Selecting the proper hose for a hydraulic assembly is critical to ensure that it meets the requirements for that specific application. One of the first steps in selecting the proper hose is to identify the type of reinforcement that is needed. The reinforcement is the strength of all hydraulic hoses; it determines the working pressure of the hose. Within the hydraulic hose industry, you will commonly see three types of reinforcement:

1. Braided: a braid of synthetic textile, wire or other material, applied by high speed vertical or horizontal braiders
2. Spiral: a spiral wrap that is made from natural fibers, synthetic materials or wire 
3. Helical: a helical coil monofilament reinforcement that keeps the hose from collapsing in on itself when used in suction line applications

Download our HoseFinder app to make it easier to select your next hydraulic hose. 

It is important to note that there are hoses that have a reinforcement that is a combination of fiber and wire, or multiple layers of wire braids or spiral layers but typically there are one or the other. Watch this video to see the differences. 

Hose reinforcement has a direct correlation to the working pressure rating of a hydraulic hose. Pressure capacity is the defining criteria for hydraulic hose and pressure dictates how it is constructed. The type of reinforcement as well as the number of layers; 1-wire hose, 2-wire, 4-wire, etc., generally indicates pressure capacity. As you increase the number of layers, the pressure rating increases.  

Hose reinforcement also impacts the flexibility of a hydraulic hose. Although hydraulic hoses are usually fairly stationary and don’t move around very much, hoses used on a piece of equipment that has a flexible joint, like a backhoe, must be flexible. Furthermore, the flexibility of hose enables components to be positioned in the most efficient or convenient places due to its ability to bend around corners, through tight spaces, or across long distances. Braided and spiral hoses definitely differ in terms of flexibility along with other differentiating factors.  
 

Braided construction has a crisscross wire arrangement. This ends up looking like a braid when it’s all done. Braided constructions allow for increased flexibility of the hydraulic hose. Several layers of wire braid can make the hose stronger while keeping the reinforcement material untangled and maintaining a constant pitch (i.e. the inclination and the thread count per unit length). "Medium-pressure hoses" typically feature one- and two-wire braided construction. These hoses are frequently found on construction equipment, heavy-duty trucks, and fleet vehicle applications. In general, braided hose is selected for its flexibility, however, this type of hose is also more susceptible to failure under high-impulse applications. 

The majority of "low-pressure braided hoses" have a textile reinforcement. In applications with typical operating pressures below 300 psi, the use of fiber braid allows for maximum flexibility. Hoses with textile reinforcement are commonly used to transmit petroleum-based fluids, diesel fuel, hot lubricating oil, air, ethylene glycol anti-freeze and water. 

Below is an image of one of Parker Hose Product’s braiding machines. 

At one time in the industry, two-wire braided hose was most commonly used in many applications. But the advent of larger, off-road specialty equipment drove the creation of spiral hose, which is very well suited for applications where extremely high impulse pressure is encountered.  

Spiral hose construction consists of either textile or wire reinforcement. Each ply is laid at a specified angle for maximum dimensional stability. Instead of crisscrossing, wires remain parallel as they wrap around the circumference of the hose. Even though spiral reinforcement results in a stronger hose; there is an increased minimum bend radius and less flexibility due to the stiffness of the wire reinforcement in most cases. Spiral wire construction was designed to handle the high impulse applications such as construction equipment, heavy-duty trucks and fleet vehicle applications. 

Below is an image of one of Parker Hose Product’s spiral hose machines.

 
Usually the more layers of wire, the stronger the hose, which means higher pressures can be achieved. Multi-layer spiral hoses, such as four- or six-wire construction, are used in a wide variety of applications from lawn tractors to earth movers. The demand for durable, high-performance spiral hydraulic hoses is continually growing, especially in applications where service life is critical.
 

Helical wire construction is used in addition to layers of fiber spiral or fiber braid hose reinforcements. Helical reinforced hoses are designed with maximum flexibility and vacuum handling in mind. The use of a helical reinforcement construction prevents collapse under vacuum. Helical wire reinforcement can be found in low pressure suction and return line hoses.
 

If you are in need of a hydraulic hose but don’t know which is best for your application, contact a local hose distributor. Provide them with all the details of your application in order for them to fully understand what you need. You can also download Parker’s HoseFinder to go through the STAMP process, which enables you to identify hoses based on your specific application. 

From one- and two-wire braided, and up to six-wire spiral hose construction, and with a variety of cover options to protect from abrasive situations, Parker’s hydraulic hoses cover the pressure and media requirements for most hydraulic applications. 

Article contributed by Kyri McDonough, marketing services manager at Hose Products Division, Parker Hannifin.

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Like many industrial markets, the heavy truck market utilizes brass fittings for a variety of applications. With composite fittings gaining traction in the arena, why do many truck OEMs continue to use brass fittings? 

Like many industrial markets, the heavy truck and transportation markets utilize brass fittings for a variety of applications. Brass fittings have the strength, corrosion resistance and machinability in a variety of shapes and sizes to provide cost-effective solutions; making them an ideal material for many truck applications. It is common to find brass fittings in the air brake systems, cab controls, fuel systems, engine, transmission, cooling and air tanks on a heavy-duty truck and they meet DOT and SAE requirements. Let’s take a deeper look into why brass is an ideal material for this market.

Brass is comprised of approximately 60 percent copper, 38 percent zinc, and 2 percent lead. Brass fittings are characterized by their strength and ability to handle high as well as reasonably cold temperatures. They have good conductivity, excellent corrosion resistance, and low magnetic permeability. Brass not only is easy to machine, but it has great plating, joining, polishing and finishing characteristics all packed into a relatively low cost material for manufacturing.

In manufacturing, there are two methods for creating a brass fitting, one from extruded bar stock and the other through forging. A fitting made from extruded bar stock is created from bar stock in round, hexagon or shaped bars. These bars began as a solid round billet that is heated to a pliable state and forced by approximately 80,000 pounds of pressure through a die resulting in a bar, shaped to the desired external dimensions. That bar is then cut into slugs and machined into fitting components. The process produces a dense, nonporous material.

A forged fitting is made from an extruded round bar that is cut to length and straightened. After straightening, the bars are cut into slugs, much like a fitting from extruded bar stock, but at this point, rather than machining, the slugs are reheated to a pliable state and pressed under approximately 25,000 pounds of pressure per square inch between an upper and lower die cavity into the desired fitting shape. After cooling, the flash, or excess, is trimmed away and the forging blank is ready for machining.

The forged fittings produce a uniformly dense material of exceptional strength from forming under extreme pressure. Since the grain flow follows the contour of the fitting shape, the fitting has high impact strength and resistance to mechanical shock and vibration. You can easily spot the difference between a forging and an extruded part by looking at it. A forging will have rounded edges characteristics of the forged shape from the die and an extruded part will have squared off corners that resemble the original bar stock they originated from. Brass fittings can have components from both manufacturing methods that are assembled together to create a finished part.

 "Brass compression style fittings, which have been used in the industry for decades, remain a low-cost fitting option for truck and trailer OEMs."  Tom Cook, product sales manager, Fluid System Connectors Division, Parker. 

Some applications, like diesel fuel applications, require additional corrosion resistance above and beyond the capabilities of brass alone. The great plating characteristics of brass, allow nickel-plating to original brass fittings to accommodate fuel systems.

Parker’s Fluid System Connectors Division offers the widest range of brass fittings for the transportation market. From extruded, forged, plated, and even composite materials, we make connections to bring increased efficiencies and higher productivity. Our vast offering of NTA, Transmission, Vibra-Lok, Prestomatic, PTC, Air Brake Hose Ends and PMH and Pipe fittings can fit the needs of the heavy truck market with superior quality.

For more information about our vast offering of transportation fittings, please visit our DOT Fittings Website or contact Parker Fluid System Connectors Division at (269) 694-9411.

