Rotec Hydraulics, Author at Rotec Hydraulics Ltd

Two HPUs and Ten Jacking Cylinders Manufactured for New Client

Earlier this month, Rotec Hydraulics completed a large project for a new customer who specialises in all aspects of confined space working from sewer rehabilitation, timber headings, tunnelling, grouting, all types of shaft sinking and associated clean and waste water works.

With a wealth of experience constructing shafts up to 30 metres in diameter and to depths of 35 metres, the specialist construction company sink shafts using various techniques – including hydraulically jacking segmental shafts vertically.

Rotec were asked to design, build and deliver ten hydraulic cylinders and two hydraulic power units (HPUs) capable of powering 40 tonne hydraulic jacks with up to 210 bar pressure for a significant shaft sinking project.

The HPUs operate ten hydraulic jacking cylinders using ten off detented levels and a single sprung loaded dead man’s lever. The jacking cylinders have a 160 bore, 110 rod, 1200 stroke and are mounted in frames which push down concrete segments to line holes. Each cylinder can provide up to 40 tonne force with 210 bar pressure which can be controlled by an adjustable knob on the HPU.

To speed up the extension and retraction of the cylinders, the HPUs have been designed with a two-stage pump which produces a faster flow when less hydraulic pressure is required. The pump is powered by a 7.5 kW 3-phase electric motor which is controlled by electrics mounted in an enclosure on each HPU. This allows the pump to be started and stopped easily, as well as providing essential emergency stop buttons.

Both HPUs have a 500 litre tank with pressure and return filters, in addition to a fitted level/temperature gauge. Connections from the HPUs to the cylinders are via protected hoses with quick release connectors.

To increase safety and reduce risk of harm to the operator, the hydraulic hoses on both the HPU and those to the hydraulic cylinders have been fitted with hose burst protection and whip checks where necessary.

Rotec is new shirt sponsor for Plymstock Oaks RFC

Plymstock Albion Oaks RFC has announced Rotec Hydraulics Ltd as the new shirt sponsor for the next three rugby seasons.

The new kit was revealed last Saturday at the rugby club’s Men’s 1sts team’s first home game of the season, where the team put on a strong performance, beating Redruth RFC 2nds 63-17.

The new commercial partnership agreement between Rotec and Plymstock Oaks RFC is a significant step in the club’s ongoing efforts to secure strong commercial partnerships that support both its on-field and off-field activities.

The sponsorship will provide the club with essential resources to maintain and enhance its facilities, as well as to promote rugby at all levels within the local community.

Paul Prouse, Managing Director of Rotec Hydraulics, said,

“It’s great to see the Rotec logo on Plymstock Oaks RFC teams’ shirts. We are delighted to support a club that is close to our Plymouth Service Centre and provides sporting opportunities and events for those in our local community. We can’t wait for the rest of the season and wish every team at the club the best of luck.”

Rotec Hydraulics has a history of supporting local sports clubs, including last year’s Vitality Blast T20 winners, Somerset County Cricket Club. In addition to sponsoring local sports teams, Rotec has a strong business commitment to charitable causes – donating year-on-year to charities such as The Grand Appeal and St Margaret’s Hospice.

1st XV Man of the Match from last Saturday, Ollie White, with Rotec’s Sales Director, Richard Lang.

Rotec achieves ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 certification

Rotec Hydraulics Ltd was recently awarded ISO 9001 and 14001 certifications in recognition of their quality and environmental management systems.

The company management systems that Rotec have in place were audited against a range of criteria by NQA, a leading global independently accredited certification body, providing assessments (audits) of organisations to various management system standards since 1988.

“Achieving the ISO 9001 and 14001 Standards demonstrates our commitment to going above and beyond for quality and detail in all our products and services,” comments Josie Chamberlain, Rotec’s Quality Systems Manager.

ISO 9001 provides a framework and set of principles that ensure a common-sense approach to the management of an organisation to consistently satisfy customers and other stakeholders. In simple terms, it provides the basis for effective processes and effective people to deliver an effective product or service time after time.

ISO 14001 is the international standard for environmental management systems (EMS) and the most widely used EMS in the world, with over 14,000 organisations certified in the UK and over 250,000 certificates issued globally. ISO 14001 is the principal management system standard which specifies the requirements for the formulation and maintenance of an EMS. This helps to control your environmental aspects, reduce impacts and ensure legal compliance.

For a list of other accreditations held by Rotec, visit https://www.rotec.net/about/policies/.

Remote system fitted to quarry conveyor improves safety and operational control

100% Achilles audit _Rotec Hydraulics Ltd

Rotec Hydraulics have designed and installed a remote system, improving safety and operational control for our client at a significant limestone extraction quarry located within the South West of England.

Our customer utilises two tracked crawler vehicles to lift and manoeuvre a length of conveyor into position at the quarry. Previously, the vehicles had to be driven locally by personnel on the machine. To increase safety there was a request to design a system which would allow the machines to be operated remotely, keeping persons away from potential falling objects on the conveyor.

The remote system has additional benefits – including improving efficiency and the communication between machine operators because they can now stand next to each other and tandem lift with greater synchronisation. Previously they would be at opposite ends of the conveyor and this would require multiple banks-man and hand signals.

Rotec’s technical team and engineering team designed and fitted a new control system based around a Parker IQAN mobile specific safety controller which uses CAN Open protocol to safely communicate with a radio remote system.

Existing manually operated valves were exchanged for electronic proportional control, allowing the operator to drive all the hydraulic functions remotely that were previously only available using hydraulic levers locally on the vehicle.

Backup electronic joysticks have been installed locally on the vehicle if the remote control was ever to become damaged during use, eliminating the risk of the vehicle becoming stranded in this rare scenario.

Our customer requested we fitted their own specific blue warning lamps and white noise sounders, all of which are driven directly from the new safety controller.

The existing emergency stop system was removed and replaced with an updated dual channel fail safe circuit featuring safety relays, bringing the equipment up to modern safety standards. Emergency stops include one located on the remote control allowing the operator to stop functions quickly and safely from a distance.

The newly installed Rotec control system integrates with the existing engine controller to allow warning messages to be displayed on the screen located on the remote, providing the operator with ultimate feedback if any engine faults develop during use.

Rotec also installed a Bluetooth modem allowing the customer to make certain parameter changes to the control system using a free app that is available to download.

The app enables any user to view logs, check the health of the system and monitor various sensors all wirelessly from a smartphone or tablet. Additional features include the ability to connect the machine to the internet so Rotec staff can remotely assist, diagnose and install software updates if required. Password protection has been employed to prevent abuse of the system by anyone except personnel issued with the login credentials.

To integrate with the client’s corporate branding, we customised the remote control with the client’s logo. Customisations such as switch positions and labeling were also discussed and agreed with the customer before build to ensure we delivered the best customer service and client satisfaction.

Rotec Hydraulics Shortlisted for Make UK Manufacturing Award

Rotec Hydraulics Ltd is celebrating its shortlisting in the ‘SME of the Year’ category at the Make UK regional Manufacturing Awards for the South.

This recognition reinforces our commitment to delivering value through expertise, competency, and unwavering dedication to excellence while maintaining the highest standards of quality and customer service.

The Make UK Manufacturing Awards recognise remarkable UK manufacturers. To make the shortlist, we have submitted evidence of delivering quality, value and expertise to our customers whilst operating responsibly and sustainably.

The Make UK South region award winners will be announced at the upcoming Make UK regional Manufacturing Awards dinner on 5th November in Hampshire. Winners from the South region will then be automatically entered into the national Make UK awards.