Hydraulic solutions supplier Turnkey Hydraulics will in the fourth quarter launch German control technologies manufacturer Bucher’s Hydraulic Design Series-24 (HDS-24) flow-sharing directional valves.

The valves execute multiple functions such as controlling the flow of oil to other components at different set speeds and pressures.

The HDS-24 operates at 130 ℓ/min and is a smaller version of Bucher’s widely used HDS-34 valve bank, which operates at 180 ℓ/min.

“The HDS-24 has all the control features and functionality of the HDS-34, so it is ideal for mining applications that use or require lower directional flow rates,” explains Turnkey Hydraulics design engineer Don Wressel.

He adds that, often, mining machines do not need 180 ℓ/min of flow per function; therefore, the HDS-24 can replace the bigger valve banks that are not required.

The flexible and versatile construction of a range of inlet and outlet covers, as well as controls, provides an engineer with more choice in terms of valve configuration. It also aids the decision at which hydraulic circuit the HDS-24 is most suited for to meet machine requirements.

Each valve section can be equipped with a load-holding valve, as well as flow sharing or priority pressure compensators. The HDS-24’s stable, smooth functionality ensures high levels of system controllability.

“The range of controls, combined with innovative solutions and compact dimensions, makes the HDS-24 a powerful and flexible product able to fulfil all the requirements of modern machines,” avers Wressel.

Turnkey Hydraulics plans to have a roll-out launch at customers’ operations to introduce the product, which can be customised to specifications.

“We are excited about the HSD-24 because, until now, we’ve used a big hammer to knock in a small nail. Now we’re getting a lighter, easier-to-use valve.”

Turnkey Hydraulics is also contributing to the development of hybrid transmission developer Ducere Holdings’ Miser Transmission, a hybrid hydraulic system that has been in development for the past 20 years.

“The Miser has finally come to realisation and we have finished the first pilot project” notes Wressel.

The Miser Transmission plugs on to any existing diesel engine with a large- or small-scale power takeoff (PTO) and saves about 40% in diesel consumption.

Also in the project pipeline for Turnkey Hydraulics is the supply of a 600 kW salt dredger for the Lake Magadi salt pans, in Kenya.

Move from Mechanics

Wressel highlights that the design of hydraulics equipment is moving towards incorporating more electronics than mechanics to improve product monitoring for preventive maintenance and controllability in hydraulic systems.

“Many of the hydraulic systems coming out are heavily reliant on programmable logic controllers and smart sensors, whereas before, it was more of a mechanical, robust system,” he says.

Now, hydraulics manufacturers and suppliers focus more on producing integrated computer- controlled hydraulic systems, he says, adding that the benefits of these systems include their being customisable and able to detect failure of components, as well as operational cost savings because of reduced labour.

Turnkey Hydraulics develops new solutions by working with its sister companies to design electronic control systems, such as panels, that are tailor-made to customer requirements.

“It’s through the experience of our foremen and workshop staff that we can modify existing hydraulic systems for better efficiencies.”

Turnkey Hydraulics is also implementing mobile hydraulics, which include products such as PTO pumps and mobile valves. Wressel points out that the company picked up on the trend from customer requests from various industries, owing to its portability and multiple functionality, and decided to increase its stockholding to cater to this demand.

The company plans to start a new division next month, which will entail employing more staff members and two additional suppliers to boost sales of mobile hydraulics.