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Projects related to the construction or buildings life cycle are increasingly complex and fast. The number of trades involved in the life of an industrial building is always larger and more specific. BIM, as a shared project management process represents an effective and innovative response.
What is BIM?
BIM comes from the English Building Information Modelling. The term building here is generic but also includes infrastructure. BIM is primarily working methods and a 3D parametric digital model that contains intelligent and structured data.
It guarantees the sharing of reliable information throughout the life of a building, from its design to its demolition. The digital model is a digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of this building.
BIM is a collaborative e-platform on a construction project, bringing together all the trades of this project, according to a common language. BIM: A new service offered by Transair The construction projects involve a strong collaboration between the different actors of a project, to better control each phase of the life cycle of a building.
As the leading manufacturer of modular industrial fluid networks; Transair® has identified the interest of integrating the BIM platform increasing used in the building sector.
"With BIM, the way construction professionals work is hanging, with multiple gains for the entire industry," said Nicolas Maupillé, project manager and DSO Manager at Transair®.
Always listening to the market, Transair® sees BIM as a performance accelerator in project management of its users and partners. Transair® has partnered with a specialist, BIM & Co. for the modeling, integration and publication of its global offering of modular networks for industrial fluids (BSP ISO and NPT ANSI). BIM simplifies the design process in general, in particular by optimally integrating Transair® networks. It, therefore, allows users and integrators of the Transair® system: - To foster better collaboration between the various stakeholders of the same project - To have accurate visualizations at all stages - To reduce the risk of errors throughout the project
Transair® launches its library of BIM-enabled objects
All BIM & CO tools dedicated to Transair® make it easy to structure and distribute product data as BIM Ready objects to all users of the platform. The objects are thus adapted to all stages of the process, from design to construction, operation and maintenance. To be BIM compatible, all the product families of the Transair® system are available in REVIT format, in LOD (Level Of Detail) 200 and 400. All the specific features of the Transair® product range are automated in a 100% template. dedicated. To benefit from this new service, it is enough: - To register on the BIM & CO platform, - To access the Transair space - Then download the template and the objects necessary for the construction of the desired network free of charge.
"Transair® wishes to integrate fully into the spirit of BIM by providing the various players with a quality service, which will allow them to understand the design. of their networks in an intuitive way and thus to stay focused on their projects, so it was important for us to propose to the design offices, objects, whose data are properly structured and informed"
Guillaume Tétard, business unit manager, Transair.®
For further information on Parker's BIM solutions contact us.
Article contributed by Nicolas Maupillé, DSO manager Transair® and Laurent Orcibal, ebusiness manager, Low Pressure Connector Europe, Parker Hannifin Corporation.
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Quick couplings allow fluid lines to be quickly and easily connected and disconnected without the need for tools. Non-spill or dry break couplings are a specific type of connector designed to eliminate spillage during a connection and disconnection.
What sets non-spill apart from traditional couplings? The flush face valve is the difference maker as this feature minimizes discharge and trapped air, while ensuring repeated dripless connections and disconnections. Non-spill or dry break quick disconnects are key to maintaining a clean environment, protecting system fluids from contamination caused by air or debris, and most importantly, keeping workers safe.
Did you know 98 million gallons of fluid from hydraulic equipment is improperly deposited into topsoil, groundwater, rivers and lakes annually? That’s according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The statistics are staggering when you come to the realization that one liter of oil can pollute up to one million liters of water.
Fluid leaks and spills have the potential to cause significant environmental issues. If contamination were to occur, organizations would be responsible for damage to ecosystems and wildlife, resulting in high cleanup costs and federal penalties. All industries from agricultural food production to manufacturing and service operations are affected by environmental protection regulations.
Even what looks like a small leakage can sometimes leave lasting effects on our precious planet. Non-spill quick disconnects keep fluids contained and its environmental impact to a minimum. The flush face valve quickly shuts off flow when fluid lines are disconnected and is engineered to eliminate spillage and fluid loss.
Hydraulic equipment relies on fluid system integrity to effectively transmit power for instant, accurate response and reliable performance. Contamination and the loss of performance transpire when debris and air work their way into the hydraulic fluid. It’s common for this to occur when dirt accumulates on the exposed surface of a traditional poppet valve tip when disconnected. Then, when the quick coupling is reconnected, air and contamination are pushed into the system fluid as the poppet valves open. The air and contamination can cause a loss of horsepower, temperate performance abnormalities and a variety of detrimental effects.
