Rotec sponsors ‘Shine Bright for Bristol Children’s Hospital’ this Christmas

Rotec Hydraulics Ltd is proud to announce they will once again be supporting Wallace and Gromit’s Grand Appeal, the official Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity, this Christmas.

Following a successful campaign in 2021, the ‘Shine Bright for Bristol Children’s Hospital’ display is back bigger and better this year, with much loved Gromit Unleashed characters and seasonal stars set to adorn the walls of the hospital building in central Bristol. 

Pictured above: Image of last year’s display

Rotec Hydraulics Ltd is proud to announce they will once again be supporting Wallace and Gromit’s Grand Appeal, the official Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity, this Christmas.

Following a successful campaign in 2021, the ‘Shine Bright for Bristol Children’s Hospital’ display is back bigger and better this year, with much loved Gromit Unleashed characters and seasonal stars set to adorn the walls of the hospital building in central Bristol.

The dazzling design will feature some of Aardman’s most iconic characters – from Gromit to Shaun the Sheep and Feathers McGraw, as well as small, medium and large illuminated stars.

Launching on Thursday 1st December, the lights will be switched on at dusk every day for all to see throughout December, providing a spectacular festive light display for patients and their families as well as hospital staff, visitors, and everyone passing the iconic children’s hospital building in Bristol.

Managing Director of Rotec Hydraulics, Paul Prouse comments,

“It is always a pleasure to support the Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity, The Grand Appeal.  The hospital team go over and above to support and care for children and their families every year and show remarkable dedication, providing life-saving treatment and support to children and families across the South West and even nationally.

 

“Now in our 9th year of supporting The Grand Appeal, we are pleased to once again help illuminate the Hospital with a special Christmas light display, which will hopefully bring a smile to the children and their families.”

The money raised from the campaign will support The Grand Appeal’s three family accommodation houses, music, arts and play therapy at Christmas and beyond, as well as a range of pioneering equipment to help save the lives of the young patients at the hospital.

Helen Haskell, Head of Fundraising (Corporate) at The Grand Appeal said,

“Christmas is a magical time of year – a time for giving and sharing special moments with those you love. No one expects to spend Christmas in a hospital, but sadly this will be the reality for many babies and children this year. As the Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity, our ‘Shine Bright for Bristol Children’s Hospital’ campaign brings some festive Christmas cheer to patients and their families, at a time when they need it most.” 

Bristol Children’s Hospital cares for over 100,000 babies, children and young adults from across the South West annually and supports patients with rare genetic disorders, neurological conditions, congenital heart disease, traumatic injuries, cancer and kidney disease. Everyone can get involved with the campaign by spreading cheer in their community and decorating their house, window or garden. For more information about the ‘Shine Bright for Bristol Children’s Hospital’ campaign, including how to get involved visit The Grand Appeal’s website or you can donate here.

The Grand Appeal®. Registered charity 1043603. ©&™ Aardman Animations Ltd 2021. All rights reserved

Rotec Completes Machine Overhaul with the ‘Wow’ Factor

Rotec Hydraulics Ltd have delivered a machine refurbishment project with the ‘wow’ factor.

A leading manufacturer of high quality, precision tubes asked the Rotec team to assess and quote for the refurbishment of an old tube manipulation machine. The unit which had been in situ for many years, required a complete overhaul to improve efficiency and to provide quality and robust workmanship, due to regularly working with the toughest specifications in high performance alloys (including stainless steel, titanium and nickel alloys).

After removing the unit and transporting it to Rotec’s Plymouth service centre in Devon, the tube manipulation machine was stripped and inspected. Following the quoting process and being awarded the contract to proceed, Rotec’s skilled engineers carried out a thorough overhaul of the hydraulics, mechanical and electrical control system.

On completion, Rotec engineers attended the client’s site and re-commissioned the unit. All of the works carried out by Rotec were project managed by an assigned manager, as with all our projects. This allows for quality client-supplier relationships and improves communications.

Following the re-commissioning, the customer stated that they are very happy with the unit and they are impressed with the workmanship and quality of the overhaul.

Established in 1979, Rotec Hydraulics is a leading fluid power expert; providing quality design, build, installation and maintenance of hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical mechanical and electronic components and solutions to the Aerospace, Agriculture, Defence, Industrial, Marine, Transport and Utilities sectors throughout the UK and internationally. ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certified, Rotec Hydraulics prides themselves on high operational standards.

For more information, visit www.rotec.net.

Rotec achieves Parker Certified Accumulator Service Centre recertification

100% Achilles audit _Rotec Hydraulics Ltd

Rotec is pleased to announce it has been re-certified as a Parker Hannifin Hydraulic Accumulator Service and Technology Centre.

Following successful completion of an audit process for Hydraulic Accumulator Technology and Service Centres, Rotec Hydraulics Ltd has retained its prestige as the only certified Parker Accumulator Service and Technology Centre in the South of the UK.

Parker Certified Accumulator Service Centres were established to enable the combination of industry-leading products with excellent customer service, and to deliver stress-free accumulator management with maximised performance, efficiency, and safety.

