iStock
Robotic arm dumps trash

H&P Insights: First Step in Asset Management; Sensors on the Move

May 7, 2021
A review of the day’s top trending stories from Hydraulics & Pneumatics editors.

First Step in Asset Management

There’s little doubt of the value derived from the availability of sensors and the software to analyze the data they produce. But sensors alone aren’t the solution, as a recent Hydraulics & Pneumatics article reminds us.

In his article, author Dan Phillips agrees that asset management helps maintain performance and manage inventory, but notes, “None of that can happen, however, without first completing a thorough asset inventory. And none of the data generated by sensors installed on production and distribution machinery will make much sense if companies haven’t decided how to manage maintenance processes and all those SKUs for repairs and replacements.

“Few companies or plant managers want to just buy data from a sensor,” Phillips adds. “Ultimately, that data needs to do something to improve operations.”

Sensors on the Move

One way sensors can be of great value is in mobile applications and, in particular, the heavy equipment market. A new Hydraulics & Pneumatics white paper sponsored by MTS Sensors looks at the potential around magnetostrictive position sensors and their application in the excavator market. The sensors are applied in the hydraulic cylinders of the arm with the bucket and help to control the stroke lengths of the cylinder, which in turn controls the movement of the arm when excavating.

About the Author

Bob Vavra | Senior Content Director, Power & Motion and Machine Design

Bob Vavra is the Senior Content Director of Power & Motion and its sister publication Machine Design. Vavra has had a long career in publishing, media and events. He has covered all aspects of manufacturing for the past 20 years and is a regular attendee at events such as IMTS and Hannover Messe. Vavra is also a sought-after webcast moderator and event emcee, and has presided over events in the U.S., Germany and China. 

Continue Reading

Handbook Simplifies Advanced Aspects of Mobile Hydraulic Controls

May 10, 2017
Author Brendan Casey lays out his hydraulics know-how that he acquired over 27 years in a simple handbook made for people that want to improve their skills in troubleshooting ...

The Impacts of Electrification on Fluid Power Systems

May 15, 2023
Electrification presents challenges as well as opportunities to re-evaluate and improve upon the design of hydraulics and pneumatics.

Sponsored Recommendations

MONITORING RELAYS — TYPES AND APPLICATIONS

May 15, 2024
Production equipment is expensive and needs to be protected against input abnormalities such as voltage, current, frequency, and phase to stay online and in operation for the ...

Circuit Protection Devices & Busbars

March 13, 2024
With experienced Product Engineers and Customer Service personnel, Altech provides solutions to your most pressing application challenges. All with one thought in mind - to ensure...

All-In-One DC-UPS Power Solutions

March 13, 2024
Introducing the All-In-One DC-UPS, a versatile solution combining multiple functionalities in a single device. Serving as a power supply, battery charger, battery care module,...

Motor Disconnect Switches

March 13, 2024
With experienced Product Engineers and Customer Service personnel, Altech provides solutions to your most pressing application challenges. All with one thought in mind - to ensure...