The flush face valves of non-spill quick couplings do not provide surfaces or areas for dirt to accumulate and collect. In environments where dirt is present, the smooth flat surface of the coupling end can be easily and quickly wiped clean. Additionally, non-spill valves keep air inclusion to a minimum because the flat-faced surface does not trap pockets of air as fluid lines are reconnected.
There are many safety and ergonomic risks associated with hydraulic system leakage. Exposure to dangerous chemicals and confined spaces significantly enhance the chances of injury during maintenance operations. Slips, trips and falls account for a third of all personal injuries and is a top cause of workers’ compensation claims.
The most common reason why? Wet or oil surfaces as a result of incremental leakage. Spills and leaks can happen at any point and pose a wide range of health hazards to workers such as sensitization and irritation as well as physical risks.
Parker offers a variety of non-spill couplers to fit versatile fluid applications. The FEM Series and 71 Series are both ideal for use in applications where air inclusion and fluid loss must be minimal. When chemical compatibility is also needed, Parker’s FS Series is a good option.
Parker’s FEM Series is compliant with the highest design and performance specifications set forth by ISO 16028. The standard defines a common dimensional and performance profile that ensures global compatibility and interchangeable connectability with other manufacturer’s quick couplings built to the same standard. Parker’s FEC Series nipples also provide the ability to connect under trapped residual system pressure. FEM Series quick couplings are constructed from steel material and are commonly used to connect hydraulic lines to tools used in construction and utility work. In addition, they are widely used on skid loaders and other similar machinery.
The 71 Series, an original Snap-tite design non-spill coupling, is rated for working pressures up to 10,000 psi. With material options featuring steel, 316 stainless and high pressure stainless steel, Parker’s 71 Series non-spill quick couplings are utilized in industrial applications as well as topside offshore oil drilling and construction.
FS Series non-spill quick couplings provide excellent chemical compatibility. The all stainless steel construction and Fluorocarbon seals make them ideal for closed system transfer of chemicals or corrosive media. Other applications include food processing and chemical dispensing.
The FEM Series | 71 Series | FS Series couplings are available for purchase on Parker.com. Simply add products to your cart for shipment within two days for in-stock items.
Article contributed by Anthony Mistretta, product sales manager, Quick Coupling Division, Parker Hannifin Corporation.
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Five Things You Need to Know to Implement Condition Monitoring
Plentiful in North America and relatively inexpensive, natural gas produces 30 percent fewer greenhouse gas emissions than gasoline or diesel, making it an ideal alternative fuel for a diverse range of applications. Heavy-duty vehicles, such as refuse trucks, Class 7-8 trucks and buses are the largest users of this fuel source. Given this growing change, the need for reliable leak-free connections is even more important which is why Parker developed a CNG version of its Seal-Lok O-ring Face Seal (ORFS) fittings.
Known for proven leak-free connections, Seal-Lok ORFS fittings have many benefits for these CNG applications. The ORFS design provides unlimited reusability, resistance to vibration, zero clearance for easy assembly and replacement, as well as resistance to overtorque which has been known to be an issue for other fittings designs. Though ORFS fittings have traditionally been used in industrial hydraulic applications due to the elastomeric seals, the creation of a special CNG O-ring has now made this reliable connection a viable option in alternative fuel applications.
Since the available amount of energy per liter of natural gas is low compared to the traditional fuels, it is compressed to a pressure of at least 200 bar (2900 PSI). Therefore, special attention must be paid to the safety aspects related to CNG Cylinders on-board Natural Gas Vehicles (NGVs). One potential hazard seen in garbage truck operation is a load fire. Load fires are the most common type of truck fire in the refuse/recycling industry.
As you know, refuse vehicles travel in populated residential areas every day. It is critical to ensure the safety of not only the drivers, but anyone in the proximity of a NGV. The trucks are engineered to be extremely safe; however, load fires can heat the CNG storage tanks, raise pressure and introduce the risk of a rupture occurring. To reduce the risk of a rupture in the event of a fire, the CNG cylinders must be equipped with a Pressure Relief Device (PRD). The effectiveness of this specified fire protection system must be validated in a bonfire test.
Bonfire test requirements for Cylinders and PRDs are defined in Regulation 110, ANSI/CSA NGV 2, and CSA B51 Part 2, however, there are no specific bonfire test requirements for the fittings and seals connecting CNG tanks to the system. Given the growing use of Seal-Lok O-ring Face Seal CNG fittings in these connections, Parker felt it important to develop bonfire testing to validate they would perform if exposed to fire.
