Hydraulic machines

 Hydraulic machines are a type of machinery that use fluid power to perform various tasks. They are widely used in industries such as construction, manufacturing, and transportation. These machines work by using a hydraulic fluid, typically oil, to transmit power from one location to another. The fluid is pressurized by a hydraulic pump, which then moves the fluid through hoses and valves to the desired location. Once the fluid reaches its destination, it is used to generate force or motion, depending on the specific application. Hydraulic machines are known for their high power density, precision control, and ability to handle heavy loads. They are used in a wide range of applications, including lifting heavy objects, operating heavy machinery, and controlling the movement of various mechanical components. Overall, hydraulic machines play a crucial role in many industries and have greatly contributed to the advancement of technology and efficiency in various sectors.

Roadkill Retriever Relies on Hydraulics

Talk about a niche market. It’s not unusual to see a raccoon, opossum, or other dead animal on the side of the road as you travel our nation’s highways. In most cases, ridding the landscape of these carcasses poses no great challenge. A crew of one can simply drive to the site, scoop up the roadkill with a shovel, and toss the critter into a waste receptacle. But what if the animal is too big or heavy to scoop up with a shovel? Deer fall into this category, but depending on their location, highway workers might also have to deal with disposing of elk, caribou, and even bears. That’s where the model S6-WSH disposal unit comes in handy. Designed and manufactured by Perkins Mfg. Corp., Bolingbrook, Ill., the S6-WSK consists of a 6-yd3 dumpster that fits into a standard pickup truck bed. The dumpster has two doors that can be opened and closed by hydraulic cylinders. Isolated unit This isolated view shows the workings of the S6-WSK, including some of the hydraulic cylinders that lift the doors and the bucket assembly. However, the business part of the S6-WSK is its shovel. The shovel is actuated by a pair of hydraulic cylinders and mechanical linkages that move it to ground level for easy loading of the animal. The shovel can lift loads weighing up to 1,200 lb. from a hydraulic working pressure of 2,100 psi. The hydraulic power unit is sized to provide a 16-sec cycle time—fast enough for quick operation at a safe speed. Designed by Carlos Arrez, of Perkins, the S6-WSK comes with manually operated hydraulic directional valves mounted at the rear of the unit. An operator can open and close either of two doors on the dumpster from this valve station. After opening a door, the operator actuates a valve to raise the shovel, which pivots 50 deg. to drop animal into the dumpster. Once the operator closes the doors, the hydraulic cylinders ensure that they stay closed. Perkins also offers optional remote controls for the S6-WSK that can be mounted in the vehicle cab or provide wireless remote control. Jimmy Rimsa, a design engineer at the firm, points out the S6-WSK doesn’t have to be used only for roadkill. It can also handle tree stumps and other landscaping, along with construction waste, trash, and other loose materials. He says that because the S6-WSK attaches to the bed of a standard pickup truck, it can be removed when not in use. And because the vehicle is a standard pickup, it can be deployed in areas too narrow or rugged for a garbage truck. Rimsa also acknowledges that the unusual application of the S6-WSK is somewhat of a novelty and drew a lot of attention at Waste Expo 2016. But, he says the goal was to showcase the S6-WSK as just one example of the custom-built machines Perkins Mfg. is known for—in addition to its extensive line of standard industrial and vehicle-mounted products powered by both hydraulics and pneumatics. Visit www.perkinsmfg.com for more information on their products, services, and capabilities. http://hydraulicspneumatics.com/cylinders-actuators/roadkill-retriever-relies-hydraulics

TOOLING: The Impact of Hydraulics on Tool Design

Hydraulic cylinders are used for a variety of purposes in injection molding tooling: slides, core pulls, ejection, reverse ejection, gas-assist overflows, gas-assist valve pins, valve gates, locks, unscrewing molds, etc. If you’ve worked with them, you know all about oil leaks and the headaches they create. So my preference is to avoid hydraulics whenever possible. That said, I will recommend hydraulic cylinders in situations where I feel they will perform better than mechanical features. 

In any situation where hydraulic cylinders are used, it’s important to have a better understanding of set/pull pressures and speeds. The set/pull pressure and speed can directly affect downtime with leaks and repairs. Pressure and speed can be both friend and foe. Time is money, so speed is your friend from that perspective. But it’s your foe if it causes an impact with a mechanical feature that you can hear when it is set or pulled. This will result in stress, wear, and at some point broken components in T-slot couplers or threaded rod ends. 

There are a few options to protect your components from the negative impacts of speed. Cushions can be added in the cylinder. On the pull direction, it’s better to have your cylinder bottom out instead of your component. On set position your component needs to be home, so you typically do not want your cylinder bottoming out, but there’s a solution to this that I’ll get to later. So you need to determine how speed will impact your component and potential failures.

Hydraulic pressures can also have a negative impact on your components. On the set position, if your component is relying on hydraulic pressure to overcome plastic/cavity pressure, you’ll typically need to set your pressures high. If your component is locked in place with a lock angle on the stationary half, you don’t need to use excessive hydraulic pressures—just enough to move your component. And for the pull position you’ll only need enough hydraulic pressure to pull it back. 

Over the years I have seen hundreds of failures caused by excess hydraulic pressures. In most cases this occurs with the pull position; the attachment point of the cylinder rod and component gets stretched/stressed (whereas in the set position they are compressed). One other thing to consider when using T-slot couplers: No sharp corners on the T or the slot, as they will increase your chance of failure from stress. You need to understand what hydraulic pressures are required both for movement or to overcome cavity/plastic pressure, the latter being the case where pressures are needed. 

