Stauff UK have launched a new range of flexible hoses based on Teflon PTFE Polytetrafluoroethylene.

Stauff UK have launched a new range of flexible hoses based on Teflon PTFE Polytetrafluoroethylene. Under the brand names: Super Tef, Super Convo and Super Tape, these products are aimed at a wide range of hydraulic and industrial markets Stainless Steel braided, smooth bore PTFE (Super Tef) hoses from 1/8' - 1' is the all purpose hose, but there are many variations available including convoluted (Super Convo) Tape wrapped convoluted (Super Tape). With additional ranges designed for Gas, Steam, Automotive and exceptional flexibility, Stauff Flex is the division within Stauff UK which has been created to further develop the hose, fittings and hose assembly business that is already a major part of their general activity.

These products will provide a significant addition to the package of flexible hoses on offer and will be targeted at those sectors of industry where the exceptional properties of Teflon are desirable.

With an operating temp range of -600C to + 2800C, inert to virtually all chemicals highly resistant to ageing/UV light and oxidation, it is a lightweight material with unlimited shelf life that will suit the demand of the most arduous of applications.

In stainless steel braided smooth and convoluted forms, the hose is offered primarily in the form of finished assemblies from the new facilities now being created for the Stauff Flex division.

It will also be available to selected hose assemblers as coiled loose product, along with strict guidelines on manufacturing procedures.

A whole range of end terminations in steel and stainless steel, is available to suit the many different connection standards throughout the various industries.

Assemblies will be offered with a range of optional accessories such as external sleeving in EPDM or Silicone for protection or hygiene.

Colour coding shrink sleeving can be applied along with stainless steel helix or PVC coil for robust external protection and all products will carry complete quality documentation and traceability throughout.

Ronald Bakker explains the demands new machinery is placing on hydraulic oils and gives advice on what properties to look for when purchasing an oil to meet the challenge.

Modern machinery developments mean that hydraulic equipment is now smaller, more compact and able to operate at faster speeds. This is good for engineering and manufacturing companies, as they can now install more machinery in a given factory space, substantially increasing productivity. However, these improvements can also place additional pressure on hydraulic oils.

The simple fact is that, unlike the large and older machines of the past, new, more compact machines have reduced oil reservoir capacity, which means less oil is available per cycle.

Also, with new machinery running at faster rates, an increased oil flow is needed.

So, with more power being absorbed by less oil, the hydraulic oil operates at a higher temperature, which can cause the oil to oxidise.

In our experience, temperature significantly affects hydraulic oil performance and lifetime.

Our research shows that for every 100 deg C rise in oil temperature above 700 deg C, oil lifetime reduces by around 50%.

This is why the additives used within the oil play such a crucial role in determining its quality and performance.

When oil oxidises, sludge can form which clogs filters and valves.

This can eventually lead to system failure.

In addition, the oil becomes thicker, which can lead to increased pump noise and more system wear, adding significant maintenance costs.

With the oil capacity of machines reducing and yet the running speed increasing, the oil retention time in newer machinery is significantly shortened, placing further demands on the oil.

For example, an older hydraulic machine with an oil capacity of 600 litres and a pump capacity of 100 litres, has a six minute oil retention time.

In newer systems, the oil capacity is, for example, 300 litres with a pump capacity of 150 litres, reducing the oil retention time to just two minutes.

A shorter oil retention time puts increased pressure on the oil to cope with soft contaminants such as air and water, which are typically picked up during operation.

If the oil fails to shed these contaminants in the reservoir, they will pass through to the pump and circulate in the system.

The build up of such contaminants reduces the quality of the oil, which will ultimately cut productivity and cause equipment damage.

Engineering companies need to ensure that when buying newer models of the same machinery, they check the operating manual and oil requirements in order to understand the likely oil stress.

If the oil is not of sufficient quality, there may be serious effects on the hydraulic system, application and actual finished product.

In the case of water contamination, water needs to be shed from the oil quickly and drained from the system.

If excessive amounts of water enter the system and are not removed, then several problems can occur.

During shutdown time, weekends or annual holidays, water will sink to the bottom of the tank and can cause internal rusting in the reservoir.

