Hydraulic fuel system with integrated pipework solutions carried out by Rotec

Rotec engineers have carried out integration and commissioning of a hydraulic fuel system with pipework solutions on a brand new vessel for a prestigious boatbuilder.

After being let down by another supplier, the client requested Rotec to carry out the works following referrals made by others within the Marine industry who had given Rotec glowing reviews.

A reliable and efficient hydraulic fuel system, built with quality components, aids any vessel engine to run smoothly, avoid unexpected engine failures and ensure passenger safety. Additionally, built and maintained to a high standard, a hydraulic fuel system will be compliant with good practice and environmental regulations.

Rotec’s engineers, whose skills and experience span across multiple engineering disciplines – from hydraulics to electrical – installed and commissioned the hydraulic fuel system in line with the boatbuilder’s schedule of works.

The hydraulic tank design supports 2 hydraulic pumps, driven by 2 engines. The flow rate from each pump (45cc per rev) is estimated at a max 70LPM. The system also supports 2 thrusters, coolers and LS lines.

All pipework solutions used 50mm and 25mm stainless tube with 1.5mm wall thickness. This reduced the number of joints, whilst providing good circulation. Pipework materials centring on the use of rigid tube within the engine machinery space and completion of service points with flexible were employed where required. Finally, pipework was cleaned utilising the pelleting system and flushed.

All hoses were supplied by Rotec and supported by the Parker Tracking System (PTS). This labelling scheme enables a user to quickly scan any asset using a non-subscription, free mobile app. The asset’s technical specifications, including part number are then displayed, enabling efficient and accurate re-ordering of parts when required. App users can also set up service alerts to notify them of when a part’s lifespan is coming to an end.

For more information regarding Rotec’s capabilities, visit www.rotec.net. 

Rotec named finalist at The Manufacturer MX Awards

Rotec Hydraulics Ltd have been officially announced as a finalist at The Manufacturer MX Awards 2023.

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.

The company’s strong customer-focused ethos 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 named the company as a finalist in the ‘Achieving Customer Value’ award category. 

Over 50 of Britain’s top manufacturing companies competing across 11 award categories have made it through to the finals of the UK’s largest and most rigorous manufacturing awards. Delivered by The Manufacturer in partnership with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), The Manufacturer MX Awards (TMMX Awards) exist to encourage, benchmark, and celebrate manufacturing excellence.

Managing Director of The Manufacturer, Grace Gilling said:

“It has been the best year for entries which has made for a really fierce competition.”

Emma Botfield, Managing Director of Headline Sponsors RS UK & Ireland, added:

“The manufacturing sector has faced unprecedented turbulence in recent years, when factors including the pandemic, supply chain disruption and Brexit, have all been significant contributors. These challenges have been tackled head-on by many organisations who have shown the agility and resilience not just to survive,but thrive and grow.”

The Manufacturer MX Award winners will be revealed at a gala dinner and ceremony, held at the Exhibition Centre in Liverpool on 15th November.

Rotec Hydraulics Ltd’s Managing Director, Paul Prouse commented:

“To be named award finalists at The Manufacturer MX Awards in the Achieving Customer Value category is great recognition of our team’s unwavering commitment to our clients, working together to develop industry-leading manufacturing solutions alongside outstanding customer service.”

For more information on the Manufacturer MX Awards visit https://themanufacturermxawards.com/.

 

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 from Taunton Academy
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

100% Achilles audit _Rotec Hydraulics Ltd

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.”