The criteria for passing were defined using the most rigorous requirements placed on CNG tanks in ANSI/CSA NGV 2 and CSA B51: samples pressurized to 3,600 psig and exposed to a minimum of 590 °C for 20 minutes. To qualify as passing the bonfire test, all seals must have maintained pressure for at least 20 minutes after being heated. This bonfire test was performed by the outside testing facility of Southwest Research Institute’s (SwRI) Fire Technology Department.
Seal-Lok for CNG passed the bonfire test. Passing the bonfire test confirms that Seal-Lok for CNG meets the industry safety requirements for CNG components used in natural gas vehicles. Seal-Lok ORFS CNG fittings are the first and only fittings in the industry to be Bonfire Tested. In addition to passing the bonfire testing, these fittings are also tested and certified by TUV according to the following standards: ECE R110, ANSI NGV 3.1-2014/CSA 12.3-2014 for stainless steel and zinc nickel fittings, and ISO 15500.
To learn more about the Seal-Lok for CNG Bonfire Testing, download the test summary.
Find out more about this product line and see the available configurations on the Seal-Lok for CNG product series page. If you have any questions about this article, please post them and we will respond. To talk to Parker regarding the benefits of Seal-Lok for CNG for your application, please call 614-279-7070.
Written by John Holzheimer, applications engineer, Parker Tube Fittings Division
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Medical-care settings are often stressful, making it hard to rest or sleep—both of which are important for healing and recovery. And, as the portability of medical technology continues to rapidly evolve, an increasing number of medical devices and instruments can be utilized in the patient’s home—for example, point-of-care diagnostics, dialysis, and portable oxygen concentrators.
For the best possible experience, medical equipment should be as non-intrusive as possible.
A frequent complaint by patients and other end users is the disruptive noise that medical equipment can generate. Compression therapy equipment, for example, which is used to prevent clotting in a patient’s legs and feet during hospital stays and surgery, utilizes pumps that cycle on and off over long stretches of time. This can interfere with rest and sleep. The volume of the pump may also be too loud, creating a disruptive environment. Therefore, it is essential to minimize the operational sounds of medical devices to optimize the end-user experience.
For comprehensive information on the impact of noise generating equipment on patients and sound mitigation solutions, download the full white paper, "Advancements in Noise Reduction Techniques for Medical Equipment Manufacturers".
In pump engineering, there are two main sources of sound generation:
Common components in medical equipment that often generate noise are:
Diaphragm pumps tend to be the most substantial source of noise. Their motors rotate a crank that moves a connecting rod up and down, flexing the diaphragm. This action builds pressure or vacuum and generates flow. As the pump operates, it emits vibration across the body of the device.
Solenoid valve and fan noise accompany sound generated by diaphragm pumps during operation. This is caused by the normal actuation of solenoid valves and rotation of the fans as they oscillate the air to keep the equipment cool.
Since pumps often cycle, their noise levels can be intermittent. This breaks the normal sound conditions in a room, making it difficult to sleep or relax.
OEMs often report that noise generated by their equipment is the number-one end-user complaint. However, only a few component manufacturers make sound reduction a top priority in their product enhancement activities. Although mufflers can sometimes be added to equipment, this increases the overall dimensions of the device and can cause an increase in back pressure.
Noise reduction is a key component of Parker’s new product-development projects, especially sound mitigation techniques for diaphragm pumps. We recently tested several methods of sound reduction, including:
Results are shown below:
TECHNIQUE
SOUND REDUCTION
Oversizing the pump and running it slower
2-3 dB
Adding a muffler
3-4 dB
Plastic mounting plates
3 dB
Adding a pump enclosure
9 dB
For structure-born noise, plastic mounting plates that incorporate elastomeric feet reduced the vibration transmission from the pump to the medical device, resulting in a 3-dB noise reduction for an average Parker diaphragm pump. Adding a customized pump enclosure achieved up to 9 dB in sound reduction.
Pneumatic noise was reduced by oversizing the pump and adding a muffler. Oversizing the pneumatic performance of the diaphragm pump and running it at a slower speed reduced the number of pulsatile flow peaks and, in certain applications, achieved a 3-dB sound reduction. Installing an expansion chamber resulted in a 4-dB sound reduction.