In my experience, many setup technicians do not understand this,  and set pressures much higher than necessary. The opposite can also occur, as hydraulic pressure set too low can cause issues as well. This is not necessarily the technician’s fault; in most cases it’s the result of a lack of understanding of the tool. Sometimes even the tool shops do not fully understand these issues. Until I moved to the molding side of the plant and got exposed to hundreds of these issues, I had limited understanding of these problems when I was building what I thought was a robust tool.

There is a knowledge gap between tool shops and molding operations. The material being used, flow lengths, and wall stock can have a huge impact on the plastic pressures, facts that are not understood in depth by most tool shops. This is not a knock against designers or engineers, it’s just reflective of their lack of knowledge about the processing side. Both parties have valuable information that is not always shared in depth. 

With that being said, one area I feel needs to be examined more closely is cylinder sizing vs. cavity pressure. This is relevant in situations where the cylinder is being used to resist plastic pressure. (As stated above, if the component is using a locking angle with the stationary half, this does not need to be a consideration.) When the hydraulics need to withstand plastic pressure, the math is very simple and does not require a textbook to determine cylinder size.

In order to correctly size a hydraulic cylinder on a mold, follow these steps:
First, make sure the mold designers understand what the potential maximum plastic pressures are so they can accurately calculate the peak pressures (not just pack/hold) the cavity surface area will have on the component. You cannot just base this on the material being used; as I mentioned earlier, there are a few things that can drastically impact the pressures. If you are unsure round it up, but never round it down if you want a robust tool and process. Once you have determined the maximum plastics pressures, the rest is easy. 

You’ll need to calculate the cavity surface that is on the surface area of the component. Once you have determined the cavity surface area you multiply that by the maximum plastic pressure discussed. This result will be the pressure that you’ll need to design your cylinder around. 

At that point you can determine what bore size the cylinder should be. I typically will design the bore size so it exceeds the cavity-pressure force by 1.5 times to make sure it is robust. For example, if the expected cavity pressure is 10,000 psi and the cavity surface area of the component is 1 in.², you know that there will be 10,000 lb of force acting on the component. (10,000 lb per in.² × 1 in.²). If you multiply the 10,000 × 1.5 you’ll need approximately 15,000 lb of force to counteract the cavity pressure.

To determine the hydraulic cylinder bore size required you need the surface area of the cylinder bore size and the hydraulic pressure being used on the machine or hydraulic pump cart. Let’s say you will have 2000 psi of hydraulic pressure. Calculate the surface area of the bore diameter, which is 3.14 × R². If you use a 3-in. bore cylinder, take the radius: 1.5 × 1.5 × 3.14, which equals 7.065 in.² of surface area. Then multiply this by the 2000 hydraulic psi being used. This equates to 14,130 psi of holding force (7.065 in.² × 2000 hydraulic psi). So in this scenario a 3-in. bore cylinder should provide a robust condition.

Just like with cavity pressure, it is crucial to know exactly what hydraulic psi is going to be used. This is often overlooked or assumed. Keep in mind that on some machines the core pressure can be set up as pressure-limited with a pressure-relief valve. So even though you are changing the pressure on the controller, the actual pressure is not going up if the relief valve is set lower. So what your controller says may not be actual. 

The only way to accurately tell is to install an inline pressure gauge to measure the pressure. In the example above, if the pressure was limited to 1000 psi, you would blow back the cylinder since you would only be applying 7065 lb of force to counteract the 10,000 lb the cavity is applying to the core surface. I have witnessed this many times and have had to upsize cylinders. In one case, upsizing was not an option, so I had to add a second set of cylinders to activate a lock to hold the component in place, which made the tool more complex with a suicide condition.

One other thing that needs to be considered is the psi rating of the cylinder itself. If the cylinder is only rated for 1500 hydraulic psi and you are using 2000 hydraulic psi you will run into cylinder failures with leaks and blown seals. 

In my next column I will get into various reasons hydraulics are used, self-locking cylinders, sensors/switches, and some things to consider when designing the mold. 

http://www.ptonline.com/columns/tooling-the-impact-of-hydraulics-on-tool-design

Can Engine Oils Replace Hydraulic Oils?

"It is a common practice in the construction and mining industries to use engine oil SAE 10, SAE 20 or SAE 30 with the lowest API rating as a substitute for hydraulic oil ISO 32, ISO 46 or ISO 68, respectively for hydraulic systems of heavy equipment. Is it a problem to use these? What integrity or lack of it does it give to the machine and to the people working around the site?"
This is dependent on the equipment and manufacturer. There is a class of hydraulic fluids (DIN 51524) that contains dispersive and detersive additives much like engine oils. The use of these fluids is approved by many manufacturers and can offer several advantages in mobile equipment such as preventing varnish and sludge.
However, these detergents and dispersants can cause the fluid to emulsify any water that is present, rather than shedding water as you would want in a standard hydraulic system. The water is kept in suspension, which can cause a reduction in both lubricity and filterability, leading to the potential for corrosion and cavitation.
These problems can be avoided if the water content is maintained below 0.1 percent. Hydraulic fluid with the ability to emulsify small amounts of water can be beneficial in mobile applications. In some cases, the original equipment manufacturer even recommends using multi-grade engine oil rather than a single viscosity fluid.
Obviously, SAE and ISO use two different scales to measure viscosity. SAE 10W is equivalent to ISO 32, SAE 20 is equivalent to ISO 46 and 68, and SAE 30 is equivalent to ISO 100. As you can see, there is a bit of a difference between ISO 68 and SAE 30.
The viscosity of the fluid largely determines the oil temperatures within which the hydraulic system can safely operate. So if you use oil with too high a viscosity for the conditions in which the machine must operate, the oil won’t flow properly or lubricate adequately during a cold start. Likewise, if you use oil with too low a viscosity for the conditions, it won’t maintain the required minimum viscosity, and therefore adequate lubrication, on the hottest days of the year.
Some equipment manufacturers recommend using multi-grade engine oil in hydraulic systems for their mobile equipment. Viscosity index (VI) improvers extend the operating temperature range for the fluids. Just keep in mind that over time these VI improvers will "shear down," which will cause a change in the viscosity of the fluid at a given temperature. This will have an impact on the performance of the system.

http://www.machinerylubrication.com/Read/29715/hydraulic-engine-oils

Hydraulic Fracking Deserves Another Look

The United States faces a challenge in order to meet its energy needs. As the world’s population continues to grow, so does the need for energy. But the geologically rich U.S. need not be dependent on other countries.