Article contributed by Samantha Smith, marketing services manager, Fluid System Connectors Division

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The Truth About Pressure Ratings for Hydraulic Fittings and Adapters

Choosing the Right Connector, Tubing and Accessories for Your Application - Part 1

Extremely cold environments with conditions such as snow, ice, and high wind speeds are a challenge for all rubber hydraulic hoses. 

Frequently, hoses must withstand temperature ranges below -57 °C which influences the rubber compounds used on the inner tube and the hose cover. What does this mean for your equipment?

When the rubber is permanently cooled, the material characteristics and the bending behaviour will change even if the product has been developed for such temperature limits. Elastomers are used at the inner tube and the hose cover. When cooled to permanent low temperatures, hoses may no longer behave with their normal characteristics and become hard, stiff and inelastic. They can even decompose or work at reduced performance under continuous thermal loads. The material parameters change under the influence of heat and cold. If you cool down to lower temperatures, rubber becomes hard, tough and leathery.

Engineers describe this process with thermal changes that affect the molecular behaviour and the microstructure becomes crystalline. The result is that the rubber compounds become brittle, but in principle, they remain deformable. The heat builds up in heat or mechanical energy. At -40 ° C (depending on rubber compound and hardness) the so-called glass point is reached; the rubber is hard. Crystallization of the elastomer at low temperatures may cause cracking. However, this depends strongly on the type of load in the low-temperature range, more critical here are shock loads. We strongly recommend a regular visual inspection of the rubber for cracks, which can reduce its service life under unfavourable conditions and failure and leakage can occur when the temperature exceeds the rubber compounds acceptable range.

Hose manufacturers, such as Parker, are continuously putting their designs to the test.  With the latest in technology, our state-of-the-art materials development and performance test labs are capable of determining baseline engineering and design properties to ensure that hoses meet application requirements. The cold-flexibility test is one of those tests required to meet specific specifications such as ISO 10619-2. An advantage to Parker's manufacturing process is the use of in-house compounds. This advantage opens new opportunities for the ideal compounds mixture of hoses such as Parker's SX35LT and SX42LT, which are multispiral hoses with four or six spiral high tensile steel wires for high-pressure applications of 35,0 Mpa (5000 psi) and 42,0 Mpa (6000 psi) for extremely cold environments. These hoses are developed for extreme cold and demanding low-temperature applications.

Parker also offers braided hoses with a synthetic rubber inner tube and as well a No-Skive thin synthetic rubber cover construction for mobile applications in low-temperature environments such as forestry machines or refrigerated warehouses (461LT) or a 3-wire braid low-temperature compact hose with 4SP working pressures (371LT). These two hose types are not only cold resistance up to -50 °C but also characterized for an excellent ozone resistance. General typical applications are heavy construction equipment, side booms, mining and/or mobile equipment, arctic oil fields, materials handling in low-temperature conditions, snow grooming equipment and any cold storage applications.

If your equipment relies on hydraulic systems, you know, it is not “IF” but “WHEN” a hydraulic hose fails, the race against downtime begins. The longer your equipment is down, the greater the loss and cost. Hydraulic system failures cause 35 to 65 percent of all mobile equipment downtimes – a great part due to relatively simple and cheap hydraulic hoses.

Ask yourself the following questions:

1. Do you lose money when your equipment is down?
2. Do you have to travel a far distance to reach the nearest hose workshop?
3. Do you have to wait a considerable time for a replacement hose assembly?
4. Do you have to replace hose assemblies often?
5. Do you have to replace hoses at night or even on weekends?

If YES is the answer to your questions, then the Parker Parkrimp No-Skive Self-Assembly system might be a problem solver for you.

Learn more about how to make your own assemblies using Parkrimp® No-Skive hose crimpers. 

International companies with substantial expertise, such as Parker, have a global presence for the leading companies of the mobile market and can offer the right hose for each mobile application and on top, you can choose the way of product supply which best answers your individual manufacturing philosophy.  The delivery options include complete hose assemblies, hose/tube assemblies, single hose and fittings and hose crimpers and tooling for the Parkimp No-Skive self- assembling. 

Learn more about Hose Products.

This blog was contributed to by Conny Stöhr, marketing services manager, Hose Products Division Europe.

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Watch the video to learn the proper process for assembly and installation of non-adjustable parallel thread port ends, or follow the steps outlined below. 

Step 1: Inspect the threads.
Start by inspecting the thread and sealing surfaces. They must be free of burrs, nicks, scratches, and any foreign material. You will not be able to achieve a proper seal if any of these are present. Also, if your fitting has a male port end that requires an o-ring, seal, washer, or retaining ring with o-ring make sure that there is one properly installed before moving to the next step. 

Step 2: Lubricate the o-ring (if it applies). 
For male port ends with o-rings, you will need to lubricate the o-ring using a light coat of system fluid or a compatible lubricant. This will allow the o-ring to smoothly transition into the port. 

Step 3: Finger tight. 
Screw the connector into the port until finger tight. 

Step 4: Tighten to proper torque.
Use the torque values shown in the Assembly and Installation section of the Parker Catalog 4300. 

Step 5: For port ends with o-rings or seals present, Inspect the assembly.
Make sure to check the finished assembly to assure that the o-ring is not visible and that the fitting is fully seated on the flat surface of the port.

By following these steps your non-adjustable parallel thread port end connections should be leak-free. To help you ensure that all of your hydraulic fitting connections are installed leak-free, Parker Tube Fittings Division has created a series of tube and port end assembly and installation videos for the most common hydraulic fitting connections, which will be shared on TFDtechConnect.com over the next couple of months. You can also find detailed assembly and installation information for port end threads and tube fittings in the Assembly/Installation section of our Catalog 4300. 

Did you find this post helpful? Subscribe to TFD techConnect posts by email. TFD techConnect is a technically-focused monthly blog written by engineers for engineers specifically around motion and control engineering challenges.

Contributed by Burleigh Bailey, senior product engineer at Parker Tube Fittings Division

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In a European context favouring a unique rail system, the design and use of trains are becoming increasingly complex. They must comply with a wide range of specifications and regulations while proposing standardisation of the systems. This is known as interoperability.

Interoperability of the rail systems operating in Europe, supported by directive 2016/797, means that the same rolling stock can be used outside the borders of a particular country, with weather constraints caused by extreme temperature variations. 

Temperatures down to -40 °C/-50 °C are a reality for the equipment, no matter where it was manufactured. This temperature constraint has an impact on the technology employed for the low-pressure circuits and gives the designer/ operator a new use challenge.

The fluid transfer connection technology is no exception. Very low temperatures must not be allowed to affect the basic connectors principles. These basic principles revolve around the ease of installation, the leaktightness and pressure performance, the fast maintenance of the circuit and the mechanical strength. 

Cold is known to cause structural damage which may threaten a person's safety but also affect the operation of the machines:

• Increased rigidity of polymer materials can lead to equipment breakage
• Faster corrosion of metallic materials can cause equipment malfunction
• Use of products or methods which damage equipment

Designers and operators therefore need to review the criteria they use to validate low-pressure circuits to overcome the cold constraint.

The low-pressure components of rolling stock can be classified into two categories, depending on whether they are used inside or outside with temperature variations between -25 °C and -40 °C/-50 °C.

These temperatures place the low-pressure circuits under considerable stress and may lead to loss of performance or premature wear of some train components.

Cold temperatures may limit the performance and operation of the onboard low-pressure systems, causing the trains to slow down or even stop, in order to guarantee the safety of the passengers. 

It may therefore affect the service rate of rolling stock and the profitability of installations. Rail operators therefore need to employ specific methods such as:

• De-icing tunnels
• Plugging leaks
• Preheating circuits

When considered right from the beginning design stage, these practices, necessary due to the cold conditions, ensure that the connector is fully compatible. The circuits assembled in this way will guarantee optimum service rate and increased profitability of the installations. More specifically, tests must be conducted to validate the behaviour of a low-pressure connector exposed to cold. For example, standard NF F11806 describes the requirements and mechanical tests applicable to shut-off valves down to -40 °C.

