Fluid Power & Systems and Air-Tech 2016 attract biggest visitor numbers to date

26 April, 2016

These exhibitions were complemented by MACH and National Electronics Week; also staged at the NEC. The DFA Media shows’ success was also reflected by the attendance figures for the seminars and conference, with over 450 delegates visiting the programme over the three days. These free technical seminars included speakers offering expert views, information, guidance and advice on a wide range of important and topical issues relevant to each show.

Sponsors for Fluid Power & Systems 2016 were: Argo-Hytos, Beaumanor, BFPA, BVAA, Custom Fittings, Metal Work, MP Filtri, SMC Pneumatics, Staubli, Parker, Schwer Fittings and Tom Parker Ltd. Sponsors for Air-Tech 2016 were: BCAS, Beaumanor, Gardner Denver, Hertz Kompressoren, Huba Control and Mattei. Media partners were Hydraulics & Pneumatics and Plant & Works Engineering magazines.

Inaugural Motion Control Industry Awards

The evening of the first day of the shows saw the staging of the inaugural Motion Control Industry Awards – in association with the UK Motion Control Alliance (UK MCA), which took place at the National Conference Centre (formally known as the National Motorcycle Museum). Supported by some of the biggest names in the motion control arena, and with some 250 people in attendance, the event was heralded a great success by all those involved (see pages 8 and 10 for the full report).

Popular choice

Fluid Power & Systems, which has the full support of the British Fluid Power Association (BFPA), is the only exhibition in the UK totally focused on hydraulics, pneumatics, systems and related equipment, and as such has proved to be the popular choice for fluid power system manufacturers and distributors. Chris Buxton, CEO of the British Fluid Power Association (BFPA), incorporating the British Fluid Power Distributors Association (BFPDA), said of Fluid Power & Systems 2016: “There are many digital enthusiasts who claim that the advent of the virtual or web-based show will herald the end of traditional exhibitions. There was certainly no evidence of this at Fluid Power & Systems 2016. Nor did the current challenges in the offshore and steel market appear to have prevented companies and suppliers turning out in strength to display their wares.”

Buxton continued: “Visitor numbers were strong and the BFPA Pavilion was busy throughout the three days of the event. Innovation was a strong theme as was the inexorable trend towards automation and wider motion control whilst those visitors seeking a range of added value learning opportunities were very pleased with the range of topics covered in what was a strong seminar programme. We look forward to attending the 2018 event.”

Only dedicated UK event

Air-Tech covered current key themes related to the very latest in air compressor and related technology from companies from around the globe. The event is fully supported by the British Compressed Air Society (BCAS), and is the UK’s only dedicated event for the compressed air and generators market.

Vanda Jones, BCAS’s executive director, commented: “Air-Tech was a great show for BCAS on several fronts. It was the first time I had worked with DFA Media and the process was seamless. Even before the show started the exhibitor website made planning and marketing very easy.

“Once at the show, BCAS hosted its spring conference which was attended by members from both the manufacturer and distributor sectors. For the end users we were also able to use the platform to launch our end user survey, our technical guide and the new knowledge base on the website. Show traffic was brisk on all three days and it was an excellent opportunity for us to provide impartial expert advice to exactly the right audience. All in all a very successful three days; it enabled us to link with new contacts and existing members.”

Highly encouraging

DFA Media managing director, Ian Atkinson, said: “This was the best outing yet for the co-located shows. The response we received from exhibitors and visitors alike has been highly encouraging, which we believe reflects the continuing overall market strength and optimism felt within the industry sectors represented by these exhibitions. The entire team at DFA Media would like to thank the exhibitors, seminar presenters and visitors for making the event such a success.”

Fluid Power & Systems – highlights taster

Just some of the many highlights at Fluid Power & Systems 2016 included the following:

Abdex

On its stand at Fluid Power & Systems, Abdex promoted its new catalogue, covering everything from high pressure pipe fittings and adaptors, through instrumentation tubing, pressure test systems, flushing machines, hose crimping machines and hose manufacturing equipment. The company also supplies loose components, tubing, fittings, couplings, pumps, cylinders, valve assemblies, analysers, environmental equipment, complete control panels and systems.