Hydraulic fracturing well. Photo: James Wengler

Now that there are more advanced and greener production methods, hydraulic fracturing deserves another look. Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is a process by which water, sand, and a chemical mixture are pumped at high pressure deep into a shale rock formation, forcing it to crack and release its natural gas pool. Once harvested, the natural gas is transported to refineries and then to power plants, producing much-needed electricity. Fracking has proven to be less damaging than once feared. It is cleaner than other non-renewable resources, and is an especially viable replacement for so called clean burning coal.

When refined, natural gas emits considerably less carbon dioxide than coal (1,135 lbs/megawatt-hour (MWh) compared to coal’s emission of 2,249 lbs/MWh) and produces less than a third as much nitrogen oxide and one percent as much sulfur oxide at the power plant. Moreover, at a recent question-and-answer session on climate change at Columbia University, U.S. Secretary of Energy Ernest J. Moniz extolled the positive impact of natural gas on the environment and its contribution toward meeting President Obama’s greenhouse gas reduction goal. Moniz told the audience, “The natural gas revolution has been a major contributor to reducing carbon emissions. The president has a goal of 17% [reduction] by 2020, we are about half way there, and half of that is because of the substitution of natural gas for coal in the power sector, essentially driven by market forces.”

This shift from coal to natural gas has resulted in the lowest level of carbon dioxide emissions in recent years, leading to better air quality for all. Although this decrease in carbon dioxide emissions is clear, water contamination is another issue. Each fracking well requires two to five million gallons of water pumped underground to fracture the rock, and the water flowing back out carries toxic chemicals used in the fracking process that can contaminate fresh water supplies. New technology, however, issolving this issue as well. For example, GE recently developed a technique making it unnecessary to dilute the wastewater or transport it for treatment or disposal. Instead, at the harvesting site, it uses a “membrane distillation, which combines heat and decreased pressure to vaporize water using membranes to separate pure water vapor from salt water.” Also, nonfreshwater sources, such as brackish aquifers that cannot be used for drinking, agriculture or livestock, are increasingly being used in fracking. By reducing the potential for water contamination and by using greener and more advanced techniques, individual environments that depend on fresh water – habitats, ecosystems, and nature refuges –are protected as well.

Fracking also presents much needed opportunities for economic growth, especially in rural communities hit hard by the recession. In 2012 alone,fracking supported 2.1 million jobs nationwide and added $1,200 to overall household income. The Manhattan Institute for Policy Research recently performed a study comparing counties in Pennsylvania, which allow fracking, to counties in New York, which do not allow fracking. It found that Pennsylvania enjoyed significantly higher and faster economic growth between 2007 and 2011. In fact, per-capita income in Pennsylvania counties with more than 200 hydrofractured wells rose a staggering 19%, in counties with 20-200 wells and 14% in counties with fewer than 20 wells income rose 12%. In counties without any hydrofractured wells, income went up by only 8%. In addition, Pennsylvania counties with the lowest incomes experienced the most rapid economic growth.

In its analysis of nearly 5,000 wells in Pennsylvania, the Manhattan Institute also created data models for New York counties that shared similar geographic and economic indicators to determine potential economic growth. It then projected that the “income of residents in 28 New York counties above the Marcellus Shale [which includes western New York] has the potential to expand by 15 percent or more over the next four years – if the state’s moratorium is lifted.” They concluded that there was a direct connection between number of wells and higher economic growth and that “These results could equally well be applied to counties in New York and other states, from California to West Virginia, that have the potential to drill for oil and natural gas.”

These results match a similar study commissioned by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC) in 2009, whichanalyzed the potential job growth if the hydrofracturing ban was lifted in New York. It found that “hydraulic fracturing would directly create 25,000 jobs in well construction and operation, as well as 29,000 jobs in indirectly influenced industries, such as transportation. These 54,000 jobs would, in 2010, have represented approximately 0.7% of the labor force.” As demonstrated in these reports, fracking has the potential to lift communities out of their economic slumps, and provide states with much needed tax revenue.

Recent fracking measures have also helped the U.S. to achieve its highest energy output in over twenty years, thereby moving the U.S. closer to energy independence. In fact, the U.S. was able to meet 89% of its own energy needs during the first three months of 2013, while also increasing its exports. Bloomberg News reporter Asjylyn Loder explains, “Rising crude supplies from oilfields, including North Dakota’s Bakken shale and the Eagle Ford in Texas, have helped the U.S. become the world’s largest exporter of refined fuels, including gasoline and diesel. The shale boom has also helped cut world reliance on OPEC oil even as global demand gains.”