Cold may also aggravate corrosion phenomena. In this case, we speak of structural damage to the materials possibly leading to breakage of the low-pressure circuit. Premature wear is due to:

• Build-up of frost forming a continuous contact between water and the parts
• Use of anti-freeze products which increase chemical attack of the materials

Standard ISO 9227 describes the tests and corrosion resistance levels of metallic components, helping designers to make appropriate choices. The corrosion resistance requirement may be very high, possibly demanding exclusive use of stainless steel.

To conclude, it is a truism that rolling stock manufacturers want to ensure that systems can operate at 100 percent service rate to guarantee customer satisfaction.  Cold changes the technological deal, and the design and use of the connector systems must be adapted accordingly. Choosing the right connector is an increasingly critical challenge.

Article contributed by Laurent Orcibal, ebusiness manager,  Lower Pressure Connector  Europe, Parker Hannifin Corporation.

This article is Part 1 of a two-part series.

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Choosing the Right Connector, Tubing and Accessories for Your Application - Part 1

Do you Know How Extreme Cold Affects Your Hydraulic Hose Properties?

Hydraulic fitting materials need to have the strength and corrosion resistance necessary to safely withstand the challenges of hydraulic systems in harsh environments. Hose fittings aren't typically replaced at the first sign of corrosion; however, the cost of ownership begins to increase at this point because adjacent components begin to corrode at an accelerated rate. Corrosion can migrate to hydraulic hoses and to other costly hydraulic components. Therefore, fittings must also be able to resist rust and corrosion from materials both inside and outside the system.

• New specification requirements
• New combinations of materials
• Environmental changes

• Steel
  Steel is the most basic type of metal hydraulic fitting. It is a strong, durable metal with a high heat resistance. However, while steel is characterized as strong and durable, it has little resistance to corrosion. Therefore, steel is typically alloyed with other metals to improve its corrosion resistance. 
   
• Carbon Steel
  Carbon steel, an alloy of iron and carbon, is typically alloyed with other metals to provide absolute maximum strength and durability. This type of metal hose fitting is ideal for extreme temperature applications or where there is the possibility of external force being exerted against the fitting. Because of the high strength and pressure ratings, as well as the relatively low cost of carbon steel, these fittings are used widely in industrial, construction and agricultural hydraulic equipment.
   
• Brass
  Brass is a strong, durable and corrosion resistant alloy of copper and zinc with a vast temperature range of –325° to 400° F (–198° to 204° C). Brass fittings are typically used for smaller compression and threaded fittings due to their machinability. While brass can accommodate pressures to 3000 psi depending on design and size, most applications are rated for low temperatures and pressures. 
   
• Aluminum
  Aluminum is alloyed with zinc, copper, silicon, manganese and other metals to improve strength and hardness. Aluminum is typically characterized by low tensile strength and is used for its properties of corrosion resistance and low density in low pressure applications, however, the performance of the fittings depends on the grade and heat treatment. Aluminum fittings are common where light weight is imperative, such as aerospace, military and automotive hydraulic systems. Corrosion resistance is improved by an anodized external finish, which makes the surface harder for wear and abrasion resistance. Aluminum fittings have good media compatibility and are frequently used with plastic and aluminum tubing.

The hydraulic application directly influences fitting material selection and whether a protective plating or coating is required. hoosing the wrong type of material may cause failure of apparatus and production shutdown after just a few months, even though the designed product life is many years. For applications in corrosive environments, Parker’s stainless steel hose fittings withstand the corrosive elements better than any other metal typically used for hydraulic hose systems.

Article contributed by Kyri McDonough, marketing services manager at Hose Products Division, Parker Hannifin.

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The reliability of every component is significant for the design engineer of modern railway vehicles if they are to function smoothly in the long term.

The EO-2 fitting has been extremely reliable for application use in the rail industry. The soft-sealing fitting does not need to be re-tightened even after years of continual usage, and the seal is designed for long term cost savings.

Furthermore, it is always an advantage for the assembler when components are simple, safe and quick to install - easily carried out with commercial tools. But there are other benefits.

The main advantage lies in the design detail. The EO-2 was developed on the foundation of the Ermeto Cutting Ring System - a well-known concept. It features a special characteristic - a large-volume elastomeric seal. Invisible from the outside, the seal assures sustained function and leak-tightness even in extreme application conditions.

The profile of the EO-2 elastomeric seal shows a particularly large cross-section which seals safely even in unfavourable tolerance ranges of tubing and fittings. So the sealing effect is supported by the system pressure. This means that EO-2 fittings are well suited for high-pressure applications. Due to the high preload of the seal, the EO-2 design has formidable gas leak-tightness. This prevents the penetration of air in vacuum conditions.

In comparison with other fitting types, the EO-2 Series has an advantage because of optimal installation room without gaps and dead volume. For the user typical sealing damage such as spiral extrusion or wear caused by “pumping” are prevented.

An ever-recurring problem is under- and over-assembly. EO-2 eliminates this because before assembly of the fitting, a gap is located between the end faces of the sealing and retaining ring. This gap closes as soon as the retaining ring has reached its final cut depth into the tube. Assembly completion by this dead-stop is very clearly indicated. An equally good assembly outcome is achieved with manual assembly too. So completed assembly can be checked by an operator's quick visual inspection.

As soon as the gap between both rings is closed, the EO-2 connection is ready for assembly-inspection and installation. If the functional nut is then tightened to spanner tightness, it is sufficient to tighten the connection with 1/4 to 1/6 of a turn. This clearly noticeable stop point increases the user’s feeling of safety and prevents effectively dangerous under-assembly. And always remember this: “after fixed comes off”. This will certainly be avoided with EO-2.

EO-2 Fittings meet DIN 2353 and ISO 8434. They are available for tube sizes from 6 -42 mm O.D. – which covers most situations. For warm temperatures, it can be used with no problems up to +200 °C. Conversly, arctic temperatures pose no problems. EO-2 fittings are available in steel and stainless steel depending on your application.

All EO-2 fittings are certified in accordance with EN45545-2 and EN61363 and also have the IRIS certification. For the designer, this means a universally deployable fitting which meets the current certification standards. This significantly simplifies designs. 

A big application range means wider design possibilities. EO-2 covers hydraulic and pneumatic applications. For the user, there are clearly reduced costs and assembly work. In addition, this fittings series is also well suited to restricted access situations.

EO-2 are well-greased and easily assembled. The threads of the standard smooth-coated retaining nuts are additionally treated with EO-LUB from sizes 25S/28L. The torques of EO-2 fittings are thereby reduced by about 25 percent and make their contribution to preventing dangerous under-assemblies.               

In the EO-2 functional nut the sealing and retaining rings are assembled so that these three parts cannot be lost and form one design element. Because of this, individual parts such as seals and cutting rings cannot be forgotten, mixed up or fitted the wrong way round. All these kinds of mistakes that might be made must be avoided at all costs because they affect the safety of both passengers and railway personnel.

Individual parts do not have to be laboriously collected together during assembly. The user can shorten assembly times, reduce warehousing costs and into the bargain increase the security of his/her systems free of charge.  

Viewed on the whole, the EO-2 Series, represents an attractive, safe and reliable alternative to comparable fittings systems.  EO-2 is available world-wide and in the case of replacement, makes the procurement of the required components easier. EO-2 also meets the “Buy America Act.” Click here to earn more about on EO-2 Fittings or visit us in person at Innotrans 2018 at Hall 10, Stand 206 in Berlin from 17th to 21st September, 2018.

Article contributed to by Georg Kälble, manager marketing-service, High Pressure Connectors Europe, Parker Hannifin.

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Cold weather may force designers to reconsider the usual technical choices regarding rolling stock systems.

Combining ergonomics of use, a cost-effective approach and technical performance are the challenges associated with a low-pressure circuit intended for use at cold temperatures.

This blog describes the specific features of the various connector technologies in a low-pressure circuit and provides a professional opinion regarding the choice of the onboard connection.