A 6 to 9dB noise reduction can be achieved by combining some of these techniques. These are relatively simple and inexpensive solutions that can be easily built into medical devices and diagnostic equipment, creating a much more desirable environment for the end user.
Enhancing user comfort through medical technology advancements represents the core value proposition for OEMs. Incorporating effective noise reduction solutions into medical device design is essential for a positive patient experience and long-term use of the equipment.
To find out more about sound reduction techniques for medical equipment and what Parker Hannifin has to offer for accessories and application engineering solutions, please contact Parker Precision Fluidics at ppfinfo@parker.com.
This blog was contributed by Richard Whipple, marketing communications manager, Parker Precision Fluidics
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Hard working excavators, tunnel boring, mining, oil field and forestry equipment use a variety of tool attachments. This allows them to be versatile for a multitude of activities, all necessary to perform the work at hand. Some of these attachments require multiple connections to the hydraulic lines, depending on their individual function, whether it be digging, scraping, scooping, grabbing and lifting, cutting, or any other articulated motion.
At the job site, equipment tool attachments might be changed out several times in the process it takes to complete the project. A machine operator can save time and efficiently utilize a single piece of equipment by switching out a bucket for a scraping blade or rock crushing hammer or any other attachment end that is needed.
Heavy duty screw-to-connect quick couplings are the best choice for these types of tool attachment connections. They allow the hydraulic lines between the equipment and the tool attachment to be quickly disconnected and reconnected without extensive downtime.
Screw-to-connect couplings are built to withstand the demanding requirements of applications where hydraulic lines are subjected to the stress of high-pressure impulses. The repeated pounding of pressure in the lines and through the coupling can wreak havoc and easily cause damage to the internal components and sleeve locking mechanism of any standard quick coupling.
The threaded sleeve on a screw-to-connect coupling provides a secure connection that is resistant to loosening or disconnection caused by vibration. It is also a good defense from the damaging effects of material Brinelling, which results from hydraulic shock, when repeated pressure impulses cause metal to deform. When Brinelling occurs on a quick coupling with a standard sleeve mechanism, the coupling can become permanently locked together and inoperable. Threaded sleeves on screw-to-connect couplings prevent Brinelling and keep couplings in working order to be reliable for repeated connection and disconnection.
Parker understands the rigorous performance expectations that define screw-to-connect quick couplings. The FET and 59 Series have both been engineered to meet the challenge. Built from high strength materials, these couplings are rated for pressures up to 6,000 psi. They also enable connection while hydraulic lines are under residual pressures up to 5,000 psi and disconnection at 2,500 psi. The ability to connect the couplings while under pressure allows equipment operators to switch-out tool attachments without first having to spend time bleeding pressure off the system.
Parker FET and 59 Series also have flush face valves that are designed for non-spill operation, virtually eliminating fluid loss at disconnection and featuring low air inclusion at connection. Air inclusion in a hydraulic system causes diminished performance and increased wear of system components. Non-spill valves guard against the damaging pressure checking from trapped air in the lines.
As the FET and 59 Series have many similarities, they also have some significant differences that are important considerations when choosing the best screw-to-connect coupling for your heavy-duty application.
Parker’s FET Series is directly interchangeable with other manufacturers’ screw-to-connect couplings of similar design. The threaded sleeve uses the same style of connecting threads as the competitive designs, which can take up to seven sleeve rotations to complete a full connection of the two coupling halves. This is a very popular and widely used interchange design. FET Series Couplings have an FNC coating and stainless steel valves for extended durability and corrosion resistance. They are available in a wide range of body sizes up to 2 inches. Heavy-duty Code 62 Flange ends are also an option for the larger sizes.
Parker’s 59 Series is highly engineered with the end user in mind. This unique screw-to-connect coupling makes the most demanding hydraulic connections manageable. Rugged Acme threads in the connecting sleeve resist damage, and the larger thread form is easier to keep clean from dirt and debris. The double start feature quickly aligns the threads to provide fast engagement and a full connection requires only 2.5 sleeve rotations. The 59 Series also has an integrated bearing that adds a swivel function to ease the frustration of dealing with hoses under pressure.
The FET Series is ideal for any high impulse screw-to-connect application, especially where couplings need to be interchangeable with other similar couplings already installed on equipment in use. In contrast, Parker’s 59 Series has a unique design and brings the benefits of added performance features to provide a faster, cleaner and easier connection that far exceeds other heavy duty screw-to-connect couplings available today.
