bump in the road that’s right now being called “recession,” just wait it out and we’ll be back in more optimistic territory soon. FPW

Mary C. Gannon • Editor-in-Chief mgannon@wtwhmedia.com linkedin.com/in/marygannonramsak

28 MOBILE HYDRAULICS

Advanced electrohydraulics extends electric vehicle range

High-efficiency hydraulic components, subsystems and software can significantly boost the runtime of battery electric mobile machines.

35 INDUSTRIAL LUMBER PROCESSING

6 things sawmills must do to maintain hydraulic equipment

Lumber processing technology has come a long way and requires attention to achieve precision and speed. Industry expert Carl Dyke shares guidance on how to keep sawmill hydraulic systems running optimally.

39 PNEUMATICS

Switching to auto-teach sensing saves time

Sometimes, the smallest change makes the biggest impact. Here's why one machine builder no longer adjusts proximity switches on pneumatic actuators.

43 I v T EXPO SHOW PREVIEW

IvT Expo hones in on the future of offhighway machines

The third iteration of the U.S.-based IvT Expo returns August 21 and 22, to The Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Chicago.

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Rachael Pasini • Senior Editor

Caught in the spin cycle

THE OTHER DAY, I smelt burning in my house and figured my husband’s soup bubbled over and cooked on the stovetop. But when he asked, “What’s that smell?” I knew we were in trouble.

We followed the scent like hound dogs and traced it to the washing machine, where the laundry had congregated on one side of the bowl during the spin cycle. My brain registered electrical burning, and I immediately shut off the machine. There was no error code, the equipment troubleshooting guide was unhelpful, and we couldn’t find a technical drawing anywhere online. “Let’s remove the back panel and figure this out,” I decided. My gut said the motor overheated and needed time to cool down. But with due diligence, we went through other possibilities, such as inspecting the pump filter. Instead of calling it in, we secured the back panel and crossed our fingers that our intuition was right. (Who wants to spend money on technicians who will likely perform a magical unplug-plugin trick to get the thing working again?)

Our assumptions seemed correct. After an hour, we tested the machine, and it was

back to normal. Of course, it got me thinking about how often this type of event goes unnoticed in industry (and how much longer my washer will last). Parts and systems glitch or fail, and workers must make judgment calls to balance productivity with maintenance and cost.

That’s where trends such as big data, digital transformation, and Industry 4.0 (or even 5.0) come into play. Collecting real-time information from equipment can empower workers to leverage their expertise while letting machine-learning algorithms detect patterns, plan maintenance, and alert personnel. And chatbots can be friendly assistants to help workers troubleshoot with accurate schematics and visual guides.

Though more solutions emerge to enable people with data and artificial intelligence, I have yet to hear as many implementation success stories as I do cautionary tales wrought with concern. Plus, we’re still dealing with a fundamental dilemma that’s been plaguing hydraulics since its inception: leakage.

After decades of improved components and system design, why is leakage cringingly accepted as “just part of fluid power?”

In case you missed our April issue, experts weighed in on why we’re caught in this spin cycle and how the industry can do better. Though some outlooks are bleak, other folks are steadfastly optimistic and share insight on what’s lacking. (Hint: it’s about intelligence, but not the artificial kind.)

In this issue, we discuss new and established technologies that are moving fluid power forward, helping OEMs save time, money, and energy. With electrification and sustainability goals at the forefront, small changes are making a big impact. As always, we hope this issue sparks conversation and welcome your feedback on how the industry tackles its persistent problems. FPW

Rachael Pasini • Senior Editor rpasini@wtwhmedia.com linkedin.com/in/rachaelpasini

Mary C. Gannon • Editor-in-Chief

New smart crimper features quick tap and swipe functions

AT NAHAD LAST MONTH, Continental officially launched its newest crimper, the PC160i with CrimpIQ PRO Technology. The bench-top 1 ¼ in. crimper features state-ofthe-art technology to make hose crimping quick and easy.

Laszlo Dobo, Head of Product Management – Hydraulic Solutions, noted that the original smart crimper from Continental was launched in 2018, and over the past six years, the technology has evolved. “With six years in operation we gathered all the feedback, and basically developed a new version of the CrimpIQ software,” Dobo said.

The key to this new crimper is that it only requires three clicks to crimp, simplifying the process and mimicking swipe technology most of us are familiar with. Dobo compared the software and process to using a smart phone and its apps.

“Since we live 24 hours with hoses and crimping, we believe that crimping is not rocket sci-

"The key to this new crimper is that it only requires three clicks to crimp, simplifying the process and mimicking swipe technology most of us are familiar with."

ence. It could be intimidating at first, especially the older technology,” Dobo said. “But our goal with this development is to make crimping easy. We know that most of our customers are talking about the fluctuation of the workforce. The challenge in finding people. They need to go through a significant amount of training to be

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“The crimper has a nice tablet. You have visual guides to help you go through the selection of the hose type, the die types, and then, the crimper will be able to crimp it to the right specifications.”

able to crimp a proper hose.”

The software and process is extremely intuitive, Dobo said. “We call it three taps, meaning that you need to tap only three times and then you will be able to quickly crimp a hose,” Dobo said. “The crimper has a nice tablet. You have visual guides to help you go through the selection of the hose type, the die types, and then, the crimper will be able to crimp it to the right specifications.”

The service crimper features color-coded dies which are quick, safe and easy to remove for easy operator change-out. You simply match your hose lay line to the correct hose on the screen, then choose your correct die and begin the crimp process. The three-tap process eliminates the pain point of setting a micrometer. This format guides the user through the entire process from start to finish. The technology eliminates the guesswork, greatly reduces the chance of human error, and increases accuracy of hose crimping.

Because it comes with a 12-month subscription to the CrimpCloud, all crimp charts are live and updated in real time.

Additional features include a new toggle switch for up and down operation, along with included foot-pedal as an additional method to actuate the crimper. It also has the capability to print a label with QR code, to make future hose assembly replacements easy so you know what hose and fittings were used without all the guesswork, said Dobo.

Continental’s PC160i is designed for use by construction, agriculture, mining, fabricators, and other industrial sectors. The crimper features automatic, semi-automatic, and manual modes, and expanded functionality including a true 1 ¼ in. capability as noted earlier. This new service model has more capacity and more technology than its predecessors, while remaining comparably priced.

The crimper is designed for hydraulic hose but the software itself has some specifications for industrial hoses.

Having the live connection to the CrimpCloud means technicians no longer need to rely on printed specifications that might be outdated, which can result in the wrong crimp. “Whenever we make a design change or a crimp specification change, then we update this information,” Dobo said. “And wherever you are,

PART OF THE THREE-TAP PROCESS IS SIMPLY MATCHING YOUR LAY LINE ON YOUR HOSE TO THE SCREEN, THEN SELECTING AND INSERTING THE CORRECT DIE.

CRIMPING IS VISUAL AND SIMPLE WITH THE PC160I. THE TAP AND SWIPE FUNCTIONALITY MEANS ALL THE RELEVANT DATA IS EASY TO CHOOSE ONCE A DIE HAS BEEN SELECTED.

you’ll be able to pull this information down. It is like running an update on your iPhone or Android. It’s just as easy.”

In addition to the safety, security, and speed provided by the smart crimping technology, you also reduce waste, said Dobo, because you’re eliminating the chance of mis-crimping a hose and fitting assembly, which otherwise would be trashed if done improperly.

The PC160i with CrimpIQ PRO Technology is being manufactured in Valparaiso, Indiana, which was part of Continental’s Custom Machining Services acquisition in 2017, said Jim Hill, VP, Marketing & Strategy. This is a greater part of expanding Continental’s presence and reach in the hydraulics market, as it grows its hose offerings to encompass fittings and crimping technology.

“The crimper is one piece of the overall puzzle,” said Hill. “But we’ve also been making significant investment in a new manufacturing facility down in Aguascalientes, Mexico.”

Continental’s ContiTech division currently

has six manufacturing plants already in Central Mexico. “The Aguascalientes plant is a $90 million investment primarily focusing on wirebraided and wire-spiral hoses for the hydraulic industry, but it’s really there to complement our Norfolk, Nebraska plant, which is where we make most of our braided hydraulic hose today that we sell here,” Hill added. “They’re going to keep making hose and this is an expansion for added capacity to complement Norfolk.

“We had been getting a lot of our hose from China. But we just want to be in the region for the region, so we needed new capacity. We wanted shorter supply chain lines. And we wanted to have a hydraulic hose manufacturing plant in the Americas for our business area here.”

The Chinese plant will continue to supply the Asia Pacific market, Hill said, and the European plants will focus on that region. “Having the ability to make our own product here, having shorter supply chains, having much more capacity, all helps us grow our hydrau-

lics business in a big way. And then adding new things like this new crimper just continues to evolve our position to become a more significant player in one of the largest markets in the Americas,” Hill said.

Hill noted that this deeper concentration on the ContiTech industrial division comes with a reorganization of how the different industrial products are led at a corporate level and brought to market.

“One of the big things we’re trying to become is more customer centric, to wrap or bundle all these products together and offer them as one offering to the market because when it comes to this space, Continental has the biggest and broadest product offering out there,” Hill concluded. “We’re the only ones that offer industrial hose, hydraulic hose, conveyor belts, power transmission, air springs. We want to leverage that in the new organization and be as customer centric as possible.” FPW

Rachael Pasini • Senior Editor

Why use OHLAs for electric mobile machines?