Fluid transfer low-pressure circuits on rolling stock consist of four main functions:

• The connector used to configure the circuit and connect tubes
• The tube to carry the fluid
• The function fitting used to optimise fluid flow
• The shut-off valve to regulate the circuit supply

When choosing connectors, manufacturers and operators must consider in particular two main selection criteria which are the technology and the materials

The connector is chosen according to use criteria related to the disconnection frequency, speed of assembly, tube quality implemented and design habits. The four main connector types are as follows:

Push-in fittings: Available in three gripping versions (by washer, by gripping and by reversed gripping), to quickly create flexible and modular systems. The gripper technology is recommended for low-temperature applications down to -25 °C, while the washer technology can be used to temperatures as low as -50 °C.

Quick couplings: Available in three valve versions and with various standardised end-fittings, they are suitable for frequent connections-disconnections. This technology provides very good resistance down to -40 °C.

Spigot fittings: Easy to implement, they guarantee direct leaktightness on flexible tube with no seal and no anchor ring. Their resistance to cold, as low as -40 °C, depends on the tube quality.

Compression and bite type fittings: Available in two versions with separate ring or built-in ring, they adapt to all types of tube (metal or plastic). They offer exceptional resistance to cold, down to -60 °C.

These last two connection types are more complex to implement.

Fitting and tube form a pair which, when correctly associated, guarantee optimum operation of the low-pressure circuit over time.

Key factors when designing the low-pressure circuit, the materials play a role in the performance of the system and its resistance to cold through their composition and structure.

The tube material participates in the chemical and mechanical compatibility of the circuit. Being used throughout the circuit, it has a considerable impact on the resistance to cold. A flame-retardant version is available which can withstand temperatures down to -50 °C.

The materials of the fittings and other connection systems guarantee leak tightness, efficiency over time, the ergonomics of the circuit and operating safety. They are available in two versions: metal and polymer.

• Metallic materials are preferably implemented outside and can be used down to -60 °C depending on the type of fitting. Brass with nickel chemical protection represents an excellent technico-economic compromise. Stainless steel meets all chemical and mechanical constraints.
• Polymer materials are generally used inside with temperatures down to -25 °C. They offer space savings due to their compactness. Lighter, they can be easily integrated in the interior structures and represent an optimum approach in terms of technology and cost effectiveness.

Other criteria must be taken into account when choosing the connector, for example pressure/temperature performance, compliance with standards and regulations. Taking into account all these criteria will guarantee that the connector is perfectly compatible with the operating conditions. 

To conclude, the range of Parker LPCE low-pressure connector systems focuses on the safety of persons and goods, having provided solutions for all relevant applications in various types of train and rail vehicles for many years. Two quick-reference brochures detail everything you need to know about a selection of connectors and associated products.

For more information, please complete our form to make an appointment with one of our experts at webcontact@parker.com.

InnoTrans is the leading international trade fair for transport technology and takes places every two years in Berlin, Germany. Sub-divided into the five trade fair segments Railway Technology, Railway Infrastructure, Public Transport, Interiors and Tunnel Construction, InnoTrans occupies all 41 halls available at Berlin Exhibition Grounds. The InnoTrans Convention, the event’s top-level supporting programme, complements the trade fair.

A unique feature of InnoTrans is its outdoor and track display area, where everything from tank wagons to high-speed trains is displayed on 3,500 metres of track.
Visit Parker at Booth 206, Hall 10 to learn about our innovations to keep you on track. If you would like a free ticket to the exhibition hall, please signup on this page. 

Article contributed by Laurent Orcibal, ebusiness manager,  Lower Pressure Connector  Europe, Parker Hannifin Corporation.

This article is part 2 of a two-part series. Read the first part at Learn How Cold Weather Affects Connector Design for Rail Applications 

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Choosing the Right Connector, Tubing and Accessories for Your Application - Part 1

Point-of-care testing (POCT) is a rapidly expanding segment of the healthcare industry, especially for at-home care and disease management. This expansion is driven by an increasingly diverse array of advanced medical diagnostic equipment that can be used at or near the point of care, which leads to easier testing and faster clinical decisions. POCT equipment measures a wide range of health indicators, including blood glucose, electrolyte concentrations, cardiovascular markers, cholesterol, drug levels, urine chemistry, infectious diseases, organ function, and immune response.

Another reason POCT is growing in demand is that these instruments are becoming more advanced in terms of functionality, yet at the same time also smaller and more compact—making them easier to use (which improves at-home compliance). POCT equipment runs the same tests that the larger in-vitro diagnostic (IVD) systems do, but is designed as a handheld or bench unit, requiring much smaller volumes of fluid samples and reagents, while also delivering rapid testing and precise analysis.

Download this application note to learn how to streamline point of care instrument development.

POCT manufacturers must balance a number of scientific disciplines to create a POCT device, including mechanical, chemical, and software engineering. The first step in developing a device is understanding the chemistry of the test (for example, molecular diagnostics, immunochemistry, or other assay).

Scaling down both the fluidics and the chemistry for a device is not as simple as just making things smaller. Chemical reactions often behave differently as the volume is decreased. In many cases this has a positive effect on performance—for example, reactions often proceed more rapidly in small volumes, with less reagent consumption. 

To make devices easier and faster to use, POCT engineers design into the instrument many of the steps that are normally performed by separate instruments in the lab. These include sample preparation, cell lysis, nucleic acid purification, amplification, and detection—all in a single cartridge. This saves time, reduces sample handling, and minimizes the potential for contamination or error.

POCT flow diagram

Once the chemistry is scaled down, the next challenge is designing a compact, reliable, and cost-effective cartridge to contain the reagents and reactions. Such a small cartridge also requires miniaturized, high-performance components such as pumps and valves, which must be durable, precise in design, and chemically inert. Parker’s best-in-class 8mm X valve and 7mm C7 cartridge valves are examples of miniaturized components that provide the same performance as larger valves but within a very small footprint. This allows POCT OEMs to pack these fluidic components into smaller and smaller devices.

The final POCT design challenge deals with automating the precise movement of samples and reagents within in the cartridge to ensure tests are reliably and accurately performed. This requires a deep understanding of fluid mechanics and how pumps, valves, and manifolds can affect the movement of liquids in the cartridge. High-precision flow control is required for the samples and reagents as they make their way through the different reaction chambers within the POCT cartridge. Parker offers a variety of miniature solenoid valves to control delivery of reagents using either on-off, diverter or proportional control of flow methods. Both pneumatic pumps and valves or liquid pumps and valves can be used to move fluids through the different reactions. Electronic pressure controllers are also available to provide precise pressure control.  

Parker Precision Fluidics understands the needs of POCT design engineers. We can help design the perfect fluidics systems for your devices, allowing you to focus on what you do best—the chemistry. Because we manufacture both pumps and valves, our engineers are highly experienced in the flow mechanics required for POCT and can provide reliable, complete, and cost-effective solutions. Solutions can be customized to your needs, including complete fluidic subsystems or components that are preassembled and tested for easy assembly into your products.

To learn more about POCT instrument development and the benefits of using pneumatic fluid controls, download our application note.

For more information on Parker Precision Fluidics' products and solutions, please visit our website or call 603-595-1500 to speak with an engineer.

This post was contributed by Don McNeil, market development manager, Parker Precision Fluidics.

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No matter what type of port, tube or hose ends your fittings have, it's important to know and use the proper assembly and installation steps. Today we are talking about O-ring Face Seal (ORFS) fittings. The face of the ORFS tube end has a soft seal in the captive o-ring groove (CORG). When the fitting is assembled properly this seal is compressed in the CORG, which is a precision machined groove in the fitting body face, to form a leak tight seal. This makes proper assembly key to ensuring leak-free O-ring face seal connections in your system.
 

Compressed air is one of the most critical and expensive utilities in any manufacturing facility. That said, maintenance and monitoring of this crucial system are largely ignored. When it is given attention, the focus is usually in the compressor room. The piping distribution system — where most problems exist — is often ignored. This is a costly mistake. Incorrectly sized piping, leaks, rust, or other undetected issues in the piping distribution system are often the real issue – and quite simple to fix. 

