Hydraulic Accumulator Overhaul & Recertification for UK Port

100% Achilles audit _Rotec Hydraulics Ltd
100% Achilles audit _Rotec Hydraulics Ltd

The Challenge:

Our client – a major UK port offering shipping, logistics, and cargo handling services for industries worldwide – needed a critical service for their 10-litre and 20-litre, 135 bar hydraulic accumulators. These components, vital for port machinery, operate in a harsh, submerged saltwater environment, which had led to significant corrosion and wear. The accumulators required a full overhaul and recertification to ensure safety and continued operation.

Our Solution:

The Rotec Hydraulics team performed a comprehensive service to restore the accumulators to a like-new condition.

  • Full Overhaul: We disassembled the units, replaced all internal bladders and seals, and prepared the shells for a new protective coating.
  • Corrosion Treatment: To combat the effects of saltwater, we shotblasted the accumulators to remove all rust and old paint, creating a clean surface.
  • Protective Coating: We applied a durable, high-performance marine-grade paint system designed to withstand the harsh conditions of their working environment.
  • Recertification: Finally, each accumulator was recertified through rigorous pressure and leak testing, ensuring they met all safety standards and operational requirements.

The Result:

The accumulators were returned to the customer fully overhauled, recertified, and protected against future corrosion. Our work extended the lifespan of these critical assets, minimizing downtime and ensuring the continued reliability of their port operations.

 

Rotec Hydraulics are the only certified Parker Hannifin Accumulator Recertification Centre in the South West of the UK – servicing and re-certifying accumulators of all brands.

For reliable hydraulic solutions in challenging environments, contact Rotec Hydraulics via 01823 348900 or email sales@rotec.net. 

 

Rotec Delivers Critical Engineering Solutions for Cruise Ship

Rotec, a leading provider of hydraulic, pneumatic, and electro-mechanical solutions, is proud to announce the successful completion of critical engineering works on a cruise ship at Falmouth Dry Dock. This project follows a successful dry-docking of a sister ship the previous year.

The Challenge

We were asked to carry out essential maintenance requirements on the vessel, specifically focusing on the ship’s main engine combustion fans, supply fans, and exhaust fans.

The scope of work was comprehensive, requiring skilled engineering capabilities. Key objectives included:

  • On-site bearing replacement where feasible.

  • Thorough inspection and pre-recording of electrical readings before disconnection.

  • Safe electrical and mechanical disconnection of units.

  • Post-disconnection inspection and recording of insulation values.

  • Reporting any abnormal findings to the ship’s staff.

  • Cleaning of all necessary areas.

  • Extraction of old bearings and fitting of new, Rotec-supplied bearings.

  • Reinstatement and electrical/mechanical reconnection, including insulation tests.

  • Optional services like dynamic balancing and laser alignment were available.

100% Achilles audit _Rotec Hydraulics Ltd
100% Achilles audit _Rotec Hydraulics Ltd
100% Achilles audit _Rotec Hydraulics Ltd

The Solution

Rotec deployed a team of highly skilled engineers to the dock, who quickly commenced work on the specified fan units. Their methodical approach ensured every step was executed with precision and adherence to safety protocols.

During the process, the team identified several critical issues that required immediate attention:

  • A supply fan, upon removal from its trunking, revealed cracks in its mounting bracket, which were promptly welded for repair.

  • A significant crack was discovered on the lug of the Non-Destructive Examination (N.D.E) endshield. Rotec swiftly sourced and fitted a replacement endshield, adapting it for the absence of a vibration sensor aperture.

  • Both vibration sensors for the bearings were found to be damaged beyond repair, necessitating the sourcing of new replacements.

  • The fan cowl also showed evidence of a previous crack and weld repair.

 Despite these unforeseen challenges, Rotec’s engineers demonstrated exceptional problem-solving skills and adaptability. The fan unit was meticulously reassembled with new, high-quality bearings supplied by Rotec. A rigorous insulation test was performed, yielding a reading greater than 2Ω, confirming the unit’s electrical integrity. Following reassembly and testing, the unit was run to the complete satisfaction of the ship’s staff.

 The Feedback

The client’s Assistant Electrical Manager commented,

“I’d like to personally thank your engineers for their excellent work. As always, they have been a pleasure to work with, delivering the job on time and to a high standard. All work has now been tested and officially signed off by the ship.”