The benefits of being a Parker certified centre, in addition to Rotec’s status as a Parker Hydraulic Technology Centre, enables Rotec Hydraulics to provide integrated solutions that combine products, services and technologies. Rotec’s access to original spare parts provides tangible benefits to clients, including shorter inspection time and the reduction of complexity help to lower cost and to save time.

As added value to customers, the Rotec Hydraulics Ltd Service Centre is able to utilise the Parker Tracking System (PTS) which helps schedule accumulator maintenance, providing automated notifications on inspections and replacement parts.

Rotec Hydraulics have the knowledge, expertise and capabilities to deliver a comprehensive range of accumulator services including:

Regulatory compliance and certification

  • Hydraulic accumulator re-certification
  • Provision of tracking systems, data monitoring and recording
  • Optimising customer documentation to fulfil regulatory requirements
  • Local pressure vessel regulation
  • Audits, scheduled inspections and replacement parts

Hydraulic accumulator maintenance and pre-charging

  • Full service for just in time solutions and breakdown repairs
  • Full service for replacement and planned/preventative maintenance
  • Commissioning/testing (on-site)
  • Bladder and piston seal replacement
  • Gas pre-charge control and re-charge

System Optimisation

  • System design and improvement (including Hydraulic Power Units (HPUs) and Accumulator Racks, calculation, training and measurement)
  • Accumulator replacement

Asset Management

  • Energy and efficiency audits
  • Risk assessment and servicing of safety equipment
  • Asset condition monitoring and prognostics (sensors)
  • Legal conformity and insurance cover
  • Enabling customers to exploit the potential of Condition Monitoring and the use of Internet of Things (IoT) technology.

For more information on Rotec’s ramge of Accumulator services, contact our team.

Protecting hydraulic hose from winter temperatures

100% Achilles audit _Rotec Hydraulics Ltd

For any industry, it is important to take necessary precautions to protect your hydraulic hose from extreme temperatures, such as those we experience in the winter months.

By taking preventative steps, you can limit the risk of detremental effects which can occur when hose is exposed to weather such as snow, ice, frost and high winds, potentially increase a hose’s lifespan and avoid maintenance costs due to things such sudden hose failure.

Despite many modern hoses being developed to withstand temperatures, the cold weather can still permanently alter the bending behaviour of your hydraulic hose and, when warmed up, can make your hose stiff, leathery and tough, especially when exposed to extreme cold for prolonged periods.

Most hydraulic hoses are rated for  -40°C to 100°C. Some specialty hydraulic hoses can withstand -48°C) to 149°C depending on the number of spiral or braided wires, and type of elastomeric material.

Viscosity is a vital consideration when preparing your hydraulic systems for the winter months. Choosing the fluid with the appropriate viscosity for the application can help to protect equipment from friction, abrasion and adhesive wear rise. The incorrect viscosity can have the opposite effect. For example, high oil viscosity can lead to starved pumps, cavitation and lack of lubrication.

Did you know lower temperatures cause hydraulic oil to increase to a higher viscosity? Therefore, we recommend checking the grade, pour point (and added depressants), as well as the viscosity index (VI) of any fluids you are using in your systems.

Select hydraulic oil with a low VI, and measure it when any changes in temperature occur. The higher the viscosity index, the higher the resistance to change in viscosity.

Check your VI requirements and fluid levels within hydraulic equipment prior to starting. If any fluid is too thick to drip off the end of a dipstick, it is too viscous to function properly, especially in the cold. It is also wise to check fluid levels before each use, and refill after each use.

Commercial hydraulic hose can be protected from colder temperatures, to a degree, by using a protective wrap or sleeve. This helps to keep ice and snow away from your hose and its components. If possible, store your hydraulic hoses indoors in a clean and dry area, and run your hydraulic system prior to operating any attachments to give it time to warm up beforehand.

Lastly, carrying out regular visual inspections of your hoses and hydraulic cylinder rods for cracks and rust is critical, espiecially during the winter months. If you notice any damage, do not use the system and source emergency repair services or new commercial hoses and accessories to prevent injuries or further damage to the hydraulic system.

For more information on hydraulic hose or fittings, contact our team.

Rotec Hydraulics Ltd Celebrates 100% Achilles Audit Success

100% Achilles audit _Rotec Hydraulics Ltd

Following an in-person audit from Achilles last month, Rotec are delighted to announce they have achieved a perfect 100% score once again.

A rigorous audit involving the scrutiny of both Management Systems and Site Operations, the result demonstrates Rotec’s continuous dedication to excellence across all areas.

Achilles assesses the company’s score in key aspects, such as Health & Safety, Environmental, Quality and Corporate & Social Responsibility. By scoring a perfect 100% across all service centres, the accreditation reassures clients that Rotec are committed to the very highest of standards, as independently verified by Achilles.

Managing Director of Rotec Hydraulics Ltd, Paul Prouse said,

“Scoring a perfect 100% in all areas, across all sites, yet again is a real testament to the importance we place on consistently high standards across the business in both our management and site operational functions.”

Rotec’s Quality Systems Manager, Josie Chamberlain comments,

“Achilles is a reputable, rigorous and independent audit which has confirmed we have robust processes and procedures in place and our exceptional score is a great reflection of the business and the team behind it.”

Rotec specialises in hydraulics, pneumatics and electrical mechanical engineering services and products. To find out more, click here.