To fully manage your compressed air system and pinpoint areas of inefficiency, pressure, humidity, flow, temperature, and power should be measured and monitored. 

To identify where to measure the above data points in your facility, a site survey must be done. A site survey is a walkthrough of the facility with a trained professional. The trained professional will ask you questions about the facility and what pain points you have. Using the answers from questions and their observations, the trained professional will provide the recommended mix of sensors and placement locations. If going with a wireless monitoring solution, the site survey will also identify any communication dead zones or obstructions to avoid when installing the sensors.

Be confident and informed about your compressed air system. Schedule a condition monitoring site survey and reduce your energy costs and increase your productivity and uptime.

Every 2 psi of air pressure generated equals 1% of a compressed air system’s total energy cost. Having an inefficient compressed air system could be costing your tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars in wasted energy. These inefficiencies result from several causes including: 

• Inadequately sized piping
• Internal corrosion of the distribution piping
• Wrong sized compressor
• Lack of compressed air storage

Any of these issues can cause your compressor to work overtime, ultimately shortening its life expectancy. 

To identify and address these issues, take pressure readings throughout the compressed air system at key locations in the compressor room, at point of use and throughout the piping distribution system. Your key locations will be identified through the site survey. This will provide a total system pressure profile. Without this holistic approach, you may know that a machine is being starved for air, but will not know where pressure starts to drop — critical information for troubleshooting. Your compressor may be completely adequate for your application, but if you have undersized or corroded piping, adding more compressor capacity isn’t going to help. 

You can take these measurements manually with a pressure gauge, but that gives you only a snapshot of the data at a particular point in time. For ongoing information about your system, you can install sensors throughout the system. Wireless sensors reporting to the cloud make this task simple and cost-effective.

Monitoring humidity in your compressed air system provides early detection of system complications. Excess moisture corrodes pipes and damages internal components of machinery, increasing maintenance costs and causing production downtime. In precise manufacturing such as painting applications, excess moisture causes quality control problems in the form of product damage and paint not adhering. Moisture breeds harmful bacteria that contaminate finished goods. 

The use of humidity sensors can prevent these issues. By monitoring the humidity in the compressor room lines and point of use, you can confirm your system is operating at peak efficiency. A site survey will identify if additional humidity sensors are needed in your facility. High levels of humidity in your system can indicate either a problem with the dryer, condensate removal system or simply the location of the compressor and dryer.  

A common cause of inefficient air systems is clogged piping. Over time, the interior or older steel piping corrodes, restricting the flow of air. Undersized piping also causes inefficiencies in the compressed air system. In most cases, the piping was correct for the original demand, but as the facility grows and demands more air, the piping system becomes too small to deliver the correct air pressure to the point of use. 

Leaks also cause compressed air system inefficiencies. Leaks are mainly seen in older pipes, but newer installations can still leak as well. Eventually, threaded connections start to separate, creating a path for air to escape from the distribution network. Installation mistakes will lead to leaks, as well as the potential for serious injuries. When attaching connectors, make sure to assemble the system to the manufacturer’s specifications to avoid leaks and potential injury. 

Using the results of your site survey, placing flow sensors at the correct locations in your compressed air system identifies potential leaks, unnecessary or inappropriate uses of compressed air, and the demand of the entire facility and each individual department. The best way to check for system leaks is to monitor the artificial demand of air during idle (no production) times. The higher the artificial demand, the more leaks exist in the system. Analyzing the data also determines the health of the piping. The interior of pipes will corrode and create blockages without ever showing signs on the outside. An area with poor flow readings means the pipe has begun to corrode.

Monitoring the temperature determines the health of your compressor room equipment. To monitor the health, temperature sensors should be placed right after the key components (e.g. compressor, dryer, and storage tanks). Comparing the temperature readings to the optimal performance bands provides a quick check on the performance of the equipment. If the temperature is on the high side, the equipment is working too hard and could fail earlier than expected. If the temperature is on the low side, the equipment is underperforming.

Installing a power or current sensor on your compressor provides data on power consumption Using the data from the power and the flow sensors, you can determine the health of your compressor. When combined, these two data points allow you to calculate the cost per unit ($/cf) of compressed air. Analyzing the cost per unit determines if your compressor has performance problems such as short-cycling, faulty controls, or unregulated spikes. This also determines if your compressor is oversized for your application. 

Compressed air is a costly, but vital utility in your facility. Monitoring your compressed air system’s performance identifies problem areas. By knowing these problems, you can make educated system improvements. Monitoring your system after making improvements ensures your investment is protected from reverting back to an underperforming system. 

For assistance with a site survey, turn to Parker Transair. Our team of trained professionals will visit your facility and help you develop the monitoring solution that fits your needs.

For a ready to implement monitoring solution, turn to Parker’s Transair Condition Monitoring. Our sensors and cloud-based software collects the data and alerts you to sudden shifts in performance. For an out of the box solution, we offer the Transair Condition Monitoring Starter Kit. The Starter Kit provides the basics for monitoring your compressed air system. The kit includes 5 pressure sensors, 1 humidity sensor, 1 signal repeater, and 1 cellular collection server. 

For more information on Transair Condition Monitoring, please visit our website.

Best Practices EXPO & Conference will gather manufacturing personnel, engineering firms, system auditors and sales engineers, and utility incentive program representatives to share BEST PRACTICES in how to optimize compressed air, blower, vacuum, chiller and cooling systems. Leading Energy Managers and Industry Experts will share their system knowledge in a Full 3-Day Conference. Attendees will then view compressed air, blower, vacuum and cooling system technologies on the Expo Floor. Stop by Booth 407, Crowne Plaza Chicago O'Hare Hotel & Conference Center Chicago, IL.

Parker will be displaying our products and systems using OFAS Air Treatment, Nitrogen Generator, Thermal Mass Dryer, OIL-X filters, Transair Aluminum Piping, and Transair Condition Monitoring Sensors. Learn more on our event page.

Guest Speaker, Randy Peccia, Product Manager, Fluid System Connectors Division will be presenting the "Fundamentals of Compressed Air Filtration & Drying Technology" on Tuesday, September 18th at 9:45 am as part of conference track 2.

This post was contributed by Keith Harger, applications engineer, Parker Fluid System Connectors Division.

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Properly assembling your fitting connections help to ensure that your systems install and stay leak-free. This is why we have started a series of assembly posts/videos featuring the proper assembly of most popular tube and port ends. Today we are talking about proper assembly steps of adjustable style parallel thread port ends, which include SAE straight threads (SAE J1926 / ISO 11926), ISO 6149, JIS B2351, BSPP flat face (ISO 1179), and DIN metric flat face (ISO 9974). Unlike tapered threads, parallel thread ports do not initiate sealing by the threads. The seal is obtained by other means, typically an elastomeric seal. When assembled properly, parallel thread ports provide the best leak-free port connection. Therefore, proper fitting assembly and installation is key to ensuring leak-free parallel thread port connections in your system.

Watch the video to learn the proper process for assembly and installation of adjustable style parallel thread port ends, or follow the steps outlined below.

Step 1: Inspect the threads.
Start by inspecting the threads and sealing surfaces. They must be free of burrs, nicks, scratches, and any foreign material to ensure that you get a proper seal connection. Also, if your fitting has a male port end that requires an o-ring, seal, washer, or retaining ring with o-ring, make sure that there is one properly installed before moving to the next step.

Step 2: Lubricate the o-ring (if it applies).
You need to lubricate the o-ring using a light coating of system fluid or a compatible lubricant. This will allow the o-ring to smoothly transition into the port or gland area.

Step 3: Back off the lock nut and washer.
Back off the lock nut as far as possible, also make sure the back up washer is not loose and is pushed up as far as possible. Note: Parker's patented Robust Port Stud eliminates the need to back off the locknut because it is delivered already backed off.

