Hydraulic connectors with residual pressure
February 2024
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
Hydraulic connections are vital in both outdoor industrial machinery, for example in agriculture and earthmoving, and in indoor industrial machinery for presses and moulding. Examples include farm tractors attaching to various implements, or excavators using tools like hydraulic hammers or buckets. The goal is to enable quick, easy swaps to enhance machine flexibility and productivity.
In the past, connecting hydraulic lines involved manually unscrewing couplings on oil-filled hoses, leading to significant oil spillage and environmental pollution. With their occlusion valves, modern quick couplings have largely addressed this by retaining fluid post-disconnection on both the hose and machine side. However, challenges arise when machines or hoses heat up in the sun, causing oil expansion and creating high residual pressure in the lines, up to 100 bar. While certain machines have circuits to mitigate this, and hoses can act as accumulators, the residual pressure often makes connecting quick couplings difficult. Under pressure, the occlusion valves become like rigid hydraulic cylinders, which are hard to connect manually. For instance a common 1,3 cm hose coupling valve has a hydraulic pushing area of 1,5 cm2, translating to a theoretical hydraulic force of 150 kg at 100 bar pressure.
Operators use various methods to overcome this challenge. Some apply excessive force, risking damage to seals and valves. Others strike occlusion valves against hard surfaces to release oil and reduce pressure, leading to environmental pollution and equipment damage. Loosening pipe fittings to drain oil is another method, although it poses safety risks like high-speed oil spray.
The residual pressure problem incurs costs like wasted time, reduced lifespan of quick valves, machine downtime and potential damage to the brand image. Thanks to the 60 years of field experience of Stucchi Italy, Stucchi South Africa offers various technical solutions to these issues. Innovations include a double internal valve system in the APM series, and A-HD and FAP couplings for manual connection without fluid loss. The screw-to-connect system used in the VP, VEP and VEP-HD series allows easier connection against internal pressure. Stucchi’s latest technology also features a manual knob on the Saturn cast iron block, activating an internal valve to drain excess oil for safe, effortless connections.
For more information contact Stucchi South Africa, +27 11 458 1202, [email protected], www.stucchigroup.com
Further reading:
Compressed air solutions for efficient pneumatic conveying
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
Moving goods through pipes from one point to another using air - pneumatic conveying - is an extremely efficient method of transporting a great variety of products, provided that the right system is used, and that it’s done correctly.
Read more...
Easy to use energy management tool for compressed air
Comtest
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
For the efficient management of plant operations, the critical considerations include product quality, safety, downtime, and energy use. A production plant in Germany has set a greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal of 25% by 2030, and turned to the Plant Energy manager to help deliver that target.
Read more...
Compressed air drying and monitoring
Artic Driers International
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
Artic Driers manufacturers the Sahara low dewpoint, heatless pressure swing air dryers with SANS 347 pressure code. These desiccant-rich pressure dryers comfortably obtain pressure dewpoints of -40°C.
Read more...
How to clean compressed air effectively
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
ISO-Reliability Partners has taken another step in bringing to market highly effective solutions to combat contamination in all its forms. The locally designed and patented Air Wizard inline water trap is proudly manufactured in South Africa. It has been SABS tested for the separation of water, oily fluids, rust and solid particulates from pneumatic compressed air or gas lines.
Read more...
Noise protection for pneumatic knockers
Neu Matics SA
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
Noise in the workplace not only has serious health consequences, such as damage to the inner ear, headaches, dizziness, and even concentration and sleep disorders, but it also affects productivity. In order to keep operational noise levels as low as possible, singold gerätetechnik offers a range of solutions.
Read more...
Versatile cylinder monitoring
ifm - South Africa
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
This IO-Link cylinder sensor from ifm, with two configurable hardware outputs, will upgrade your machine in no time.
Read more...
Ten considerations for optimum use of vacuum technology
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
Vacuum technology plays a huge role in the packaging of foodstuffs and other products. Here are ten considerations to help you use vacuum technology as effectively and efficiently as possible, so that you can optimise processes and cut operating costs.
Read more...
Oil-free beer and wine processing
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
The food and beverage industry depends on superior quality, 100% oil-free compressed air to eliminate the presence of unwanted oil vapour throughout the production line.
Read more...
Choosing a pneumatic knocker
Neu Matics SA
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
Pneumatic knockers are a valuable tool in minimising buildup of materials and preventing disruptions in material flow in silos, rotary dryers, coolers, granulators and coating drums. This helps plant managers improve production efficiency and product quality.
Read more...
Easy couplings for extreme conditions
Bearing Man Group t/a BMG
Pneumatics & Hydraulics
BMG’s Timken Quick-Flex couplings, which require minimal maintenance, are able to withstand extreme applications, including hydraulics, pumps, gearboxes, compressors, vibrator screens, and fans.
Read more...
printer friendly version