Rotec Hydraulics, Author at Rotec Hydraulics Ltd

Four HPUs Commissioned for Canal Lock Gates

Rotec are proud to have commissioned four new Hydraulic Power Units (HPUs), located at The Saltersford Large Lock, in Barnton, Cheshire.

Once a busy commercial waterway, the canal is now only used by leisure traffic and the occasional barge or larger ship.

Rotec were asked to design, manufacture, install and commission four HPUs, each one to control a sluice and lock gate cylinder.

HPUs (sometimes referred to as hydraulic power packs) are a self-contained system that incorporate a motor, a fluid reservoir, and a pump. Through pressure and enclosed fluid, energy is transferred to subsequently create rotary motion, linear motion, or force. Hydraulic systems enable smaller forces to be multiplied into bigger forces.

The four HPUs on this project each comprised a 200-litre oil reservoir manufactured in 316 stainless steel, electric motor, bell housing, coupling assembly, hydraulic pump, pressure filter and control valve assembly.

Designed to operate at a flow of 23 litre/min at a pressure of 160 Bar, the pressure can be increased to a maximum of 250 Bar.

Dale Lockart, Stroud Service Centre Manager, commented,

It was a pleasure to support this project from the design phase, right through to the commissioning of the four Hydraulic Power Packs. We look
forward to working on similar projects and with our clients again in the future.

Rotec welcomes local school students for work experience

Max and Yaakoub of Taunton Academy

During June and July, Rotec Hydraulics Ltd welcomed students from Year 10 to provide them with an insight into an engineering workplace.

The students, who are pupils at The Castle School and Taunton Academy, all chose the placement at Rotec due to their interest in exploring possible careers within the engineering sector. During their week at Rotec’s Taunton Service Centre and Head Office, Joshua, Raynier, Max and Yaakoub spent time in key areas of the business including Warehouse, Technical Design, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering.

Max, of Taunton Academy, is drawn to a career in engineering because of his love of ‘hands-on’ subjects. The highlight of his work experience was supporting Rotec’s Mechanical Engineers install hydraulic winches onto the front of field vehicles for a national utility company. Max said,

“It was great to experience what it would be like to work as an engineer. My favourite part was working with Rotec’s Mechanical Engineering Team on the winches. My ambition is to be an engineer in the future.”

The most enjoyable part for fellow Taunton Academy student, Yaakoub was spending time with Rotec’s Electrical Engineering Department. He commented,

“I wanted to do my work experience at Rotec because I want to be an Electrical Engineer when I am older. Spending time with the Electricians here was really great.”

Castle School pupil, Raynier chose to carry out his work experience at an Engineering company after being inspired by his Electrical Engineer father. Raynier had a varied week and said,

“My favourite department in Rotec was definitely the Technical Team office. I liked working with the Design Engineers and learning about the different computer programmes they use.”

Joshua from The Castle School has ambitions to be a pilot. However, has always been fascinated by engineering and was keen to accept Rotec’s work experience placement for an insight into a real-world workshop. Joshua commented,

“Thank you to Rotec for allowing me to carry out my work experience here. I have thoroughly enjoyed this week. My best part was spending time with the Electrical Engineering Team and being shown how to build an electrical panel for the Marine industry.”

Providing work experience placements and opportunities to inspire a pipeline of future engineers is a key element of Rotec’s business ethos. With a national shortage of engineers within the UK, estimated to cost the economy around £1.5bn a year, Rotec hopes it can do its bit to inspire the next generation. Operations Manager, Mark Coniff said,

100% Achilles audit _Rotec Hydraulics Ltd

Raynier and Joshua of The Castle School

“We were delighted to be able to welcome Joshua, Raynier, Max and Yaakoub to Rotec for their work experience placements. By providing these opportunities, along with welcoming a new cohort of engineering apprentices in September, we hope to be able to foster a new pipeline of engineers for the future.”

Rotec proud to support local hospice at The Big Somerset Cricket Bash

Last weekend, Rotec Hydraulics Ltd had the pleasure of sponsoring the first ever Big Somerset Cricket Bash, raising funds and awareness for St Margaret’s Hospice Care.