Step 4: Finger tight.
Screw the fitting into the port until the back-up washer or retaining ring makes contact with the flat surface of the port. Light wrenching may be necessary, but avoid over tightening because this may damage the washer. Note: Parker's patented Robust Port Stud eliminates this potential damage. It has a longer locknut that eliminates the upper thread from making contact with the washer, and also provides a greater grip area for the wrench.

Step 5: Align the fitting for the connecting tube or hose.
To align the tube end of the fitting for the incoming tube or hose assembly, unscrew the fitting by the necessary amount, but not more than 360 degrees.

Step 6: Tighten to proper torque.
Using two wrenches, hold the fitting in the desired position with one, and with the other, tighten the locknut to the proper torque utilizing the values shown in the Assembly and Installation section of the Parker Catalog 4300.

Step 7: Inspect.
Be sure to inspect the assembly to assure that the o-ring is not visible and that the washer or retaining ring is fully seated on the flat surface of the port.

By following these steps your parallel thread adjustable style port end connections should be leak-free. To help you ensure that all of your hydraulic fitting connections are installed properly, Parker Tube Fittings Division has created a series of tube and port end assembly and installation videos for the most common hydraulic fitting connections which will be shared on TFDtechConnect.com over the next couple of months. You can also find detailed assembly and installation information for port end threads and tube fittings in the Assembly/Installation section of our Catalog 4300.

Did you find this post helpful? Subscribe to TFD techConnect posts by email. TFD techConnect is a technically-focused monthly blog written by engineers for engineers specifically around motion and control engineering challenges.

Contributed by Burleigh Bailey, senior product engineer at Parker Tube Fittings Division

Additional related content about hydraulic tube, hose, and port fitting connections:

Non-Adjustable Parallel Thread Port End Assembly Instructions for Hydraulic Fittings
Assembly Instructions for Ensuring Leak-Free O-ring Face Seal Fittings
Tapered Thread Port Assembly Instructions for Hydraulic Fittings
Turn vs. Torque? How Making the Right Choice Keeps Your Hydraulic Fitting Connections Leak-Free
How Many Times Can I Reassemble a Hydraulic Fitting?
 

As one of the leading suppliers to the mining market, Parker provides its customers with a broad portfolio of fluid handling technologies capable of increasing the efficiency and productivity of ore retrievers, off-road trucks and forklifts, among other equipment.

Here are some of the applications in which these technologies are being applied successfully.
 

In assembling its latest wagon loading station, Schenck Process entrusted Parker with supplying hydraulic units, cylinders, manifold blocks and interconnection systems. The custom solution designed by Parker with these components was used to power the station. 

Ship harvesters in Brazilian ore shipping ports are already using full hydraulic fluids management systems provided by Complete Piping Solutions (CPS), Parker's business unit focused on providing turn-key solutions in pipeline projects. These special systems incorporate the solderless EO2 Form connections, which represent valuable cost savings with increased time and increased safety in the installation.

Longwall mining accounts for about 50 percent of underground production and has a 60-100 percent coal recovery rate. Parker components and systems can be found on the main shearer, pan line, conveyors and the hydraulic roof supports. From supplicated machine controls to leak-free hoses and fittings, Parker is there to increase productivity and safety.

Machinery used in surface mining varies widely from the equipment used in underground mining. The types of machinery used in strip, contour, open pit, and mountaintop removal mining are similar to those used on typical construction sites around the world. Excavators, loader backhoes, dump trucks and power shovels are all at the heart of the action. Wherever the mine is, Parker is there with the people, products and services needed to address your concerns and keep you up and running.

Continuous miners account for roughly 45 percent of underground coal production. Primarily used in room and pillar mines, these massive machines can remove coal from the seam at a rate of five tons a minute. Keeping these machines up and running requires motion and control products that are durable, environmentally friendly and readily available. Parker products meet or exceed MSHA and MDG41 industry requirements.

Any process in mining can be made much safer and more reliable by the adoption of three Parker technologies for the management of hydraulic hoses:

• PTS, a tracking system already successfully applied to tapered crushers in Brazil.
• Hose Whip Restraint, used for retention of hoses subject to high pressure.
• Partek Defense, which contains the fluid in case of breakage  (see video below).

Properly assembling your fitting connections help to ensure that your systems install and stay leak-free. This is why we have started a series of assembly posts/videos featuring the proper assembly of most popular tube and port ends. Today we are talking about the proper assembly steps for 37° flare fittings, which are also known as JIC fittings. Improper flaring or installation causes over half of the leakage with flared fittings. Thus, proper installation is critical for a trouble-free operation.

For the 37° flare fitting, the flats method of installation is recommended because it is more forgiving than the torque method. It circumvents the effects of friction due to the differences in plating surfaces, finishes, and lubrication that can greatly influence the torque required to achieve proper joint tightness or clamping load.

Watch the video to learn the proper process for assembly of 37° flare fittings, or follow the steps outlined below.

Step 1: Check your flared tube, if applicable. 
If connecting to a flared tube, start by verifying that the tube end is properly flared. The flare should be reasonably square and concentric with the other diameter of the tube. Ensure that it is free from rust, scratches, splits, embedded chips, and dirt, all of which can compromise the connection. For detailed instructions on proper tube end preparation, please see our blog post and video: Tube End Preparation Best Practices for Leak-Free Hydraulic Tube Fitting Connections.

Step 2: Align the flare ends and tighten.
Next, align the flared tube or hose end with the nose of the fitting. Lightly tighten the nut until you feel wrench resistance, approximately 30 inch pounds will be needed.

Step 3: Mark the nut.
It's good practice to mark the nut position relative to the body. Using a permanent marker, make a mark on one of the flats of the nut and continue the mark to the body of the fitting.

Step 4: Tighten using recommended flats.
Now tighten the nut further using the number of flats recommended in the Assembly and Installation section of the Parker Catalog 4300. A flat is equivalent to one side of the hexagonal nut, or one sixth of a turn. 

Step 5: Make a second mark on the fitting.
Once properly tightened, use a permanent marker to place a second mark on the fitting adjacent to the previously marked line on the nut. This second mark serves as a check that the connection has been tightened during final inspection and allows for an easy check to see if the nut has come loose and backed off during operation. It also provides a reference for subsequent remakes.

Tech Tip: It's important not to force or "draw in" a tube assembly that is too short, too long, or misaligned. The misalignment places undesirable strain on the joint leading to premature loosening/leakage. 

By following these steps, your 37° flare fitting connections will be properly installed. To help you ensure that all of your hydraulic fitting connections are installed properly, Parker Tube Fittings Division has created a series of tube and port end assembly and installation videos for the most common hydraulic fitting connections, which will be shared on TFDtechConnect.com over the next couple of months. You can also find detailed assembly and installation information for port end threads and tube fittings in the Assembly/Installation section of our Catalog 4300. 

Did you find this post helpful? Subscribe to TFD techConnect posts by email. TFD techConnect is a technically-focused monthly blog written by engineers for engineers specifically around motion and control engineering challenges.

Contributed by Burleigh Bailey, senior product engineer at Parker Tube Fittings Division

Additional related content about hydraulic tube, hose, and port fitting connections:
Assembly Instructions for Ensuring Leak-Free O-ring Face Seal Fittings
Proper Assembly Steps for Parallel Thread Adjustable Style Port End Fittings
Non-Adjustable Parallel Thread Port End Assembly Instructions for Hydraulic Fittings
Tapered Thread Port Assembly Instructions for Hydraulic Fittings
How Many Times Can I Reassemble a Hydraulic Fitting?
AN 37° Flare vs Industrial 37° Flare Fittings: What's the Difference?
 

A routine oil change is anything but routine. Fleet engines and industrial machinery pose a variety of challenges that make conventional oil changes time-consuming, messy and hazardous for the technician and the environment. The equipment to perform such a task is specialized and features unique instructions and a level of complexity that requires comprehensive training. These obstacles only increase the chances of human error occurring during an oil change.

