 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
||
|
||
 |
|
|
September, 2000 Hydraulics & Pneumatics Magazine Cleveland, Ohio It might be argued that impulse loading is a greater threat to hydraulic hose than overpressure. It might also be said that more operating circuits expose hose to impulse loading than to overpressure. HMF Innovations builds both static and rotary flex impulse test machines to investigate how hose products respond to that type of loading. These machines simulate rigorous field conditions in a controlled laboratory environment to provide positive, documented data for quality assurance. The HMF electronic consoles are independent, freestanding units, isolated from the test chamber's heat, vibration and shock. The console can be positioned in any convenient location. And HMF Impulse Testers are programmable for continuous, unattended operation, around the clock, over extended time periods. The test chamber is housed in a totally enclosed cabinet with shatterproof windows that allow safe viewing. For standard flex tests, the units accept hose with IDs from 1/4" to 2". For rotary flex tests, the maximum ID is 1". Large access doors swing wide to expose components and the entire test chamber area, making test hose set-up easy and efficient. Ample lighting is provided to aid setup and viewing of the test chamber area. Should hose failure occur, a built-in drain sump, piped back to the hydraulic reservoir through a filter and drain valve, aids cleanup. The Model 4003 rotary flex impulse tester complies with SAE procedures for Dynamic Test J1405 and Static Tests J343 and J517. Simultaneous testing of samples keeps variables such as oil and ambient air temperature, impulse rate, and wave form identical, ensuring optimum validity of comparison. Inside the chamber, an inlet manifold delivers heated pressurized oil. One outlet manifold, used for the 90º hose configuration test, is positioned by a lead screw that varies its distance from the inlet manifold. The second outlet manifold rotates around two synchronized reducers to satisfy the SAE test specifications. PLC sensors connected to the operator interface allow test parameters to be entered or changed on the fly. The system can generate pressures from 1,250 to as high as 15,000 psi. Impulse rates can vary between 15 and 100 cpm. The operator interface displays ongoing test data while a data-acquisition system logs pressure rise, peak pressure, cycle count, outlet-manifold oil temperature, and test sample default modes. Test data is stored for future printouts. Safety, of course, is essential in these testers. PLC sensors monitor as many as 15 default settings, automatically shutting down testing operations the moment a sample failure occurs. Built-in diagnostics precisely locate and identify any faults to facilitate corrective actions by the operator. |