The U.S. has the resources it needs – natural gas pools and fracking techniques to harvest them – so there is no reason for the U.S. to be dependent on other countries for energy. Furthermore, because the U.S. is cutting its consumption of foreign fuel and emerging nations are expanding and developing their own resources, worldwide reliance on OPEC is declining. OPEC recently announced that “consumption of its crude will decline 300,000 barrels a day next year to 29.6 million, 2.6% less than the 12-member group is pumping now” even while “world oil consumption will advance by 1 million barrels a day, or 1.2%, to 90.7 million next year.” As the U.S. becomes more self-sufficient by tapping into its own natural resources, the power of OPEC will begin to dwindle.

The U.S.’s energy goal is sustainability – environmental and economical – and hydrofracturing meets that goal. It is the cleanest fossil fuel available, and it has the power to lift local economies. It is also a politically neutral solution, combining the left’s idealism of long-term sustainability with the right’s pragmatism of a short-term solution while moving the U.S. closer toward energy independence. Although it is a non-renewable resource and not in itself a long-term solution, it has the power to carry the U.S. into the next decades, giving science and technology a chance to catch up with renewable alternatives. It certainly deserves another look in order to meet America’s growing energy needs.

http://www.internationalpolicydigest.org/2014/02/02/hydraulic-fracking-deserves-another-look/

Rupture disc assembly for hydraulic braking system

Continental Disc Corporation has introduced a new rupture disc assembly for wind turbine hydraulic braking systems. This rupture disc assembly protects equipment from damage and down time in the event of overpressure conditions.

Specifically designed for the hydraulic braking systems and yaw brake controls of wind turbines, the rupture disc assembly provides accurate and leak-free overpressure relief for the control valve/hydraulic accumulator system. 

The hydraulic braking system rupture disc assembly is available in a wide range of sizes, materials, and burst pressure ratings for use in wind turbine protection applications.

Enter X at www.engineerlive.com/ies

Continental Disc Corporation is based in Liberty, MO, USA. www.contdisc.com

http://www.engineerlive.com/content/21862

TMC Industrial plans hydraulic machinery JV in Laos

TMC Industrial entered a memorandum of understanding yesterday with Laotian company SV Construction to establish a new company in Laos under the name TMC-Lao Assembly and Manufacturing Co to assemble and manufacture hydraulic machinery.

The joint venture will have registered capital of 1.43 billion kip for a total investment of about Bt5.72 million.

TMC Industrial will hold 70 per cent of the joint venture, while SV Construction will own 30 per cent.

Funding source

The source of funds for the investment is TMC working capital. TMC chief executive officer Surachet Kamolmongkolsuk said the JV would focus on both state and private customers and was expected to start operation next month.

TMC has targeted revenue growth this year of at least 25 per cent from its 2012 revenue of Bt1 billion. Its net profit last year was Bt135.5 million.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/TMC-Industrial-plans-hydraulic-machinery-JV-in-Lao-30208733.html

Caterpillar Showcases New Hydraulic Hybrid Excavator

Caterpillar recently announced several major new products added to its line, chief among them the new Cat 336E H hydraulic hybrid excavator.
The press was given an advance sneak peek at the new machine at an event held at its Peoria, Ill., headquarters. The unveiling comes after months of speculation about the new model.
“Customer interest has been off the charts,” said Ken Gray, global product manager of large hydraulic excavators, Caterpillar’s excavation division. “They’re not only reaching out to Cat dealers to learn more about the 336E H, they are placing orders. In fact, we received our first signed orders October 17, the day after the reveal.”
The Cat 336E H, which on its surface looks similar to existing non-hybrid models, has been retooled under the hood based on three principles: Conserve, Optimize, Reuse.
The Conserve option runs the engine at its optimum speed. Energy flow is controlled and optimized via the patented Cat Adaptive Control System (ACS) valve, and energy is reused via the hydraulic hybrid swing, which captures the excavator’s upper structure swing brake energy in accumulators and then releases the energy during swing acceleration. It all adds up to a three part system that is designed to reduce fuel usage by as much as 25 percent over the 336E standard model, and 33 percent over the previous 336D standard model.
As far as cost goes, the new hybrid model will come at a premium but, according to Cat, because of the fuel savings, the cost can be recouped within one year to 18 months over the price of a non-hybrid model, depending on usage.

Since much of the design changes of the hybrid excavator are under the hood, Caterpillar has developed a 3-D model of the entire excavator that allows users to see every single detail of the interior. The model, which was displayed by Brian Stelbrink, Caterpillar’s product application specialist, was displayed on a wide touch screen that allowed users to see deep into the inner workings of the engine, the adaptive control system, and even into places that usually only mechanics can get into. “It’s really helped people visualize what’s going on inside,” said Stelbrink.
For anyone waiting to get a chance to utilize this new model, factory shipments began in March of this year.
In addition to the hybrid excavator, Caterpillar unveiled the first of several new wheeled material handlers in the MH3049.
According to Cat, high strength structural steel and advanced welding techniques ensure structural integrity; a powerful hydraulic system provides rapid response with efficiency; a Cat C9 ACERT engine delivers reliable, fuel-saving performance; and new serviceability features simplify maintenance. These design elements combine to provide low-cost operation and maximum value for the MH3049 customers.
According to Cat, major structures use continuous welds that incorporate extensive chamfering and beveling to reduce stress concentration. Both the booms and sticks are constructed from single piece top and side steel plates eliminating the need for seams and internal baffles.
The upper frame is designed specifically to dissipate loads transferred through the front linkage and counterweight, and the lower frame’s unique tapered design evenly distributes loads and reduces stress. Oversized pins and bushings strengthen pivot points. In addition, extensive finite element analysis and strain-gauge testing throughout the design process ensure long-term durability.
Also on the MH3049, the hydraulic cab-riser system features “ground entry and exit” with a step-in cab, enhancing safety for operators and service personnel. Cab height on both machines is adjustable up to an eye level of 18.75 ft. (5.70 m) on the MH3049 and 23.5 ft. (7.2 m) on the MH3059. On the MH3049, raise time from ground level to maximum height is approximately 14 seconds; lowering time from maximum height to ground level is 12 seconds. Similarly, the raise time from ground level to maximum height on the MH3059 is approximately 17 seconds and lowering time from maximum height to ground level is 13 seconds.
Adjustable sensors control the height of the cab above the ground. A manual safety override in the cab allows the operator to lower the riser in the event of engine power loss.
http://www.constructionequipmentguide.com/Caterpillar-Showcases-New-Hydraulic-Hybrid-Excavator/20154/