It’s best for oil changes to have a standardized approach. Parker’s QuickFit™ Oil Change System can deliver a faster, cleaner and safer oil change every time. This revolutionary way of changing oil utilizes a more accessible, single point connection to purge, evacuate and refill oil. That means no drips, no leaks and no spills. Whether you’re a skilled mechanic or technician trainee, minimum training is involved to use QuickFit. Perform oil changes in a fast and effective manner and have more time to focus on improving the business’ bottom line. 

No need to deal with cramped and hard-to-reach spaces and multiple points. QuickFit’s easily accessible single connection point does it for you. 

Oil changes can be done in 30 minutes or less. Purge the filter, evacuate the used oil and refill with new oil from a single connection point.

Few tools are necessary to use the QuickFit Oil Change System. The complete oil change system features simple installation to get you changing oil in no time.

A 50% reduction in oil change times. Rather than dealing with complicated instructions and equipment, QuickFit’s 3-step process is a more standardized solution to deliver faster oil changes every time. 

QuickFit Oil Change System creates less consumable waste than conventional oil changes.

Reduce exposure to hazardous materials and the possibility of slips, falls and burns. QuickFit’s ergonomic design allows for easier access, simplifying the oil change process.

Eliminate oil spills by 100%. QuickFit valve connects directly from the vehicle to final containment for complete control. This means no leaks, no spills and no clumsy removal of oil pan plugs and filled filters.

Eliminate the hidden costs of oil changes and improve your bottom line with a faster, cleaner and safer oil change through QuickFit Oil Change System.

Experience a faster, cleaner and safer oil change today and visit www.Parker.com/QuickFit to learn more.

This blog was contributed by Matt Walley, product sales manager, Parker Quick Coupling Division.

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Chvalis is an expert on delivering turnkey solutions according to rail manufacturer's specifications, including delivery, installation and commissioning. Chvalis has been using Parker's products since 1992 in its systems for their unmatched quality, reliability and security. Components also meet the most demanding certifications. In the railway industry, Chvalis is the holder of the Certification of Technical Competence of the Czech Railways supplier and the SŽDC Supplier's Certificate.

Thanks to its extensive network of local branches, which are always associated with the ParkerStore service and ParkerStore sales hydraulics and tires, Chvalis is able to provide rolling stock operators 24-hour warranty and post-warranty service. The ParkerStore retail locations are fully equipped for the production of hydraulic hoses and are certified by the "ParkerStore Hose Certification Workshop." 

Until 2013, Chvalis supplied hydraulic systems only for auxiliary drives, such as compressor drives for compressed air production; the drive for the combustion engine cooling fans and the electric alternator drive for the production of electric motors. In 2013, the company received a call for a comprehensive design and solution for the supply of a complete hydraulic traction drive, including auxiliary drives for 35 units of MUV series 74.02 001-035 series, for CZ LOKO, the manufacturer and supplier of Czech Railways - SŽDC. 

Chvalis has developed a technical solution for its own drive - an unconventional way of using its own innovative, open-circuit hydraulic system instead of competing with a preferred closed circuit. The system, while technically more demanding, precisely and comfortably addresses all the requirements of all traction control conditions controlled by the parent electronic control system of the vehicle. In addition, the circuit allows for hydraulic braking, which was used for the cruise control system. This makes the work of the drivers more efficient and saves the cost of the vehicle operators, reducing the wear of the brake discs of the standard pneumatic braking system of the vehicle. The standard brake is used most of the operating time, using this circuit for braking, until the vehicle stops. 

Hydraulic circuits are built using the Parker product portfolio, including Ermeto E02 pipe systems and hose systems from certified hoses for rolling stock. These hydraulic circuits, mainly PV-plus piston control pumps in conjunction with the  F11, F12, F1, F2, and F14 hydraulic motors of the V14 series, deliver a minimum fault, provide high reliability and long service life.

Thanks to previous experience with the 35-piece MUV74.02 series, Chvalis was asked by CZ LOKO's customer for the design and delivery of a complete hydraulic traction drive and auxiliary drives for a new series of 50 MUV 75.00 Universal Motor Vehicles. This new unit had the requirement to maintain the same hydraulic traction drive that has proven itself in the past series. In addition, the requirement to increase the hydraulic proportional brake power and increase the number of auxiliary hydraulic circuits has been accepted: hydraulic hand, grass mower, hydraulically independent trolley tipping system, and suspension lock. 

After the demanding testing of the first prototype in December 2017, the production of a 50-piece series of cars was launched in January 2018, again using the innovative Chvalis hydraulic system with proven hydraulic components from Parker.

InnoTrans is the leading international trade fair for transport technology and takes places every two years in Berlin, Germany. Sub-divided into the five trade fair segments Railway Technology, Railway Infrastructure, Public Transport, Interiors, and Tunnel Construction, InnoTrans occupies all 41 halls available at Berlin Exhibition Grounds. The InnoTrans Convention, the event’s top-level supporting programme, complements the trade fair.

A unique feature of InnoTrans is it's outdoor and track display area, where everything from tank wagons to high-speed trains is displayed on 3,500 metres of track. Visit Parker at Booth 206, Hall 10 or learn about our innovations to keep you on track on our solutions page. 

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We are pleased to announce that Parker Low Pressure Connector Europe Division of Parker Hannifin Corporation, the global leader in motion and control technologies, has been awarded the new International Automotive Task Force (IATF) 16949:2016 certification.

A Worldwide Recognized Certification

The Division is once again demonstrating its ambition to be the reference partner in high-demand markets.

This globally recognized certificationindicates that Parker LPCE has achieved a very high level in terms of quality performance, system capability, warranty requirement and customer satisfaction.

The Scope of this New Standard

The global automotive and transportation industry faces significant challenges, including rapid growth of emerging markets and the need to improve performance and reliability while ensuring the best cost-effectiveness. In response to these challenges, the International Automotive Task Force (IATF) has published the new IATF standard 16949:2016.

This new international standard describes the requirements for quality management systems for organizations working in the production, service and / or accessory parts of the automotive and transport industry.

As IATF points out, this new international standard aims to develop a quality management system designed to:

• Provide continuous improvement,

• Highlight the prevention of failures,

• Include requirements and tools specific to the automotive sector,

• Promote the decrease in variation and waste within the supply chain.

The new IATF 169491:2016 replaces ISO / TS 16949: 2009. This new normative reference is based on the requirements of ISO 9001: 2015, supplemented by the demands of the automotive industry. This new framework strengthens the management system in terms of continuous improvement, risk analysis prevention and leadership.

Note that since October 2017, it is mandatory to transition to this new standard IATF 16949:2016.

A Significant benefit for Customers

The LPCE Division has reinforced its quality management demands in order to meet the following criteria within the scope of this certification:

• Product safety concepts

• Ethical responsibility of the company

• Inclusion of specific customer requirements

• Production management

• Supplier management

• Audits

This certification has an additional value because our Division is one of the first French companies to have obtained it.

The LPCE Division confirms the performance of the company's management system, and is a guarantee for the major players of the automotive and transportation industry an assurance in the continuity and reliability of its systems and products.

For more information, please contact our dedicated transportation team.

Download our certificate of compliance IATF 16949:2016
Learn more about this standard
For more information on LPCE products, download our transport brochure
Visit our website to discover more on our products

Article contributed by Laurent Orcibal, ebusiness manager,  Low Pressure Connector  Europe, Parker Hannifin Corporation.

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The PASS (Personal Alert Safety System) alarm sounds. Smoke and flames engulf the area. Your breathing air supply is quickly diminishing. Evading the fiery scene is not an option. In this crucial moment, a firefighter entrenched in the middle of a blaze with a dwindling air supply turns to the single-most important piece of equipment.

Firefighters, HAZMAT crews and even underwater scuba divers should have a deep understanding of their breathing apparatus and possess the knowledge of preventative maintenance for the particular unit being employed. Simple issues such as blocked air or improper connections on self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) gear can instantaneously become serious problems under extreme circumstances when time is of the essence. Equipment of this magnitude in which people are entrusting their lives must follow rigorous guidelines.