Conclusion

By proactively identifying and resolving complex issues, Rotec ensures that critical marine equipment functions optimally, contributing to the safety and efficiency of global maritime operations. Our engineers carried out the job within the timeframe required – something that is critical to the Marine industry. Rotec looks forward to continuing its partnerships, and further supporting the marine industry within Cornwall, the South West and beyond.

 

100% Achilles audit _Rotec Hydraulics Ltd

Motor Overhaul for Cruise Ship

Rotec’s Electrical Mechanical Services division completed the overhaul of 21 ship’s motors last month for a leading leisure industry company.

The cruise ship, who carries thousands of passengers each year, voyages throughout the Baltic, Norwegian Fjords, and the Mediterranean. In regular use, our engineers had a strict time limit of 14 days to remove, overhaul and reinstate all 21 motors whilst the ship was in dry dock.

The scope of works included:

Removal and inspection

  • Safe and efficient electrical and mechanical disconnection of all 21 motors, including the port and starboard anchor winch motors.
  • Thorough inspection of all plate detail and insulation valves.

Overhaul

  • Full steam cleaning of the motors and re-varnishing as required.
  • Baking of the motors in a temperature-controlled oven to ensure proper curing of the varnish and to remove any residual moisture.
  • New bearings fitted where required.
  • Repair of worn end-shields by sleeving and machining back to tolerance.
  • Replacement of brake pad discs with excessive wear.
  • Insulation tests conducted at 500 volts to ensure electrical safety and integrity.
  • Dynamic balancing carried out to avoid unnecessary vibrations, reduce noise, prevent mechanical failure, and improve balance and efficiency.
  • Inspection of all electrical cables for damage.

Reinstallation

  • Safe and efficient reinstallation of all 21 motors back onto the ship.
  • Careful reconnection of all electrical and mechanical components.

Report

  • A detailed report, with images of all motors, was completed and a copy sent to the client upon completion.

All work was completed within the 14 day schedule deadline.

The completed overhaul will significantly improve the reliability and lifespan of the ship’s motors, reducing the risk of unexpected breakdowns and ensuring continued safe and efficient operation.

If you would like more information on Rotec’s Electrical Mechanical capabilities, contact sales@rotec.net or call 01823 348900.

Boost Efficiency and Safety: Rotec Hydraulics is Your Parker Approved Accumulator Service Centre

Accumulators play a vital role in all industries, ensuring smooth and reliable hydraulic system performance. However, maintaining and servicing these critical components can be complex.

That’s where Rotec Hydraulics comes in. As a Parker Approved Accumulator Service Center (ASC), we possess the in-depth knowledge, experience and test rig facilities to provide comprehensive accumulator services, including: 

  • Product Range: We stock and sell accumulator products of all brands, sizes, and types.
  • Test Rig Facility: Our state-of-the-art test rig enables the testing of bladder type accumulators from 0.5 litres up to 54 litres.
  • Maintenance & Recertification: Our skilled engineers meticulously maintain and recertify your accumulators, ensuring optimal performance and extending their lifespan.
  • Pre-Charging & Audits: We pre-charge accumulators and conduct thorough audits to identify potential issues and prevent costly downtime.
  • Scheduled Inspections & Replacements: We offer customised inspection schedules and recommend replacements when necessary, proactively safeguarding your hydraulic systems.

Benefits of Choosing Rotec Hydraulics:

  • Enhanced Safety: Minimize accident risks and protect your employees with our expert service, adhering to all relevant safety regulations.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Ensure your operations comply with Pressure Systems Safety Regulations (PSSR) 2000 by adhering to recertification, data monitoring, and scheduled inspections.
  • Increased Productivity:
    • Boost Efficiency: Optimize system performance and reduce energy consumption with accumulator replacement, maintenance, and pre-charging.
    • Reduced Downtime: Minimize downtime and maximize productivity through warranty validation, preventative maintenance, and optimized performance.
  • Extensive Inventory of Accumulator Parts:
    • Bladder Kits
    • Charging Kits
    • Saddle Clamp Assembly
    • Relief Valves
    • Safety Blocks
    • Accumulator Flange Adaptors

Ready to optimize your accumulator management?

Contact us to schedule an initial consultation and discover how Rotec Hydraulics can help you enhance efficiency, improve safety, and minimise downtime.

Email sales@rotec.net or call 01823 348900.

