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Extract: "The new transmission uses a double-acting vane pump with a floating ring. By coupling the floating ring to an output shaft, the vane pump becomes a hydraulic transmission.  The new transmission combines pumping and motoring functions in one unit, making it much simpler than conventional hydrostatic transmission (HST).  By controlling the pressure in the PCT, the output shaft torque and speed can be adjusted. In this paper, the fundamental principle of the new transmission is studied, with the focus on how the output shaft torque is influenced by the control pressure."

An article by Jack Burke in the Diesel Progress magazine, on the Balanced, double-acting vane pump key to hydromechanical transmission prototype focus of CCEFP research.

“Next month, the CCEFP will be launching its next set of two-year research projects and one will be researching a novel, compact and efficient, pressure-controlled HMT suitable not only for on- and offroad vehicles, but scalable also to mid-size and perhaps even larger wind turbines. The new transmission is expected to be as efficient as conventional HMTs with planetary gears, but much more compact and cost-effective.”

Mike Gust, Director of Industry relations, Centre for Compact and Efficient Fluid Power

Paul Dvorak. (2014). The Sweet Spot for Hydraulic Drivetrains: Midsized Turbines. Available: http://www.windpowerengineering.com/design/sweet-spot-hydraulic-drivetrains-midsized-turbines/.
Last accessed 03/05/2014.

Centre for Compact and Efficient Fluid Power (CCEFP.org),  a NSF back research centre and the premier fluid power research organisation in the USA, awards the Mathers hydro-mechanical transmission (HMT) a two year research grant.

Leaking flare joints can be eliminated by installing a conical washer between the JIC nose and flare. One type of flare seal, manufactured by Flaretite, is a stainless steel stamping, with concentric ribs that contain pre-applied sealant. When tightened, the ribs crush between the two faces of the joint, eliminating any misalignment and surface imperfections.....The combination of the crush on the ribs and the sealant ensure that a leak-free joint is achieved and helps protect the sealing faces from fretting, galling and over-tightening.  Read More...

Brendan Casey. (2013). The Secret to Leak-Free Hydraulic Connections. Available: http://insidehydraulics.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/the-secret-to-leak-free-hydraulic.html/.
Last accessed 09/05/2014.

Event Hosted by Engineers Australia 

Norm Mathers - Guest speaker at Annual Event. Event Flyer 

Discussion on improving cooling efficiency and ambient capability of heavy trucks

The Flaretite Seal is a metal stamping, designed with multiple, concentric sealing rings. The entire seal is coated with a dry-to-the-touch, baked-on Loctite sealant. When inserted into a fitting, the concentric rings form multiple seals down the face of the flare, while the Loctite coating fills minor imperfections, dramatically increasing the integrity of the fitting. New ISO and NFPA standards strongly recommend seals for all fittings.........Read More....

The Maintenance Manager of a large Nuclear Power Generating Plant said that after regular scheduled maintenance, they were in the process of bringing one of their turbine units back on line, and had discovered a great many leaks with the flared fittings in the EHC hydraulic system. The Electric Hydraulic Control system regulates the speed of the steam turbine which drives the electrical generator. The aggressive phosphate-ester hydraulic fluid can be dangerous, is harmful to humans, and was leaking in a critical containment area. They had retightened each fitting, without success. Adding to the problem, their scheduled maintenance downtime was due to expire shortly. Additional days of downtime would cost the company millions in lost revenue. Close inspection revealed that the fittings were 37degree flared fittings mated with 316 stainless steel tubing. Sizes ranged from 3/8-in through 2-in tube diameters. Standard practice would require cutting out the old fittings and re-tubing the system. This option was rejected due to time constraints and the excessive costs involved. Flaretite Seals were recommended as a preferred solution. Flaretite Seals are unique seals. They are stamped from stainless steel or copper with patented sealing ribs around the sealing face ........Read More....

Discussion on improving cooling efficiency and ambient capability of heavy trucks