Rotec provides IoT technology for smart monitoring

Internet of Things (IoT) technology enables engineers to remotely control and monitor various performance and safety parameters using strategically placed, wireless sensors to provide data and control systems over the internet.

IoT technology can lead to a reduction in downtime, better response rates and speed of intervention for predictive maintenance.

Everyday examples of IoT include smart home security systems or wearable health monitors. In terms of engineering, the potential for IoT is staggering, from autonomous agricultural equipment to advanced monitoring systems allowing machinery to be monitored from any location worldwide.

With more than 7 billion connected IoT devices today, experts are expecting this number to grow to 10 billion by 2020 and 22 billion by 2025.

Rotec has invested in IoT devices to offer this forethinking technology to our new and existing customers, as part of the business’s strategy to maximise the use of the latest technology, data analysis and to find environmentally sustainable solutions for our customers. We are now the only company South of England to be offering a range of Parker IoT products suited to all sector markets that rely on hydraulic, pneumatic and electrical mechanical engineering solutions. 

This data centric and digital approach enhances both our own and our clients’ understanding of what really ‘works’ when designing hydraulics, pneumatics and electrical mechanical systems. It complements the other services delivered by of our brand such as bespoke design, custom builds, maintenance, repair and overhaul activities.

IoT can be applied to all sectors. Examples include IOS; an innovative solution to measuring the quality of hydraulic oils and hydrocarbon fuels. Lightweight, robust and portable, IOS features a laser detection particle counter, battery and pump plus memory with web page generator for data download onto any PC or laptop – enabling clients to sample oil on-site and gather results within 2minutes. The IOS’s ability to sample directly from a hydraulic reservoir, barrel, vehicle fuel tank or from a high pressure online hydraulic system with the addition of a pressure reducing adaptor makes it undoubtedly the most adaptable contamination service tool available today. 

Another Parker IoT product range Rotec are proud to offer is an extension to the IQAN mobile controller family of hardware; products we have very extensive experience and knowledge of . This product range permits clients to quickly write applications for the desired functionality of their machine, reducing programming time and expense for machine control systems.

We are currently researching and designing a custom-made, cutting-edge hydraulic system, with IoT for remote monitoring embedded into the design, for a prominent name within the UK marine industry. Using Rotec designed test case fitted with Parker IQAN and GPS hardware, our client will have the technology to remotely dial in to monitor the hydraulic system sensors. This ability to proactively monitor remotely has numerous benefits, including reducing severity of damages caused by contamination and temperature, as well as reducing downtime for non-remote monitoring activities.

To discuss your requirements, and speak to a member of our team about IoT, please contact sales@rotec.net or call 01823 348900.

Return to news

Rotec shortlisted in two categories at the 2022 Somerset Business Awards

The most outstanding businesses that Somerset has to offer have been recognised in the shortlist for the 2022 Somerset Business Awards.

It has been revealed that Rotec Hydraulics Ltd has been shortlisted in two categories at the awards – ‘Best Use of Technology’ and ‘Somerset Manufacturer and Producer’ Award.

Michael Cahill, of main awards sponsor, Albert Goodman, said,

“The fantastic Somerset business community is bouncing back strongly and The Somerset Business Awards is a great way to celebrate the hard work, ingenuity and resilience our local businesses have shown during the difficult 18 months we have all had. Albert Goodman is extremely proud to continue our longstanding sponsorship of this brilliant event.”

Rotec Hydraulics Ltd embraces new and emerging technologies to provide our clients with cutting-edge solutions for first-class motion control capabilities. As a result of investing in Parker IoT technologies to further enhance our business offer, Rotec has been shortlisted for the ‘Best Use of Technology’ category at the 2022 Somerset Business Awards.

Shortlisted for the ‘Somerset Manufacturer and Producer of the year’ category at this years’ awards, is testament to Rotec’s innovative development of a number of bespoke winch systems for major names within the Utilities sector.

Paul Prouse, Managing Director of Rotec Hydraulics, commented,

“We are extremely proud to have been shortlisted for two Somerset Business awards. Investing in and utilising cutting-edge motion control technologies and providing innovative solutions for our clients has always been at the heart of our business. Being shortlisted is a testament to our fantastic team of employees who have continued to provide solutions and outstanding products and services to our customers throughout a challenging period for all businesses.”

Now in its 17th year, the award winners are scheduled to be announced at a black-tie event on 11th March 2022 at the Winter Gardens Pavilion in Weston-Super-Mare. To find out more, click here.

Return to news

How to prevent hydraulic oil overheating

Overheating is the second most common issue that occurs in hydraulic systems, behind leakages. Overheating of hydraulic systems is caused by inefficiencies which have resulted in loss of input power being converted to heat. To achieve stable fluid temperature, a hydraulic system’s capacity to dissipate heat must exceed its heat load. Overheating can be avoided by a reduction in hydraulic oil heat load and/or increasing heat dissipation.

