DESIGN NOTES
Ken Korane • Contributing Editor
The Hybrid Integrated Tank provides the advantages of injection-molded tank systems in lower production volumes. Tank geometry, as well as hydraulic and electrical connections, mounting attachments and internal controls can be customized to meet an OEM’s application-specific requirements.
Hydraulic tank design is a HIT The Hybrid Integrated Tank offers a cost-effective upgrade for mobile hydraulic systems. Hydraulic tank systems for mobile equipment must be crafted to handle diverse and multifaceted requirements. OEMs often take a do-it-yourself approach: purchase individual components such as tanks, filters, connectors, breathers and oil level indicators, and mount these parts to get a complete assembly. When demand is sizeable, hydraulic systems suppliers will often manufacture customerspecific tank systems with filters, valves and sensors built-in. Now ARGO-HYTOS GmbH, headquartered in Kraichtal, Germany, has developed the Hybrid Integrated Tank (HIT) that offers similar benefits for short production runs. The hybrid tank combines two manufacturing technologies, rotational molding and injection molding, and 16
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integrates all required tank functions into a complete module that is cost-effective even in small quantities.
Tank basics
According to Thomas Weiser, Head of Global R&D Filter & Systems, Fluid Management at ARGO-HYTOS, hydraulic tanks for mobile machinery are primarily made of welded steel or aluminum; or rotational- or blow-molded plastic. In addition, ARGO-HYTOS offers two interesting alternatives: plastic injectionmolding and hybrid construction. With injection-molded products, tank halves are welded together abrasion-free to form one tank volume. Advantages include lighter weight than metal options and high resistance to mechanical and thermal stresses. The corrosion-resistant materials minimize contamination in the tank and
render reworking and cleaning processes prior to installation unnecessary. Engineers systematically implement customer-specified functions during development. And the tank’s shape, as well as accessibility for maintenance and service, can be adapted to fit complex installation spaces. It results in highly integrated tank modules that exactly meet application demands. The tank systems are leak-tested and delivered ready-to-install, therefore reducing assembly times. In addition, the company’s Quick-Connect-System allows for fast, correct and safe hose mounting without tools. It features low mounting forces and fault detection through a safety clip. The clip engages only when the connector is completely pushed onto the port. Otherwise, the clip protrudes visibly and can be detected by touch.
www.fluidpowerworld.com
12/16/19 11:44 AM