HYDRAULIC MOTORS AND PUMPS with outward-extending shafts can be connected to various driven components, such as pulleys and gears. Overhung loads created by these connections can exert significant radial and axial forces on the hydraulic unit’s shaft and bearings. Overhung load adapters (ohlas) provide support for these shafts, reducing the load on the internal bearings and helping prevent

premature wear and failure. This extends the operational life of the hydraulic equipment and reduces maintenance costs and downtime.

“When bearings aren’t strong enough, they wear, the shaft moves over, and the seal leaks.

An OHLA provides bearing support and avoids the shaft moving over and cutting into the seal,” said Mark Treise, applications engineer at ZeroMax. “It also serves as a contamination barrier,

“When bearings aren’t strong enough, they wear, the shaft moves over, and the seal leaks. An OHLA provides bearing support and avoids the shaft moving over and cutting into the seal.”

protecting the hydraulic motor or pump from the external environment and protecting the hydraulic motor seals from debris, chemicals, water, or sand. It’s a unit that can be replaced or repaired if needed, but the idea is to have a separate component so that you don’t have to break into the hydraulic system.”

Zero-Max has been manufacturing OHLAs for decades, traditionally for hydraulics applications, but the company is now finding opportunities in other areas.

“Our overhung load adapters have always been used on pulleys, then they started getting used a lot on cooling fans or radiator fans on highway equipment, fracking trucks, and mining machinery with axial loads. Now, we’re getting into some new applications and

“It’s a nasty environment because you have a lot of grinding dust that gets everywhere. It’s very abrasive, so we added some unique sealing features. We have multiple levels of sealing and purging, so if debris gets past the first seal, we can regrease and purge that before it can get further into the unit.”

OHLAs CAN PROVIDE LOAD SUPPORT AND A CONTAMINATION BARRIER FOR ELECTRIFIED AND PARTIALLY ELECTRIFIED HEAVY-DUTY TRACTORS.

developments within electrification,” said Brian Mishuk, VP of sales and marketing at Zero-Max.

For example, in a grinding application currently in the prototype stage, a grinding stone is attached directly to the output shaft of the OHLA, which is attached to an electric motor. The OHLA handles the axial and radial loads from grinding operations performed by mobile equipment. It also serves as a contamination barrier to prevent the intrusion of grinding dust into the OHLA, which prolongs the system’s life.

“It’s a nasty environment because you have a lot of grinding dust that gets everywhere. It’s very abrasive, so we added some unique sealing features,” said Treise. “We have multiple levels of sealing and purging, so if debris gets past the first seal, we can regrease and purge

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THESE EXTRA-DUTY OHLAS ARE DESIGNED TO PREVENT PREMATURE MOTOR OR PUMP FAILURE DUE TO AXIAL AND RADIAL OVERHUNG LOADS IN EXTREMELY HARSH ENVIRONMENTS.

“If you lose a seal on a hydraulic pump, you can have fairly high pressure going into that unit, and it’ll go right through and flood an engine’s crankcase and seize an internal combustion engine. The same thing can happen with an electric motor. If you start feeding it hydraulic oil under pressure, it will damage the motor and could even be a fire risk.”

IN THIS APPLICATION, THE DISTRIBUTION HEAD OF A MANURE INJECTION SYSTEM SITS ON ITS SIDE, SHOWING A BLACK HYDRAULIC MOTOR ATTACHED TO A BLUE OHLA WITH A RED GREASE CAP.

that before it can get further into the unit.”

Zero-Max’s standard product line is built around SAE standards for hydraulic pumps and motors. However, many electric motors have non-SAE mounting features, NEMA features, and variations that don’t fall into a particular standard. Therefore, the company customizes about 75% of the OHLAs they produce.

As another potential application, OHLAs can be used as a contamination barrier for electric power takeoffs (eptos) that drive auxiliary equipment on mobile machinery.

“If you lose a seal on a hydraulic pump, you can have fairly high pressure going into that unit, and it’ll go right through and flood an engine’s crankcase and seize an internal combustion engine. The same thing can happen with an electric motor. If you start feeding it hydraulic oil under pressure, it will damage the motor and could even be a fire risk,” said Treise. “The overhung load adaptor is a contamination barrier that separates the hydraulic motor from the PTO or, in this case, an electric motor.”

Treise also drills weep holes in the units to help with leakage detection and divert any potential fluid away from the PTO. He can also add a low-pressure check valve so that the oil has another exit path away from the unit.

In the past year, Zero-Max has received increased inquiries for electrification applications, especially for mining and construction equipment. As all industries trend toward electrification, the company expects many more applications for its OHLAs.

“What excites us is that the overhung load adapter is a field-proven product. We’ve evolved our product line, it’s quite extensive, and we’ve always picked up new applications,” said Mishuk. “When we get into electrification, sometimes it’s still a radiator fan, but how we mount to it is different. It requires lots of customization, but at the heart of it, it’s proven technology that’s been solving load problems for a long time.” FPW

Zero-Max zero-max.com

Edited by Mary C. Gannon • Editor-in-Chief

Hydraulic drive systems for hydrogen filling station compressors

AT HANNOVER MESSE THIS YEAR, Bosch Rexroth announced that it has developed a scalable portfolio of servohydraulic drives for compressors in the power range between 10 and 280 kW in partnership with others from the hydrogen industry.

Hydrogen produced from renewable energies plays a key role in achieving global climate targets. It is a CO2-free alternative to fossil fuels, especially for commercial vehicles. However, experience from the switch to electromobility shows how important a comprehensive charging infrastructure is if the new technology is to succeed.

Within the next six years, several thousand hydrogen filling stations will go into operation worldwide — with Europe leading the way — making an important contribution to the decarbonization of the mobility sector.

According to a decision by the European Union, hydrogen filling stations for cars and heavy commercial vehicles must be installed

TOGETHER WITH PARTNERS FROM THE HYDROGEN INDUSTRY, BOSCH REXROTH HAS DEVELOPED A SCALABLE PORTFOLIO OF SERVOHYDRAULIC DRIVES FOR COMPRESSORS IN THE POWER RANGE BETWEEN 10 AND 280 KW.

in all urban nodes and every 200 km along the trans-European transport network by 2030. The USA has set itself ambitious targets, too. The Fuel Cell and Hydrogen Association predicts that around 4,300 hydrogen filling stations will be needed in the USA in 2030. “With our new technical solutions and in close collaboration with partners from the hydrogen industry, we can provide outstanding support in achieving these goals,” said Dr. Steffen Haack, Chairman of the Executive Board of Bosch Rexroth AG.

Refueling with hydrogen is much more technically complex than with petrol and diesel filling stations or electric charging stations. The challenge: Hydrogen is stored on site either in liquid form at -253 °C or as a gas in tanks with various pressure levels. In order to refuel vehicles, the hydrogen must be compressed in a controlled manner to between 700 and 900 bar. Robust drives for the compressors are needed here.

The company relies on servohydraulic drive technology with an infinitely variable hydro-

static transmission. The robust hydraulics has a long service life. Long-stroke, ATEX-certified drive cylinders for compressors increase delivery rates thanks to end position-optimized control. The portfolio covers the power range between 10 and 280 kW as well as various applications.

New cryopump: 100 kg of hydrogen in 10 minutes

Bosch Rexroth developed the new electrohydraulically driven cryopump in collaboration with FirstElement Fuel, the market leader for the commercial operation of hydrogen filling stations in the USA. With a connection rating of 280 kW, it compresses liquid hydrogen to 875

THE NEW DRIVE SYSTEMS FOR COMPRESSORS MAKE AN IMPORTANT CONTRIBUTION TOWARDS A NATIONWIDE HYDROGEN INFRASTRUCTURE.

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bar for the direct refueling of heavy trucks. The aim is to refuel vehicles with 100 kg of hydrogen within 10 minutes. With direct refueling, there is no need for temporary storage tanks at filling stations. The first filling stations will be equipped with the new system from 2025.

Bosch Rexroth also offers variants developed together with partners for medium and smaller outputs. The 75 kW CytroCore compressor drive can be used to compress both liquid and gaseous hydrogen. In the lower output range of 10 kW, a ready-to-connect self-contained actuator CytroForce drives the compressor cylinders. No specific hydraulics know-how is required for either of the solutions.

Rexroth products in different performance classes cover a wide range of applications: From in-house filling stations for forklift trucks in logistics centers to car filling stations and filling stations for heavy HGVs. The drive systems for compressors can be installed in small spaces.

and are much more efficient. Designed for continuous operation, they can be used for several hundred refueling operations a day operating in start-stop mode.

Standard modules finely scalable in hardware and software

For optimum energy efficiency, Bosch Rexroth relies on displacement control. In contrast to throttle control which is used in most industrial hydraulic systems, position and force control is achieved by means of servohydraulic pump control. This control concept reduces energy consumption by approximately 75%. In addition, the drive systems for compressors require less than one square meter of installation space and are much quieter than conventional drive systems. After a one-off parameterization, they are ready for immediate use. They communicate with the control system for the hydrogen filling station via open interfaces. All modules

REXROTH’S NEW CYROPUMP FOR HYDROGEN COMPRESSION

LONG-STROKE, ATEXCERTIFIED DRIVE CYLINDERS FROM BOSCH REXROTH

dition monitoring and predictive maintenance for maximum availability with the digital service CytroConnect Solutions.