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), founded in 1896, has established more than 300 consensus codes and standards to minimize the possibility and devastating effects of fire and to ensure firefighters and emergency services personnel operate safely in the most hostile environments. Through their own research and outreach to over 9,000 volunteer committee members, NFPA’s codes and standards are revised every three to five years for quality and safety, and range from hazards and risks associated with different types of building construction to inspection requirements and evaluation of firefighting equipment and instruments.

In particular, NFPA 1981 defined the standard of respiratory protection and functional requirements for SCBA. This includes the design, performance, testing and certification of the breathing apparatus. But, did not specify requirements for any accessories that could be attached to the certified product not approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).

Over time, NFPA 1981 has undergone notable changes including standards for redundant low pressure warning devices, heads up display (HUD) to signal the amount of an air cylinder’s available capacity, new voice communication intelligibility requirements, testing for increased facepiece lens integrity and most importantly of all, acknowledging Emergency Breathing Safety Systems (EBSS), commonly referred to as buddy breathers.

A Buddy Breather is a rescue technique when two people share one air source, alternately breathing from it. There had been great hesitation by NFPA to recognize the buddy breather over technical challenges such as having the ability to deliver twice the volume of airflow to ensure adequate air to both users. To this day, the buddy breather is considered an accessory and not a requirement. NFPA, NIOSH, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or any manufacturer do not recommend or approve sharing air between firefighters.

However, in a compromised emergency situation, the buddy breather could be the single-most important piece of equipment on a firefighters’ protective suit. This survival accessory features a small manifold with a hose that detaches from the regulator. The air bottle can be managed down to 125-135 pounds per square inch (PSI) and attaches to the manifold, which contains a male and female coupling. The setup allows a firefighter in need of compressed air to connect their coupling to another firefighters’ air bottle in the event of an emergency.

Herein lies the problem which the new NFPA coupling standard has resolved. There is a variety of SCBA gear available today for fire departments to utilize. And each one could feature a different type of coupling system. If “Fire Department A” and “Fire Department B” are both on-scene of a fire, chances are high their couplings are not compatible to each other’s buddy breathers, making them non-operational and ineffective across the two groups of firefighters

A Universal Emergency Breathing Safety System (UEBSS) standard has been adopted into the NFPA 1981-2018 Edition. The new UEBSS standard requires all SCBA manufacturers to produce units that accommodate Rapid Intervention Crew Universal Air Coupling (RIC UAC) to be in compliance for firefighting. The universal coupling interface chosen will allow an air bottle lacking compressed air to be transfilled from another bottle regardless of the breathing system manufacturer. Each air bottle would then have equal amounts of air in them after the fill. This means a firefighter can effectively use the buddy breather system to provide air to another firefighter without concern for the brand of SCBA gear.

In fact, the NFPA volunteer committee selected a Parker quick coupling design to adopt as the industry standard for manufacturers to follow for designing and building interchangeable couplings. A universally standard coupling compatible across all new and existing SCBA gear ensures firefighters will not have to remove their facepiece during an air supply malfunction or failure. Plus, fire departments and personnel can become thoroughly familiar with one standardized system and how it works. This ensures connectability of all air line couplings that may need to be connected or disconnected in the event of an emergency.

SCBA is a critical component in the personal protective equipment (PPE) used by firefighters and emergency personnel. Regardless of rank and tenure, firefighters can encounter a problem with their gear. When seconds matter the most, emergency procedures such as the buddy breather has significant influence on firefighter safety. And with a universal coupling system, the chance of survival only increases for firefighters.

Contact us for more information on Parker’s NFPA selected coupling design.

Article contributed by Todd Lambert, market sales manager, Quick Coupling Division, Parker Hannifin Corporation.

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A history lesson isn’t necessary to know manufacturing has evolved over time. From the advent of mechanics to the electrification of factories for mass production to equipping production lines with robotics, the world of machines and processes is evolving before our eyes once again.

Manufacturing facilities are getting leaner. This isn’t by design. Baby Boomers who once dominated the landscape are now exiting the workforce in droves, so much so the industry is facing a deficit of 3.5 million workers. This has put a strain on organizations as they seek younger and less experienced personnel to do more with less. Since many manufacturers are operating with smaller staffs, equipment processes and manual checks are falling through the cracks.

Plant floors are less staffed, but more connected than ever before. Thanks to the Internet of Things (IoT), data is available at our fingertips to harness and apply the information into predictive analytics to achieve higher levels of intelligence, orchestration and optimization. Logically, this led to condition monitoring.

A major component of predictive maintenance, condition monitoring presumes machinery will deteriorate and eventually breakdown. By being proactive and monitoring the performance of equipment through technology, data can provide the information to strategically schedule maintenance before an issue creates unexpected downtime. This prevents consequential damages and ensures the reliability of machines can remain high.

Condition monitoring utilizes various process parameters such as temperature, pressure, humidity, current, vibration and flow along with fluid media samples to monitor performance. Over time, these indicators of system and equipment health will become more predictable, reducing unscheduled downtime and increasing product integrity.

To achieve condition monitoring and a predictive maintenance program, it’s not enough to purchase test instruments and put them in the hands of untrained personnel. It’s imperative to let go of tried and tested methods and establish a new culture and approach of looking at maintenance. This means constantly developing, implementing, managing, measuring and improving condition monitoring. It requires commitment and full participation, otherwise the vision is lost and the chances of a successful program decline. There are five things you need to know to ensure your condition monitoring program is prosperous.

Read our new white paper, "Why Preventative Maintenance is Holding You Back" to discover how condition monitoring tools allow manufacturing organizations to predict the future, reduce their costs, and do much more with less.

Which equipment are you going to monitor? You’re not going to pick random machines to evaluate. An Equipment Criticality Ranking (ECR) and/or Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) should be performed. An ECR identifies and addresses potential risks associated with the operation of the processing facilities. Failure scenarios are pinpointed, ranked and quantified in relation to the safeguards that protect against the scenario. The RCM focuses on avoiding the failure consequences, not the failure modes by ensuring systems continue to do what its users want in its present operating context. These are comprehensive lists of assets sorted in a ranked order and helps identify and determine which equipment should be tested on a regular basis. By performing ECR and/or RCM, organizations can develop unique maintenance schedules for each critical asset.

Choosing the appropriate personnel to be involved in predictive maintenance and condition monitoring is crucial. A common mistake organizations make is hastily assembling a team of their best mechanics rather than seeking the right technician who has the key attributes to master technology and perform investigative work. The selection of a condition monitoring team is handled in different ways from one organization to the next, but should include individuals who demonstrate loyalty, intelligence and always pursuing training and self-development.

Technicians involved in a predictive maintenance program receive little if any training beyond the information instructed by the vendor system. In fact, personnel seek valuable training that directly impacts the effectiveness and success of the program. It’s crucial that all individuals are educated and can demonstrate the skillset to operate equipment, interpret the data, and report the information in a clear and concise way. A shortfall in this area will affect the quality of the overall initiative.  

Practice makes perfect. The same holds true for condition monitoring. There are a number of variables that can affect the accuracy of data. When it comes to testing equipment, collect data in the same location and on the same surface utilizing the same instruments to ensure consistency. Also, reviewing and interpreting information should be conducted in a timely manner. Otherwise, this will lead to unidentified equipment failures and unscheduled downtime.

You’ve inspected the equipment and collected the data, now what? It’s time to take action. Sounds simple enough, but there are many organizations who fail to take corrective action when machine anomalies are flagged. A predictive maintenance program receives the necessary support and funding to ensure success.

In today’s smart manufacturing world, condition monitoring is essential to determine machine health and implement the correct maintenance to ensure maximum performance and longevity. However, this cannot be achieved without having the right equipment, people, training and execution in place. Without a strategic plan, condition monitoring and predictive maintenance can become a wasted resource rather than a benefit component of your operation. 

Learn more about condition monitoring strategies on your plant floor.

Article contributed by Dan Davis, product sales manager, SensoNODE™ Sensors and Voice of the Machine™ Software, Parker Hannifin Corporation.

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