The Hope Group Provides Customer Support from Design to MRO Services

Steve Torigian, Service Manager
Hope Service


Here at The Hope Group, we are more than a parts supplier shipping off products to customers in New England. As a Parker Hydraulic Technology Center distributor, we offer a high degree of hydraulic service capability. We also offer expertise in value added services such as total system design, fabrication, installation, trouble-shooting, and MRO Services.

I came across an article posted by Parker Hannifin that explains in depth the benefits of choosing a supplier that is also deemed a Parker Hydraulic Technology Center distributor for total hydraulic solutions. The nature of the HTC distributors leads to greater reliability, reduced downtime, better efficiency, cost effectiveness, and better engineering in general.

“For the customer, post-design benefits are as important, if not more so, than an integrated solution. Increased productivity through enhanced machine performance saves cost and maximizes competitiveness in the market place. Similarly, well-designed integrated automation solutions are likely to be more reliable than separate elements linked together. Other aspects that can be optimized are energy efficiency (a known payback of an integrated solution), precision and security.” - Eric Zany, Parker Hannifin, Channel Manager (Read the full Parker article)

Other great benefits of doing business with a Parker HTC distributor, like The Hope Group, are that we provide local services including emergency repair, condition monitoring, hose replacement, cylinder repair, and hydraulic training. We are also experts in other technologies including, but not limited to, automation, electro-mechanical parts, filtration, electronic controls and machine intelligence.

If you have any inquiries give me a call at 508-351-1831 or send me an email (storigian@hopeair.com). Also, you can check out our field service page for more information.

New Clear Bowls are a Solution for Parker Racor Spin-on Filters

Dani Morse, Fuel Filtration Specialist
The Hope Group


An important topic I’ve come across in the Marine industry is the compatibility of spin-on filters with clear bowls when the formulation of gasoline changes. In a recent Parker Racor article, I read that the most recent change is the 10% ethanol that has been added to the gasoline.  

“Racor has performed extensive testing using the new E10 fuel and found the current bowls retained clarity and stability, after prolonged exposure. However, it was found that ethanol concentration exceeding 10% caused adverse material changes; including loss of clarity, crazing, and shrinkage, eventually causing the bowl to separate from the filter.” – Parker, Engine Mobile Filtration Team

Other factors can also impact the clear bowls such as age, temperature, ultraviolet light and fuel additives. Check out the Parker Racor article to learn what you should be inspecting and when you should replace your parts. They conveniently give you a visual of what to look for when inspecting and list the part numbers next to the replacement bowl numbers.

If you would like help with selecting the correct replacement or would like more information, please contact me at (508-351-1888) or by emailing me (dmorse@thehopegroup.com) Or, visit the Filtration page on our website.

When Operator Safety and "Safe" Failure is a Necessity …Rod Locking Cylinders is a Solution

Ray McCann, Sales Engineer
The Hope Group


I came across a Parker Hannifin Blog entry that was focusing on rod locking cylinders as a safety solution for machinery operators. It occurred to me that this information would be helpful to some of the companies that I come in contact with to reduce risk to the products they are manufacturing/assembling, as well as to the operators themselves.

Depending on what type of system you are running, a stop in your process is usually caused by an interruption to the power driving the system. If this happens to your machine and a "safe" fail is a priority, rod locking cylinders is one solution.

In their article, Parker explains how the P1D Series of ISO cylinders are designed to hold the loads safely in place if the compressed air supply fails. They provide cylinders for both dynamic and static applications.

"When an air failure occurs, causing a loss of signal pressure, the force from a set of internal springs pushes the mechanism to lock the piston using jaw clamps. It is important to note that these can only be used in dry piston rod applications as any grease, lubricants or coolants will reduce the effectiveness of locking." Franck Roussillon, Parker Pneumatics Division

To understand more about how rod locking cylinders can help make your process safer, read the Parker Pneumatics blog entry. You will be informed about the benefits it has specifically pertaining to dynamic applications or static designs.

If you would like to have a conversation about this topic, please contact me directly by phone, 508-351-1876, or email me at RMcCann@TheHopeGroup.com.

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.