Bosch Rexroth can configure the standard drives in its portfolio in hardware and software to suit specific applications and thus precisely meet the requirements of users. The drive systems for compressors simplify the system architecture and operability of hydrogen filling stations and are suitable for both established companies in the hydrogen industry and newcomers.

Bosch is developing technologies for the production, compression, storage and use of hydrogen along the entire value chain. By 2030, Bosch aims to achieve a turnover of around five billion euros with this business segment. Between 2021 and 2026, the company will invest a total of around 500 million euros annually in the development and production of its H2 technologies. FPW

Bosch Rexroth boschrexroth-us.com

Josh Cosford • Contributing Editor

How CAN makes mobile hydraulic control more reliable and precise

IN THE REALM OF MOBILE HYDRAULICS, we must prioritize efficiency, reliability, and precision to remain competitive against other technologies. In many cases, hydraulic advancements come from partnerships with competing technologies, and one of the most important in recent years is Controller Area Network (can) networks. CAN networks revolutionize mobile hydraulics by providing seamless communication between various components, enhancing performance, diagnostics, and overall system control.

At its core, a CAN network serves as the nervous system of an electronically controlled hydraulic machine, facilitating communication

between electronic control units (ecus), sensors, actuators, and other devices. This communication occurs through one of many standardized protocols, ensuring compatibility and interoperability across different components and manufacturers.

One of the primary benefits of CAN networks in mobile hydraulics is enhanced system monitoring and diagnostics. By integrating sensors throughout the hydraulic system, CAN networks enable real-time monitoring of crucial parameters such as pressure, temperature, and fluid levels, to name a few. This constant monitoring allows for early detection of issues, preventing potential failures and mini-

mizing downtime by using advanced diagnostic algorithms to analyze data from various sensors to identify trends and predict maintenance needs, enabling proactive maintenance strategies.

CAN networks enable precise control and coordination of hydraulic actuators, optimizing performance while reducing manufacturing costs. These networks eliminate the extensive wiring harnesses of individually installed electric and electronic components; in some cases, many can save hundreds of pounds of copper. Each node requires only up to four wires to run in series: power, ground, CAN high, and CAN low.

With only two wires transmitting data (and only when required), electronics engineers have developed a clever method to send and receive control signals while ignoring noise. Each message to or from a node is a voltage high and voltage low signal that corresponds to each other so that if one exists without the other, the nodes will ignore the signal as noise.

"By integrating sensors throughout the hydraulic system, CAN networks enable real-time monitoring of crucial parameters such as pressure, temperature, and fluid levels, to name a few."

By providing high-speed communication between ECUs and actuators, CAN networks facilitate rapid adjustment of hydraulic parameters such as flow rate, pressure, and direction. This precise control improves the responsiveness and accuracy of hydraulic systems and reduces energy consumption, contributing to environmental sustainability and cost savings.

Another advantage of CAN networks is their flexibility and scalability, allowing for easy integration of additional components and functionalities. As mobile hydraulic systems evolve to meet changing requirements and incorporate new technologies, CAN networks provide a future-proof communication infrastructure. This flexibility is perfect for streamlining machinery production lines that include various specification levels and outfitting so that adding a new node requires no separately wired complexity to the battery, to and from the controller, to and from the valve and then to a grounding location.

Whether integrating advanced sensors for condition monitoring, implementing predictive maintenance algorithms, or incorporating autonomous control capabilities, CAN networks offer the necessary bandwidth and reliability to support these innovations.

In addition to improving individual hydraulic systems, CAN networks also enable seamless integration with higher-level control systems and fleet management platforms. By providing standardized communication interfaces, CAN networks easily talk between different machines and systems, enabling centralized monitoring, control, and optimization of entire fleets of mobile equipment.

Finally, just as with all electronics, CAN systems and hardware have come down in costs immensely over the years, and the many open standards used are easy to learn while requiring little investment cost. Today’s sensors, valves, and controller technologies make it easier than ever for even the most budget-minded machine builder to offer customers advanced CAN technologies. FPW

Josh Cosford • Contributing Editor

Can you use an automotive filter in your hydraulic application?

IF YOU’RE A REGULAR READER OF MINE, you know how much I espouse the importance of filtration to keep your hydraulic system running reliably. Different machines require different filtration quality. Throwing a 3-micron filter with a 1,000 beta ratio on your log splitter makes little sense. For those unfamiliar with filter terms, 3 microns describes the size of particles and larger trapped by the filter. The beta ratio describes the percentage of 3-micron particles trapped by an element using this calculation: (1,000-1)/1,000 = 99.9% efficiency.

The above filter offers extreme efficiency and can protect high-pressure, high-performance hydraulics such as piston pumps, servovalves and proportional valves. Indeed, your average log splitter does not require nearly the same quality of filtration, but does that mean we can use a spin-on filter element initially designed for your Chevelle?

Let’s first compare hydraulic oil used

"Hydraulics is defined by its ability to use highpressure fluid to transfer force, and today’s machinery easily handles anywhere from 3,000-6,000 psi, depending on the machine and application."

to transfer force in machinery to motor oil designed to lubricate moving parts. I’ll preface by saying oil in both examples does more than transfer force and lubricate (such as cool and remove contamination). Still, we must explore why filtration technology differs concerning their primary purpose.

Hydraulics is defined by its ability to use

high-pressure fluid to transfer force, and today’s machinery easily handles anywhere from 3,000-6,000 psi, depending on the machine and application. However, engines use oil to lubricate bearings, pins and cylinder walls while rarely exceeding 60 psi. Both applications have extremely tight clearances, such as between the spool valve and its body and a main journal and its bearing.

Even assuming the same tight clearances, we must consider how pressure changes the potential for contamination-related damage. A 4-micron particle with 6,000 psi at its back will squeeze into the tiny gaps between moving parts and cause damage, while that same particle has no chance of vigorously squeezing through orifices and causing harm. I don’t recommend you ignore the filtration quality in your classic car, but we tend to change engine oil because it loses its key properties over time. However, hydraulic oil can last indefinitely, especially with said high-quality filtration.

Engine oil filters are meant to trap large particles and dirt that could clog passageways, cooler fins and oil squirters, while mitigating abrasive particles that cause wear. However, an engine oil filter should never create back pressure due to excessively fine media. Should the filter cause excessive back pressure, the result is reduced oil flow and pressure to be available to essential lubrication functions. In many ways, engine oil filters prioritize flow rate over filtration quality.

The bottom line is that the finest filtration used on race care engines provides around the same level of protection as the poorest quality hydraulic filters, as far as micron rating is concerned. However, you’d likely find that race car filter flows much more efficiently for that same rating. If you’re in the market for a hydraulic spin-on filter, your best bet is to use a filter meant for hydraulics, which will offer finer media at a more competitive price. FPW

Ron Marshall • Contributing Editor

Compressed air fail: capacity surprise

WHEN DOING A COMPRESSED AIR AUDIT,

it is always recommended to measure the important parameters of the system and analyze the data carefully. Typically, pressure and power (or amps) are monitored, but in some cases measurement of flow comes in handy. In the case of a large plumbing component manufacturer, the installation of flow meters detected a surprising problem with two of its compressors.

The system was made up of six large compressors distributed in three different locations within the plant. The compressor operation was very efficiently coordinated by a central compressor controller. The controller also did some reporting of compressor peak and average flows for the information of the operators.

The system originally had no flow meters installed, but staff were interested in how

well the compressors were producing, so flow meters were installed to monitor the output of all the units. When this was completed, data loggers were installed to capture the data for analysis in assessing system operation. This provided quite the surprise! It was discovered that two of their compressors were only producing about half of their rated capacity.

Investigation was performed and it was found that these two compressors had variable

"Typically, pressure and power (or amps) are monitored, but in some cases measurement of flow comes in handy."

displacement controls (called turn valves). These controls were designed to cut back the capacity of the compressors — if they were needed to run in part load. However, this type of control was not needed for this particular installation. The controls had been incorrectly adjusted to cut back the compressor capacity, but nobody noticed, due to the lack of flow measurement.

The installed central compressor controller incorrectly assumed that when each of the compressors was loaded, it was producing full flow — causing operators to believe that all was well. After a few quick adjustments by their service provider, the compressors were set back to full load output. The new flow measurement and resulting adjustments had uncovered about 1,000 cfm of extra system capacity and increased the system efficiency. FPW

Edited by Rachael Pasini • Senior Editor

NFPA announces winners of its annual Vehicle Challenge

ONCE AGAIN, the NFPA successfully completed its annual Fluid Power Vehicle Challenge to help university students gain real-world experience solving fluid power problems. The competition combines human-powered vehicles and fluid power — two technology platforms that are not generally associated with one another. Teams design and build their own fluid power vehicles and then compete against each other in four races. This year’s competition included 22 teams with 162 students, which was made possible by the support and involvement of 30 different member companies serving as sponsors, mentors, and judges.

Kennesaw State University was named Grand Champion at the Norgren event in Littleton, Colorado, on April 10-12. University of Alabama at Birmingham earned second place, and Texas A&M University took home third.

Two weeks later, Northern Illinois University was named Grand Champion at the Dan-

foss event in Ames, Iowa, on April 24-26. North Carolina A&T earned second, and SUNY Polytechnic Institute received third place.

The NFPA presented specific awards at each competition highlighting the use of pneumatics and electronics in the teams’ designs. The prize for Best Use of Pneumatics, sponsored by Norgren, was taken home by Murray State University and Kennesaw State University. The prize for Best Use of Electronics, sponsored by IFP Motion Solutions Inc., was awarded to the University of Akron and Texas A&M State University.

