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| The latest information on hydraulic and
pneumatic motion control.
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July 6, 2009
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Beating the heat
Now that the Fourth of July has come and gone, it finally is
starting to feel like summer around here. The temperatures are rising
and the rain seems like it has finally stopped. Things generally quiet
down in the summertime for many of us, and so a little spare time can be
spent catching up on reading or having a conversation with your
peers.
If you're looking for a break, visit our forums where more than 1000 of your peers go to
get technical questions answered or just have a discussion on all things
fluid power. Accumulator energy density, crane circuits, and excavator
safety cutoff are just some of the hot topics currently being
discussed.
In the meantime, read on below to learn more about extending cylinder
life, hydraulic fluids for extreme environments, and more.
- Mary C. Gannon
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Building cylinders for long life
Pneumatic cylinders are a valuable and preferred option for many
linear-actuation applications, combining long life, low maintenance, and
ruggedness in an economical package. On the surface they might appear to
be simple devices. In reality, however, pneumatic cylinders are
precision systems with a number of engineered components that must work
together for the actuator to function properly.
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Load interactions in the full series system
The last edition of “Motion Control” dealt with drawings to help
visualize valve function in different ways. Toward that end, an
additional variation of the analytical schematic diagram can shed light
on the vast number of combinations that can exist with the full series
connected valve stack. This variation can also reveal the
inter-sectional interactions that take place. These schematics are
simplified diagrams that show only the essential elements for the
specific combination. Three of the many combinations are shown in Figure
1.
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Tree trimmer showcases hydraulics
Tol Inc., Tulare, Calif, offers a complete line of self-propelled
tree-topping and hedging machines. Manufactured in Israel, the machines
typically are used when trees are dormant — after the previous
season’s crop has been picked, but before blossoms for the new crop
have appeared. Periodic pruning of trees and bushes maximizes crop
yield, stimulates growth for healthy plants, shapes the trees faster,
and makes harvesting easier.
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Direct-acting valves
 Compact, 10- and
15-mm solenoid valves are available in twoor three-way configurations,
as normally open or normally closed. They are rated for flows from 0.5
to 3.0 scfm depending on the orifice size. Standard features include
highly visible LED indicator light and manual override, quick response
time, and multiple mounting and voltage options. They come with five
connector styles.
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Web Exclusive - Getting the most out of your
hydraulic equipment — in extreme conditions
Just as surfers wear wet suits year round throughout different
water temperatures to protect them, so does your hydraulic system need
year-round protection. Wet suits protect against hypothermia, even in
warm water by trapping a thin layer of water between it and the skin.
Similarly, the benefits that the wet suit provides the human body are
similar to what a quality, all-season hydraulic fluid can provide to
your hydraulic system.
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Air bearing actuators
Airpel –AB Air Bearing actuators from Airpot Corp. offer extremely
tight control of small incremental movements along with low forces and
speeds.They combine air cylinder-like linear actuation with zero
friction air bearing technology. They are available in metric models
with four bore diameters and ten standard strokes to provide precisely
repeatable driving or supporting forces from 2 g to 58 kg. Operating
temperatures range from -20° to 90°C. Specially shaped stainless steel
piston is precisely fitted to a borosilicate glass cylinder, so the
introduction of pressurized air into the air bearing’s cylinder
creates a true air bearing airflow effect around the piston.
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High-pressure hose
GH466 six-wire spiral hose from Eaton Aeroquip provides extremely
high longevity in high-pressure applications and many sizes, now ranging
up to size -40. It maintains a work pressure of up to 350 bar and
features a bend radius of 780 mm. With its 500,000 impulse cycles it
qualifies for leakage class 0, according to the SAE J 1176. Sizes -20,
-24, and -32 operate in pressures to 420 bar.
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Particulate filter
Excellement ZW high-efficiency particulate water removal media from
Schroeder Industries is available in two styles — 7MZW and 10MZW
spin-ons. They capture dirt particles efficiently, for cleaner oil,
longer element life, and less downtown. The layers of the ZW cartridge
element includes an epoxy-coated steel wire fabric, two layers of Z
media, water removal media, and spun bounded scrim. It can be uesd for
on-site flushing applications for various hydraulic systems. When used
on a kidney loop system installed on power units, it allows for smaller
kidney loop system and lower dimensional clearance and weight.
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Pneumatic calibration hand pump
PCHP series of pneumatic calibration hand pumps from Dwyer
Instruments Inc. source pressure and vacuum to check calibration of
gauges, switches, and recorders. Ergonomically designed cushion grips
provide extra comfort while simultaneously enhancing the pump's
performance. All pistons use dual O-rings to ensure zero leakage and an
oversized check valve provides smooth operation throughout the output
range.
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Direct-acting valves
Air cylinders are available in heavy-duty brass or stainless steel in
bore sizes to 3 in. They are corrosion resistant and operate for
millions of production cycles. Online configurator offers CAD models in
2D and 3D for easier ordering.
www.clippard.com/cylinders/
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