Parker Shows Nitrogen-Gas Generators At Total

The Domnick Hunter Industrial Division of Parker Hannifin will be showcasing its latest technology at Total Process and Packaging 2010, held on 25-27 May at NEC Birmingham. On show at the event will be a selection of the company's cost-effective industrial nitrogen-gas generators, which have been proven to increase productivity and profitability in the process and packaging sectors.

The company will be exhibiting its latest Midigas and Maxigas onsite nitrogen-gas generators, designed to provide alternatives to traditional nitrogen sources. These technologies are suitable for use in a range of applications in the process and packaging industry, including modified-atmosphere packaging (MAP), purging, blanketing and pressure transfer. Producing on-demand nitrogen gas from compressed air onsite, the high-performance Midigas and Maxigas ranges are suitable for small-to-medium and medium-to-large nitrogen requirements, respectively.

As a result, customers using the gas generators can make significant reductions in the cost of using nitrogen, with a fast payback on a generator of between 12 and 24 months, and ongoing savings of up to 90 per cent thereafter. In addition, the on-demand functionality of the Midigas and Maxigas generators allows users to overcome the environmental issues associated with road transport of bottled gas and the unpredictability of fluctuating gas prices, while operating from a small compressor facilitates low energy consumption. The systems are fully automatic, making them easy to set up and operate, with the production of nitrogen being determined by the demands of downstream processes.

This greater degree of control helps to limit waste and reduce overall energy consumption, while considerably extending the operating life of the unit, which is typically in excess of 10 years. Similarly, maintenance costs are low, with only routine maintenance required, while the modular design of the Midigas and Maxigas systems enables the installation to be extended as and when nitrogen requirements increase.

Read More

Parker Particle Detection For RAF Aviation Fuels

The latest Icount PD particle-detection technology from Parker Hannifin is being trialled by the RAF as part of a programme to enhance the quality and safety of its aviation fuels. Fitted to refuelling vehicles, the Icount PD detection units provide an immediate indication if fuel quality falls below a set threshold, helping to identify contamination caused by particles or moisture and improving productivity while potentially reducing operating costs.

The RAF has initially fitted several Icount PD units for evaluation and these are mounted on the outlets of the monitor filter housings on each refuelling vehicle, with the monitor filters being used to remove contamination from the fuel as it is pumped into each aircraft. An integrated probe device is used to extract a sample from the flow of fuel. The sample is then automatically fed through the particle counter for analysis before being returned to the fuel dispenser slop tank.

Each Icount PD unit features laser-diode optical-detection technology to produce fast, accurate and repeatable results, with the ability to detect dispersed particle contamination down to extremely low levels. The system also monitors the condition of the fuel immediately downstream of the filters. Any change in operating conditions can easily be detected by the Icount PD units as they provide a constant indication of fuel condition while it is being pumped.

Each unit incorporates front-panel-mounted LEDs to show operating status and alarm conditions for particles and moisture content, and is connected to a data logger so that contamination levels over time can be monitored, allowing RAF technicians to plan maintenance schedules for the refuelling equipment. Icount PD units are small, robust and lightweight, and were simple for the RAF to install without the need for extensive modifications to each refuelling vehicle.

They have eliminated previous methods of using subject gravimetric tests and are said to be less expensive than traditional light-scattering devices. The Icount PD units are rated to IP66 and have a range of output options, making them easy to interface with mobile equipment. These options include RS232 and Canbus connectivity, 4-20mA and 0-5V analogue outputs, and relay contacts that can switch 5A at up to 24V DC.

Read More

Parker Actuators Target Demanding Applications

Parker Hannifin has enhanced and extended its range of high-speed, high-power linear actuators. The ET Electro Thrust Actuators have been developed for demanding movement, positioning and clamping applications in the packaging, process and materials-handling sectors. They incorporate a precision-class C7 ballscrew, driven either directly by an inline motor or indirectly via a toothed belt from a motor mounted to the body of the actuator.

The ballscrew can be supplied with a pitch of 5 to 50mm/revolution and effectively acts as a high-performance feed unit, to move a piston and rod assembly at speeds of up to 1.3m/sec over stroke lengths of between 0.05 and 2.4m. The system is capable of providing a maximum force of 44,500N, yet offers repeatability of within plus or minus 0.01mm, with backlash of just 0.02mm when used with an inline drive. The ballscrew-nut assembly incorporates a recirculating ball system, which reduces frictional losses to a minimum and ensures extremely smooth operation.

This assembly is located within an anti-rotating mechanism, with three tough, hard wearing Nylatron wheels that prevent the ballscrew rotating and absorb minor torsional movements. The front ballscrew support mechanism has a specially designed sliding polymer bearing that eliminates vibration and produces almost frictionless run out. An extended rod bearing is used to minimise the impact of side loads when the piston rod is nearing full extension.

Combined, these features create an actuation system, available in seven standard sizes from M05 to M50, that can be used in a range of applications. In addition, IP65 versions of the ET actuator are available for use in wash-down areas, with versions also being available with positive pressure ports, oil-splash lubrication and hard-chrome-plated thrust rods. The ET actuator can be supplied for use with customers' choice of motors, with Parker offering a design and engineering facility for the production of custom-built packages.

Read More