Aside from the Vehicle Challenge, for the 2023-24 academic year, NFPA supported Fluid Power Clubs at 21 universities, impacting over 200 students across the U.S. Each club receives up to $2,000 annually to support student projects and activities that help them learn more about the fluid power industry.

NFPA nfpa.com

IFPS launches certification for support personnel

LAST MONTH, The International Fluid Power Society released its latest certification, the Fluid Power Support Associate (fpsa). This certification is the first to recognize non-technical individuals who work in the fluid power industry and demonstrate an understanding of the terminology and principles used within the industry.

The FPSA certification is tailored for non-technical professionals involved in various aspects of the fluid power industry, from administration and inside sales to purchasing, shipments, and beyond. Candidates for this certification will demonstrate an understanding of key industry terminology, fundamental fluid power concepts,

component functions, and safety protocols related to work within the fluid power industry.

To achieve certification, candidates must pass a proctored, multiple-choice, 75-question, threehour written exam.

“The Fluid Power Support Associate certification is a significant milestone for the IFPS; for many years, leaders in the industry sought a certification tailored to non-technical roles within fluid power,” said IFPS CEO Donna Pollander. “It showcases IFPS’ commitment to advancing pro-

fessionalism across the fluid power workforce and offering skill and knowledge enhancement opportunities to all who work with fluid power.” Visit ifps.org to learn more.

NORTHERN ILLINOIS UNIVERSITY AND KENNESAW STATE UNIVERSITY WERE NAMED GRAND CHAMPIONS AT THE 2024 FLUID POWER VEHICLE CHALLENGE FINAL COMPETITIONS.

Registration open for 2024 Industry & Economic Outlook Conference

REGISTRATION IS OPEN for the 2024 Industry & Economic Outlook Conference (ieoc). The event is August 13-14, at the Westin Chicago Northwest in Itasca, Illinois. Last year’s IEOC reached 300 in attendance.

This year’s speaker lineup will provide attendees with the trends and data they need. Sessions

Marks, Indian River Consulting Group

• Update and Forecast on Key Issues and Markets: Automotive, Semiconductor and More

– Sean Metcalf, Oxford Economics

• Global Markets and Key Sectors Overview –Connor Lokar, ITR Economics

Breakouts will provide deep dives into the

New to this year’s IEOC is the Lunch Tabletop Exhibition on Tuesday, August 13. Member companies can display their product or service as well as network with potential clients during the lunch.

A discounted early-bird registration price of $950 for NFPA members is in effect until July 9. The hotel reservation deadline for the Westin Chicago Northwest is once the block is full, or July 28. Those interested in attending are encouraged to register for the conference and book hotel rooms as soon as possible to ensure availability. FPW

Advanced Electrohydraulics Electric Vehicle Range EXTENDS

High-efficiency hydraulic components, subsystems and software can significantly boost the runtime of battery electric mobile machines.

BY DR. STEFFEN MUTSCHLER DIRECTOR SALES & PRODUCT MANAGEMENT

ELECTRIFICATION OF MOBILE MACHINES

BOSCH REXROTH

There is heightened interest in optimizing the performance of mobile machines with advanced electrohydraulic solutions, in particular with the coming need to transition from conventional machines to electrified zero-emission machinery.

In our discussions about electrification with mobile equipment manufacturers and users, one topic that comes up again and again is how to increase vehicle runtime with respect to the battery capacity that is available on the machine. A

ENGINEERS AT REXROTH USE A WHEELED EXCAVATOR AS A BENCHMARK FOR IN-HOUSE TESTING OF HIGH-EFFICIENCY COMPONENTS AND SYSTEMS.

The answer is smarter, more-efficient hydraulics. Such systems use energy more judicially and directly lead to longer working intervals between recharging. And for OEMs, it often means machines can be constructed with smaller battery packs that weigh less, permit more-compact installations, and lower overall costs.

To increase battery operation time as much as possible, engineers need to optimize every aspect of a machine in terms of overall efficiency. That includes looking at individual components, then at the complete system, and finally adding dedicated software functions that raise efficiency to the maximum achievable level. Here are some examples of each.

ADVANCED COMPONENTS

To show how component efficiency can be increased, consider Rexroth’s new A10VO series 60 pump that is tailored for electric drives and electronic control. The product will be available in different sizes from 45 cc to 115 cc per revolution, and it offers significantly higher performance in comparison to earlier versions.

With this product we have introduced many specific features and improvements. The rotary group has been redesigned to boost output while reducing overall size. Likewise, the housing has been downsized to save space and make it as lightweight as possible.

“But what is perhaps most important

is the relative efficiency improvement of

7%

with this new series in comparison to the previous product, which in turn increases equipment operation time by almost 7%.”

This pump is well-suited for electrification, with pressure and angle sensor interfaces to monitor displacement and hydraulic output. Two available options are classic mechanical control or electronic control, allowing flexibility for the user.

Additionally, an optional pre-compression volume reduces the hydraulic pulsation and noise typically found in similar pumps — with no increase in length. Pump noise may go unnoticed on conventional equipment with a loud combustion engine, but it becomes significant on quiet-running electric machines.

Versus Rexroth’s previous series 5x pumps, the new series 60 units increase nominal pressure by 12%, rotary speed by 15%, and power density by 49% — which facilitates compact integration into the machine.

But what is perhaps most important is the relative efficiency improvement of 7% with this new series in comparison to the previous product, which in turn increases equipment operation time by almost 7%.

Let’s look what this means for electrification. Due to the sensors on this new pump we have the possibility to implement power management on the machine, for example sharing power to the implements and the drive train as needed.

Increased speed helps us reduce the electric motor size. With lower pulsation, we reduce the noise level. But the most important point, again, is the increased efficiency. If one assumes that about 85% of available power on a specific machine is used by the hydraulics (and the

remaining 15% consumed by auxiliaries), then one can directly map how higher efficiency affects power consumption.

In terms of operation time, a 7% increase in pump efficiency will increase machine run time by about 6% (7% x 0.85 = 6%), just by upgrading this one component.

Thus, engineers can see noticeable improvements just by applying these techniques to new components. Next, let’s consider not only component optimization, but have a look at a complete system.

SYSTEM OPTIMIZATION

As an example, consider a conventional, diesel-powered wheeled excavator we use as a benchmark for our in-house testing. It has a single-loop hydraulic system with a pump and main control valve that operates various cylinders (boom, bucket, etc.) as well as the slew drive. Because the hydraulic consumers require many different pressure levels, this results in considerable throttling losses.

To optimize the hydraulic system, there are many smaller actions that, combined, can significantly reduce energy losses. For instance, in our experience optimization of the hoses and piping can increase system efficiency by approximately 4%. Electronic flow matching can offer another 2%. Separating the machine hydraulics into a two-loop system with summation and variable-speed control can result in about a 20% improvement. Optimized slews that include energy recovery offers benefits of about 6%; and boom energy recovery, in the range of 8%.

THE REXROTH A10VO SERIES 60 PUMP IMPROVES POWER DENSITY AND EFFICIENCY COMPARED TO PREVIOUS VERSIONS. IT IS WELL SUITED FOR USE IN MACHINES WITH ELECTRIC DRIVES.

THE EAGLE HAS LANDED

More-advanced systems can bring even greater efficiency benefits. Independent meter-in/meter-out provides up to 8%. Researchers at Purdue University have developed a multi-pump system that raises machine efficiency by about 40%. Multipressure networks proposed by the University of Aachen offer increases in the same range, about 37%. And cutting-edge developments like multi-chamber cylinders can lead to further efficiency improvements. In our example demonstrator excavator, we took a number of steps to raise machine efficiency. First, we introduced a second hydraulic pump so the system operates at two different pressure levels. As a consequence, this reduced throttle losses on the hydraulics. Then we added energy recovery from the boom as well as from the slew, and introduced variable-speed on the diesel engine. Together, these measures achieved an overall reduction in consumption of about 40%.

ELECTRIFIED HYDRAULICS

The next step was to introduce electrification via Rexroth’s eLION high voltage portfolio. It includes electric motors and generators for traction and implement functions rated up to 230 kW; 1 and 2-gear high-speed gearboxes for central and wheel drives; dc-dc converters; 20 kW onboard chargers; inverters rated up to 200 kW

nominal; and related components like highvoltage cables. The aim was to eliminate the diesel engine and set up a complete electric machine to drive the hydraulic system as efficiently as possible.

With the introduction of the eLION system, it was possible to reduce energy consumption even further. The electric drive permits operation over a wider range of speeds — from perhaps 2,000 rpm down to 100 rpm — letting systems run more efficiently, while adding overload capability for situations where high dynamic response is needed.

And we implemented a fully independent e-slew drive to maximize energy recuperation. In the end, the overall result is quite impressive, about 46% consumption reduction.

What does that mean in terms of run time? Basically 46% less consumption means that we still have 54% of the stored energy remaining, compared to the base machine. In other words, a 46% reduction in consumption equates to a system efficiency impact (increased runtime) of 1/0.54 = 185%.

DESIGNERS CAN UPGRADE MANY COMPONENTS AND SUBSYSTEMS THAT, COMBINED, SIGNIFICANTLY REDUCE ENERGY LOSSES AND EXTEND THE RUNTIME OF ELECTRIC MACHINES.

Combining the efficiency improvement from the series 60 pump (106%) results in a system improvement: 106% x 185% = 196% of increased battery runtime. This is nearly double the initial base value — quite an impressive result.

