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

26 April, 2016

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.