Rotec completes innovative remote monitoring system onboard a vessel

As equipment increases in complexity, there is a growing need and advantage to being able to monitor parts of, or a complete system remotely.

With a long held commitment to innovation, Rotec Hydraulics are the first known company in the UK to have designed, installed and commissioned Parker IoT software that remotely monitors a hydraulic system.

With the ability to be installed and remotely monitor any hydraulic system, Parker Internet of Things (IoT) technology allows a user to ensure their assets are working at full functionality by monitoring key performance indicators, such as temperature, pressure and flow.

The remote monitoring technology further benefits the user by providing vital performance feedback for preventative maintenance planning, and can monitor real time and historical data all within a simple web-based interface.

This web-based portal can be accessed worldwide and gives a further benefit of GPS asset tracking and visibility – thus aiding both security of equipment and logistical transport efficiency which in turn, can reduce fuel costs.

The innovative IoT project came to fruition following Rotec being asked by a boat manufacturer to gather information about the performance of the hydraulic system they were fitting to a new fleet of vessels. 

Because of the harsh marine environment, robust equipment was selected that meets high ingress protection. IoT modems are compact and have built in aerials allowing for a sealed solution, meeting strict IP67 ingress protection and wide temperature ranges of -30 to +75 degrees.

Multiple sensors were fitted by Rotec’s engineers to provide feedback of tank levels, oil temperatures, flows and pressures in various parts of the system.

A further enhancement was provided by adding a particle contamination device which monitors and uploads the vessel’s oil cleanliness data to the cloud. Previously hydraulic oil changes were performed on a time expiry basis, whereas adding sophistication of a real time oil contamination device now tells the customer when the oil needs to be changed rather than changing at estimated time intervals. This reduces both the cost for the customer and decreases the impact on the environment because they are now performed only when required.

The customer was particularly impressed as Rotec Hydraulics were able to code unique software and download this remotely to assist with additional logging during sea trials of the vessel before delivery for normal operations at sea. This provided additional information that has not previously been visible due to the nature of the testing preventing personnel being on board monitoring the systems from the bridge. 

The IoT can be connected to an engine ECU using standard j1939 CAN protocol to give live engine data to be able to monitor remotely. This can provide data feedback from various sensors to ensure optimal engine performance and critically, no abuse of the equipment when being used in the field.

Alerts can be set and configured to automatically send emails once thresholds are exceeded, enhancing the effectiveness of automated data upload. 

Built in Bluetooth and WiFi also allows the user to access the password protected modem locally to download logs and further enhance the remote experience. Software updates can be performed remotely over the web or by Bluetooth/WiFi to increase the functionality of the sampling controller or change data collection and upload frequency, allowing for maximum end user flexibility for the customer.

To discuss how Rotec can enhance your system monitoring, contact our Sales Team via 01823 348900 or email sales@rotec.net.

 

Minimising Downtime: Manufacturing Press Tube Replacement

Rotec’s technical team researched and implemented an innovative method to complete replacement tube pipework whilst keeping downtime to a minimum at a large car manufacturing plant in Gloucestershire.

Following damage occurrence on one of their press lines, the world-leading manufacturer required replacement Ø75×12.5 carbon steel tubes.

Traditionally, engineers would be required to remove the damaged tube in order to gather accurate measurements before being able to provide and fit replacements. The removal and installation processes would require manufacturer to shut down the machine during these times.

Downtime for a large manufacturer in the automotive industry can have huge implications operationally and financially. Always keeping the customer at the forefront of projects, Rotec’s technical team suggested using a 3D laser scanner to measure the pipework, in order to minimise downtime.

The 3D laser scanner not only meant that the machine no longer had to be turned off, but the measurements collected were incredibly accurate and minimised the influence of human error. Furthermore, the time required for Rotec engineers to be onsite removing pipes and then measuring them would be dramatically reduced – saving the customer costs due to reduced labour costs.

Once measured accurately, the design for new tubes created using CAD design software in-house at Rotec. In total, the measuring and design process was complete within 2 days.

Continuing Rotec’s commitment to utilising technologies, the tube ends were formed using the Parker HPF system, which eliminates the need for welding of the tube. Bespoke flanges were also machined to suit the formed profile of the Ø75mm tube and accommodate the bolt pattern of the existing connections. 

For more information visit www.rotec.net.