Another key focus on the stand and in the new catalogue is the company’s newly introduced A-Test. Abdex understands how critical it is to test and clean. It also understands the importance of quality, safety and traceability. In this regard, A-Test was set up to allow Abdex to specialise in high pressure equipment and electric flushing rigs.

Alfagomma

At Fluid Power & Systems, Alfagomma displayed its Alfabiotech hose range designed to be used with biodegradable hydraulic fluids. Their oil resistant synthetic rubber also makes them compatible with lubricating oils and petroleum-based hydraulic fluids. This is a new generation of hoses with improved resistance and prolonged life. Alfabiotech hoses are compact and easy to bend. Compared with standards SAE 100 R 12/13/15 bend radius is reduced by up to 50 per cent. This year sees Alfagomma celebrating its 60 anniversary.

Allswage UK

At Fluid Power & Systems, Allswage UK was joined on the stand by representatives from Resato (Netherlands), Marken (USA), Ultraclean (USA) and Techmaflex from France – manufacturers for which Allswage UK is the sole UK distributor.

The 2016 show set new show sales records for Allswage UK. Along with everyday product sales, deals were closed on two mobile workshops, kitted out to Allswage UK’s latest spec; including van, racking and machinery. On the third day a deal was done on the Marken fully automatic hose saw, capable of 700 cuts per hour. The show allowed the company the time and ability to demonstrate this to its customers. However, the biggest success was the sale of Allswage UK’s centre piece on the stand – the XL-550; what Allswage UK reports to be the largest Techmaflex crimper ever sold in the UK. Negotiations, which have been undergoing for the past two months, were brought to a close at the show. When the customer saw the sheer size and quality of the machine the handshake was made.

Alutec

Alutec & Occo Coolers have launched a solution to problem of air side fouling of oil coolers located in dirty areas. Time and money spent on cleaning or replacing filters can contribute to cost and early failure of bearings, motors and plant due to high temperature oil.

In order to resolve the issue, Alutec UK Ltd. worked with selected clients to offer an interchangeable cooler for popular standard ranges in the market place. Looking to offer a cooler-only option for those units failing due to fouling without incurring the costs of motors/pumps, Alutec’s wave fin tube allows for a 180 degree access to incoming air into the cooler. Each tube acts like a rudder to drive the incoming air across and over the tube surface; air flow is maintained and free flowing. Debris which would normally become trapped in a conventional coolers surface now passes through not creating a restricted area on the cooler.

Argo-Hytos

Among its established products, including valves and sensor & measurement solutions, Argo-Hytos’s stand at Fluid Power & Systems featured the recently launched HD 305 high-pressure safety filter with reversing control.

The filter is per function, e.g. gripper open/closed, integrated in the two lines to the consumer (scissors, gripper etc.). For each line there is a separate filter with reversing unit available, which is hydraulically isolated from the other. The oil flowing to the consumer is allowed to pass through in unfiltered condition. The returning oil from the tour is led through the filter element. Nominal flow is up to 300 l/min. Operating pressure is up to 400 bar.

[subhead] Beaumanor

As part of Beaumanor’s expanding hydraulic offering to help resale customers grow their businesses, on display at Fluid Power & Systems was a selection of VOSS Fluid couplings, fittings and forming machines. The VOSS zinc-nickel coat that provides 1000 hour anti-corrosion protection proved of great interest to many visitors, as did the flexibility of hire and staged payment plans for the purchase of VOSS Form machines.

In addition, ITM hydraulic adaptors, Brevini CETOP valves and hydraulic motors were exhibited. Beaumanor has its own hydraulic adaptor manufacturing plant in India, which produces the ITM range. This allows full quality control and delivery on the final machined products – the initial steel blank forgings were also displayed and proved of great interest to visitors.

