Leakage Flow Detection in a Fluid Power Speed Control System Using a Personal-Computer-Based Condition Monitoring Package

A relatively low-cost personal-computer-based system is used to condition monitor a servo-valve-motor speed control system. Line pressures-flowrates together with motor torque-speed are monitored via 12 bit analogue to digital converters, and a set of performance characteristics are transformed into a mathematical model for the system in its run-in condition. Leakage flows are then introduced from each line, to simulate the onset of failure, and across the lines to simulate motor cross-port leakage deterioration. A graphics and software package is then developed and used to indicate which of the faults is occurring.

Supplier Quality Assurance Systems: A Study in the Nuclear Industry

This paper reports the results of a study which investigated the impact of quality assurance on 13 suppliers to the nuclear industry. The purpose of the study was to determine the benefits and problems of applying quality assurance in the supply of high risk plant items and material for nuclear installations. The paper discusses the problems facing the industry including: multiple audits and inspections, the irritation with having to contend with two quality system standards (namely BS 5750 and BS 5882) and the cost effectiveness of the more stringent quality system and quality control surveillance requirements imposed by the nuclear industry. It is also pointed out that companies supplying non-nuclear industrial customers were dissatisfied with the qualifications, experience and professional competence of some auditors and many inspectors.

A Non-Contact Opto-Electronic Sensing Device for Precision Linear and Angular Positioning of Robotic Manipulators

A non-contacting optical sensor is devised to monitor the position and orientation of a robot end-effector or grasped object within fine limits of accuracy. This enables fine alignment of tools or parts with respect to assembly fixtures, thus rendering precision assembly tasks to be performed in a dexterous manner. The sensor is capable of detecting linear displacements of the order of 5 μm or better and angular misalignments down to 5 seconds of arc. The principle of differential detection is employed which reduces the undesired effects of noise and fluctuations in the source intensity.

Aspects of Safety in an Advanced Handling System

‘Safety’ is a relative term and has different meanings in different situations. The use of the term ‘safety’ in relation to persons as distinct from damage to operating plant under abnormal conditions is discussed. Examples are given pertaining to an installation involving robots, conveyors and other handling plant where a man-machine interface is required for normal operation. The reliability of devices used to provide safety and the need to keep such devices foolproof is discussed. The paper also discusses the possibility of the creation of hazards by removing power from moving machinery in an emergency.

Elimination of Parcel Damage from Conveyor Systems

The development techniques for gently transferring bulk mail from one conveyor to another is described in a previous paper (1). This paper describes the further development of those techniques, and a method of establishing specific designs.

Practice for the Sales Engineer

In this paper the author identifies some of the key skills to be used by industrial sales engineers and recommends strategy and tactics for their success. He gives advice on how to approach different types of buyers, on how to make an effective sales presentation, on the use of different types of questions and on how to close the order.

The Influence of Process Variables on Load and Accuracy When Forging in a Completely Closed Cavity Die

The effect of die design, billet location, billet volume variation, billet geometry, friction and die expansion, on forging loads and forged dimensions are investigated, for solid cylinders forged in completely closed die cavities. Forging tests were carried out on both a 2000 kN mechanical press and a 3000 kN hydraulic testing machine using BS 080M40 steel and commercially pure aluminium. The results show that the above factors can significantly affect forging load requirements and die cavity filling. They provide a basis of information for commercial development of net-shape or near-net-shape forging processes.

The Effect of Billet Location on Completely Closed Cavity Die Forging

The effect of the accuracy of location of cylindrical billets in completely closed cavity dies, on forging loads and product accuracy has been investigated. Aluminium billets with various off-centre locations were forged at room temperature on a 3000 kN hydraulic testing machine. The results indicate that inaccuracies in billet location significantly affect forging load requirements and dimensional accuracy of forgings. An energy method solution is presented to provide accurate load predictions for relatively small off-centre locations of billets.