Cardinal Scale’s Guardian Hydraulic Truck Scales Upgraded with Superior Features Cardinal Scale’s Guardian Hydraulic Truck Scale offers superb weighing accuracy and longevity in hostile environments. The USA-made Guardian is impervious against lightning and water damage, two of the most common issues to affect electronic load cell truck scales. These NTEP legal-for-trade truck scales are available in concrete or steel decks and low-profile or pit mount types up to 135 tons. The Guardian carries a true lifetime load cell warranty. The Guardian now comes in sahara tan paint color for a more industrial aesthetic look. The steel deck thickness has been increased to 3/8-inch thick for maximum durability and rugged weighing use. Cardinal Scale is a single source provider for all of the components in the Guardian from the model SST stainless steel hydraulic load cells to the truck scale weighbridge and totalizer to the remote display and digital weight indicator. Every Guardian is 100% factory assembled and tested prior to shipping from the Cardinal factory. Power surges, shock loading, water damage, explosive areas, grain dust, temperature fluctuations and even rodents… the Guardian offers the highest level of protection against all of these conditions that can adversely affect truck scale performance. Find out more about how the Guardian can protect your scale installation on our Web site.

Cardinal Scale’s Guardian Hydraulic Truck Scale offers superb weighing accuracy and longevity in hostile environments. The USA-made Guardian is impervious against lightning and water damage, two of the most common issues to affect electronic load cell truck scales. These NTEP legal-for-trade truck scales are available in concrete or steel decks and low-profile or pit mount types up to 135 tons. The Guardian carries a true lifetime load cell warranty. The Guardian now comes in sahara tan paint color for a more industrial aesthetic look. The steel deck thickness has been increased to 3/8-inch thick for maximum durability and rugged weighing use. Cardinal Scale is a single source provider for all of the components in the Guardian from the model SST stainless steel hydraulic load cells to the truck scale weighbridge and totalizer to the remote display and digital weight indicator. Every Guardian is 100% factory assembled and tested prior to shipping from the Cardinal factory. Power surges, shock loading, water damage, explosive areas, grain dust, temperature fluctuations and even rodents… the Guardian offers the highest level of protection against all of these conditions that can adversely affect truck scale performance. Find out more about how the Guardian can protect your scale installation on our Web site.

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/2/prweb10448465.htm

South Dakota, Alaska Propose Revisions To Hydraulic Fracturing Regulations

In the past few weeks, two states in key shale regions joined the chorus of states that have updated their oil and gas rules to address the unique issues posed by high volume hydraulic fracturing operations. On December 18, South Dakota’s Board of Minerals & Environment (a subdivision of its Department of Environment & Natural Resources) proposed targeted amendments to its oil and gas well regulations. The proposal addresses two specific substantive topics: (1) reporting requirements for well data and chemical information on fracturing fluids to the FracFocus website; and (2) well site reclamation requirements for completed wells that are not subsequently used for production. South Dakota is part of the large Bakken shale region, which also encompasses parts of North Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming. However, the state has not seen large-scale multi-stage hydraulic fracturing to the extent that shale activity has occurred in western North Dakota and other areas with tight shale formations. The agency is accepting comments through January 9 on its proposed rules, which are scheduled to be addressed at a January 17, 2013 public hearing. Coverage of the proposed rules also can be found here and here. http://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/south-dakota-alaska-propose-revisions-t-18417/

EPA releases progress report on its hydraulic fracturing study

On December 21, 2012, EPA released a progress report on its ongoing comprehensive study to evaluate the potential impact on drinking water resources of hydraulic fracturing activities. The study began in late 2011 and is expected to be completed by 2014. The report describes the progress that has been made as of September 2012 on 18 ongoing research projects and describes the additional work that will be conducted. Of note, the report does not provide any research findings or conclusions about potential drinking water impacts. EPA’s research is focused on the five stages of the hydraulic fracturing water cycle: water acquisition; chemical mixing; well injection; flowback and produced water; and wastewater treatment and waste disposal. The research projects include: analyses of existing data regarding hydraulic fracturing fluids, wells, and spills; scenario evaluations involving subsurface migration, surface water, and water availability modeling; laboratory studies regarding public water supplies, wastewater treatability, including a specific study on bromide and brominated compounds in hydraulic fracturing wastewater; a toxicity assessment of chemicals used in hydraulic fracturing fluids; and, retrospective case studies into potential drinking water impacts in Colorado, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, and Texas. The progress report lists specific hydraulic fracturing fluid chemicals that have been identified by EPA for further review, while noting that the chemical and physical properties of most of these chemicals have been analyzed and summarized. With respect to spills of hydraulic fracturing fluids or wastewater, EPA indicated it is reviewing spill records from the National Response Center database and spill databases maintained by Colorado, New Mexico, and Pennsylvania. To the extent available, EPA is compiling information from these databases regarding spill incidents that occurred between January 1, 2006 and April 30, 2012. EPA also provided an update on the progress of groundwater sampling at its retrospective case study locations. At least two sampling events have occurred at all locations, with additional sampling planned. Sampling results were not provided, but the progress report indicates specific sampling locations and provides information regarding the Agency’s research approach. EPA will be holding two webinars on January 3 and 4 to discuss both the progress report and “takeaways” from roundtable discussions that have been held with technical experts from various stakeholders, academia, and state and federal agencies. Information regarding these webinars can be found on EPA’s website. http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=1da37f00-ea8e-4be6-b8ea-38d24e80c463