In addition, on restart, the first shot of oil will carry a significant amount of water.

As we all know, water is a poor lubricator and excessive water in hydraulic fluids can cause pump damage, corrosion, bearing failure and possible filter blocking due to bacterial growth.

Air in hydraulic fluids is another serious issue and if entrained air is not given enough time to rise to the surface and clear, then the fluid will carry air bubbles around the system.

Air in hydraulic fluids can cause a number of problems including cavitation and 'dieseling' - this occurs when air bubbles collapse under pressure, causing the local temperature of the oil to rise rapidly.

This rapid acceleration in temperature causes the oil to carbonate, which results in the oil turning black and carbon deposits damaging pumps and blocking filters.

Other problems caused by air in hydraulic fluids include spongy controls, loss of power, foaming, poor temperature control, noise, poor lubrication and oxidation.

If cavitation leads to a pump replacement, then as well as changing the pump, you need to change the oil and clean the system of hard particulate contamination.

Our research shows that the lifetime of a pump will continue to decrease if only the pump and oil are changed following the failure.

With all this pressure on hydraulic oils to perform, an effective oil needs to excel in many different areas; anti-wear, air release, demulsibility, filterability, storage, thermal stability, anti-foam, hydrolytic stability and rust.

The DIN (Deutsches Institut fuer Normung, Germany's National Standards Organisation) standard on hydraulic oils sets out the requirements that hydraulic oils must meet.

Engineering companies should treat this standard as a benchmark but to get the most out of their hydraulic machinery they should look at using high performing hydraulic oils which far surpass this standard.

Companies should also refer to specific Original Equipment Manufacturers'(OEMs) lubrication guidelines and/or standards which will meet their individual hydraulic system and production specifications.

In addition, they should contact a reputable lubricants supplier to discuss what type of hydraulic oil will meet their machine requirements.

After all, hydraulic oil is the lifeblood of any system and you must make sure it can cope with the pressure.

Following the launch of the ZU electric pumps for the construction market, Enerpac has just released the new ZE series 700bar hydraulic pumps for industrial applications.

Following the launch of the ZU electric pumps for the construction market, Enerpac has just released the new ZE series 700bar hydraulic pumps for industrial applications. In the Z-Class range of electric pumps, Enerpac said that it has used the latest metallurgical, bearing and seal technologies. According to the company, by reducing the number of moving parts, improving flow dynamics and decreasing friction, Z-Class pumps will stay on the job longer, require less energy to operate and when needed, have lower service costs.

The design of the ZE electric pump has higher oil flow and by-pass pressure, runs cooler and requires 18 per cent less current draw than comparable pumps said Enerpac.

The totally enclosed, fan-cooled electric motor supplies extended life and stands up to harsh industrial environments.

The multiple valve and reservoir configurations provide application specific models to match the most demanding industrial applications.

The optional LCD readout provides a number of diagnostic and readout capabilities never before offered on an industrial pump.

The ZE pumps are available in four flow ranges and single and two-stage models, to provide the optimum cylinder and tool performance for almost any industrial application.

Available in four oil flow groups of 0.55, 0.82, 1.64 and 2.73 litres per minute at 700bar.

Motor sizes include 0.75, 1.12, 2.24 and 5.60 kW models.

A list of accessories is available, including heat exchanger, roll bars, pressure transducer and level and temperature switches to allow complete pump control over a range of industrial applications.

A customised mobile filtration system is a compact, self-contained hydraulic filtration system equipped with high efficiency, high capacity elements capable of removing particulate contamination.

Schroeder Industries, a recognised leader in filtration and fluid conditioning products, announces its customised Mobile filtration system (MFS - part number MFS127Z01B07G2102), a compact, self-contained hydraulic filtration system designed to maintain Waste Management's 18/15/13 target hydraulic cleanliness level specification. The MFS cart is equipped with high efficiency, high capacity elements capable of removing particulate contamination and water quickly, conveniently, and economically. The customised MFS is designed for instant hook up to Waste Management's newest fleet trucks, and was selected by waste management Fleet Maintenance as their preferred portable hydraulic filter cart.

