Fluid Flow’s hydraulic solution
1 May 2013
Hydraulic systems & components
Fluid Flow Contracting installed an adiabatic cooler at Saldanha Steel in October 2012. Saldanha Steel’s hydraulic system had developed an overheating problem and Fluid Flow was given the opportunity to solve this problem and get the system running at a constant 45°C, irrespective of the ambient temperature in the area. Fluid Flow found that the existing air blast heat exchangers were inefficient and these were replaced with the adiabatic system. It required two months of R&D to design the system and to modify the finned-tube heat exchangers on the adiabatic cooler in order to handle hydraulic oil in place of water or glycol.
Adiabatic coolers cool water on air conditioning systems and basically replace cooling towers. These heat rejection systems extract energy from air by evaporating the water running through the evaporative media. Since no external energy is provided for this process, the result is a reduction in the air temperature, and this cools the hydraulic oil passing through the finned-tube heat exchanger.
The unit installed by Fluid Flow is fully PLC controlled, with three fans controlled by temperature changes in both the hydraulic oil and the ambient air. Each fan has built-in drives and uses only 2,6 kW per drive. Water usage is 680 litres per hour. The design and operation of the unit minimises water consumption and impact on the environment. Legionella risk is reduced to a negligible level through a combination of factors: low precool water temperature; daily water dump and dry out cycle; and low air velocity over the highly efficient evaporative cooling pads to prevent moisture carry-over. The system has proved to be 80% more efficient than any other form of heat exchange.
For more information contact Paul Brand, Fluid Flow Contracting, +27 (0)22 713 2806, [email protected], www.hydraulicinstallations.com
Further reading:
The seven different types of hydraulic fittings used for cylinders
Hydraulic systems & components
Hydraulic fittings are crucial for maintaining the integrity of hydraulic circuits, Selecting the right type of hydraulic fitting is not only essential for preventing leaks but also for ensuring minimal downtime and enhancing overall system efficiency.
Read more...
The seven different types of hydraulic fittings used for cylinders
Hydraulic systems & components
Hydraulic fittings are crucial for maintaining the integrity of hydraulic circuits, Selecting the right type of hydraulic fitting is not only essential for preventing leaks but also for ensuring minimal downtime and enhancing overall system efficiency.
Read more...
Powering southern Africa’s industrial evolution for over five decades
Editor's Choice Hydraulic systems & components
Established in 1974, Oilpower is a recognised name in South Africa’s hydraulic and pneumatic sector. What started as a small, family-run business has matured into a highly structured operation with specialised teams, experienced engineers and a reputation for technical excellence and reliability. Oilpower is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
Read more...
Choosing the right hydraulic cylinder for your application
CT Hydraulics (Nqoba)
Hydraulic systems & components
Selecting the appropriate hydraulic cylinder for your specific application involves considering several key factors to ensure optimal performance, efficiency and durability. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision.
Read more...
Hydroformed tube valve body for diaphragm valves
Hydraulic systems & components
One of the most common necessities for manufacturing pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food and beverages are diaphragm valves. What used to be a dull two-way race between forged and cast body variants is now being challenged by an exciting, ground-breaking technology. The hydroformed, light-weight diaphragm tube valve body will change the way you think about plant design and operation.
Read more...
Precision matters: Unravelling the intricacies of hydraulic cylinder honing
Hydraulic systems & components
This article dives into the intricacies of hydraulic cylinder honing, shedding light on its significance, process and the technology behind achieving unparalleled precision.
Read more...
Proportional cartridge valve series is the fastest in its class
Hydraulic systems & components
Parker Hannifin is introducing the enhanced version of the proportional cartridge throttle valve series, TFP. The new pilot valve further reduces the step response times by up to 30%, making the TFP the fastest valve in its class.
Read more...
The six pillars of hydraulic system health
Hydrasales
Hydraulic systems & components
Hydrasales, a leader in hydraulic and lube oil industry solutions, offers an extensive range of condition monitoring products designed to safeguard your systems. Here are six essential checks for hydraulic system health to keep your systems in optimal shape.
Read more...
Hydraulic pumps deliver high flow, convenience and precision
Bearing Man Group T/A BMG
Hydraulic systems & components
BMG’s range of high-performance hydraulic electric Enerpac E-pulse pumps is critical to all 700 bar operating hydraulic systems. These portable E-pulse pumps have intelligent auto-cycle functionality and an efficient power-to-weight ratio to ensure dependable operation and high productivity in challenging industrial applications.
Read more...
Precision, control and performance in regulators and control valves
Valve & Automation
Hydraulic systems & components
Cashco has long been a trusted name in industrial control solutions, offering a broad range of regulators and control valves designed to meet the rigorous demands of various industries.There are two key Cashco product lines, its regulators and the Ranger QCT control valve.
Read more...
printer friendly version