Learn more about Parker’s screw-to-connect solutions.
Parker’s screw-to-connect couplings are available for purchase on parker.com. Simply add products to your cart for shipment within two days for in-stock items.
Article contributed by Lori Wessels, product sales manager, Quick Coupling Division, Parker Hannifin Corporation.
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Whether train driving is done manually or automatically, human being remains responsible for safety. Man is increasingly assisted by automatic means to control and communicate with his machine. This assistance is provided by systems called Human Machine Interfaces (HMI).
The objective of the HMI is to make the facilities more functional, better adapted to the environment and to avoid risks. For this reason, electronic systems are growing to benefit passenger and goods safety but also for the productivity of equipment.
In trains, the HMI are deployed on different mechanical components in the form of electronic systems. They can be placed on the mechanical components of a pressure circuit to monitor and control their operation.
The sensor is an element of the HMI more and more used in the architecture of mechanical systems of a train, especially in pressure circuits. The assembly of sensors on mechanical components allows precise control of movement in pressurized fluid transfer systems, thus improving safety.
These sensors are detection devices with signals that make it possible to bring intelligence to the control of the movement. They provide the data needed to foster a reactive and preventative environment. Position sensors, for example, make it easy to control the open or closed position of a valve on a fluid transfer circuit.
The use of a sensor with electrical or contactless technology minimizes the overall cost of implementing a secure mechanical system. Indeed, it allows to quickly and accurately detect the open or closed position of a circuit, without separate encoders and especially without additional mechanics.
The data transmitted by the sensor allows the monitoring and, when the information flows in both directions, the control of the mechanical component itself. Position data available improve risk control and prevention by quickly detecting any problem and saving it to databases. The HMI then makes it possible to avoid malfunctions that can lead to downtime or productivity losses.
Several fluids are circulating in a train between a tank and actuators such as brake shoes and motors. The medium conveyed range from compressed air, water or glycol water, to diesel or hydraulic oil. Some circuits need to be secured.
Well known for its expertise in fluid transfer solution, Parker Legris has developed a new lockable valve with sensor, adapted to the low-pressure circuit for compressed air supply. Thanks to this valve with open or closed position detection, the user quickly identifies the valve status and can act faster at the exact location.
This new Parker Legris valve has two additional functions:
To adapt to the railway equipment constraints, the new valves have a robust IP67 protection box at the sensor. They are 100 percent leak-tested and have an inductive sensor electrically connected to the HMI.
Electronic sensors are now essential safety instruments in railway vehicles. They are expected to expand to more mechanical components, because safety is at the heart of the innovation of railway market players, and more widely of manufacturers like Parker.
Article contributed by Céline Joyeau, marketing development manager, Low Pressure Connectors Europe Division Related content: Learn How Cold Weather Affects Connector Design for Rail Applications Key Cold Weather Design Factors for Connector Technology in Rail
Lighter, versatile, non-corroding and cost-effective. These are some of the advantages as to why manufacturers are increasingly replacing metals with plastics for product development. Plastic injection molding is a key component in a shifting manufacturing landscape and has grown beyond specialty applications. Today, it’s a sophisticated process for producing parts requiring machinery and tooling of increasing complexity. As a result, injection molding operations are being pushed to the limits at a time when product quality and manufacturing efficiency is crucial to success.
Injection molding processes are exposed to a variety of potential risks over the course of production. From running unattended for long periods to equipment performance faults, operating without production monitoring can lead to real business headaches. Even the smallest of deviations or errors can impact an organization’s bottom line and result in significant ramifications including line downtime, increased scrap, late shipments and the biggest factor of all, a dissatisfied customer.
There are many variables affecting the injection molding process and each impacts product quality. The variations in temperature, humidity or machine pressure can lead to process or mechanical breakdown. By regularly monitoring the status and condition of processes and equipment, you’re able to identify potential problems and select a course of action to rectify it.
A continuous condition monitoring program provides a valuable amount of information for predicting machinery failure or process variation aiding in the analysis of the root cause of the problem. This solution provides reliable and useful data to assess the health and condition of injection molding machines and processes.
The following two case studies showcase how IoT-based condition monitoring solutions help injection molding operators solve production issues while increasing safety, productivity and quality.
A large injection molding company that produces components for the medical device industry struggled with maintaining the quality of a particular molded part. Production runs were inconsistent due to temperature and pressure anomalies in the mold injection lines, which resulted in short shot, or incompletely formed parts. This caused production downtime, as well as increased part inspections and scrap.
