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.

100% Achilles audit _Rotec Hydraulics Ltd

Rotec Hydraulics Shortlisted for Make UK Manufacturing Award

100% Achilles audit _Rotec Hydraulics Ltd

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.

Rotec Hydraulics receives ‘Lifetime Supporter Award’ from the British Fluid Power Association (BFPA)

Last month, Rotec Hydraulics proudly welcomed the British Fluid Power Association (BFPA) to their headquarters in Taunton, Somerset to be presented with a BFPA award.
The esteemed Lifetime Supporter Award by the BFPA recognises our commitment, dedication and support to the British fluid power industry. The award also celebrates Rotec’s special and longstanding relationship with the BFPA.
Rotec Hydraulics was a founding member and key player in the development of the BFPA, which is now in its 65th year. As a founding member, we played a pivitol role in setting up the UK’s only trade body for the Hydraulic and Pneumatic industries.
Rotec’s Managing Director, Paul Prouse, comments,

“Rotec Hydraulics was one of the founding members of the BFPA 65 years ago, and it is a privilege to continue our involvement. The BFPA plays a crucial role within the industry for standards, legislation and training and we are proud to continue to support and work closely with the BFPA.”

100% Achilles audit _Rotec Hydraulics Ltd

Rotec achieves 39% carbon reduction

Rotec Hydraulics Ltd are delighted to report a 39% reduction in CO2e emissions during 2023, compared with the previous year.

To achieve this, we have implemented changes such as installing LED lighting, investing in EV vehicles where possible and by sourcing biofuels instead of oil to reduce fossil fuel consumption on-site. Further, we have reduced our gas usage and sourced alternative heating suppliers, reducing its carbon footprint affects to 0 kgs CO2e.

The biggest independently recorded reduction is that of our business, car and van miles – which has had a significant impact on our carbon footprint and is helping us to achieve our Net Zero ambition.

Rotec’s next steps include investing in renewable technologies, such as Solar PV & Battery Storage, creating staff awareness sessions and employee incentives for green travel/zero carbon miles, in addition to procuring a 100% renewable energy provider.

Sustainability is embedded within our company strategy and engrained into our daily business due to us having the necessary management frameworks, processes and systems in place. This includes our ISO 14001 certification – an internationally recognised standard that relates to a stringent and specific set of requirements all linked to systems of environmental management.

For more information of Rotec’s Environmental Sustainability policies, updates and aims please visit https://www.rotec.net/about/environmental-sustainability/. 

Inspiring future engineers

During June, we welcomed two Year 10 students from The Castle School, Taunton for a week’s work experience. 

Mason and Charlie, who have recently completed their first year of GCSEs, are both interested in exploring a career in mechanical engineering. Mason commented,

“I’m interested in mechanical engineering because I think I would like an active hands-on job. When I finish school, I want to study Mechnical Engineering at college.”

Both students spent two days with our mechanical engineering team, one day with our technical design and electrical teams respectively, followed by a day split between our warehouse and hose bay. Charlie said,

“My highlight of the week was seeing how the team repair hydraulic cylinders and carry out pressure testing.”

Beverly Chalmers, HR Administrator at Rotec says,

“We were delighted to be able to welcome Mason and Charlie from The Castle School for their Year 10 work experience placement. As a business, we place great importance on inspiring the next generation of engineers by providing valuable, insightful opportunities for students.”