The system is ideal for a wide variety of applications, including high intensity filtering during routine maintenance, cleaning a hydraulic system following component replacement, filtering new hydraulic fluid, and transferring hydraulic fluid from storage tanks and drums to system reservoirs.

A modular base eliminates the need for hoses between components and minimises leakage.

The base-ported filter can be serviced from the top cap for easy maintenance, and comes equipped with a D5 Dirt Alarm that indicates when the filter needs changing.

The triple bowl filter length provides for maximum dirt holding capacity.

This customized cart includes special hoses and quick disconnect fittings along with an oil drip pan for easy cleanup.

The included 7GPM pump helps make cleanup even faster.

The filtration system comes equipped with a 115V AC, single phase 3/4HP motor.

Off-line stationary systems are also available.

* About Schroeder Industries - Schroeder Industries designs, manufactures and markets filtration products for the fluid power industry.

Schroeder is a leader in filtration and fluid conditioning.

Their expertise in filtration technology, superior filter and element manufacturing capabilities, and dedication to customer service and product support are the reasons Schroeder is considered 'The Filter Company'.

* About Waste Management - Waste Management is the leading provider of comprehensive waste and environmental services in North America.

Waste Management offers a full range of environmental services to nearly 21 million residential, industrial, municipal, and commercial customers.

A small, compact line rupture valve protects against the effects of a tube or hose failure causing a sudden decrease in operating pressure in safety critical hydraulic circuits on access equipment.

Parker Hannifin, the world's largest manufacturer of motion and control technologies, has launched an innovative new Line Rupture Valve designed to protect against the effects of a tube or hose failure causing a sudden decrease in operating pressure. The new valve is small and compact, simple to install and ideal for use in safety critical hydraulic circuits on loading and lifting platforms and tables, fork lift trucks, self-propelled booms and other access equipment. The new Line Rupture Valve can be screwed directly into the hydraulic component in the system, such as a cylinder, pump or accumulator with no adapter necessary, and the other end makes the joint with a hose or tube assembly via a 24 degree Ermeto style connection.

In operation, the valve functions in a similar manner to a conventional non-return valve, normally being held in an open position by an internal spring.

If the hydraulic pressure suddenly falls, for example if a pressure line or tube ruptures, causing a large change in flow rate, then the valve will immediately close, shutting off the flow of hydraulic fluid and ensuring that the load is held safely in place; depending on the volumetric flow rate the valve can be closed with virtually no leakage.

The new line rupture valve can be pre-set to the required level by means of a simple adjustment set-screw and is sufficiently compact to enable it to be used in confined spaces.

In addition, a special version is available with a restricted bore to allow loads to be lowered in a controlled manner if a sudden pressure drop occurs.

The valve body is constructed from carbon steel, with a Chromium 6 free zinc electroplate corrosion protection, while the internal valve spring and disk are manufactured from stainless steel.

The new Line Rupture Valve can be used with all conventional hydraulic media at temperatures between -50 deg C and 120 deg C.

Two-port, two-way directional control, poppet type, solenoid operated directional control valves for 160 litres/min offer minimal internal leakage and relative insensitivity to fluid contamination.

Poppet type, solenoid operated directional control valves offer the designer good flow characteristics, minimal internal leakage and relative insensitivity to fluid contamination. Integrated Hydraulics has introduced new two-port, two-way directional control valves for 160 litres/min systems. Spool type valves rely on the close fit of the spool and sleeve to limit leakage across the spools lands when closed.

The poppet valve, however, uses a piston pressed against its seat by fluid pressure to prevent flow: with mating parts concentric and surface finish suitable, flow past the valve will be minimal, in this case less than 5 drops/min at 210 bar pressure differential.

This arrangement also offers excellent flow conditions when the valve is open, thereby reducing pressure losses.

Additionally, when the valve is open the flow washes over the poppet and seat removing any contamination that may be present, even the smallest particles of which can cause havoc in a hydraulic system.

These New valves from Integrated Hydraulics are suitable for flows to 160 litres/min and pressures to 210 bar in both Normally Open and Normally Closed versions and they will fit cavities common to a number of other manufacturers.