Accurate and continuous monitoring of the temperature and pressure lines with SensoNODE™ Sensors and Voice of the Machine™ Software revealed a small leak in a pressure hose that caused the pressure to drop at certain times during the molding process. With the hose replaced, SensoNODE and Voice of the Machine Software ensured the pressure remained stable during the process. In addition, data collection was much easier than utilizing standard gauges, which would be in difficult-to-see locations within the machine.
The injection molding company was able to fix the problem quickly, minimizing downtime and scrap. The company also avoided a serious product recall risk that comes from shipping out-of-spec molded parts to a medical device customer.
A customer that makes washing machines and dryers had been using manual diagnostic test tools for their manufacturing processes and machines where a majority are hydraulic-based assets. Two pieces of equipment in particular – an injection molding machine and a stamping press – are driven by the same hydraulic power unit (HPU).
The HPU is located 20 feet off the floor at the top of the machines. In order to diagnose or evaluate each asset, a maintenance technician must use a manual diagnostic tool connected to the HPU to collect pressure changes at several points of interest. A second technician would be on the floor watching and cycling the machine.
Those technicians would then test several points individually, which took hours. Because the manual diagnostic devices have long cords that connect the sensors to the handheld meters, the set up for testing was cumbersome and time consuming. Technicians would shut down the machine due to safety risks, then set up the tools to take readings, which further extended downtime and led to missed revenue opportunities.
The customer needed a solution that allowed a single maintenance technician to test multiple functions simultaneously as well as take readings from the floor while also observing asset processes.
By installing SensoNODE Sensors at each of the five points of interest, the technician is now able to run the machine and use Voice of the Machine Software to track all pressure measurements at once, as well as watch the machine functions from a safe area.
Being able to monitor multiple points at the same time simplifies the troubleshooting of a complex system, which helps technicians quickly resolve issues that minimizes downtime and saves money. In turn, the injection molding manufacturer’s customers receive quality products on time leading to increased satisfaction and loyalty.
Learn more about our injection molding solutions or speak to an engineer to discuss your injection molding issues.
Contributed by Dan Davis, product sales manager, SensoNODE Sensors and Voice of the Machine Software, Parker Hannifin.
Condition Monitoring in Injection Molding
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Lubrication is essential to machine maintenance. Equipment properly lubricated reduces wear and tear during production, ensures temperatures are in check with operational standards, minimizes corrosion and helps keep contaminants and pollutants out of the system. Organizations will allocate nearly half of their total maintenance costs to lubrication-related activities. The biggest of them all is deploying the oil change.
An oil change makes certain machines are running smoothly and prolongs engine life. There’s incentive to changing oil regularly. However, therein lies the issue. Performing an oil change is straightforward enough, correct? Not quite. For technicians and mechanics, the traditional oil change process is much more tedious and hazardous. The likelihood of making a mess or even worse can be a costly mistake. Equipment downtime, lost production, employee safety and environmental integrity are factors an organization will risk when conducting an oil change.
A traditional maintenance oil change is cumbersome. From heavy machinery and power generation equipment to fleets and municipalities, changing oil involves thorough training on procedures and equipment and utilizing an arsenal of tools, which bring a multitude of challenges:
You can’t just stop performing oil changes. What is the solution then?
Parker's QuickFit Oil Change System is unlike anything else available in the marketplace. It’s radically transformed oil changes with a faster, cleaner and safer approach that hasn’t been accomplished until now. QuickFit is revolutionary, yet simple with a three-step process to purge, evacuate and refill oil.
The architecture of QuickFit eliminates oil spills and greatly reduces safety hazards. This is achieved through an accessible, single connection point that allows oil to drain directly to the waste containment, and then can be used to extract the used oil from the filter and pump in new oil. The total number of steps in the process is reduced, which means a faster and safer oil change.
QuickFit combines ease-of-use with comprehensive functionality. Minimal training is necessary and maintenance is simplified as oil changes can be done efficiently and effectively. Productivity goes up while the chances of an error occurring during an oil change are greatly reduced.
Watch the video to see how a traditional oil change compares to Parker’s QuickFit Oil Change System.
Contributed by Matt Walley, product sales manager, Quick Coupling Division Division of Parker Hannifin.