OPERATOR EFFECTS

But then we took a deeper look and tested the machine not only with an experienced operator, as is the case above. We wanted to understand how the skill of the operator has an impact on the result.

So we tested the machine in the same fashion with a less-experienced operator, and the result was only a 38% reduction in energy consumption. If we look again at our energy balance, a 38% energy savings means system improvement is only

“More-advanced systems can bring even greater efficiency benefits. Independent meter-in/meter-out provides up to 8%. Researchers at Purdue University have developed a multi-pump system that raises machine efficiency by about 40%.”

1/0.62 = 162%, and a total (106% x 162%) of 171% increased battery run time.

This was a little discouraging because despite the upgraded components and system redesign, the differences are quite large.

We examined the operator’s actions and found that the most important way to prevent energy-wasting practices is to avoid end stops. The clear solution to this problem is to compensate with operatorassistance software. With the introduction of assistance functions, we were able to again increase the battery run time to match the level we had achieved with an experienced operator.

Thus, minimizing energy losses caused by unskilled drivers requires operator training and awareness, the ability to detect and avoid end stops, HMI-based intervention, as well as adding assistance and automation functions to the machine controls.

SOFTWARE-BASED ENHANCEMENTS

Finally, engineers can turn to advanced machine-control software to further improve equipment efficiency. One critical topic is how to operate the pump and electric motor together in the best fashion. Experience shows that in a conventional

“With the introduction of assistance functions, we were able to again increase the battery run time to match the level we had achieved with an experienced operator.”

machine, reducing the combustion engine speed as much as practical will reduce fuel consumption by about 10 to 15%. This is the assumption that many of our customers also take into electric machines. But a similar speed reduction on electric drives does not improve efficiency. Rather it has a negative impact.

On a zero-emission machine, engineers need to look at the efficiency maps of the electric drive and hydraulic pump, and here we have contradicting requirements. Basically, reducing speed helps increase the efficiency of the hydraulic pump, but at the same time it reduces the efficiency of the electric drive.

Thus, to provide a specific required flow most efficiently, one must determine if it is beneficial to increase pump speed or increase pump displacement. And this is a question that must be answered during every millisecond of operation.

Rexroth has implemented an optimization algorithm in its machine control units that does just that. It looks at pump and electric motor functionality together, to constantly optimize speed, displacement, flow, and other critical parameters.

The control unit asks for a certain flow with a certain power limit, and the Sytronix software package sets pump and motor operations for best efficiency (or for lowest noise or the best dynamics, if that is the goal). The software controls the electric motor via the inverter and the hydraulic pump always delivers the best flow for the relevant load conditions.

How well does it work in practice? With our demonstrator excavator, we ran simulations under low-load, standard and highpower conditions while measuring flow and pressure over time. This was reflected in a ΔP-flow map of the drive that shows the most-efficient operating regions. In low-load operations the efficiency impact was quite high, while the high-power mode showed the smallest improvements.

This information helps users understand

THE ELION HIGH VOLTAGE SYSTEM LETS OEMS ELIMINATE THE DIESEL ENGINE AND SET UP A COMPLETE ELECTRIC MACHINE TO DRIVE THE HYDRAULIC SYSTEM AS EFFICIENTLY AS POSSIBLE.

which operating mode can provide the best benefits in a given application. We also looked at two different strategies: one that minimized speed and the other that optimized operating speed. Simulations showed that reducing the nominal speed as much as possible (as with a diesel engine) helped. But there is more of a benefit with an optimized operation strategy. This was especially true in a full power mode operation, which resulted in efficiency improvement in the range of 2%.

The data was confirmed by bench testing with actual components. Depending on the application and operating conditions, users can achieve between 2% to even 9% for low load conditions with optimized control.

This makes for an interesting point. In the end, implementing software has no impact on the selected components and it has no impact on system costs. (Of course, the software functionality needs to be developed and installed.) From my perspective, it is quite a smart way to maximize the efficiency of a system.

Now, let’s summarize what this means on the complete machine level. As noted

SYTRONIX SOFTWARE CONTROLS PUMP AND MOTOR OPERATIONS FOR BEST OVERALL EFFICIENCY.

DEPENDING ON THE APPLICATION AND LOAD CONDITIONS, USERS CAN ACHIEVE FROM 2% TO 9% ENERGY SAVINGS.

“Efficiency

improvements due the redesigned pump and system reengineering lead to a run-time improvement of 196%; and now we take into consideration an average value of about 3% efficiency improvement for the optimized, softwarebased control of the inverter/motor and pump subsystem. This brings us overall to an increased battery runtime for the complete machine of 199%, essentially double the operating time compared to the base machine.”

above, efficiency improvements due the redesigned pump and system reengineering leads to a run-time improvement of 196%; and now we take into consideration an average value of about 3% efficiency improvement for the optimized, softwarebased control of the inverter/motor and pump subsystem. This brings us overall to an increased battery runtime for the complete machine of 199%, essentially double the operating time compared to the base machine.

So to increase battery operation time on electrified vehicles, engineers need to consider the selection of optimum components, potential system improvements and, of course, understand the impact of implementing software functions. At the same time, we need to examine the impact of the operator and probably react with assistance functions to compensate for negative impacts that can be caused by untrained operators. In the end, with our eLION solution, it’s possible to significantly increase machine operation time. FPW

Bosch Rexroth boschrexroth.com

6 THINGS SAWMILLS MUST DO TO Maintain Hydraulic Equipment

Lumber processing technology has come a long way and requires attention to achieve precision and speed. To stay competitive as lumber demand increases, industry expert Carl Dyke shares guidance on how to keep sawmill hydraulic systems running optimally.

BY RACHAEL PASINI, SENIOR EDITOR

As part of its Timber Products Output (tpo) mill survey, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service reported that in 2018, approximately 4,624 sawmills across 41 states processed 12,083,025 mcf of roundwood products.1 Of that data, 13 states with about 1,665 sawmills processed 8,693,063 mcf of roundwood, accounting for nearly 72% of the year’s total. In 2022, numbers for those same 13 states dropped to 1,565 sawmills processing 8,354,893 mcf. Though the number of sawmills decreased, the average processing volume across the mills increased slightly. (At the time of this article, only 13 states reported data for 2022.)

Any market forecast report predicts that lumber demand will increase, further straining the mills and increasing competition within the industry. To meet lumber quality demands economically, many industrial sawmill owners use optimization scanners and software to plan and cut logs to yield as much value lumber as possible. They also turn to advanced hydraulics to increase cutting speed and precision. A

“Hydraulics for the sawmill is an interesting topic that I don’t think a lot of people appreciate,” said Carl Dyke, hydraulics expert and founder of CD Industrial Group. “If you go to your local lumberyard and buy two-by-fours, sheets of plywood, or some type of sheathing wood, you might wonder: How did it go from being a tree in the forest to such a precision-sized, qualitycontrolled item? And the involvement with hydraulics, I don’t think many people know that robotic precision is involved now.”

Dyke grew up in forests and mills and describes those days as slow and rough. At the time, sawmill owners weren’t overly concerned with accuracy or optimal fiber usage. Supply was plentiful, so errors could be corrected with the next log, and waste pieces were piled up for folks to purchase off-grade lumber some other day. Neither processes nor technology needed to be perfect for a sawmill to profit.

“The hydraulics were crude back then,” he said. “Sometimes, the hydraulic valves were directly operated, and we didn’t worry too much about sawdust, dirt, and pine needles in the hydraulic oil because we had the force of our big strong arms to push and pull on the levers and drive the spool through the valve body. We weren’t talking about contamination issues back then. We weren’t looking for that level of precision. It wasn’t available in the hydraulic valves. Internal leakage wasn’t really anything people worried about nor the efficiency of the hydraulic system. Of course, that all changed to a large degree, as it needed to.”

Today’s industrial sawmills use advanced technology, including hydraulic valves and sensors derived from military fighter jet aircraft and helicopter gunships. Sensors inside the valves help equipment move quickly and precisely to ensure optimal lumber quality and maximum value from each log. Setworks systems command equipment into action immediately, requiring hydraulic servovalves to open and send oil to hydraulic cylinders that position cutter heads or feeding devices. Magnetostrictive or Hall effect transducers inside the cylinders ensure precise positioning, and valves must shut quickly to hold the posi-

tion for a perfectly calculated cut.

“It’s got to happen so fast that it’s dizzying for the casual observer looking down at the production line from the catwalks overhead,” said Dyke.

It’s clear that modern hydraulics play a critical role in sawmill speed and precision, which directly influences profit. Therefore, owners and workers must prioritize monitoring and maintaining hydraulic components. Dyke shares six things every sawmill should do to optimize production.

1 KEEP THE EQUIPMENT CLEAN

Ideally, a hydraulic power unit should be separated from the machine to avoid contamination. However, units are typically

“Internal leakage wasn’t really anything people worried about nor the efficiency of the hydraulic system. Of course, that all changed to a large degree, as it needed to.”

placed under the machines and continually collecting sawdust. Dyke admits, it’s easy for operators to forget or not have time to clean the debris covering all the machinery.

“I’ve yet to visit a sawmill where there isn’t sawdust in the hydraulic oil,” he said. “Nobody’s shocked about that because it’s hard to keep it out. The fiber gets in there, so you have to work hard at filtration. Hydraulic systems, especially servovalves, many of which came from the world of aircraft, are only meant to work with a pure liquid, not a slurry. A slurry is a liquid that has a lot of solids in it. And as soon as you depart from a pure liquid, you’ve challenged how well they work.”

