Are You Killing Your Machinery?

Benji Grubel, Connector Specialist
The Hope Group

The Hope Group Introduces Parker’s SensoNode Blue and SCOUT Mobile Software to help plant managers with their condition monitoring challenges.

SensoNode Blue is the latest addition to Parker’s condition monitoring product line for plant and equipment managers. It allows users to instantly collect data from the sensors and monitor it through SCOUT Mobile software on his or her mobile device. The sensors accurately track changes in pressure, temperature, and humidity which allows the software to calculate the data into predictive analytics.

The easy-to-use interface allows users to:

• Identify issues before they escalate
• Reduce Downtime
• Decrease Maintenance Costs
• Avoid Dangerous Situations
• Improve Labor Efficiency
• Record Better Information for Better Decision-making

When within range, 1,000 feet with a clear line-of-sight, each sensor is uniquely identifiable for easy association with specific assets and processes, which allows for quick diagnostics. The four available sensors include:

1. High-Strain Sensor
   SensoNode High-Strain Sensors are soft, thin, conformable devices that can take accurate measurements and readings while being strained over 100% for millions of cycles. The sensors, which are made of a tough silicon rubber that can withstand the harshest environments from heat, cold, and shock to dust, vibration and moisture, can be used to measure strain or vibration in machines, vehicles, production lines, plants, and facilities. They are ideal for monitoring elastomer and other high-strain devices that are subject to overload or fatigue failure, such as air and fluid handling. Other applications include:
   
   • Elastomer joints and seals
   • Conveyer systems
   • Linear actuators
   • Hydraulic accumulators
   • Mechanical effectors
   • Pneumatic cylinders
   
   
2. Humidity Sensor
   SensoNODE Blue humidity sensors measure 0% to 100% relative humidity and are ideal for both ambient and inert compressed gas monitoring applications. Humidity sensors monitor in-line and ambient humidity levels, allowing users to track gradual trends of increased facility humidity and better diagnose in-line humidity issues.
   
   - Injection Molding, where increased humidity in storage containers and the process lines can add moisture to the resin and changes the resin’s properties, which prevent it from molding properly.
   
   - Metal forming and fabrication, where moisture can cause corrosion and rust, increased dew point in compressed air lines and increased wear of moving parts.
   
   - Power Generation, where excessive moisture threatens the turbine’s gearbox with corrosion, reduced efficiency and breakdown.
   
   
3. Pressure Sensor
   SensoNODE Blue pressure sensors are designed for accurate monitoring to alert users to any pressure drop and allow workers to diagnose issues early, which minimizes downtime, waste and rework.
   
   - Injection molding, where insufficient pressure can lead to partially filled molds, batch inconsistencies and trapped air or moisture.
   
   - Metal forming and fabrication, where incorrect pressure levels for hydraulically or pneumatically driven tools and assets can lead to overload or failure, overworked assets, and decreased operational efficiency.
   
   - Mobile equipment, where incorrect pressure levels for hydraulic lines can lead to overload or failure, overworked assets and decreased operational efficiency.
   
   - Power Generation, where increased plant fuel consumption and/or reduced output can be telltale signs of compromised integrity of rotary components or turbine structural damage. Sensors can identify turbine issues by monitoring pressures changes in systems such as hydraulic lift pumps, power units, and cylinders, diverter damper controls and nitrogen generators.
   
   - Welding and Industrial Gas, where sudden drops in pressure can lead to multiple issue with efficiency and cost including costly production interruptions, asset operation faults and tank depletion.
   
   
4. Temperature Sensor
   SensoNODE temperature sensors monitor ambient temperatures, diagnose in-line temperature issues and track real-time data on the end user’s mobile device. The sensors applications that include:
   
   - Injection molding, where temperature inconsistencies can lead to part deformity, stress cracks and increased scrap, insufficient pressure can lead to partially filled molds, batch inconsistencies and trapped air or moisture.
   
   - Metal forming and fabrication,where inconsistencies in asset temperatures can have damaging effects that reduce precision and contribute to long-term damage. Mobile equipment, where inconsistencies in machinery temperatures can have damaging effects, including overheating, breakdown and long-term damage.
   
   - Power Generation, where turbines overheat and operate inefficiently so sensors can identify when turbine filters and/or oil needs replacement based on temperature changes in hydraulic lift pumps, diverter damper controls and hydraulic power units.
   
   - Welding and Industrial Gas, where temperatures outside optimal operating conditions can leads to inefficient operation, asset damage and even potentially dangerous situations.
   
   If you are interested in seeing a SensoNode Blue demonstration by one of our Product Specialists, contact The Hope Group by calling 508-393-7660 or email: techsupport@thehopegroup.com.