Wajax Industrial Components buys Ace Hydraulic

MONTREAL, Que. -- Wajax Industrial Components has acquired Bathurst, N.B.-based Ace Hydraulic, in a deal it says will enhance its hydraulic repair and service capabilities.
The acquisition will also help Wajax support the mining, forestry and other industrial businesses throughout Atlantic Canada and the Quebec North Shore, the company announced.
Ace Hydraulic specializes in repairing hydraulic pumps, valves and motors as well as rebuilding and fabricating cylinders with one- to 24-inch bores. It can also build hydraulic power units of all sizes “on demand.”
“Our objective is to be a total solutions provider in terms of product offerings, engineering capabilities and repair services,” said Marc Joanis, director of business development and marketing for Wajax Industrial Components. “Where we don’t have those capabilities, we are pursuing strategic acquisitions. We were attracted to Ace Hydraulic because it has a very good reputation in the marketplace for hydraulic repairs.”
Pierre Duguay has been named branch manager and Charles Guerette service manager of the operation.
“I was extremely impressed with their attitude, drive and enthusiasm,” said Barry Sutherby, vice-president, hydraulic systems and services for Wajax Industrial Components, referring to the Ace Hydraulic team. “They are very passionate about what they do, and they have that ‘can-do’ spirit.”
“I want to thank our employees, customers and suppliers for building Ace Hydraulic into what it is today,” added retiring President Leon Theriault. “I think this is a perfect fit for everybody.”

http://www.trucknews.com/news/wajax-industrial-components-buys-ace-hydraulic/1001797030/

Total to Launch New Hydraulic Fluid

Total Lubricants is set to launch a new high-performance hydraulic fluid developed with Dynavis Technology on Oct. 1. The new multi-grade hydraulic fluid will be branded as Equivis FE and will be distributed globally.
The fluid promises a number of significant benefits, including fuel economy. In field tests, hydraulic fluids formulated with Dynavis Technology have proven to reduce fuel consumption by 5 to 30 percent.
"One of the primary beneficiaries of the fuel savings are operators of fleets of construction equipment, such as excavators and wheel loaders," explains Dynavis Technology marketing manager Dr. Oliver Eyrisch. "With today’s relatively high costs for diesel fuel, Dynavis Technology opens the door to savings well into the six-figure range for operators of large fleets of equipment."
By providing a broader temperature operating range, Equivis FE can reduce internal leakage in hydraulic pumps, thereby improving equipment productivity and fuel efficiency. Even the normal wear and tear of seals and other hydraulic components is expected to be diminished.
Total’s new multi-grade hydraulic fluid is also formulated to maintain the stability of the power output of hydraulic pumps even after many hours of work under maximum load. With better agility and performance, the equipment completes more load cycles and/or realizes dramatic fuel savings.
For more information, visit www.dynavis.com.

Nationwide Statement Regarding Concerns About Hydraulic Fracturing

Nationwide Mutual Insurance issued the following news release: Nationwide issued the following statement today regarding insurance coverage concerns related to hydraulic fracturing, better known as "fracking". Gas and oil drilling has been going on in this country for many years in the west and southwest. Fracking is another variation of the gas and oil business. In recent years, oil and gas exploration has come to New York, Pennsylvania and Ohio. Nationwide has not changed our policies or guidelines, nor are we cancelling policies. Fracking-related losses have never been a covered loss under personal or commercial lines policies. Nationwide's personal and commercial lines insurance policies were not designed to provide coverage for any fracking-related risks. Insurance works when a carrier can accurately price the coverage to match the risks. When information and claims experience are not available to fully understand the scope of a given risk, carriers aren't able to price protection that would be fair to both the customer and the company. However, Nationwide will investigate all claims submitted by our customers that they believe are the result of damage from fracking. Every Nationwide claim is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. From an underwriting standpoint, we do not have a comfort level with the unique risks associated with the fracking process to provide coverage at a reasonable price. Insurance is a contract and it is designed to cover certain risks. Risks like natural gas and oil drilling are not part of our contracts, and this is common across the industry. Our longstanding underwriting guideline is that we do not insure the oil and gas business. We encourage consumers to be knowledgeable about any risks to their property and assets. For advice, seek the help of financial and legal specialists who can discuss the unique nature of the risks associated with oil and gas exploration. We also advise consumers to talk to their insurance agent to understand what coverage is provided in their personal or commercial lines policies. http://insurancenewsnet.com/article.aspx?id=350295

Investing in Hydraulic Fracturing Companies Made Easy with Special Report, Says Online Article

