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.

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.

Andy Rimes, Technical Director and Rachel Worth, Marketing Manager collect award from judge Simon Darch of SRD Technology UK.

Multi-million pound refurbishment of MS Bolette unveiled

Supported by Rotec’s electrical mechanical services team, a multi-million pound refurbishment of MS Bolette has been unveiled to CLIA and Government officials.

The Bolette entered dry dock for a 13-day refurbishment, including maintenance to the ship’s Azipods and bow thrusters as well a new application of anti-fouling paint. Rotec Hydraulics Ltd, based across the South West of the UK, were responsible for the overhaul of Bolette’s eight thruster fans.

After the fans were electronically and mechanically disconnected, the vessel’s thruster fans were transported by Rotec for a full inspection. Following the inspection of all plate detail and insulation valves, the fans underwent dynamic balancing. The units were then transported back to the shipyard and reconnected, with a full works report supplied to the client.

The turnaround for the project was a mere 8 days from the ship arriving in the UK shipyard to Bolette setting sail again on 7th March. To ensure the tight deadline was met, Rotec engineers went above and beyond, working a 24/7 split shift pattern. Unplanned and additional emergent works which occurred, were quickly responded to by the Rotec team. Following the works, Mark Terrell, Electrical & Maintenance Manager at A&P Falmouth commented on Rotec’s service delivery:

“I would like to take the opportunity to thank you for the support. The Rotec response was great and by Monday 16:00 (less than 24 hours later) the ship had passed off all 8 fans as complete and ready to return to service. Special mention must go to [your engineers] for sticking with the job through Sunday night and well into Monday!”

MS Bolette has now sailed to Newcastle to complete its spring/summer season operating in Europe. Owned and operated by Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines, Bolette was formerly named Amsterdam and was the last ship of the four Rotterdam class (R class) cruise vessels.

For more information on Rotec’s Electrical Mechanical Services visit www.rotec.net.

 

Image: Aerial view of A&P Falmouth, where refurbishment of MS Bolette took place. Image source: https://www.cruiseandferry.net/

Rotec sponsors The Big Somerset Cricket Bash

In the first of its kind in Somerset, St Margaret’s Hospice is hosting The Big Somerset Cricket Bash.

Far from your usual fundraising event, The Big Somerset Cricket Bash, is a 10k charity walk fuelled by bacon sarnies, taking in the sights of Taunton leading to The Cooper Associates County Ground, where participants have free entry to cheer on Somerset County Cricket Club as they take on Nottinghamshire on the first day of the County Championship match.

Exclusively sponsored by Rotec Hydraulics Ltd, throughout the day men and women will be coming together to share precious memories of family and friends who have died. They will talk openly about their feelings and the realities of losing a loved one, the bereavement and grief that follows, as well as learning to adapt to a new way of life.

Ellie Weston, Marketing and Events Officer at St Margaret’s said,

“It’s well recognised that many struggle to talk about their feelings. In addition to the services offered by our Bereavement Support Team, we wanted to provide an outlet for men and empower them to come together and talk openly.”

Paul Prouse, Managing Director of Rotec commented,

“The Big Somerset Cricket Bash is sure to be a spectacular event, raising importance mental health awareness, as well as raising much needed funds for the St Margaret’s Hospice charity.” 

St Margaret’s Hospice supports families and carers of loved ones who are facing a life-limiting illness through bereavement support and counselling groups. £38 could pay for a counselling session with their Bereavement Team.

Entry to The Big Somerset Cricket Bash on the June 25, 2023 costs £25 for adults and £20 for children. Early booking is recommended as we anticipate a sell-out event. Tickets include free entry to the game, a hot and tasty bacon roll and a bespoke t-shirt to wear on the walk and as a memento of the day.

For more information or to buy tickets for The Big Somerset Cricket Bash visit www.st-margarets-hospice.org.uk/big-somerset-cricket-bash.

Wallace & Gromit’s BIG Bake relaunch

The Grand Appeal, the Bristol Children’s Hospital Charity, is relaunching a tasty new fundraising campaign: Wallace & Gromit’s BIG Bake!

Sponsored by long-standing supporter Rotec Hydraulics Ltd, anyone is able to take part and help raise some dough for Bristol Children’s Hospital with a bake sale.

 Whether you are a novice baker or a patisserie professional, anyone can host a BIG Bake sale at any point throughout the year, with free fundraising packs available at BIGBake.org.uk.

All money raised goes towards supporting sick children and babies at Bristol Children’s Hospital and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at St Michael’s Hospital.

Paul Prouse, Managing Director of Rotec Hydraulics Ltd commented;

“It is our great pleasure to once again support The Grand Appeal. I recently had the pleasure of visiting the charity and was touched by the incredible work they do each day to support children and families from across the South West during the most difficult of times.

 

“We wish The Grand Appeal every success with their BIG Bake campaign, and are looking forward to taking part!”

The Grand Appeal®. Registered charity 1043603. ©&™ Aardman Animations Ltd 2023. All rights reserved.