In these new valves the solenoid operates a small pilot piston in the main poppet, this controls the pressure of fluid behind the main poppet and the balance of pressure forces moves the piston to the desired position.

This arrangement reduces the power required by the solenoid permitting high flow, high pressure applications.

Integrated Hydraulics offers 12 and 24V DC and 110 and 220V AC solenoids with a number of industry standard connectors.

The coil stem is sealed to prevent corrosion and the coils are the same as those used on other S5 series valves reducing spares inventory.

These cartridge valves can be fitted in standard line bodies or used, with other valves required in a system, in Hydraulic Integrated Circuits or manifold blocks.

If the latter option is used, the designer can reduce the number of joints in the system, minimising the possibility of oil leaks, concentrate most or all of the valves into one self contained, pre-tested block both speeding assembly and reducing space requirement.

Suitable for working pressures of up to 250 bar hydraulic cylinders feature rugged components to give a long operating life in presses, automation systems and wood working equipment.

Hydraulic cylinders offer long working life Suitable for working pressures of up to 250 bar hydraulic cylinders feature rugged components to give a long operating life in presses, automation systems and wood working equipment. The hydraulic cylinder Division of Parker Hannifin, the world's leading manufacturer of motion and control solutions, has introduced its latest MW Series of roundline hydraulic cylinders. These cylinders are suitable for working pressures of up to 250 bar and feature rugged components to give a long and reliable operating life in industrial applications such as presses, automation systems and wood working equipment.

The latest MW roundline series is available in two versions: the MWA, for working pressures up to 250 bar, and the MWB for pressures of up to 160 bar.

Depending on the version, standard stroke lengths range up to 4000mm, in a choice of bore sizes between 32mm and 200mm, with piston rod diameters from 14mm to 200mm.

In each case, the MW Series cylinders feature threaded head end rod bearings which accommodate a high performance polyurethane lipseal and wiper seal, while MWA cylinders are fitted with an additional PTFE seal with energiser.

All models feature welded end caps.

Both MWA and MWB ranges are available with a choice of five mounting options including flange, trunnion and pivot styles.

Each piston rod is manufactured from precision ground, high tensile carbon steel, hard chrome plated to a minimum thickness of 20 microns and polished, to ensure a long service life.

One-piece steel pistons are fitted with a durable elastomeric sealing element, supported by twin wear/anti-extrusion rings.

This robust construction ensures that each cylinder provides a long and reliable operating life with minimal maintenance requirements.

The standard MW Series hydraulic cylinders are designed for use with all conventional hydraulic fluids including water-based and 'green' fluids, and are able to withstand temperatures from -30 deg C to +80 deg C.

They can be customised to meet specific customer requirements; for example, spherical bearings at the rod and cap ends can be specified if an application requires a degree of tolerance when misalignment occurs when traversing a curved track.

Other options include integrated valve and manifolds, custom paint finishes, position switches, air bleeds, custom thread forms and lengths, as well as linear transducers.

Modular air preparation units for use in automation, packaging and process applications, incorporate features that enable users to make significant reductions in the time and cost on installation.

Parker Hannifin, the world's leading manufacturer of motion and control products, has extended its series of innovative modular FRL air preparation units, with the introduction of the new Moduflex 40. Designed for use in automation, packaging and process applications, where small and compact FRL units are generally required, the new Moduflex 40 is available in 1/8in and 1/4in port sizes, and incorporates a range of features that enable OEMs and end users to make significant reductions in the time and cost required for installation and maintenance of pneumatics systems. In common with existing Moduflex FRL units, the new Moduflex 40 uses patented Parker Cliplok connectors, which allow each module simply to be slid into place and then locked securely in position using a robust and integrated clamp or over-strap.

This unique method of construction enables a complete FRL assembly to be constructed in less than half the time taken for competing devices; perhaps as importantly, each assembly can be built by an engineer or technician without the need for tools or special training.

In addition, the Cliplok technology eliminates the need for extra parts such as pipe connectors and allows individual modules to be removed or changed quickly and easily, so that system maintenance and downtime can be reduced to a minimum.