SensoNODE™ Blue Sensors & SCOUT™ Mobile Software

Condition Monitoring for Predictive Maintenance
Pressure, Temperature and Humidity Sensors with Mobile Monitoring

Work and Pleasure Boats Need Reliable Fuel Filtration

Dani Morse, Marine Filtration Specialist
The Hope Group

Engine protection begins with good fuel filtration understanding. Without proper care of the engine, no vessel is really ready to launch. In a recent blog report from Parker Racor, the authors commented on the several aspects of fuel filtration that every skipper needs to focus on.

Filters and Water Separators

Fuel filters and water separators protect vital engine components from the damage caused by dirt particles, salt-water and other contaminants in the fuel system.

Spin-on Series Filters

The spin-on filters from Parker Racor have a clear contaminant collection bowl for outboard applications and metal bowl units for inboard applications. The Racor filters have a drain valve or plug, ten micron Aquabloc media, 98 percent efficiency, and corrosion resistant construction.

Turbine Series

The Turbine Series filter assemblies from Parker Racor are designed to be installed on the vacuum side of the fuel transfer pump for best efficiency and to protect precision engine components from dirt, rust, algae, asphaltines, varnishes, and especially water.

Turbine Series Elements

The filter media from Parker Racor is engineered to repel water and remove solid contaminants before they can damage precision engine components. They are available in different lengths for various flow rates and are color-coded.

In its recent blog, the experts from Parker’s Engine Mobile Filtration Team go in more detail about how the Parker Racor product meets the requirements of boat owners seeking improved fuel economy and better performance. Read more about Fuel Filtration for Marine Applications at Parker.com.

You May Want To Seek Out The Hydraulic Authority To Solve Challenges Such As Leaking Power Units

Ray McCann, Sales Engineer
The Hope Group

Every day, Hydraulic specialists at The Hope Group solve design and construction problems for complex hydraulic power units, lubrication units, and pneumatic systems.

In a recent blog post, Ted Amling, Sr. Project Engineer at Parker Tube Fittings Division wrote about how a leaking test stand was repaired by actually lengthening the connection between two ports rather than keeping the original short, straight connection. It takes a lot of experience and expertise with hydraulics to understand that the leak-free distance between two points may not be the short route.

As the Hydraulic Authority in New England, The Hope Group represents Parker hydraulic components for its customers and specializes in the design and build of complex hydraulic power units for a wide range of commercial and industrial customers in the food and beverage, life science, transportation, machine tool, defense, and marine/mobile markets.

The example that Ted Amling wrote about was an expensive test stand intended to test transmission systems, which was leaking. He described that it, “involved two ports directly across from each other – a very short distance between them – connected by a straight routing using a large, two-inch OD line.” He described that everything was tight, but it kept leaking. It turns out, according to Ambling, vibration along the line caused the joints to loosen over time.

So, the irony of the situation was that to solve the problem, a u-bend was added to the tubing, including elbow fittings, which provided enough give in the line to cure the leak. The longer route was the leak-free route. Ambling described that planning tube line routing, “is a time investment, but it can have a big ROI, especially for complex systems. It’s in cases like this, which have complex design and build requirements that The Hope Group engineers, technicians, and specialists can make a difference for its customers.

You can read more about the case study that Ambling was referencing on his blog at Parker Blog and you can read more about the many complex design/build success stories of The Hope Group at Engineered Systems.

For more information on The Hydraulic Authority can help you with your complex hydraulic system requirement, contact us at TechSupport@TheHopeGroup.com.

Parker ‘Onsite Container’ Hose Shop In Stock Ready to Install

Benji Grubel, Certified Connector Specialist
The Hope Group

Parker has introduced a fully customizable and mobile containerized workspace stocked with inventory and equipment needed for quick, easy and cost-efficient hose assembly. These innovative work spaces are called “Onsite Containers” because they use the standard 20 or 40 foot dry product containers frequently seen on railcars and ships.

Each container is custom-fitted with the shelving, cabinets, work benches, material hoists and hose reels to keep tools and inventory secure and organized. A bin-label program makes product identification and restocking even easier. The units are fully insulated, wired for electricity and have an HVAC system to make the unit completely climate controlled. The units also offer sprayed-in, rubberized flooring.

On its website, the Parker Onsite Container can be configured to include whatever the user requires. For example, you can select hose assembly tables in sizes from 60 inches to 96 inches; work benches, bin cabinets, bulk racks, hose reel holder, material hoists, and e-channel tie down systems. The cost for the units varies with the final requirements. They are becoming popular around the country at construction sites, remote locations such as mines and even for customers who need a hose shop at their plant, but just don’t have the room to inside. With a container, it can be dropped anywhere on the property.

Read more about the Parker Onsite Container at its website. And if you want one, email me and I will help you configure it, stock it and get it delivered.

