Rotec Hydraulics Ltd announces SC21 Accreditation

Rotec Hydraulics Ltd is pleased to announce it has achieved SC21 accreditation, an industry recognised standard.

SC21 is a continuous supply chain improvement programme for the UK aerospace and defence sector industries.

 Endorsed by the major UK aerospace and defence organisations, including the Ministry of Defence, the SC21 accreditation is a formal recognition process which reflects Rotec’s contribution and commitment to its supply chain.

To achieve an SC21 accreditation, Rotec’s multi-skilled operational team had to commit to achieving and maintaining a set of standards and improvement frameworks to supply chain development.

Paul Prouse, Rotec’s Managing Director said,

“Here at Rotec Hydraulics Ltd, we pride ourselves on the quality performance and delivery of all our products and services. We are committed to successfully meeting our customers’ requirements and providing exemplary customer service.

Rotec Hydraulics Ltd offers a wide range of engineering services and products to high profile clients across the aerospace and defence sectors. Achieving the SC21 accreditation is testament to the team and their determination to continually improve the business to meet the challenges of the markets in which we operate. It is a standard that we are very proud to have reached.”

Rotec has a long history of providing engineering services to both the aerospace and defence sectors. Capabilities include onsite installation and commissioning, electronic control systems, diagnostics equipment and training packages. The business specialises in bespoke test rigs, flushing rigs and hydraulic power units featuring total system integration.

Find out more about the services Rotec offers at www.rotec.net.

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How to prevent hydraulic oil overheating

Overheating is the second most common issue that occurs in hydraulic systems, behind leakages. Overheating of hydraulic systems is caused by inefficiencies which have resulted in loss of input power being converted to heat. To achieve stable fluid temperature, a hydraulic system’s capacity to dissipate heat must exceed its heat load. Overheating can be avoided by a reduction in hydraulic oil heat load and/or increasing heat dissipation.

Why reduce oil temperature?

Hydraulic fluid temperatures above 82°C (180°F) is likely to lead to oil degradation and cause damage to hydraulic seal compounds. While the operation of any hydraulic system at temperatures above 82°C should be avoided, fluid temperature is too high when viscosity falls below the optimum value for the hydraulic system’s components. This can occur well below 82°C, depending on the fluid’s viscosity grade (weight). To achieve a stable oil temperature, the hydraulic system must be able to dissipate heat faster than it is built up.

Heat dissipation

Heat dissipation occurs in the hydraulic reservoir. Regularly check there are no obstructions to the air flow into the reservoir and that fluid levels are correct.

Heat exchangers

Similarly to the reservoir checks, ensure the core of heat exchangers are not obstructed. Heat exchangers rely on flow-rate, hydraulic oil temperature and coolant in order to disperse heat suitably. It is vital that faulty cooling circuits are replaced. Infra-red thermometers are a reliable way to measure the performance and oil flow rate of heat exchangers.

Oil pressure and leakage

Reduction in system pressure or oil leakage will cause increased heat generation. It is critical that the cause of the leaking is identified and then rectified appropriately. If a relief valve is underneath or positioned too closely to the pressure setting of a pressure-compensator in a closed-centre circuit, it may lead to increased heat generation and the system pressure cannot reach the pressure compensator setting. Subsequently, the component will continue to move oil thorough the system, passing over the relief valve, which produces heat.

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Rotec Hydraulics Ltd supports The Grand Appeal’s campaign to bring Christmas joy to critically ill children

One thing no-one has on their Santa wish list is spending Christmas in hospital. Unfortunately, the reality is that many children and families will have to spend time away from home, to receive vital care.

Rotec Hydraulics Ltd is proud to announce we will be supporting Wallace and Gromit’s Grand Appeal, the official Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity, this Festive season.

We have donated towards the charity’s Christmas ‘Shine Bright’ campaign, which will light up the iconic Bristol Children’s Hospital building throughout December. By donating, we hope to spread festive cheer in the community, whilst raising funds that will benefit sick children and their families. 

Rotec is supporting the largest of the light displays- a festive Gromit, which will be projected onto the side of the hospital throughout the Christmas period.

A number of other organisations across the South West are also supporting the campaign with donations supporting projections of stars which will sparkle across the remainder of the building. Together raising the spirits of the young patients who have to spend this very special time, in hospital.

Rotec’s Managing Director, Paul Prouse comments,

“It has been a pleasure to support Bristol Children’s Hospital’s charity for 8 years now. The hospital team go over and above to support and care for children and their families every year. They have shown remarkable dedication particularly throughout the pandemic, providing life-saving treatment and support to children and families across the South West and even nationally. We are proud to be supporting this worthwhile cause once again in 2021.”

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’ campaign, including how to get involved visit grandappeal.org.uk/shine-bright or you can donate here grandappeal.org.uk/christmas-appeal.

Every penny raised will help children in hospital get the care they deserve and families the support they need.

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

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Supporting Young Talent

Rotec Hydraulics Ltd recently supported 18 year old Digital Media Student, Joseph Lang to film and create a documentary featuring Engineering Director, Richard Renfree.

Richard says,

“As a business, we relish supporting and inspiring the future generation to achieve their qualifications and goals. Providing work experience opportunities is a key part of our social responsibility.

It was a pleasure to take part in Joseph’s documentary. Joseph was professional, polite and has a bright future ahead of him. I wish him all the best with completing his qualification.”

Joseph, who is studying Level 3 Digital Media at Bridgwater & Taunton College, was required to create a short documentary to form part of his final major project. Interested in vehicles and engineering, the local student’s documentary focussed on the technology and capabilities of Land Rovers among other vehicles.

Celebrating the 2021 Cricket season at Player Sponsor Event

As proud sponsors of Somerset County Cricket Club, we enjoyed a fantastic evening last week at the annual Player Sponsor Event.

This year’s season was packed with incredible moments to remember for all SCCC supporters. Here are some of Rotec’s favourites:

Welcome Sonny Baker

The young Somerset paceman, Sonny Baker, made his debut for the SCCC at the Royal London Cup win over Derbyshire at home in July. It was an outstanding opening spell and by the end of the summer the 18-year-old had 10 wickets in the competition, had signed his first professional contract and was joining up with the England U19s.

Incredible Derby win

Somerset’s first T20 win in Bristol since 2015 saw Lewis Gregory claim career best figures of five for 24 as the hosts were restricted to 161 for seven from their 20 overs. From that point onwards, it was the Devon Conway show. The New Zealand international opened the Somerset reply and helped himself to 81 not out from just 65 balls and in doing so passed the 50-mark for the third time in four innings.

Rew takes on India

James Rew was named in the County Select squad for the three-day match against India which took place this summer at Emirates Riverside. James made quite an impression, stumping Cheteshwar Pujara in the tourists first innings. He also removed Axar Patel.

Waller and Davey presented with County Caps

Before our home Vitality Blast clash against Gloucestershire, Max Waller and Josh Davey were presented with their County Caps by Club Captain, Tom Abell.

Glamorgan victory secures Somerset’s Quarter Final Place

Somerset sealed a place in the Vitality Blast quarter-finals as they hammered Glamorgan by 74 runs at Sophia Gardens in July.

Rotec Hydraulics Ltd has sponsored Somerset County Cricket Club for more than 5 years. Based within a few minutes walk of the Rotec Head Office, the Cooper Associates Ground has been the venue for many historic and unforgettable moments for thousands of SCCC fans across the years. Find out more at Somerset County Cricket Club (somersetcountycc.co.uk).