July-August 2021

The failure of a hydraulic piping system can prove costly in both downtime and repairs, and possibly present a safety hazard. Above-deck hydraulic systems for vessels include those supporting cranes, lifting gear and winches, so the danger is clear, while below deck, hydraulics serve equally critical systems such as propulsion and steering. For military or defence vessels, hydraulics are also present on the turret machinery that manoeuvres the guns, for example. Almost all vessel types take advantage of hydraulic tube-forming connection systems, everything from military aircraft carriers, frigates and exploration ships to cruise liners, ferries and superyachts. Among the leading tips for design engineers is to select a supplier that not only provides the piping connection system, but the fittings. This is particularly the case if a supplier can provide the system and fittings in stainless steel for above-deck applications, which are subject to saltwater spray. Carbon steel is suitable for below-deck applications. Water-mist systems Suitably specified hydraulic piping connection systems are also proving popular in the marine sector for water- mist fire extinguisher solutions. Water- mist solutions operate at high pressure, typically 140-160 bar, which makes WALFORMplus ideal for this application, even though the media is water rather than hydraulic oil. Often, the preference is to use the system in conjunction with a welded stainless steel tube, which is more cost-effective than the seamless tubes used for hydraulics. Fundamentally, test results identify the leading contenders when it comes to selecting a hydraulic piping connection system. Alongside tests in accordance with DIN EN ISO 19879 and IACS, special tests under extreme loads will confirm the safety and leak-proof capabilities of a tube-fitting system. These might include combined pressure- impulse and reverse bending tests, as well as tensile, shock and fire resistance tests, to list but a few. www.eaton.com ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE Marking products unambiguously is very important for manufacturers and repair service workshops in the field of hose and pipe assemblies. Clear and accurate marking helps to ensure customers receive fittings that are always identifiable and therefore easily be replaced. Unambiguous marketing can also help to protect, and even elevate, the reputation of the supplier. This process is made easy with Uniflex’s new, pneumatically driven UP 15 P embossing device. Using 1- or 2-line stamps for up to 30 characters (plus 4 easily adjustable daisy wheels and bar/psi interchangeable stamps), production, serial or article numbers as well as manufacturer`s codes, etc. can be embossed into fittings with ease and precision. According to Uniflex, what is unique is the possibility to mark one-piece fittings with 90-degree elbows safely. Uniflex adds that with the CE-compliant 2-hand safety operation system, users can mark workpieces with a diameter from 11.5 to 90 mm without any risk of injury. The only additional part required is a 7 bar (100 psi) compressed air connection. With a weight of only 80 kg, a base of 600 mm width x 454 mm depth and a height of 500 mm, the light and compact device perfectly fits on the TU workbench from Uniflex offered as an accessory. Easy settings and adjustments also for single units and 90-degree fittings of machines and workpieces are a given, as is a counter of the number of embossing operations – up to a depth of 0.5 mm, depending on the type and material. Like all devices and accessories from Uniflex, the UP 15 P embossing device is supplied in the original long-life Uniflex quality. Uniflex states that with proper maintenance and careful handling, the devices can offer users decades of service life. The company adds that these machines, with their rare need for repair, not only stand for ‘the best return on investment’ but also for a CO2- conscious investment. The UP 15 P embossing devices also come with two full years of manufacturer’s warranty based on nearly 50 years of experience and quality in machinery manufacturing. Tel: +49 (0)6039 9171-0 Fax: +49 (0)6039 9171-181 info@uniflex.de www.uniflex.de Emboss with ease with Uniflex’s new pneumatic UP 15 ABOVE: Eaton’s Walterscheid WALFORMplus-S.