Beko Technologies

Beko Technologies can now measure compressed air to ISO 8573-1 class 1 of the ISO standards. This is very important for industries such as food & beverage, pharmaceutical, medical, automotive and many more. Beko Technologies has a portable test rig that comprises the following four components:-

• Metpoint OCV system for the measurement of hydrocarbon levels downs to 0.003 mg/m3, which allows for accurate measurement well below the class 1 standard of less than 0.01 mg/m3.

• The Metpoint dewpoint sensor capable of reading down to -100c pdp, which is also well below the class 1 for Moisture of -70c.

• Metpoint BDL a graphic display for the recording of the parameters for compressed air and gas applications.

The company also offers a laser particle counter that can measure at 0.1, 0.5, and 1 micron particle sizes as per the ISO 8573.

BVAA

Hydraulics and pneumatics are two of the key power sources in the valve industry, along with electrical actuation. However, one of the main goals of the British Valve & Actuator Association (BVAA) at Fluid Power & Systems was to promote its series of valve industry courses, which now also includes basic introductions to hydraulics, pneumatics and electrics. The courses are delivered in partnership with the National Fluid Power Centre (NFPC) at Worksop. These complement the BVAA’s existing portfolio of more specific valve industry courses.

Hydrapower Dynamics

Equipment featured on the Hydrapower Dynamics’ stand at Fluid Power & Systems included the recently introduced the Finn-Power P20NMS and P32NMS crimping machines for service use. These robust and fast machines are designed for the toughest environments, and provide productivity in a silent working environment.

These models turn hydraulics off to conserve energy and to reduce work¬place noise levels whenever the machine is idle. Innovative engineering provides quality and productivity while the new design protects the machine when operating in the toughest environments.

Hydraulic Projects Ltd.

On its stand at Fluid Power & Systems, Hydraulic Projects Ltd. displayed the Hy-Pro Radio Remote Control system, which comprises a paired based unit and handset. It will control 20 solenoids or 10 valve sections, with proportional options, at a range of up to 45m. As a major safety feature, this pairing of base unit and handset is said to ensure that only one receiver responds to the handset, even in a yard full of identical machines.

Should a handset need to be replaced in the future, there is a rapid ‘re-pairing’ feature. The handset has an ‘all stop’ function for further safety, and the system utilises radio modules which are certified to appropriate standards; including EMC.

MA Hydraulics Ltd.

MA Hydraulics Ltd. demonstrated the Vivoil MIA-FD flow divider at Fluid Power & Systems. MIA FD is the acronym for Manifold Instantaneous Auto-compensating Flow Divider. The VIVOIL MIA-FD flow divider is the answer to the market request for continuous improvement of:

• Precision: All components have been re-engineered to allow for a tolerance reduction to achieve higher uniformity between elements. In addition we have an internal auto compensating system that removes the dependency from the pressure difference between elements.

• Modular: Each elements is a single independent unit.

• Configurable: Each element can have valves added and other modular elements with a CETOP NG6, ISO 4401-03-02-0-05 interface.

• Expandable: The system can be improved by adding new divider elements on to an existing flow divider.

• Simple: The completed flow divider is a complete compact manifold system and is easy to install.

M&R Hydraulics

M&R Hydraulics introduced Hy-Pro Vac-U-Dry vacuum dehydrators to its range at Fluid Power & Systems. The company reports that hydraulic and lube oil fluid contamination causes 75 per cent of all hydraulic component and bearing failures. Companies can now increase plant reliability with the Vac-U-Dry vacuum dehydration unit.

The VUD series vacuum dehydrator can optimise the balance between heat, vacuum and process design to rapidly remove free, emulsified and dissolved water and gas. Vac-U-Dry dehydrators are also equipped with high efficiency filtration to remove particulate contamination.

Metal Work UK Ltd.