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A history lesson isn’t necessary to know manufacturing has evolved over time. From the advent of mechanics to the electrification of factories for mass production to equipping production lines with robotics, the world of machines and processes is evolving before our eyes once again.
Manufacturing facilities are getting leaner. This isn’t by design. Baby Boomers who once dominated the landscape are now exiting the workforce in droves, so much so the industry is facing a deficit of 3.5 million workers. This has put a strain on organizations as they seek younger and less experienced personnel to do more with less. Since many manufacturers are operating with smaller staffs, equipment processes and manual checks are falling through the cracks.
Plant floors are less staffed, but more connected than ever before. Thanks to the Internet of Things (IoT), data is available at our fingertips to harness and apply the information into predictive analytics to achieve higher levels of intelligence, orchestration and optimization. Logically, this led to condition monitoring.
A major component of predictive maintenance, condition monitoring presumes machinery will deteriorate and eventually breakdown. By being proactive and monitoring the performance of equipment through technology, data can provide the information to strategically schedule maintenance before an issue creates unexpected downtime. This prevents consequential damages and ensures the reliability of machines can remain high.
Condition monitoring utilizes various process parameters such as temperature, pressure, humidity, current, vibration and flow along with fluid media samples to monitor performance. Over time, these indicators of system and equipment health will become more predictable, reducing unscheduled downtime and increasing product integrity.
To achieve condition monitoring and a predictive maintenance program, it’s not enough to purchase test instruments and put them in the hands of untrained personnel. It’s imperative to let go of tried and tested methods and establish a new culture and approach of looking at maintenance. This means constantly developing, implementing, managing, measuring and improving condition monitoring. It requires commitment and full participation, otherwise the vision is lost and the chances of a successful program decline. There are five things you need to know to ensure your condition monitoring program is prosperous.
Read our new white paper, "Why Preventative Maintenance is Holding You Back" to discover how condition monitoring tools allow manufacturing organizations to predict the future, reduce their costs, and do much more with less.
Which equipment are you going to monitor? You’re not going to pick random machines to evaluate. An Equipment Criticality Ranking (ECR) and/or Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM) should be performed. An ECR identifies and addresses potential risks associated with the operation of the processing facilities. Failure scenarios are pinpointed, ranked and quantified in relation to the safeguards that protect against the scenario. The RCM focuses on avoiding the failure consequences, not the failure modes by ensuring systems continue to do what its users want in its present operating context. These are comprehensive lists of assets sorted in a ranked order and helps identify and determine which equipment should be tested on a regular basis. By performing ECR and/or RCM, organizations can develop unique maintenance schedules for each critical asset.
Choosing the appropriate personnel to be involved in predictive maintenance and condition monitoring is crucial. A common mistake organizations make is hastily assembling a team of their best mechanics rather than seeking the right technician who has the key attributes to master technology and perform investigative work. The selection of a condition monitoring team is handled in different ways from one organization to the next, but should include individuals who demonstrate loyalty, intelligence and always pursuing training and self-development.
Technicians involved in a predictive maintenance program receive little if any training beyond the information instructed by the vendor system. In fact, personnel seek valuable training that directly impacts the effectiveness and success of the program. It’s crucial that all individuals are educated and can demonstrate the skillset to operate equipment, interpret the data, and report the information in a clear and concise way. A shortfall in this area will affect the quality of the overall initiative.
Practice makes perfect. The same holds true for condition monitoring. There are a number of variables that can affect the accuracy of data. When it comes to testing equipment, collect data in the same location and on the same surface utilizing the same instruments to ensure consistency. Also, reviewing and interpreting information should be conducted in a timely manner. Otherwise, this will lead to unidentified equipment failures and unscheduled downtime.
You’ve inspected the equipment and collected the data, now what? It’s time to take action. Sounds simple enough, but there are many organizations who fail to take corrective action when machine anomalies are flagged. A predictive maintenance program receives the necessary support and funding to ensure success.
In today’s smart manufacturing world, condition monitoring is essential to determine machine health and implement the correct maintenance to ensure maximum performance and longevity. However, this cannot be achieved without having the right equipment, people, training and execution in place. Without a strategic plan, condition monitoring and predictive maintenance can become a wasted resource rather than a benefit component of your operation.
Learn more about condition monitoring strategies on your plant floor.
Article contributed by Dan Davis, product sales manager, SensoNODE™ Sensors and Voice of the Machine™ Software, Parker Hannifin Corporation.