Why reduce oil temperature?

Hydraulic fluid temperatures above 82°C (180°F) is likely to lead to oil degradation and cause damage to hydraulic seal compounds. While the operation of any hydraulic system at temperatures above 82°C should be avoided, fluid temperature is too high when viscosity falls below the optimum value for the hydraulic system’s components. This can occur well below 82°C, depending on the fluid’s viscosity grade (weight). To achieve a stable oil temperature, the hydraulic system must be able to dissipate heat faster than it is built up.

Heat dissipation

Heat dissipation occurs in the hydraulic reservoir. Regularly check there are no obstructions to the air flow into the reservoir and that fluid levels are correct.

Heat exchangers

Similarly to the reservoir checks, ensure the core of heat exchangers are not obstructed. Heat exchangers rely on flow-rate, hydraulic oil temperature and coolant in order to disperse heat suitably. It is vital that faulty cooling circuits are replaced. Infra-red thermometers are a reliable way to measure the performance and oil flow rate of heat exchangers.

Oil pressure and leakage

Reduction in system pressure or oil leakage will cause increased heat generation. It is critical that the cause of the leaking is identified and then rectified appropriately. If a relief valve is underneath or positioned too closely to the pressure setting of a pressure-compensator in a closed-centre circuit, it may lead to increased heat generation and the system pressure cannot reach the pressure compensator setting. Subsequently, the component will continue to move oil thorough the system, passing over the relief valve, which produces heat.

Return to news

Rotec designs and builds a bespoke remote-controlled hydraulic roof window system

This unique, custom built hydraulic power unit and four cylinders was designed and made at our Taunton depot. Engineered in house, the system forms part of a remote-controlled hydraulic roof window system for a private residence. 

The hydraulic power unit, designed and built in house, incorporates a 4 Kw 415V Electric motor with a tandem Galtech gear pump, electrical solenoid operated pump unloading valves, electrical solenoid operated directional control valves and integral return line filtration.

Our engineers have also fitted a bespoke custom made electrical control system installed onto the power unit to enable our customer to control the roof windows remotely.

There are four hydraulic cylinders in total measuring 80mm bore x 40mm rod x 700 stroke. The cylinders, customer designed and made at Rotec feature integral adjustable cushioning both on the full bore and annulas side, self-aligning spherical bearings and dual load holding motion control valve fitted and hard piped to both the full bore and annulas sides.

Finished with a high build paint scheme in a colour choice of our customers, the cylinders are configured for additional external fitment of a string pot position sensor.

Custom made hydraulic winch system for the utilities sector

Rotec Hydraulics Ltd has recently completed works on a custom made hydraulic winch system for the utilities market.

Fitted to a fleet of Ford Ranger vehicles, these bespoke winches have been designed, built, installed and tested by our in-house team of engineers and include a hydraulic system, electronic control system and mechanical components.

The Capstan winch is specifically designed for fast line speeds and has a 350Kg working load limit with a remote electrical foot pedal operation

Safety features include an integral fail safe static brake and integral dynamic braking.

The Capstan winch drum is made of stainless steel and the winch is deployed on a sliding system to allow the operator to move it from stored position to operational position easily.

Our client is one of the world’s largest publicly listed utilities focused on transmission and distribution of electricity and gas. They play a vital role in connecting millions of people to the energy they use safely, reliably and efficiently. Rotec has worked with this organisation for several years and are proud of the strong, effective relationship we share.

At Rotec the team work on many different projects.  Much of the work undertaken requires the integration of knowledge and skills from across the Rotec team, to deliver all of the elements that make up a client brief. For more information on the services we offer, please click here.

 

Custom Designed Winching Systems

Isuzu Dmax

Rotec have been working with the Utility market for the last 20 years – designing and manufacturing winch systems for overhead line teams throughout the UK. Traditional vehicles such as landrovers were deemed the work horse and industry standard. Working with a number of organisation the challenge to replace the landrover centred on certain replacement vehicles – such as the Isuzu DMAX.

The bespoke system includes the following:

  • Electro-hydraulic PTO (Power Take Off) for the pump
  • Custom designed hydraulic manifold assembly, which uses an electronic proportional directional control valve
  • Dual pressure control which allows for pressure selection
  • Custom made hydraulic reservoir
  • Custom electronic control system, including a remote pendant with joystick control as well as a 2nd joystick located in the cab
  • Integrated electronic hand throttle for the engine
  • Quality winch and Parker hydraulic hose supplied with pressure test certification which can be traced throughout the Parker network using PTS system

The system operates in two work modes:

  • Lifting mode: capable of lifting up to 1550 Kg (SWL)
  • Self – recovery: capable of pulling 3600 Kg

The bespoke system is designed and manufactured completely in-house, fully – tested prior to despatch.