In particular, filter modules have a quick-release one-piece body that enables elements to be changed virtually instantly.

Simplifying the process of filter replacement also helps to ensure that downstream pneumatics systems are maintained at optimum efficiency, as simple changeover overcomes the problem commonly found with competing systems, where filter elements are rarely replaced as the process is complicated and time consuming.

Filter modules can be supplied with standard 5 micron elements, or with coalescing units to remove oil and water aerosols, or activated carbon elements to eliminate hydrocarbons.

All modules are manufactured in aluminium to provide an excellent combination of strength with low weight, and have been developed to ensure that the Moduflex system complies with ISO4414 and EN983, governing the safety requirements for the installation and use of pneumatics and fluid power systems.

The Moduflex range includes filters, regulators, lubricators and dump and ball valves, plus the option of manual, semi-automatic and fully automatic drains, manifold or wall mounts, side and rear entry connectors and lockable tamper-proof kits.

Moduflex FRL units are now available in 40mm and 60mm versions, with an 80mm version to be added later in the year, with body ported connections from 1/8in to 1in with BSPP, BSPT or NPT threads to cover all regional requirements.

Latest high performance filters for use in a wide range of hydraulic and oil lubrication systems help make significant cuts in the cost of waste disposal.

The Hydraulic Filter Division Europe part of Parker Hannifin, the world's leading motion and control company, has announced details of its latest E-Series range of high performance filters, which have been developed to help OEMs and end users make significant cuts in the cost of waste disposal. The latest E-Series filters are designed for use in a wide range of hydraulic and oil lubrication systems, in factory, process, mobile and off-shore applications, and will enable companies to enhance their environmental policies, as part of ISO14001, and meet ever more stringent legislation while improving both the performance and functionality of filtration equipment. waste disposal costs across industry have increased rapidly in recent years, with forecasts predicting further rises as government and local authorities seek to extend the lifetime of diminishing landfill resources and impose limitations on the volume and nature of industrial waste.

Contaminated and spent oil and lubrication filters traditionally have to be changed as complete units, including filter media and the element sleeve or support core, or as spin-on cans, which can account for a significant proportion of industrial waste by weight and volume.

To address this problem, the latest E-Series filters are designed so that only the filter media has to be replaced, with the element sleeve or central support core being reusable.

Perhaps as importantly, the disposable elements can be crushed, shredded and baled or incinerated using conventional techniques and without producing hazardous residues.

In addition, the elements use strong but lightweight materials of construction that help to reduce the overall weight of each element to under half of that of most competing products.

This again helps to reduce disposal costs in areas where these are calculated on weight; as an example, a company operating a fleet of around 500 reach stackers, used for materials handling, with a combination of low and high pressure filters that are replaced twice a year, could cut the weight of waste filters by up to 1700kg/year.

The E-Series range is suitable for high, medium and low pressure systems, from 10 to 420 bar and with flow rates of up to 2400l/min.

For high and medium pressure applications, E-Series products are supplied with Parker's innovative Ecoglass III elements, while for low pressure applications the company's patented Low Impact Environmental Filters (LEIF) are used.

In each case, the E-Series filters provide high levels of filtration efficiency, which can be as low as 10 microns, with a long operating life and a high dirt holding capacity to protect downstream equipment.

High performance hydraulics piston accumulators are designed for use in industrial and mobile applications where continuous high performance and minimal maintenance are wanted.

The hydraulic cylinder Division of Parker Hannifin has added two new models to its proven range of high performance piston accumulators. The latest versions in the A Series range are now available as 125 and 200mm diameter units and form part of a product family that is designed for use in both industrial and mobile applications, such as suspension systems and pressure maintenance circuits, where continuous high performance, minimal maintenance and a long operating life are critical. The new A Series accumulators offer standard volumes of up to 76 litres, with maximum flow rates of up to 5,700 litres/min and a maximum working pressure of 250 bar.

By comparison, the existing 50, 75, 100 and 150mm diameter models offer a maximum working pressure of either 250 or 350 bar.

The A Series accumulators incorporate a compact yet robust steel shell and end caps, designed to allow heat to dissipate efficiently, while the bore of the accumulators is micro-finished to ensure a long seal life.