Participants completed a 10km charity walk finishing at The Cooper Associates County Ground – home of Somerset County Cricket Club. They then enjoyed watching Somerset vs Nottinghamshire on day 1 of the County Championship.

As well as raising sponsorship money for the hospice, the event aimed at encouraging talking, sharing experience and positive mental health, particularly amongst men who are statistically less likely to talk about grief.

Many taking part were walking in memory of a loved one who recieved care from the hospice.

Andy dedicated his walk to his wife Tanya who was referred to the hospice in 2017. Since Tanya’s death Andy has had over 20 counselling sessions with the hospice’s Bereavement Team which he says have helped him to function during one of the most difficult times of his life.

Andy said,

“Hospice care touches everybody in some way and St Margaret’s amazing team of people support not just patients across Somerset but their families too.”

How to prevent your hydraulic system overheating

Hydraulic oil temperature beyond 82°C is likely to cause damage to your hydraulic system’s components and accelerate oil degradation.

As one of the most common issues in a hydraulic system, ensuring your hydraulic oil does not overheat is a priority to keep your machines healthy, and avoid costly downtime and repairs.

You can usually tell if the temperature is too high, as the viscosity will be too low for the hydraulic components.

Viscosity can also be negatively affected in temperatures below 82°, depending on the oil’s viscosity index. To ensure a stable oil temperature, the hydraulic system must be able to dissipate heat faster than it is built up.

Manometer and temperature sensor on pipeline

How to prevent overheating

Reducing hydraulic oil temperature and increasing the rate of heat dissipation are the two most common and effective ways to prevent your system from overheating.

Heat dissipation occurs in the hydraulic reservoir. Check your reservoir to ensure the fluid level is correct. If the fluid level is low, fill it to the recommended level. Whilst you are checking the oil level, make sure there are no obstructions, such as dirt or debris, preventing good air flow into the reservoir.

Heat exchangers

Heat-exchangers rely on the flow-rate and temperature of the hydraulic oil and the coolant in order to disperse heat efficiently. Once again it is critical that you regularly check for any debris or dirt, and ensure the core is not obstructed. If you experience issues with the cooling circuit then they may need to be replaced. Infra-red thermometers that check the performance and oil flow-rate of the heat exchanger can be used and are recommended.

Leakage

Excess heat can be generated when the pressure in a hydraulic system drops. Similarly, overheating can occur if any components are leaking. Check regularly for leaks and fix appropriately.

Rotec named ‘Manufacturer and Producer of the Year’

Rotec Hydraulics Ltd have been officially revealed as ‘Manufacturer and Producer of the Year’ at the 2023 Somerset Business Awards.

Based across the South West of the UK, Rotec Hydraulics are a well-respected provider of hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical engineering services and components. Celebrating 45 years of trading next year, Rotec design, manufacture and produce a huge number of custom engineered solutions for a large variety of industry sectors.

Recent bespoke manufactured projects have included a capstan winch system for the Utilities market, hydraulic ring main for the Aerospace sector and mobile swaging trolleys for the Marine industry.

The company’s ability to develop and produce innovative, bespoke engineered solutions, together with Rotec’s outstanding customer survey results and impressive client portfolio impressed the judging panel, who also named the company runner-up in the ‘Large Business of the Year’ award category.

Nearly 400 business people from across Somerset attended the Grand Final, which was organised by Somerset Chamber of Commerce and hosted by BBC broadcaster and journalist Claire Carter.

This year was the 18th anniversary of the hotly contested awards and Michael Cahill of Albert Goodman, main sponsor of the awards, said:

“The awards are an opportunity to celebrate Somerset’s vibrant business community and to recognise the achievements of those who go above and beyond to deliver exceptional service, results and products.

“We have a huge range of businesses and charities in Somerset and while the economic situation is challenging, I am constantly impressed by the resilience, innovation and adaptability I see from the businesses we work with.”

Paul Prouse, Managing Director of Rotec Hydraulics Ltd, commented:

“Winning ‘Manufacturer and Producer of the Year’ is a truly fantastic achievement and a great testament to our team’s exceptional expertise and capabilities.”

For more information visit www.rotec.net.