Many manufacturers place a straining screen inside the servovalve to catch large

contaminants that can seize the valve’s internal elements. However, smaller contaminants are harder to keep out, requiring conscientious maintenance work habits and carefully selected breather filters. As small material accumulates, it degrades the valve’s performance and, consequently, the machine’s performance.

2 CONTINUOUSLY MONITOR HYDRAULIC FLUID

Though advanced sensors and real-time condition-monitoring technology have become more widely available at more reasonable prices, many sawmills still perform minimal maintenance on set schedules.

“I’m always looking to see if somebody has written with a sharpie on the filter when they last changed it,” said Dyke. “It’s still popular in so much heavy industry to only change hydraulic oil filters based on time. They may change it every six months or every year. If they do that with some degree of consistency, then at least they have that, but much better, of course, is to monitor the condition of the hydraulic fluid either by sampling more frequently or by some type of real-time particle contamination monitor.”

Real-time data on hydraulic fluid is invaluable. It’s unlikely that sawmill owners will apply such technology to every hydraulic system, but it should be installed on critical systems for which precision, reliability, and speed are vital. Instead of annual filter changes, continuously measuring and monitoring the quality of hydraulic fluid is the best approach.

3 MONITOR THE FILTER PRESSURE DIFFERENTIAL

Standard pop-up differential pressure indicators and switches visually indicate when a hydraulic filter is plugged with contaminants and needs to be replaced. But by the time the indicator pops out and someone notices, it could be too late.

“That requires somebody constantly paying attention. Whereas, for not too much

more money, you can have a filter housing with a sensor that lets you keep track of just how plugged up that filter is getting,” said Dyke. “And the same programmable controller that optimizes positions for lumber cutting can be on a side channel at a lower priority level. That same controller can sample once every five minutes, look at that filter, and update the data on how plugged up it is.”

With more filter monitoring options than ever and sensor prices much lower than 20 years ago, keeping a close watch is increasingly easier. There’s abundant mod ern technology to help sawmill operators keep track and avoid unplanned downtime.

4 INSTALL TEST POINTS

Numerous issues can result when hydraulic pressure valves don’t react quickly or aren’t adjusted correctly, even if they’re designed for high shock loads. For example, machine welds can break, electrical connections can loosen off sensors, and seals on the rod end of a cylinder or the shaft end of a hydraulic motor can leak.

“It’s a rugged environment,” said Dyke. “I’ve yet to be in a sawmill that isn’t absolutely shaking, everywhere you go. The entire frame of the main production line is always vibrating and shaking. There are a lot of shock loads involved because trees and logs are not uniform, and they exert their own push-back forces as you cut them. They spring on their own as the fiber is cut and you push them around. There are a lot of shock forces at work.”

SAWDUST CONSTANTLY ACCUMULATES ON HYDRAULIC COMPONENTS, MAKING FLUID CLEANLINESS AN ONGOING CHALLENGE.

The last thing anyone wants is breakdowns and unplanned events. Operators can lower such risks by keeping track of the hydraulics and machinery’s runtime conditions, including pressure and temperature. However, monitoring equipment, such as pressure gauges, also runs the risk of damage from projectile lumber.

“I don’t really recommend that you keep installing the standard $30, two-and-a-halfinch pressure gauge. In a sawmill, every time you install a gauge like that, lumber finds a new way to fall off the line and

CUTTER HEAD AND SAW POSITIONING HYDRAULIC CYLINDERS REQUIRE HIGH-SPEED AND HIGH-VOLUME FLUID FLOW RATES. A MAGNETOSTRICTIVE LINEAR DISPLACEMENT SENSOR INSIDE THIS HYDRAULIC CYLINDER ENSURES PRECISE POSITIONING.

HYDRAULIC COMPONENTS SUCH AS PUMPS, VALVES, AND CYLINDERS MUST WITHSTAND HEAVY SHOCK LOADS AS LOGS AND LUMBER PIECES EXERT FORCES DURING CUTTING AND TRIMMING.

smash that gauge out of existence,” said Dyke. “But installing test points that are so popular — the global standard M16x2 test point connection — allows the maintenance worker to walk up to that test point with a well-adjusted digital pressure gauge, connect to it, take a reading, and write down that value.”

5 MONITOR CYLINDER CYCLE TIMES

To reiterate, sawmills aim for speed and precision to produce as much high-value lumber as possible.

“To be that fast, hydraulic fluid flow rates must be high speed — how many gallons per minute or liters per minute can be moved,” said Dyke. “Then you must provide the forces, so you need a large piston in the cylinder, and the pressure oil is working against a large surface area, but you must move a high volume and get the speed as well. So, there’s demand for a lot of power from the prime mover.”

Dyke joked about maintenance technicians in white lab coats walking up to equipment with charts like doctors recording patient vitals during office visits. No one in a sawmill would ever wear a white lab

coat, but there is value in regular “checkups” and writing down data.

“I was with a sawmill crew recently, and we talked about how important it is to watch the cycle time of cylinders. You can get out your stopwatch — your $1,200 stopwatch that we all have on our belts — and time the cylinder cycle time. Keep track of how long it takes at its highest speed to extend to the end of stroke and come back, at least on a weekly basis.”

Overall, Dyke said mills monitoring temperatures, pressures, cylinder cycle times, and the hydraulic fluid condition have a big head start.

6 WATCH THE ELECTRICAL CURRENT

Sawmills often monitor the electrical current to the cutter head motors as an indicator of the saw blades’ sharpness. If the electrical current increases, the blades could be dulling, and maintenance may need to replace them with a sharp set.

“Applying those same current monitoring transformers to the electric motors that run the hydraulics system also pays off,” said Dyke. “It lets you know that something is changing. If the current is going up,

“If you were cutting thin and light logs one year, and a couple years later, you’re cutting much heavier material, maybe you didn’t design the mill for all those contingencies. So, sometimes an upgrade is called for.”

you might think, ‘That’s odd. Did somebody increase the pressure setting? We don’t usually achieve that level of electrical current turning the pump. What’s changed there?’ Whereas if the current is going down, hydraulic oil is hot, and the viscosity of it is lower. So, some things can be easily learned with sensors that aid the maintenance department and help ward off surprises and breakdowns.”

Additionally, with all the shock loading, electrical current can help workers identify weak points where heavier-duty hydraulic cylinders may be needed.

“If you were cutting thin and light logs one year, and a couple years later, you’re cutting much heavier material, maybe you didn’t design the mill for all those contingencies. So, sometimes an upgrade is called for,” said Dyke.

Dyke also noted that electrical work and all the digital technology that ensures nonuniform logs get cut with precision is mostly invisible, but essential to modern sawmills.

“Open the electrical cabinets, and the amount of LED lights blinking will enlighten you as to how many motion controllers, PLCs, and other electronics are at work in the background to process a nonuniform log, size it up quickly, and saw it for maximum value lumber products as quickly as possible,” he said. “It’s a whole ballet of automation.” FPW

CD Industrial Group cdiginc.com

SW ITCHING TO A UTOTEACH S ENSING SAV ES TIME

BY RACHAEL PASINI SENIOR EDITOR

SOMETIMES, THE SMALLEST CHANGE MAKES THE BIGGEST IMPACT. HERE’S WHY ONE MACHINE BUILDER NO LONGER ADJUSTS PROXIMITY SWITCHES ON PNEUMATIC ACTUATORS.

TWO SDBT-MSX PROXIMITY SWITCHES ARE AFFIXED TO THIS COMPACT CYLINDER. THE ILLUMINATED LED LIGHT ON THE LEFT SWITCH INDICATES THE PISTON’S POSITION.

Proximity switches are used to monitor and control the position of pneumatic actuators. They include sensors that detect the presence or absence of an object within a specified range without making physical contact with the object. Depending on the type, they can detect changes in a magnetic field, capacitance, or inductance when the object comes close to the sensor. A

HERE, THE SDBT-MSX PROXIMITY SWITCH IS AFFIXED AT THE TOP OF A ROUND ISO CYLINDER.

Magnetic proximity switches are commonly used with pneumatic cylinders with magnets integrated into their pistons. They are usually mounted on the outside of the actuator and detect the magnet on the piston with each stroke. In many applications, these switches are used for end-of-stroke detection, ensuring the piston has reached its programmed position, either fully extended or fully retracted. An LED light on the switch often indicates when the end-of-stroke is achieved.

Since many proximity switches require a power supply to commission, original equipment manufacturers (oems) typically install and adjust them during a machine’s

with vinyl or polymers that have some give, a soft stop can prove challenging. Many of Pro-Line’s CNC systems cut vinyl, and signaling the piston end stroke often requires a detection range greater than 2 mm.

Previously, Pro-Line solved this problem by installing multiple sensors to mitigate fluctuation, which added wiring and programming requirements.

“It's not always simple. It causes changes in programming documentation and down the line,” said Nauth.

With increasing demand for residential construction in North America, ProLine sought ways to expedite production, especially given labor and skill shortages.

"Though this process may only take a few minutes, machines can have several dozen switches in difficult-to-reach locations, compounding the time it takes to set up the machine."

initial startup, then fine-tune them under full loading conditions. Though this process may only take a few minutes, machines can have several dozen switches in difficult-toreach locations, compounding the time it takes to set up the machine.