Parker Tech Tour Truck Will Roll Into Town Soon

Ray McCann, Sales Engineer
The Hope Group

The Parker Tech Tour Truck is an industrial trade show on wheels, showcasing Parker’s innovative motion and control products. At The Hope Group, we help our customers with fluid power challenges every day and we are constantly seeking the latest in hydraulic and fluid connector products to meet changing customer requirements. This rolling trade show is a way for us to learn more and to share it with our customers.

The truck will be in Northborough on Tuesday, October 7, 2014 all day. If you want to visit, you can just stop by. Or, if you want to attend any of the five Motion Technology workshops, you can register for the classes on our website: www.TheHopeGroup.com/workshops.

The truck has all new interactive product and learning stations, plus all the newest product demos. They took the “ride” off the truck since its last visit. That’s too bad, as it was fun pretending to be sliding around on a race track in that simulator. But, we’re providing free food, so that should make up for no “thrill ride” this time.

See Us at The Parker Store

We are also sending the truck to three of our branch locations of The Hope Group, in Lewiston and South Portland, Maine and Weymouth, Mass. They will also have workshops focusing on Hydraulic Process Filtration, Variable Speed Drives, and Diagnostic Techniques for Hydraulic Systems. You can register for those workshops at www.TheParkerStore.com/workshops.

 If you want more information, just call Cathy Donohue at 508-351-1809.

When Failure is Not an Option, Fluid Monitoring is the Answer

Ray McCann, Sales Engineer
The Hope Group



While it may be glamorous to claim that “failure is not an option,” the reality is that with regard to hydraulic and oil lubrication systems, various levels of failure are more common than we like to admit. Despite our best efforts to prevent failures, according to reported industry incidents, about 80 percent of all system failures are attributable to fluid contamination. Those tiny bits of what-not floating around in your oil can lead to slow degradation of your system, which contribute to short-lived transient failures that can suddenly erupt into catastrophic failures.

The best chance to reduce or eliminate failures in hydraulic and oil lubrication systems is to institute a monitoring system. This can range from a simple routine of scheduled sample testing all the way to installation of remote system monitoring on a continuous basis. Fluid analysis such as the Parker Par-Test™ is able to identify potential problems that cannot be detected by human senses. Each time a test sample is taken and analyzed, system operators can be assured that fluids remain within acceptable parameters. Consistent application of these tests and the correct interpretation of the findings can help prevent major hydraulic and lube oil systems failures.

In many industrial applications, such as modern gas turbine power plants, there is a need for remote operation without the need for servicing between scheduled maintenance events. Such applications which are unstaffed areas, or are significantly difficult to access, the remote capability assures any fluid degradation is detected quickly. Real-time fluid condition monitoring is also important where any failure could affect the safety of operations. With the proper trend analysis, important pre-warnings can be made to ensure that predictive corrective actions can be taken.

Recently I had a chance to work with a client that had a requirement for remote fluid monitoring and the Parker iCount particle detector system was exactly what they needed. The Hope Group and Parker can provide direction on how to properly install the detector for each application. Proper installation ensures that the unit will operate accurately. With proper analysis and planning the system can be a quiet, effective solution to ensuring against failure.

What Can Ice Cream Teach Us About Fluid Transfer?

Tony Cantone, President
The Hope Group

Here’s an interesting challenge for you fluid control experts. If you hold an ice cream cone out the window of a moving vehicle, will the ice cream melt more quickly or more slowly than if you keep it inside the vehicle? Keep in mind the issue of insulation and you may come up with the answer. If you want to know the answer, you can skip to the bottom of this post. Or, you can read a great article that I found in Cold Facts, a publication of the Cryogenic Society.

The article addresses the issue of sweating and frosting of vacuum insulated cryogenic fluid transfer. It explains the basics of heat transfer and its effects. It also addresses the control options for heat transfer. It describes the science and theory, but it drills down to explaining practical applications. The article concludes with a review of its topics:

• Forced air flow can reduce or eliminate sweating and frosting under the right environmental conditions
• Both an excellent and a poor thermally performing vessel will sweat and frost under the right environmental conditions
• De-humidification can reduce or eliminate sweating and frosting under the right environmental conditions.
• A vessel that has decreased vacuum quality, has a thermal short circuit, or no resistance to radiation will frost or sweat in nearly all environments.
• Adding foam or fiberglass insulation to a vacuum insulated vessel is usually ineffective.

And that last point brings me back to the ice cream question. So which is it? The answer is the ice cream melts more rapidly outside than inside the vehicle in slow moving air. Inside the vehicle the ice cream creates a boundary layer of cold air, insulating it from air that contains a greater amount of heat.

With that lesson learned, read the article to learn more about fluid transfer and storage. Let me know what you think.