The integration of digital technologies such as AI, virtual prototyping, and data analytics into the design process has revolutionised the way that fluid power components are produced. From pumps with the capability to adapt their flow rates according to real-time demand, to ‘maintenance free’ valves that utilise past performance data to pinpoint failure risks and minimise wear and tear, fluid power components are becoming cheaper, more reliable, and more powerful with each passing year.
How Modern Fluid Power Systems Are Used in Renewable Energy Projects
The renewable energy sector is growing at an exponential rate in the UK and internationally. Central to this growth is a range of modern fluid power systems, which are especially pivotal in hydroelectric and wind energy applications. In this article, we’ll explore the role of hydraulic and pneumatic applications in renewable energy and how your project can benefit.
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The Outlook For Fluid Power Safety Standards In The UK 2024: What You Need To Know
At some point in mid-October 2024, the UK is expected to go to the polls for the first general election in five years. And whether Keir Starmer or Rishi Sunak get the keys to Number 10 when the results are announced, one thing is widely expected: the next five years will not see any slowdown in new safety standards and sustainability regulations coming out of Westminster.
What Are The Most Important Safety Considerations In Hydraulic System Design?
When designing a fluid power application, engineers shoulder the immense responsibility of not only creating efficient machinery but also ensuring the safety of users and the general public. With hydraulic systems used in a vast array of applications, from aerospace technology to heavy machinery, neglecting safety can lead to catastrophic failures, injuring personnel and damaging valuable assets.
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Single Ferrule vs Double Ferrule Hydraulic Compression Fittings: Pros, Cons, and Applications
Compression fittings are the nuts and bolts, quite literally, of hydraulic engineering: essential components that connect tubes or hoses to various components, such as valves, pumps, and actuators, in a hydraulic assembly. Their compression action forms a tight seal, which prevents leaks and preserves the integrity of the hydraulic fluid transmission.
3 Innovative Technologies Reshaping Hydraulic Engineering in 2024
Hydraulic engineering is, first and foremost, a practical discipline, and although many fluid power systems and processes have been successfully used in industry for decades, if not centuries, the sector is no stranger to innovation.
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How To Prevent Hydraulic Cylinder Side Load And Misalignment Problems
Two of the most common causes of damage and premature failure in hydraulic cylinders are side load and misalignment. These issues can cause significant wear and tear to your cylinders over time, often necessitating early replacement or repair, and sometimes leading to critical system failure. In this article, we’ll look at the main causes of side load and misalignment issues in hydraulic cylinders, their effects on operation, and practical tips on how to prevent them in order to minimise wear and tear.
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Futureproofing Your Fluid Power Systems For Industry 4.0
Industry 4.0 is one of the most commonly used (and misused) catchphrases in the manufacturing and industrial sectors today. Originating as the name of a digitalisation initiative sponsored by the German government in 2011, industry 4.0 has subsequently spread internationally as a catchall phrase to describe the convergence of the physical and digital worlds by infusing digital automation and data management systems into manufacturing.
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How Hydraulic And Pneumatic Systems Are Driving UK Offshore Wind Farm Operations
Offshore wind-powered renewables are a burgeoning sector in the UK, with large coastal installations now contributing significantly to the national renewable energy stock. Central to the efficiency and functionality of these offshore installations are a range of advanced fluid power systems. These applications play a vital role in optimising the operations and maintenance of offshore wind farms, helping sustain their reliability in an exposed and frequently hazardous marine environment.
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4 Ways To Optimise Efficiency In Your Hydraulic System Design
Fluid dynamics is the beating heart of some of the world’s most powerful and important machinery, spanning sectors as diverse as agriculture to construction, to renewable power generation. The ability to engineer an efficient hydraulic system is not just an art form, but a critical step towards greater energy conservation and higher performance, helping ensure that every joule of energy is harnessed to its maximum potential.
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