In the event of maintenance, downtime is reduced by the use of threaded caps that allow quick and easy replacement of internal seals.

These piston accumulators feature an innovative lightweight piston design that ensures a rapid response in high cycling applications.

The aluminium pistons have a dished profile allowing extra gas capacity, while maintaining stability in the bore, and permitting a greater volume of fluid to be held.

To eliminate seal 'roll-over' even in high speed applications the A Series accumulators feature a wide piston seal assembly comprising a unique, five bladed, V profile O-ring with back-up washers.

The O-ring holds full pressure in the event of long idle periods between cycles, providing dependable, full pressure storage of hydraulic energy.

The A Series piston accumulators are supplied with a wide range of optional features such as seal compounds, metric and inch mounting styles, gas valves, safety fuses and high flow gas ports for use with remote gas storage bottles.

In addition, a wide range of pumps, valves, hoses and filtration products available from Parker mean that a complete hydraulics system can be designed and built using proven, fully compatible components.

An extended range of hydraulic check valves now include a complimentary SAE range to provide a comprehensive selection for hydraulic engineers.

Inline check valves have BSPP, NPT, SAE connections An extended range of hydraulic check valves now include a complimentary SAE range to provide a comprehensive selection for hydraulic engineers. Whilst increasing the size coverage of their BSPP and NPT check valve ranges, hydraulic system Products have also introduced a complimentary SAE range to provide a comprehensive selection for hydraulic engineers. The extended range now means that BSPP thread options are in eight sizes ranging from andfrac14;' to 2' with rated flows from 23 to 550 litre/min, NPT thread options are in nine sizes from 1/8in to 2in with rated flows from 9 to 550 litre/min and SAE 'O' ring type thread options are in seven sizes from 7/16in-20 to 1.7/8in-12 with rated flows from 23 to 345 litre/min.

Other than size differences, all the valves have the same common features and perform the same function.

They are used in fluid power systems to create a hydraulic lock in a cylinder or component.

A poppet valve unseats against a light spring to allow free flow in one direction then as the flow stops the poppet valve reseats to prevent return flow thereby locking the load.

The cracking pressure required to open the valve for free flow is governed by which spring is fitted.

There are four options: 0.35 bar, 1.00 bar, 2.00 bar and 4.5 bar.

Where a restricted return flow is needed, e g, to provide an automatic controlled decent of a load, an optional orifice is machined through the poppet valve.

The diameter of the orifice is dictated by the individual application.

The valves are' in-line' with the same female thread configuration at each end and have an all steel construction suitable for working pressures up to 350 bar.

Poppet valves are case hardened and the exterior of the hexagonal section body has a black oxide finish to resist corrosion.

Across the three ranges, the smallest unit is 54mm long x 16 mm across flats and the largest is 201 x 80 across flats.

Research shows that 70% of hydraulic equipment problems are due to the improper condition of hydraulic oils, while some of this is due to the performance of the oil in operation.

Careful hydraulic oil selection maximises performance Research shows that 70% of hydraulic equipment problems are due to the improper condition of hydraulic oils, while some of this is due to the performance of the oil in operation. For operators looking to maximise productivity and reduce downtime in hydraulic applications, the correct specification of a hydraulic oil is vital. Research from Shell lubricants companies, which have been producing hydraulic oils for over 50 years, shows that 70% of hydraulic equipment problems are due to the improper condition of hydraulic oils.

While some of this is due to the performance of the oil in operation, companies need to play their part by selecting the most appropriate hydraulic oil in the first place.

* Check the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) guidelines - the first thing operators should check is the OEM manual and specific lubrication guidelines and/or standards which are appropriate to their hydraulic system and production specifications.

A crucial and costly part of a hydraulic system is the pump and engineers need to check the maximum oil viscosity (thickness) at which it will start, and the minimum at which it will run, while taking into consideration seasonal influences.

If the thickness of the oil selected is too high then money is being wasted because extra energy is needed to pump the fluid around the system.

During the winter period, problems associated with the selection of too high viscosity oils are exacerbated.