One of the newest solutions offered by Metal Work UK Ltd., the EB 80 electro-pneumatic system, was displayed on its stand at this year’s Fluid Power & Systems exhibition. The possible combinations of the system are many, and they can be obtained using a small number of basic components. In order to achieve this objective, a single size of small yet high performance valves to cover the vast majority of applications was conceived. A single electronic control unit is provided when supplying 12 VDC or 24 VDC valves with multi-pole cables or with a fieldbus for each protocol. All EB 80 versions come with an efficient diagnostic system.

[Metal Work pic caption] EB 80 electro-pneumatic system.

[subhead] Schwer Fittings

One of Schwer Fittings’ main features on its stand at this year’s Fluid Power & Systems exhibition was its recently introduced DNV-certified range of u2-Lok twin ferrule fittings. The u2-Lok fittings are delivered assembled and read to use. High safety levels are ensured, even when working at high pressure, in a vacuum or with vibration. Deforming in a spring-like manner, the back ferrule dampens the tube line vibrations. It also prevents the transference of tightening torque from the nut to the front ferrule.

Schwer Fittings also introduced its new Swaging Guidelines and Technical Information booklet, providing handy information about everything from maximum working pressures to measuring hose assemblies and testing.

Service Hydraulics

At Fluid Power & Systems, Service Hydraulics introduced its distributorship deal with Hi-Lok Corporation, which manufactures products in three main areas; tube fittings, valves and modules. Hy-Lok quality-control system ensures the company can produce components to the same level of quality time after time. The Hy-Lok product range meets standards such as ISO-9001:2008, OHSAS 1800 (safety) and ISO14001 (Environment). Hy-Lok invests over 4 per cent of its total annual turnover into research and development.

SMC

Fluid control and automation specialists SMC is beginning the work of following up hundreds of enquiries collected after Fluid Power & Systems. A 20-strong team were busy on all three days, demonstrating SMC’s most innovative products across 32 display panels. Many of those panels were dynamic, allowing visitors to see the products in action.

A prominent feature of the stand was SMC’s modular Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) display which was in demand throughout the show. The stand highlights how implementing inexpensive, simple and often intuitive changes can cut the cost of factory air automation and downtime incidences, whilst increasing efficiency and output.

Star Hydraulics

Star Hydraulics launched its new Intrinsically Safe range of servo valve at Fluid Power & Systems. The Star range of valves are recognised for their long life and performance achieved by incorporating exotic materials such as sapphires and titanium to prevent premature failure. Following a large demand for explosion- proof, flameproof and intrinsically safe valves, Star Hydraulics has met the challenge by introducing its own Intrinsically Safe range of valves.

The valves used in hazardous environments have special performance characteristics to meet these exacting international standards. Development work started in September 2015 ensuring that the new valve had the following features; utilised Star’s Sapphire Technology; torque motor manufactured from titanium; various spool null cuts; fully repairable valve; interchangeable with other manufacturers products; fully compliant with international certifications; and double and triple coil redundancy.

World respected Ex Test and certification body Intertek assisted in the design and certification of the valve, which involved the manufacture of a new coil assembly. The valve launched at the show now features all the advantages of the Star range while meeting the International Standards: ATEX, IECEx, FM, UL, ETL, TiiS and CSA. Applications for the valve are: power generation – f;ossil, nuclear; petro chemical; gas & steam turbines; wood industry; and mining.

Stauff

The Stauff Connect portfolio was displayed on the company’s stand at Fluid Power & Systems 2016. It is closely aligned with the market requirements and contains an extensive range of tube connectors made carbon steel for metric tubes with outer diameters ranging from 2 to 42 mm in accordance with ISO 8434-1/DIN 2353: 24deg cutting me fittings; 24deg taper fittings with O-Ring; 24deg Weld cones with O-Ring; and 37deg flared tube fittings.

The product range is completed by cheque and automating valves for in-line installation, thread reducers as well as blanking plugs and screws. Special product types and sizes as well as alternative materials, material combinations and service coatings deviating from the standards are available on request. Automated assembly machinery and hardened, wear resistant tools enable the reliable assembly of tube connectors – both for series production in the workshop and on site.