Pro-Line Automation Systems, an OEM in Woodbridge, Ontario, installs numerous proximity switches in its automated CNC fabrication systems for window and door manufacturing. It previously used switches with a 2-mm detection range, which worked well for some applications but not all.

“We work mainly in the vinyl fenestration industry, and there's a 2-mm range, especially for clamping material applications,” said Andrew Nauth, controls engineer at Pro-Line. “There is variance in material profile, even when it's extruded. In situations like that, we have fluctuation, and sometimes that 2-mm range isn't always consistent. When we expect a result and don't get it, there's an issue.”

A standard cylinder switch with a 2-mm detection range works well when the piston is hitting a hard stop on metal. However,

Nauth discovered Festo’s new SDBT-MSX proximity switch and learned it was a direct replacement for its machines.

“As a machine builder, we’re generally resistant to change because we have to support many machines and products, so we like to standardize. But we're always seeing how we can improve our machines with the added benefits of new technology if it makes sense for us and our end users,” said Nauth.

What struck Nauth was the SDBT-MSX’s unique auto teach-in feature. Instead of locating each actuator in a machine and installing and commissioning each proximity switch at initial startup, Nauth and his team can set up and adjust the SDBT-MSX at a workbench before installation. When the machine is powered on and completes four cycles, the switch’s auto-teach capability automatically sets the correct final switching point without impacting the application.

“We used to mount the previous sensor on the cylinder, and then at power up, we'd have to adjust the sensor position to detect where the magnet is on the piston,”

ONE

SDBT-MSX PROXIMITY SWITCH IS MOUNTED IN THE T-SLOT OF THIS PNEUMATIC CYLINDER.

said Nauth. “The new sensor learns the position within a 15-mm range, and there's no need to go back and adjust. When assembling the cylinders, we can mount the sensors on the end and not go back when we power on to find that specific position, which is a huge time saving for us.”

Pro-Line’s machines can have up to 50 pneumatic actuators with up to two proximity switches on each. Commissioning and adjusting switches the conventional way clearly eats up time, while the SDBT-MSX learns on its own.

“The idea of the auto teach-in function is that the switch itself is looking for the magnet. Once the magnet comes into its initial detection range, it looks for it, and then it looks for it to repeat four consecutive times in the same position. Once it sees that, the switch can learn that position and store it,” said Darren O'Driscoll, product manager at Festo.

The aim is to make proximity switch installation quick and easy without needing to search for switching points and without a power supply.

"The aim is to make proximity switch installation quick and easy without needing to search for switching points and without a power supply."

“The adjustment feature that Andrew referred to is 15 mm, but when the switch is brand new out of the bag, the actual detection range is 20 mm,” said O’Driscoll. “A technician can put the switch in the two end positions, knowing that the magnet will be somewhere in that 20 mm, and then mount the cylinders, get everything connected, and connect all the cables. The first time the machine fires up is when the switch is connected to power, and that's when it does its learning.”

The time-savings and simplicity even ben-

efit end users who are replacing switches in their machines.

“End users have to go through the same process and may not be as well-versed as Andrew’s team. They may not know how to set up the switches properly and may do a lot of trial and error with a switch,” said O’Driscoll. “With the auto teach-in, if they follow the instructions, they can't go wrong. So, it has a lot of benefits both for machine builders like Pro-Line and their customers.”

Pro-Line’s owner, Vinode Ramnauth, stated in a press release that the company’s sales have nearly doubled in the past five years. It’s expanding its U.S. market and anticipates doubling sales again in the next two years. The company is an eager early adopter of new technologies that make its staff more efficient and the biggest user of the SDBT-MSX in North America. And as it turns out, Pro-Line’s customers are already talking about the new proximity switches.

“One of our larger customers actually called me the other day and asked if we're going to put these sensors — he called them ‘the smart sensors’ — on all our new machines coming to them. So, they've already seen a benefit on the end user side,” said Nauth.

Any actuator with a T-slot mounting can use the new switch. It comes with default settings, but machine builders can change it from PNP to NPN and from normally open to normally closed. It can be used in its simplest form or programmed with as much functionality as needed.

“Anytime there's a new technology, you have a hesitation,” said O’Driscoll. “I find that many machine builders are hesitant because it's a new technology. They want to wait and see if there are any potential hiccups or problems and whatnot. We see ProLine as an influencer looking for new ways to be more efficient, make better products, and have better solutions for their customers. I'm hoping its story will influence other machine builders to make the same leap that Pro-Line did — all those sitting on the fence to take another look and go, ‘You know what, it’s time to give this a try.’” FPW Festo festo.com

COMPANY BOOTH

ANFIELD SENSORS INC. 510

APPLIED ENGINEERED SYSTEMS 404

AXIOMATIC TECHNOLOGIES CORP. 1408

BONFIGLIOLI USA INC. 1005

BOSCH REXROTH CORP. 500

BUCHER HYDRAULICS 1217

CAPRONI JSC 1029

CROSS COMPANY MSI 914

CROSSCONTROL AB 1023

CURTISS-WRIGHT INDUSTRIAL 808

DELTROL FLUID PRODUCTS 734

DYNASET OY 1225

ECKERLE TECHNOLOGIES GMBH 819

ELEVĀT INC. 724

FAMIC TECHNOLOGIES INC. 1121

FSG SENSORS INC. 820

GS GLOBAL RESOURCES 1412

HAWE HYDRAULIK SE 503

HED CONTROLS 1214

HENGLI AMERICA CORP. 1027

HUSCO 600

HYDAC TECHNOLOGY CORP. 1018

HYDRAFORCE INC. 500

IC-FLUID POWER INC. 615

IFP MOTION SOLUTIONS INC. 1218

J.R. MERRITT CONTROLS INC. 1110

KRAFT MOBILE SYSTEMS INC. 610

LUNCHBOX SESSIONS 1230

MAGNET-SCHULTZ OF AMERICA INC. 408

MAKERSAN 619

MAXIMATECC 1023

MOOG CONSTRUCTION 803

NABTESCO MOTION CONTROL INC. 737

NOTT COMPANY 700

OEM CONTROLS 1322

OMNI POWERTRAIN TECHNOLOGIES 1004

OTTO CONTROLS 906

PARKER 1226 PMC A&E 514

1416

LLC 506

IvT Expo hones in on the future of

OFF-HIGHWAY MACHINES

By Mary C. Gannon Editor-in-Chief

IvT Expo USA

The third iteration of the U.S.-based IvT Expo returns August 21 and 22, to The Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Chicago.

continues to grow, as more than 130 exhibitors will display the latest components, materials, systems and technologies in Chicago later this summer. The focus is on next generation off-highway vehicles, including those used in construction, mining, agriculture, material handling, forklifts and forestry.

More than 50 expert speakers will discuss key topics around the future of industrial vehicles, electric, hybrid and alternative powertrain solutions, developments in autonomous off-road vehicle technology and more.

FLUID POWER’S CONTRIBUTION TO THE FUTURE

The NFPA has partnered with UKi Media & Events to create a dedicated track of educational programming in hydraulics at the conference. Of the approximately 130 exhibitors, almost half are hydraulics companies, indicating how strong the future of fluid power is in this area.

“NFPA member companies represent the cutting-edge technologies that vehicle engineers increasingly need to incorporate into their machine systems and designs. Combining that technical content with hands-on demonstrations of their technologies on the iVT Expo show floor will provide a unique educational experience for their primary customers,” said NFPA president/CEO Eric Lanke.

The hydraulics track will offer two full days of programming, with a keynote presentation, panel discussing the next frontier of off-highway vehicles, including alternate fuel sources, and artificial intelligence and it’s applications. Some planned sessions include:

• Extending battery life by increasing the efficiency of hydraulic systems

• Efficient hydraulics and the impact on e-motor and battery selection and life

• High performance hydraulic components extend battery life in mobile equipment

• Innovations in hydraulic valves improve energy efficiency

• Advanced modeling techniques and performance of electrohydraulic systems

• Active heat-pump based thermal management for off-highway vehicles and how the Tesla Octovalve changed the game

• ISO 13849 Safety Methodology and what it means for off-road equipment OEMs Presenters represent companies within the hydraulics industry and members of the National Fluid Power Association, such as Parker Hannifin, HYDAC, Sun Hydraulics, IFP Motion Solutions, Famic Technologies, and Xirro, as well as the Milwaukee School of Engineering Fluid Power Institute.

OFF-HIGHWAY VEHICLES OF THE FUTURE

Additionally, IvT will focus on advancements in autonomous machines, electrification and AI integration. These innovations aim to enhance productivity, safety and sustainability while reducing the industry's environmental impact. Speakers represent OEMs, policymakers, solution providers and academic institutions, covering construction, agriculture, material handling, mining, and other off-highway vehicles.

Key trends and innovations shaping the off-highway industry will be explored, as well as the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Under the “The Electrification and Alternative Sources Room,” the growing adoption of electric and hybrid technologies will be covered. The "Autonomy and AI Room" will discuss how automation and artificial intelligence (ai) are transforming the off-highway industry, enabling vehicles to operate autonomously and make intelligent decisions to optimize performance and safety. Finally, The "Digitalization and Gazing into the Future Room" will cover advanced connectivity and telematics, intelligent machine control, enhanced safety features, integration of robotics and automation, and sustainable power solutions. FPW

Visit ivtexpo.com/usa/en for more details and to register for free.