Investing in hydraulic fracturing companies that are unearthing huge supplies of natural gas is a no-brainer, said today’s AbsoluteWealth.com article. In the past several years, natural gas production in the U.S. has taken off. The companies that have devoted efforts to fracking, as the experts call it, could potentially be as important to a personal portfolio as they are to the entire country, said the article.
That’s because they are tapping into an energy source that could turn the U.S. economy around, making them a crucial part of what some are calling the Great Revival of the North American oil industry.
Absolute Wealth has published a Special Report for investors looking for help finding the top fracking stocks in the market, the article said. “Sideways Oil: How “Fracking” is Re-Establishing the U.S. as an Oil Power and How You Can Profit” is filled with expertly-researched information to guide traders towards the possibility of steady income for years to come.
The article said fracking is such a huge part of the economic climate because it is generating jobs, encouraging trade, and helping the U.S. move closer to energy independence. Low-cost natural gas, which some other countries have already adopted as their main source of energy, is turning the U.S. back into the oil power of the day.
The U.S. is still the largest importer of crude oil, but the article said natural gas could become an export item, shifting the economic tables and causing companies that built import terminals years ago to spend billions remaking them into export facilities.
All this means production and profits, which create wonderful investment opportunities for smart traders who do their homework. “Sideways Oil” will serve as a guidebook to help them learn about fracking and discover the best oil companies to invest in, said the article.
Absolute Wealth is an expert team of real investors and advisors devoted to identifying winning strategies for exceptional returns. Members subscribe to the Independent Wealth Alliance for professional investment analysis and recommendations on the latest trends and progressions. For more information and subscription instructions, visit AbsoluteWealth.com.
“Sideways Oil” is available to Independent Wealth Alliance members, and contains exclusive advice on both direct fracking companies and indirect support companies that provide them with equipment, transport, and waste treatment. With all the buzz about a Great Revival, the article said it’s no wonder people are intrigued by the potential behind investing in hydraulic fracturing companies.
For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/prwebinvesting_in_hydraulic/fracturing_companies/prweb9565113.htm

Read more: http://www.timesunion.com/business/press-releases/article/Investing-in-Hydraulic-Fracturing-Companies-Made-3604217.php#ixzz1wvLW6mBZ

Squeezing the Shale: Hydraulic fracturing releases the oil in this boom

Hydraulic fracturing has been a means of retrieving oil and natural gas for more than 50 years, and with technologies and methods improving, it has become a regular practice to tap into oil and gas previously unrecoverable.
Hydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is the process of injecting fluids under pressure into the earth through a wellbore, or the hole drilled to assist in the exploration and recovery of natural gas, said Scott Tinker, state geologist and director of the Bureau of Economic Geology at the University of Texas in Austin.
Those fluids, under pressure, crack the rock and create fractures or cracks in the rock to allow the oil and natural gas to flow into the hole, Tinker explained.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency website, the fluid commonly consists of water, material to keep the cracks open and chemical additives that open and enlarge the fractures.
Wells may be drilled vertically hundreds to thousands of feet below the surface and may include horizontal or directional sections extending thousands of feet, the website states.
“You can’t produce from shale without cracking the rock,” Tinker said.
Shale is too tight. It doesn’t have enough pores for natural gas to flow out, unless it’s cracked, he said.
The fractures can extend several hundred feet away from the hole, and the materials — sand, ceramic pellets or other small, incompressible particles — hold open the newly created cracks in the formation.
Once the particles are injected, the rock formation’s internal pressure forces fluid through the wellbore.This fluid is stored on site in tanks or pits before it’s treated to remove the injected chemicals and other naturally occuring waste products.
Jack Waldrep, director of the Texas Association of Landmen, said the reason for the popularity of fracking is simple.
For something to be retrievable, he said, it has to be permeable. That’s why people frack.
Some sands and limestones are permeable and porous, he said, and when drilled into, the oil will flow.
“That enhances the production,” he explained. “It gives the company the ability to retrieve more oil out of those zones down deep. Basically, what fracking is, is it breaks up that rock. They can frack and inject sand into that zone to hold fractures apart to where you can retrieve oil and natural gas.”
To comment on this story:
brittany.hoover@lubbockonline.com • 766-8722
leesha.faulkner@lubbockonline.com • 766-8706

http://lubbockonline.com/local-news/2012-06-04/squeezing-shale-hydraulic-fracturing-releases-oil-boom#.T84EMFsWGnA

Hydraulic fluid spills on road, Hazmat called

Hazmat responded to the intersection of Edwin C. Moses Boulevard and South Broadway Street on a hydraulic fluid spill Tuesday morning.

A truck was leaking the fluid after its hydraulic fluid line broke, according to reports. Hazmat was on the scene shortly and determined the spill did not pose any health or environmental risks.

The trail of fluid stretched about a mile from a business on River Road to Nicholas Road, which turns into Edwin C. Moses Boulevard, according to reports.

Authorities placed sand on the roadway to soak up the fluid, as it can get slick and cause problems for motorists.

http://www.whiotv.com/news/news/local/hydraulic-fluid-spills-road-hazmat-called/nPL8L/