The Importance of Condition Monitoring to Your Business
Preventive Maintenance vs. Predictive Maintenance
The PASS (Personal Alert Safety System) alarm sounds. Smoke and flames engulf the area. Your breathing air supply is quickly diminishing. Evading the fiery scene is not an option. In this crucial moment, a firefighter entrenched in the middle of a blaze with a dwindling air supply turns to the single-most important piece of equipment.
Firefighters, HAZMAT crews and even underwater scuba divers should have a deep understanding of their breathing apparatus and possess the knowledge of preventative maintenance for the particular unit being employed. Simple issues such as blocked air or improper connections on self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) gear can instantaneously become serious problems under extreme circumstances when time is of the essence. Equipment of this magnitude in which people are entrusting their lives must follow rigorous guidelines.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), founded in 1896, has established more than 300 consensus codes and standards to minimize the possibility and devastating effects of fire and to ensure firefighters and emergency services personnel operate safely in the most hostile environments. Through their own research and outreach to over 9,000 volunteer committee members, NFPA’s codes and standards are revised every three to five years for quality and safety, and range from hazards and risks associated with different types of building construction to inspection requirements and evaluation of firefighting equipment and instruments.
In particular, NFPA 1981 defined the standard of respiratory protection and functional requirements for SCBA. This includes the design, performance, testing and certification of the breathing apparatus. But, did not specify requirements for any accessories that could be attached to the certified product not approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).
Over time, NFPA 1981 has undergone notable changes including standards for redundant low pressure warning devices, heads up display (HUD) to signal the amount of an air cylinder’s available capacity, new voice communication intelligibility requirements, testing for increased facepiece lens integrity and most importantly of all, acknowledging Emergency Breathing Safety Systems (EBSS), commonly referred to as buddy breathers.
A Buddy Breather is a rescue technique when two people share one air source, alternately breathing from it. There had been great hesitation by NFPA to recognize the buddy breather over technical challenges such as having the ability to deliver twice the volume of airflow to ensure adequate air to both users. To this day, the buddy breather is considered an accessory and not a requirement. NFPA, NIOSH, Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or any manufacturer do not recommend or approve sharing air between firefighters.
However, in a compromised emergency situation, the buddy breather could be the single-most important piece of equipment on a firefighters’ protective suit. This survival accessory features a small manifold with a hose that detaches from the regulator. The air bottle can be managed down to 125-135 pounds per square inch (PSI) and attaches to the manifold, which contains a male and female coupling. The setup allows a firefighter in need of compressed air to connect their coupling to another firefighters’ air bottle in the event of an emergency.
Herein lies the problem which the new NFPA coupling standard has resolved. There is a variety of SCBA gear available today for fire departments to utilize. And each one could feature a different type of coupling system. If “Fire Department A” and “Fire Department B” are both on-scene of a fire, chances are high their couplings are not compatible to each other’s buddy breathers, making them non-operational and ineffective across the two groups of firefighters
A Universal Emergency Breathing Safety System (UEBSS) standard has been adopted into the NFPA 1981-2018 Edition. The new UEBSS standard requires all SCBA manufacturers to produce units that accommodate Rapid Intervention Crew Universal Air Coupling (RIC UAC) to be in compliance for firefighting. The universal coupling interface chosen will allow an air bottle lacking compressed air to be transfilled from another bottle regardless of the breathing system manufacturer. Each air bottle would then have equal amounts of air in them after the fill. This means a firefighter can effectively use the buddy breather system to provide air to another firefighter without concern for the brand of SCBA gear.
In fact, the NFPA volunteer committee selected a Parker quick coupling design to adopt as the industry standard for manufacturers to follow for designing and building interchangeable couplings. A universally standard coupling compatible across all new and existing SCBA gear ensures firefighters will not have to remove their facepiece during an air supply malfunction or failure. Plus, fire departments and personnel can become thoroughly familiar with one standardized system and how it works. This ensures connectability of all air line couplings that may need to be connected or disconnected in the event of an emergency.
SCBA is a critical component in the personal protective equipment (PPE) used by firefighters and emergency personnel. Regardless of rank and tenure, firefighters can encounter a problem with their gear. When seconds matter the most, emergency procedures such as the buddy breather has significant influence on firefighter safety. And with a universal coupling system, the chance of survival only increases for firefighters.
Contact us for more information on Parker’s NFPA selected coupling design.
Article contributed by Todd Lambert, market sales manager, Quick Coupling Division, Parker Hannifin Corporation.
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