In extreme cases, if the viscosity is significantly higher than specified, severe damage to the pump and system may occur due to 'lubricant starvation' - where the pump fails to deliver the fluid around the system.

Other risks include cavitation and possible filter damage, especially in open loop hydraulic systems common in mobile hydraulic equipment, which can all result in costly downtime.

In addition, equipment filled with a higher viscosity oil can take longer to reach operating temperature from start-up, possibly requiring the use of additional reservoir heating to thin the oil to the correct viscosity, potentially wasting vital production time.

If the oil viscosity is too low an insufficient lubrication film is formed between moving parts, resulting in accelerated wear.

This is most likely to occur in highly loaded contact areas and could result in catastrophic failure or a long term decline in system performance.

Increased wear can also result in larger clearances than originally designed, resulting in increased leakage and system noise during operation.

Said Eduardo Tavcar, Global Hydraulic Oils product manager for Shell Lubricants: 'Checking the OEM guidelines is a must in order to determine the correct viscosity of a hydraulic oil for use in a specific application.

However, operators looking to optimise performance should look further than just OEM requirements.

They should check all of the characteristics of a lubricant.

Leading lubricant manufacturers have developed hydraulic oils which surpass these guidelines in order to extend areas such as oil life.' * Check the weather - once the correct viscosity oil has been selected, a factor that many operators fail to consider is the actual surrounding temperatures in which a machine will operate.

Machines and applications that are regularly exposed to the outside environment (such as lifts and cranes, off-road hydraulic equipment and high-precision presses) are open to wide variations in operating temperatures depending on factors such as location, season and start-up versus operating temperature.

These can all have a significant effect on the viscosity of the hydraulic oil and its lubrication properties.

For mobile and stationary hydraulic applications regularly exposed to the outside environment, operators need to ensure that they select an oil which has a wide operating temperature range and can adapt to an increase or decrease in temperature to ensure minimal viscosity change.

A good way to estimate any change in temperature is to check local weather reports over the past 12 months, taking into account any summer/winter temperature highs and lows.

A lot of this information is freely available on the Internet.

Commented Tavcar: 'It's all a matter of careful selection.

Understanding the full range of temperatures to which a hydraulic oil will be exposed is key to selecting an oil to optimise performance.' Once the temperature range has been calculated, engineers can then look to match it against the most appropriate oil.

In choosing a variable temperature hydraulic oil, operators should ensure the fluid has a high shear stability (the polymers' resistance to stress, which can break the molecules and reduce the viscosity of an oil at operating temperature), as well as excellent hydrolytic stability, which reduces the impact of unavoidable water condensation in machinery after shutdown, helping to reduce wear and corrosion.

'The true test of a good variable temperature hydraulic oil is finding one which offers a wide temperature range as well as other key performance features such as excellent shear and hydrolytic stability', said Tavcar.

'Only by choosing a product that performs well in all areas will you be able to reduce downtime and maximise productivity.' * Safety and environment - safety and the environment are other key considerations when selecting the most appropriate hydraulic oil.

Companies need to consider whether the oil is doing the following.

Operating in an extreme high temperature environment?

If so, a fire resistant hydraulic fluid may be appropriate.

Operating in machinery which is involved in the processing, manufacturing and packaging of food?

If so, the use of a food grade lubricant may be required.

Used to operate critical equipment such as heavy load carrying machinery (excavators, cranes, lifts, etc).

If so, companies should look to use a premium multigrade (with a viscosity index great than or equal to 140) lubricant to ensure the precision and accuracy of operations.

Operating machinery in environmentally sensitive areas, including forestry and waterways?

If so, companies may need to use environmentally compliant lubricants, such as biodegradable oils.

* Maximising performance - operators face a challenging time as they are put under increased pressure to improve productivity and reduce downtime.

Before new technologies and concepts become part of the Corps' inventory or doctrine they are tested at bases, camps and stations around the Corps.

Proposed new gear is put through the paces in the field while our decision-makers watch the demonstrations to determine if there is a need for such items. The testing, done by Marines, is essential and the findings they make on capabilities and operability often cause refinements in original designs or entire redesigns.