Air-Tech – highlights taster

Just some of the many highlights at Air-Tech 2016 included the following:

Donaldson Filtration GB

At Air-Tech, Donaldson showcased a newly launched range of filters for compressed air and gas, redesigned refrigeration compressed air dryers and cutting-edge solutions for sterile filtration.

One key aspect of the new offerings is UltraPleat filtration technology. Specially treated high-tech fibres have been densely pleated to a filter medium with high filtration performance and significantly reduced differential pressure. Compared with the previous range, Donaldson could increase energy efficiency and resource conservation by a clearly measurable amount. Regarding drying technology Donaldson made a giant step ahead in fulfilling the market need for compact and easy to install and maintain refrigeration compressed air dryers. The new Buran with integrated pre and after filters solves this market challenge with an intelligent plug-and-play solution. Donaldson has also extended its successful portfolio of sterile and steam filters for the highest hygienic demands applied in the food & beverage, pharmaceutics or biotechnologies industries.

Factair

Featured on Factair’s stand was the F4504 multi-air tester, which enables the quality of medical, surgical and breathing-air systems to be established. Developed from the F3004 Medic-Air and F4000 Safe Air Tester series, the F4504 is claimed to set new standards breathing and medical air quality instrumentation. With its user-friendly touch screen colour menu, air quality testing is easy to complete and once set the instrument can be left unattended to complete a test.

The instrument is designed to test in accordance with the medical and surgical air parameters of HTM02-01 and the European Pharmacopoeia Directive. It also can test against the Pharmacopoeia parameters for CO2, N2 and N20 supplies. For breathing-air systems the F4504 can test both low and high pressure systems to EN12021 (in conjunction with the optional F3002 regulator for HP tests).

Gardner Denver

Owners of new Hydrovane compressors from Gardner Denver can now enjoy a decade of peace of mind with an expanded free Advance 10-year warranty available as standard. The offer includes compressors between 1.1 kW and 45 kW (with the exception of special builds and gas compressors) and lasts for up to 10 years or 48,000 operating hours. It helps ensure that owners and operators won’t face unexpected repair bills, provides greater control over maintenance budgets and will increase the future resale value of the machine.

To take advantage of the free scheme, owners need to ensure that their compressors are installed and serviced by an authorised Hydrovane service provider, to keep the equipment properly maintained in line with the service schedule and use genuine Hydrovane parts and lubricants.

The new CompAir L160, L200, L250 and the L290 models, promoted on the company’s stand at Air-Tech, are available in both fixed and speed-regulated options and are capable of delivering reliable and efficient compressed air, with pressures ranging from 7.5 bar to 13 bar, to suit a wide variety of industrial applications. Also displayed at the show was the Hydrovane Air Solution combining a rotary vane compressor with a range of ancillary equipment including an air receiver, dryer and in-line filtration in a fully integrated package.

Hertz Kompressoren

Among its wide portfolio of rotary screw and reciprocating air compressors, and compressed air dryers and filters, Hertz Kompressoren promoted its state-of-the-art hot water heat recovery unit at Air-Tech. A heat exchanger is installed in the hot oil line in the compressor, and heating water is then heated by this hot compressor oil. Hertz Kompressoren comments that the system is not complicated and the cost of initial investment is not expensive. The company adds that saving heat energy can realise that cost within one year of operation.

Huba Control

Huba Control displayed the recently launched Type 679 volume and flow pressure transmitters for air and neutral gases. With sensors developed for each pressure range, the Type 679 transmitter provides an accurate and stable output that allows the detection of a volumetric flow with a differential pressure measurement across measuring orifice, fan filter. With the built-in 2 line/8 digit alphanumeric LCD display it is possible to display the flow velocity.

Also recently launched is the Type 558 relative and absolute pressure transmitter mobile applications and the Type 550 relative pressure transmitter for mobile hydraulic applications a suited for use in the harshest conditions.

