20 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS July/August 2024 www.hpmag.co.uk Hydraulic check valves play an essential role in hydraulic systems, ensuring proper flow direction and preventing backflow. According to experts at WEBERHYDRAULIK, there are notable quality concerns associated with conventional screw-in check valves, particularly when used in aluminium blocks. These issues highlight the potential benefits of switching to pluggable check valves. Screw-in check valves are among the most common types used in hydraulic systems, but their reliability can be problematic in certain demanding applications. One significant issue is the tendency for these valves to unscrew from their housing. This problem is often caused by a combination of vibrations and differing temperature or expansion coefficients between the valve and the block. Such conditions can weaken the screw connection, leading to potential failure over time. In applications where the hydraulic block experiences structural loads, this unscrewing can exacerbate the issue, resulting in a loss of tightness due to the axially preloaded seal in the bore. Even minor unscrewing can compromise system integrity, with potentially severe consequences for both the hydraulic system and the overall application. Another challenge with screw-in check valves involves the seals, particularly OAddressing risks with conventional screw-in check valves Delta Motion has announced the addition of an EtherCAT communication module to its flagship RMC200 Motion Controller range. This new module enables the RMC200 to efficiently connect to EtherCAT-enabled devices, and control electric motor drives and hydraulic valves over EtherCAT, reaffirming Delta Motion’s commitment to delivering high-performance technology solutions for servo-hydraulic and servo-electric motion applications. The new R200-ECAT MainDevice module is compatible with both the RMC200 Lite and Standard, allowing control of up to 18 and 50 axes, respectively. The module easily plugs into any RMC200 base, occupying the slot adjacent to the CPU module. Existing customers can upgrade by purchasing the R200-ECAT module and performing a firmware update. The enhanced functionality supports Delta’s renowned position, velocity, pressure, and force control capabilities via EtherCAT or a combination of EtherCAT devices and plug-in modules. The adoption of EtherCAT, known for its high speed and minimal jitter, highlights Delta Motion's dedication to highperformance control. With its widespread global acceptance, particularly among motor drives, EtherCAT also broadens the connectivity of RMC Motion Controllers, easing integration with a diverse range of actuators and sensors from third-party vendors. “EtherCAT provides significant benefits for our customers, opening up options of reduced wiring, increased data flow, and easier integration with drives”, says Steve Nylund, CEO of Delta Motion. “Especially for hybrid machines that include both hydraulic motion control and motor drives, our customers can more easily control the entire machine. We have invested considerable effort into ensuring this EtherCAT feature is as user-friendly and robust as our customers have come to expect from Delta, and feedback from our beta testing customers has confirmed that we are living up to our reputation and meeting those high standards.” For further information please visit: https://deltamotion.com New EtherCAT Module enhances control and integration in hydraulic and electromechanical systems HYDRAULICS Non-return valve in three sizes: 10 mm (G1/4), 14 mm (G3/8) and 22 mm (G1/2) diameter for max. 20 l/min, 50 l/min, 120 l/min. Source: WEBER-HYDRAULIK rings with low Shore hardness that are commonly used in low-temperature environments. The complex installation process, which requires precise torque to preload the O-ring, carries risks. During mounting, O-rings may be cut or damaged, leading to further issues with system performance. Contamination from solid particles in hydraulic oil also poses a significant risk, often resulting in hydraulic faults and machine downtime. For example, wear in the form of thread splinters within the aluminium block can create problems with valves that have steel threads. These splinters can obstruct the non-return valve, causing the screw-in torque to be reached prematurely, even if the valve has not been fully screwed in. To address this, complex flushing processes are frequently needed during commissioning to remove these contaminants from the system. The switch to pluggable check valves offers a solution to many of these problems. By eliminating the need for screw connections and complex sealing mechanisms, pluggable check valves can reduce the risk of unscrewing and damage, leading to improved reliability and easier maintenance. As such, they present a viable alternative to conventional screw-in valves, particularly in demanding applications where system integrity is crucial. While screw-in check valves are prevalent in hydraulic systems, their limitations in certain scenarios highlight the need for alternatives. Pluggable check valves provide a promising solution, addressing common issues such as unscrewing, seal damage, and contamination, thereby enhancing the overall reliability and performance of hydraulic systems.
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