The tweaks and redesigns recommended to the manufacturers and leadership come by way of hard-knuckled trials and errors discovered by the Marines of today who are paving the way for Marines of the future.

THE RECONNAISSANCE, SURVEILLANCE and Targeting Vehicle faced grueling conditions at Quantico's Transportation Demonstration Range Severe Off-Road Track Dec. 11, 2004.

The RST-V is a hybrid-electric four-wheel drive vehicle designed to carry up to four Marines on long-range reconnaissance, surveillance and targeting missions--doubling the range or the time on station allowed by current systems. It can operate using both conventional fuel and electric-only power--the latter making the RST-V capable of stealthy movement.

The Quantico demonstration proved to the Marine Corps' leadership "the potential benefits that these advanced technologies provide on the battlefield," said Jeffrey Bradel, Office of Naval Research Maneuver manager. The vehicle allows small unit tactical reconnaissance teams, fire support coordinators, and special reconnaissance forces a means to quickly review the battle space.

The RST-V pushes the technology envelope farther with a highly efficient hybrid-electric system for increased fuel economy, and beefed up suspension for cross-country speed and maneuverability. The vehicle also has multiple geographical location and communication sensors. It can be reconfigured to conduct various missions, including forward observation and air control, battlefield ambulance service, air defense, logistics, mortar weapons carrier, and a command post variant, complete with a 60-kilowatt generator.

The RST-V started with concept studies in 1997, followed by preliminary and detailed designs through 1999, said Bradel. During the last few years, four different vehicles were fabricated and subjected to performance testing and operational user evaluations. The vehicle underwent exhaustive testing, enduring more than 7,000 miles of field tests and numerous demonstrations at places like the Army's Yuma Proving Grounds in Yuma, Ariz.

The RST-V is designed to fit aboard CH-53 helicopters, MV-22 Ospreys and C-130 Hercules for transportation and delivery to the fight. Its inclusion to the arsenal adds to the Marine Corps' MAGTF Expeditionary--Family of Fighting Vehicles--the Corps' approach to support joint operations via expeditionary maneuver warfare through 2015 and beyond.

The program is a collaboration between the Office of Naval Research, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and General Dynamics Land Systems. The Marine Corps Warfighting Lab has also been involved in the testing.

Scan Eagle Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

By Sgt. Robert E. Jones Sr., CAMP FALLUJAH, Iraq

THE SCAN EAGLE UNMANNED aerial vehicle demonstrated its prowess for I Marine Expeditionary Force intelligence headquarters in Iraq.

Together with its mobile deployment unit, the Scan Eagle provides computers, communication links and ground equipment necessary to provide intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance support during operational missions. The low-cost, long-endurance, fully autonomous UAV was developed and built exclusively for the Marine Corps by Boeing and The Insitu Group.

The two companies were contracted by the Marine Corps in June 2004 to provide two Scan Eagle mobile deployment units for I MEF, according to Dave Sliwa, director of Flight Operations at The Insitu Group.

The 4-foot long UAV with a 10-foot wingspan is launched autonomously by a pneumatic wedge catapult launcher and flies preprogrammed or operator initiated missions. It can fly up to about 10,000 feet with surveillance capabilities and remain in flight for more than 15 hours, Sliwa said. The Scala Eagle can remain aloft for more than 15 hours with future variants being able to remain on station for up to 30 hours.

Series GC and GS pneumatic guided actuators arc said to be simple and reliable, and for linear motion applications such as pick-and-place, they provide high positioning accuracy, the company says. Actuators feature standard industrial bearings, shock absorbers (GS only), piston magnets and optional sensors; mechanical collars for easy stroke adjustment; and standard hole patterns for simple horizontal or vertical mounting.

The GS Series actuators arc said to provide rigidity and accuracy, and they are designed for pick-and-place applications. The Model GS comes standard with integrated shock absorbers and infinite stroke adjustment. Both models arc available in three sizes: 3/4" bore with 8" stroke, 1 1/16" bore with 12" stroke and 1 1/2" bore with 16" stroke. The precision-machined body and tool plates on the actuators have key slots and a universal mounting hole pattern that is said to provide easy, precise mounting to secondary actuators and equipment.