Mattei

One of the key features on Mattei’s stand at Air-Tech was the new ultra-high performance Maxima Xtreme 75kW rotary vane compressor. With fluid dynamic optimisation, a new sprayed oil injection system, plus a specially designed high-performance lubricant, the Maxima Xtreme guarantees ultra-high performance and a specific energy efficiency of just 5.2kW/m³/min.

Visitors to stand also had the opportunity to view Mattei’s Blade series of compressors, including the newly launched 15, 18 and 22kW models. These recent extensions to the range are ideal for applications requiring a reliable, high-quality compressed air supply of between 95 and 132cfm, whilst the Blade 1.5, 2.2 and 3kW models (5.6 – 11.3cfm) are suited to smaller workspaces and workshops. Sitting between these, the Blade 4-11 models offer 22-60cfm of high-quality air.

Additionally, visitors to the stand saw Mattei’s energy saving Xpander prototype, which converts waste heat into electrical energy. Designed to work with air compressors of 50-100kW, the Xpander recovers heat from hot compressor oil, which is ordinarily cooled by a fan, and converts it into electrical power.

Prevost

One of the main features on Prevost’s stand at Air-Tech was the AMPS aluminium profile connection system for the installation of compressed air distribution networks. AMPS uses a specific aluminium profile whose geometry has been developed to ensure the distribution of compressed air. Approved and certified by the German certification organisation, TUV, AMPS offers the assurance of a reliable and approve system. Assembly and installation is performed without the need for preparation for specific tools. The profile is cut to the desired length and directly assembled with the appropriate couplings.

Also featured on the stand were Prevo S1 compact compressed air blow guns with integrated plug. These blowguns, equipped with Prevost plugs, are compatible with all major connection profile standards. The plugs couple directly to the Prevo S1 quick safety coupling, which also optimises the blowguns’ ergonomics.

Red Dragon

One of the highlights on the Red Dragon Valves stand at Air-Tech was the CS-iTEC range of air/gas measurement solutions. For example, the S630 ATMOmed medical compressed air monitor is a simple and reliable control option for pharmacists. It features an automatic alarm in case of over-/undershooting defined limits, has a 5-inch colour touchscreen display and is capable of integration into monitoring systems (RS 485, Ethernet). This plug-and-play system can provide 365/24 monitoring and documenting the purity of medical compressed air. It comes in a ready to go cabinet designed to fit the customer’s needs without the need to make any major changes to an existing system. The S630 ATMOmed monitors impurities in the compressed air system as they are defined by the European Pharmacopoeia and ISO 7396-1.

Reg Dragon Valves also introduced the S600 portable compressed air purity analyser, which will soon be available through the company. The S600 is an all in one solution for measuring particle contamination oil vapour and dew point as stated in ISO-8573. The integrated dew point measurement system contains different sensor technologies to match a dew point range from -100degC to +20degC dew point at a high accuracy with long-term stable measurement results.

Teseo

In addition to the company’s established range of modular aluminium compressed air pipework solutions, another key feature on Teseo’s stand at Air-Tech were VPFlowScope flowmeters that can help users to reduce compressed air consumption and energy costs. The VPFlowScope M is a three in one flowmeter for compressed air and technical gases. It measures flow, pressure and temperature simultaneously. Teseo comments that with the introduction of the VPFlowScope M, recalibration becomes history. Unlike traditional flowmeters, this solution does not require traditional recalibration, where users have to ship the unit back. Instead, it consists of a transmitter and patented VPSensorCartridge, which reduces recalibration to a simple exchange. The VPFlowScope M has a wide measurement range (1:300) and is very compact and lightweight.

The exhibitions will return

The co-located DFA Media events will return to the NEC, Birmingham from 10 to 12 April 2018. For regular updates on the shows, visit the official websites:

www.fluidpowersystems-expo.com

www.airtech-expo.com