April-May 2021

PNEUMATICS The recently introduced Elesa FH flexible coolant hoses are made using snap assembly of individual tube segments to allow universal direction of the lubricating/cooling jet, with a high level of flexibility. Even when put to the test under harsh, vibration prone environments, Elesa flexible coolant hoses are claimed to maintain stability due to their high- quality design. The length of each tube can be adapted to specific applications by adding or removing the appropriate number of elements via the snap fitting feature. This Elesa FH system is claimed to fit all types of machine tools where fluids need to be directed onto a workpiece for material removal and finishing such as cutting, grinding, broaching, tapping, turning or polishing. Situations where the FH system is suitable for distribution of oils, lubricants, cutting fluids, polishing liquids or cleaning fluids. A typical example would be in surface treatment processes for washing off of chemicals where the modular jets and fan sprays may be installed with a magnetic base and ball valve to allow placement wherever required with independent flow rate adjustment. Quick, simple manual adjustment can then ensure effective liquid delivery and adjustment to suit changes in production. FH hoses are available in 1 ⁄ 4 in or 1 ⁄ 2 in bore sizes with matching components and are easily shortened or extended as each segment clips together to ensure liquids can be easily, quickly and accurately directed exactly where needed. They are suitable for a maximum input pressure of 4 bar. www.elesa.com 32 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS April/May 2021 www.hpmag.co.uk Flexible coolant hoses support many applications Thorite, the UK supplier of pneumatics, air compressors, tools and fluid handling equipment, has recently designed, built and delivered what is describes as the very latest in transferable clean-air systems. In this case, a Thorite customer required a comprehensive compressed air system that could be easily moved to key locations within a large factory complex. With this in mind, Thorite’s systems project engineers designed a box-section chassis measuring 2 x 1.1 metres, where a master control panel was mounted, alongside a 4KW Hydrovane compressor, a Parker CDAS dryer, pre-filter, high-efficiency oil removal filter and an oil/water separator. The chassis features tread-plate flooring and easily removable, protective mesh safety guarding. Transported on four pneumatic castors, the whole system can be easily manoeuvred by a single person. The customer will use the system on-site, to leak-test and purge equipment after maintenance is carried out. The requirement was for a portable unit to move to the exact point where maintenance takes place, as the equipment serviced cannot be moved to a clean dry air supply. However, Mike Perry, Thorite’s systems manager, sees a growing market for this type of application: “We’re capable of manufacturing any type of bespoke, transferable air or fluid system that a customer needs. Our in-house technical expertise and our ability to tap into the huge range of technology from our OEM suppliers allows us to do this. While on this occasion, the customer wanted everything mounted on a specifically sized platform, we can build any size or product configuration exactly to any specific customer specification.” Aftermarket solution service Thorite also provides a full aftermarket solution service for all customers on any system design, where full 24 hour/365 days per year back-up can be provided to protect ay investment in compressed air plant, minimising downtime. Thorite Aftermarket Solutions is a new concept in after- sales customer care – replacing previously outdated service contracts, by providing customers with a menu type service and support option, tailored to specific needs. The resulting package gives customers more flexibility and added value, thus a more focused service from Thorite’s team of capital equipment sales and support specialists. www.thorite.co.uk The very latest in transferable clean-air systems’