Donald Lyons: Hydraulic fracturing can boost the economy

Hydraulic fracturing for oil and natural gas offers an opportunity to build a more competitive U.S. economy. Programs that result in the establishment of less expensive energy sources boost U.S. manufacturing, U.S. jobs, and the economy.
Combined with horizontal drilling, hydraulic fracturing is a technique being used to produce shale gas that now accounts for more than a third of U.S. gas production. That has led to an abundance of natural gas, which is helping manufacturing.
After many years in decline, the chemical and steel industries are beginning to come back. A $650 million steel factory is under construction in Youngstown, Ohio, to produce piping for new wells needed to extract natural gas from the Marcellus shale that underlies 50,000 square miles from West Virginia to New York. Also, chemical companies are investing in new plants to turn ethane made from shale gas into feedstock for plastics and fertilizer.
At first glance, it might seem absurd to talk about the need for cheap energy in West Virginia. Appalachian coal has played a major role in making our nation the one with the most competitive and productive economy in the world. And now we are exporting record amounts of coal. But environmental problems with coal have increased the cost of using coal to produce electricity.
What is known as the "shale gale" has turned a natural gas shortage into a surplus of cheap gas. Energy companies are now engaged in producing shale gas in West Virginia, Texas, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Maryland, Louisiana and Arkansas. There are at least 20 untapped shale formations around the country that could turn Michigan, Colorado and other states into big gas producers. Estimates of the entire U.S. natural-gas resource base, including shale gas, are now as high as 2,500 trillion cubic feet. That amounts to more than a 100-year supply.
This same technology is being used to also produce large amounts of shale oil in North Dakota, Texas and Ohio.
Hydraulic fracturing -- known as "fracking" -- has made this possible. When combined with horizontal drilling, fracking can penetrate shale 7,000 to 9,000 feet below ground and free up natural gas that for many years had been considered beyond reach.
Shale production has a good safety record, and states are doing a responsible job of regulating the process. Fracking has been used at more than one million conventional gas wells since the late 1940s, with only a small number of incidents in which drilling fluids leaking from well casings have contaminated underground water systems.
Yet for the risk-averse, the only acceptable thing to do now is retire all of the drilling rigs immediately and import more oil and liquefied natural gas from overseas. I am disgusted at the lack of common sense that attitude shows.
Fracking is done thousands of feet below the water table, separated by more than a mile of impermeable rock. What's more, companies now are recycling wastewater from fracking instead of discharging it in disposal wells. Some companies drilling in the Marcellus shale are recycling 100 percent of the water they use, which reduces the need for groundwater and possible tremors from discharge wells.
Companies also are using better well casing design, especially adequate casing cement around the well pipe, to prevent leakage. Also, better casing cement prevents methane from escaping into groundwater, the sort of problem that once made it possible to ignite tap water, as seen in the documentary film "Gasland."
Natural gas is energizing America's economic recovery. Domestic gas production is so high -- and is expected to climb even higher -- that seven companies are seeking licenses to export gas in LNG tankers to markets in Europe and Asia.
That would never be seriously considered if not for the success of shale-gas production. In 2010, natural gas had a $76 billion share of the GDP, $33 billion in capital investments, $18 billion in federal tax and royalty revenues, and supported 600,000 jobs, according to a study by IHS Global Insight. And the price of gas has fallen sharply due to shale-gas production, which helps consumers and the chemical and steel industries.

Donald W. Lyons, Ph.D., is a professor of engineering at West Virginia University.

http://www.herald-dispatch.com/opinions/x583028807/Donald-Lyons-Hydraulic-fracturing-can-boost-the-economy

Hydraulic canal project completed in Herkimer

Herkimer, N.Y. —

Anthony Carlisto, an engineer with Ward Associates, announced at Monday’s Herkimer Village Board of Trustees meeting the hydraulic canal project is finished — and $6,000 under budget.
“It’s been a long haul,” he said.
Trustee Katie Nichols said she is concerned vehicles parking on the grass in the north end of the street will cause problems once snow begins to fall.
There will probably not be room to get a plow through the area, she said.
The board considered putting “No Parking” signs in the area.
Carlisto also updated the board on construction of the port projects, for which he is now “personally responsible.” “We’re going through a transition,” he said
Despite earlier delays, progress on the project has accelerated, he said, crediting favorable weather and the willingness of the construction team.
“I just want to make sure you know we’re doing a good job,” said Carlisto.
Also at Monday’s meeting:
•The board discussed any possible action they could take regarding an ongoing code violation on West Smith Street. The property contains asbestos, they said, and is in need of abatement.
However, said Trustee Mark Netti, due to the current condition of the property, “they’re not going to allow anybody to go in there.”
Village Attorney Nicholas Macri advised the board to send a certified letter to the owner stating the structure is unsafe and must be taken down.
If no action is taken, he said, the board can pursue it with the Supreme Court.
•Mayor Mark Ainsworth proposed the possibility of hiring a new insurance broker. “With the costs that are affecting this village going forward next year, we have to be really aggressive,” he said.
The board suggested contacting the current broker to let them know they will be soliciting a new proposal from them, as well as proposals from other brokers.
The contracts for all village employees will be re-negotiated in June, Ainsworth said.
“They’re going to have to play ball or go home,” he said.
•A public hearing on possible zoning changes was scheduled for 7:05 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 19, in the Herkimer Village Hall meeting room.

http://www.herkimertelegram.com/mobiletopstories/x1626871099/Hydraulic-canal-project-completed-in-Herkimer

Hydraulic Hybrid Trucks Hit the Road

Hydraulic hybrid technology is moving ahead on a series of fronts, building on its commercial successes with garbage trucks and parcel delivery vehicles.

Now the focus is on proving actual day-to-day performance in these heavier vehicles, where the high power density of fluid power technology shines the best, while laying the groundwork to move the technology into lighter vehicles.

Saving fuel is the obvious benefit of using hydraulic hybrid systems in refuse trucks, along with fewer brake repairs due to regenerating braking energy, but now productivity gains are starting to take the leading position in the value proposition.

This year, the big news for hydraulic hybrid technology came when Environmental Protection Agency administrator Lisa Jackson and Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne announced a cooperative agreement to develop and adapt the technology for the light-duty auto market. Using the EPA's own patented technology, the partnership's goal is to move the technology from the lab to the street and design a Chrysler minivan as a demonstration vehicle.
Expectations are that hydraulic hybrid technology can increase fuel efficiency 30-35 percent overall and up to 60 percent in city driving, and reduce overall greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent.
The EPA is a leader when it comes to developing hydraulic hybrid technologies, specifically series hydraulic hybrid systems. The EPA has been working on them since the late 1990s, teaming with manufacturers such as Eaton and Parker Hannifin.

http://www.designnews.com/document.asp?doc_id=236226&f_src=designnews_gnews