Cartridge flow transmitter

DGD Fluid Power dgdfluidpower.com

The newest addition to the Cartridge Flow Transmitter (cft) product line, the CFT-Max is designed to monitor hydraulic flows on mobile equipment and is compliant with an IP69 rating. Flows up to 150 gpm and a 6,000psi pressure rating allow the CFT-Max to be used on most systems today. This latest development allows system designers and mobile equipment manufacturers to add flow measurement to the integrated valve manifolds. The advantages of cartridge valving are widely recognized for the evolution and advances made in equipment due to the reduction in plumbing and space requirements.

Two U.S. Patents have been issued for this technology and others are pending.

Digital hydraulic tester

Webtec webtec.com

The third generation of this class-leading DHT digital hydraulic tester is designed to assist hydraulic technicians with reactive, proactive, and preventive maintenance. Measuring flow, pressure, and temperature, the DHT has a built-in loading valve to simulate load. This rugged tool — a workhorse of the hydraulic testing arena — features several key improvements to enhance its robustness and ease of use when checking the performance of hydraulic pumps, motors, valves, and hydrostatic transmissions. By investing in the new-generation Webtec DHT, industry professionals will be able to check hydraulic system performance, pinpoint faults and reduce downtime in a range of applications, including excavators and attachments, tractors and other farm machinery, cranes, crushing and screening systems, military vehicles, and municipal vehicles.

Direct-operated proportional valves

Moog Inc. moog.com

The D93x and the D92x are two new directoperated proportional valve series, each with unique features and capabilities, designed to boost machine reliability and optimize costs for machine builders.

The D93x servo-proportional valve series comprises the D936 (ISO 4401 size 03) and D937 (ISO 4401 size 05). These valves are designed for 4/4-way operation with a spool operating within a hardened bushing and driven by a single proportional solenoid. This design makes them high-performing, highresponse valves with the feature of a 4th safe spool position when de-energized. The D92x proportional valve series includes the D926 (ISO 4401 size 03) and D927 (ISO 4401 size 05). These valves feature a spool-in-body design for 4/3-way operation driven by two proportional solenoids. This design allows for higher flow rates compared to the D93x. In addition, the D92x offers an ensured centered fail-safe spool position and optional 4/2-way operation.

Pneumatic valve for trailer lifting

Alkon Corp. alkoncorp.com

The Lightning Lift-Axle Valve is engineered to revolutionize trailer performance and reliability. It offers high accuracy, configurability, and durability for the transportation industry. Designed to lift an axle within seconds, the Lightning Lift-Axle Valve activates with lightning speed to prevent tire damage during tight maneuvering and quickly lowering again. Its simple installation process is paired with centralized connection points to minimize leak paths and ensure airtight hassle-free maintenance for operators. Manufactured entirely in the U.S., the Lightning Lift-Axle Valve guarantees superior craftsmanship and precise pressure regulation, setting a new benchmark for trailer aftermarket and OEM solutions.

Spin-on filters

WPL spin-on filters protect pumps, valves, compressors, and hydraulic systems from contamination per ISO 2941, ISO 3723, and ISO 2942 standards. The filters are designed to provide one of the highest cleanliness levels for hydraulic systems, featuring cartridges engineered to fit into many leading filter systems on the market. They help provide trouble-free operations for power generation, oil and gas, construction, forestry, mining, and material handling markets.

The filters consist of a head mounted directly in line with the piping and a cartridge containing a WP filter element that seals to the head to prevent leakage. Spin-on filters are easy to replace without special equipment or tooling and do not require emptying or cleaning. Operators can choose between five element sizes based on their service-life requirements.

Pressure valves for high-precision manufacturing

Emerson emerson.com

The new Aventics Series 625 Sentronic Proportional Pressure Control Valves with a control deviation of less than 0.5%, are designed to deliver highly accurate, electronic proportional pressure control and provide the flexibility needed to support sophisticated pneumatic control engineering applications. Data acquisition software (das) with Series 625 Sentronic valves also makes it possible to quickly start, monitor, and control valves directly on a PC.

Four-valve sizes from 1 to 20 mm support a comprehensive range of flow rates, from 55 to 4,700 lpm. Pressure capabilities range from vacuum levels up to 50 bar, which can reduce the overall number of valves required for a machine design. Housing material is available in brass, aluminum or stainless steel and sealing material in nitrile (nbr) or fluoroelastomer (fkm) options. There are also three sets of connectors, M12 5-pin, M12 8-pin, and M16 7-pin. FPW

What Mystery?

We Make Advanced Hydraulic & Electrical Learning Easy

Where should the gauge be located, on the inlet or outlet of a pressure reducing valve when adjusting? Should flow be passing easily through the valve during adjustment? Need the best procedure for adjusting a pump’s pressure compensator?

Get answers and acquire new skills with our 800 interactive materials!

Robert Sheaf • Founder of CFC Industrial Training

IN THIS MONTH’S CHALLENGE, we visit a small concrete supplier. Its mixing truck would run fine when loading and mixing concrete for a customer’s job site. However, when the drum rotation was reversed to discharge the concrete at the job site, the hydrostatic system would start to make a lot of noise and the system started to overheat. Additionally, the drum speed (in rpm) was slower than normal, so the operator reversed the drum to keep the concrete mixing until a service technician arrived to troubleshoot the problem.

They found that swapping the cross-port reliefs did not make any difference. As usual, the circuit shows gauges in four places, but two were broken and the two on each motor port were missing.

Overheating and pump noise on a concrete truck Solution to new valve locking up on rod threading machine

What would you do next? We welcome responses of all kinds directly to Robert Sheaf at rjsheaf@cfc-solar.com or to mgannon@wtwhmedia.com. The solution will be provided in conjunction with our August 2024 issue.

A VERY COMMON PROBLEM when changing pilot-operated valves is caused by the (X) pilot and (Y) drain connections going to and coming from the pilot valve. If there is external plumbing, there should be a solid internal plug isolating them from the main stage valves “P” and “T.” If there isn’t any external (X) and/or “(Y) plumbing, then the internal plugs must be removed.

The old valve’s model number showed signal lines (X) as internal and (Y) as external. A frequent problem occurs when a valve is used and the plug locations are modified, but no one changes the documentation or restamps the name plate on the valve. The new valve was purchased, but they were still using the old valve’s name plate information. This required a simple fix — the (Y) port solid plug was removed and all was soon running as it should. FPW

MRSX 165

MRSX 165

MRSX 165

Tank top semiimmersed returnsuction filter. Working pressure to 145 psi, and flow rates up to 79.5 gpm.

Tank top semiimmersed returnsuction filter. Working pressure to 145 psi, and flow rates up to 79.5 gpm.

Tank top semiimmersed returnsuction filter. Working pressure to 145 psi, and flow rates up to 79.5 gpm.

MPFX 184

MPFX 184

ELIXIR

ELIXIR

LPM 211

FMM 150 In-line high pressure filter. Working pressure up to 6029 psi, flow rates up to 66 gpm.

PASSION TO PERFORM pressure filter. Working pressure up to 6029 psi, flow rates up to 66 gpm.

MPFX 184

PASSION TO PERFORM pressure filter. Working pressure up to 6029 psi, flow rates up to 66 gpm.

PASSION

TO

Tank top semiimmersed filter. Working pressure up to 116 psi, flow rates up to 198 gpm.

ELIXIR

Tank top semiimmersed filter. Working pressure up to 116 psi, flow rates up to 198 gpm.

In-Line suction, return, and delivery filters with working pressure to 232 psi, and flow rate up to 60 gpm.

LPM 211

In-line low & medium pressure filter.

Tank top semiimmersed filter. Working pressure up to 116 psi, flow rates up to 198 gpm. permanently mounted Inline Contamination

In-Line suction, return, and delivery filters with working pressure to 232 psi, and flow rate up to 60 gpm.

In-Line suction, return, and delivery filters with working pressure to 232 psi, and flow rate up to 60 gpm.

PERFORM

LPM 211

In-line low & medium pressure filter.

In-line low & medium pressure filter.

Working pressure up to 870 psi, flow rate up to 87 gpm

Working pressure up to 870 psi, flow rate up to 87 gpm

Working pressure up to 870 psi, flow rate up to 87 gpm

Wifi-enabled permanently mounted Inline Contamination

Monitor

Monitor

www.mpfiltriusa.com (215) 529-1300

www.mpfiltriusa.com (215) 529-1300 sales@mpfiltriusa.com

sales@mpfiltriusa.com

ICM 4.0 Wifi-enabled permanently mounted Inline Contamination Monitor www.mpfiltriusa.com (215) 529-1300

sales@mpfiltriusa.com

• Resolution ≤5 mV

• Accuracy ±0.25% of full scale

• Real-time adjustable PID control

• Integrated 0 to 10 VDC, 4-20 mA signal, or 3.3 VDC serial communication

• 0 to 10 VDC feedback pressure monitor

• Virtually silent

• No integral bleed required

• Multiple pressure ranges from vacuum to 150 psig

• 2.7 to 65 l/min flow control

Take Control with Cordis

The future of proportional control has arrived— and it’s digital. The Clippard Cordis is a revolutionary microcontroller primed for escape velocity from a proportional control market that has grown stagnant.

With unparalleled performance and flexibility not possible with current analog proportional controllers, the Cordis makes everything from calibration, to sensor variety, to future development opportunities more accessible and less complicated.

Precise, Linear Digital Pressure Control

Contact your distributor today to learn more about how the Cordis can provide precise, real-time control for your application, or visit clippard.com to request more information.