Hydraulics and pneumatics supplier Hyflo is currently focusing on its marketing strategy for the RKP-D second- generation digital radial piston pump with designer, manufacturer and integrator of precision motion control products and systems Moog.

Hyflo hydraulics sales manager Gareth Bown explains that the RKP-D will allow the market to move away from the need for additional proportional valves, as the control functions are fixed on the radial piston pump. He says that all control is carried out through the pump, which is able to communicate with a programmable logic controller (PLC).

He points out that the RKP-D offers users a number of advantages. The range emits lower noise levels than its predecessor and its digital benefits make the systems more cost effective, as fewer components are required and all components have been integrated into one unit.

“Full control of the pump is easily achieved from zero to maximum flow,” says Bown.

The RKP-D is equipped with analog or digital control, which is the communication language between the unit and a PLC. Moog has significantly improved the control technology of the RKP-D with a new closed-loop proportional valve with digital on-board electronics for flow and pressure regulation, tuning and diagnostics.

The pump can be digitally controlled or run as an analog device controlled by analog command signals. This provides increased flexibility for compatibility with several PLC architectures. When operating as an analog device, the RKP-D uses purely analog command signals to control flow and pressure and can select the matching parameter set.

A key advantage of the RKP-D is the ability of the user to perform fast and con- venient commissioning diagnostics and configuration with the Moog configuration software, which is Microsoft Windows based. Set values, actual values, status information and all relevant parameters are displayed graphically and may be modified easily or run with factory presets. Additional tools, such as the integrated oscilloscope and the function generator, help to facilitate the commissioning of the device.

Another feature of the pump is on-the-fly adjustment, including pressure control, acti- vation of different operational modes and selec- tion of different pressure sensors. This enables adaptation of the RKP-D behaviour to the specific requirements of each cycle step. Bown explains that systems having multiple actuators requiring individual control can now be simplified significantly. The end result is greater consistency and a shorter cycle time of the entire machine process.

He says that it also offers fast and convenient commissioning, as the basic functions are preadjusted to save time during assembly. Hyflo undertakes pump installations and offers clients after-sales service.

The applications for the radial piston pump are diverse and it can be used in, besides others, steel foundries, power stations, apron feeder systems, mixing application and crushers.

Hyflo has supplied the RKP-D to several projects, including the mining sector, the diamond manufacturing industry and industrial presses. The company’s Cape Town branch has supplied pumps for use in, besides others, cable winches in the marine industry.

Bown says that, while many markets are experiencing challenges, including hydraulics, Hyflo’s operations are performing steadily.

“Hyflo has been in business for over 40 years and clients trust that we can meet any of their requirements. We aim to continue providing the expertise and services that the industry needs and expects of us,” concludes Bown.