A rookie systems engineer designed the (simplified) circuit shown below. The cylinder extends and retracts (auto cycles) as part of an industrial process. During commissioning, the cylinder cycled as intended. But as soon as the hydraulic system reached operating temperature, the cylinder started drifting out between cycles, causing the PLC to shut down the entire process.
The systems engineer had … Read more
Couple months ago while spraying woody weeds at my lake house in New South Wales, I felt something strike my left leg. This was odd since I was standing still at the time. So I looked down to catch a glimpse of what appeared to be the tail of a brown snake disappearing into the long grass.
Concerned, I retreated … Read more
Hydraulic filter elements divide into two main categories: surface and depth. Surface filters typically have a wire mesh construction like, for example, a suction strainer. Depth filters are constructed from a matrix of fibres. Cellulose (paper), plastic, glass and metal can all be used to construct a depth filter.
Man-made glass fibers are smaller and more uniform than naturally occurring … Read more