About our Hydraulic Systems

A hydraulic operating system consists of a hydraulic pump supplying oil through a hydraulic control system to a bidirectional cylinder to affect up/down (open/close) motion selectively. The cylinder then drives the gate, (open/close) respectively.

The pump can be driven by a fueled engine, A.C. motor, D.C. motor, or by reciprocating hand motion. Any combination or all of the methods can be employed in the same system. (Provides for redundancy in the event of failure of any pump)

A typical system we supply would utilize a 240 A.C. single phase motor driven pump (1.5-2.0 H.P.). A 12V D.C. motor driven pump, and a piston driven reciprocating hand operated pump. This offers double redundancy in the event of power line failure, or the removal from service of any of the pumps for maintenance.

• The cylinder can be connected to a gate stem as are conventional motorized gear driven systems, or gear reduced manual operators.
• The cylinder can be attached to the gate in place of a rack on a rack and pinion operated system.
• The cylinder can be positioned, to control the cable, in a cable operated gate.
• The cylinder can be attached directly to the gate and with purposely designed cylinders can operate with long term reliability in underwater applications.

• The cylinder force is linearly directed, (open or closed). This axial force results in no induced torsional vibration as is produced by the rotary motion of the threaded nut, against the stem thread in the gear driven system.
• The elimination of torsion in the stem greatly increases the life and reliability of the stem and connectors.
• There is no possibility of gate “over-run”. The gate travel is timed “full-open” or “full-closed” with the cylinder travel.
• The preload on the gate stem is fixed by the closed position of the cylinder and is easily adjustable.

• The operating parts, (the cylinder), are fully lubricated during operation, prolonging life and supporting dependability.
• The combination of travel limits, travel rates, and pressure sensing, inherent to the hydraulic system structure, provide opportunity to selectively control functions during automation or remote control.
  • Stop “closed” travel, if an object lodges in the gate opening.
  • Limit motor over-run to protect pump and system.
  • Selectively control “open” or “close” rates.
  • Limit down pressure to “system safe” levels.
  • Readily adapt operating parameters to interface automation and/or remote control.
• The power requirements are low.
•  240V. single phase A.C. power (1.0-2.0) HP (50 A. service).

• 12 v D.C. provided by a (2 to 4) 12v truck battery bank/ A fully automatic 12v battery charger maintains battery condition from A.C. line power. Where no A.C. power is available, (12)v. system can be maintained by a 240 W solar installation. The 12v pump can be accessed and operated by “jumper” cables from a vehicle, or mobile equipment.
• The manually or “hand” operated pump can be used for emergency service, or if only minor adjustments are necessary.
• In the event of an A.C. line failure, the D.C. system is energized and will function under automation as long as battery voltage is maintained.
• The initial costs for a single gate system compare to that of a motorized gear driven torque limited system.
• Any added gates quickly amortize this cost, as each gate requires the addition of only control valving and piping.
• Our systems function well on biodegradable hydraulic oil. This provides environment insurance in the event of leaks.
• We design secondary oil containment into our operating system enclosures.
• We can retrofit most existing reservoir or canal gates with hydraulic operators
• The 240V A.C. pump can be operated by an engine driven generator n the case of power failure or if line power is not available.

• Our closed loop and open loop control systems are designed with relay-limit switch-sensor logic, specific to the operational demands of the controlled function.
• The utilization of solid state circuits is deliberately minimized, due to their vulnerability in the direct ground path for lightning, inherent to water structures.
• All relays and timers are plug in, socket mounted, to facilitate testing and repair should circuit problems occur.
•  We employ “off the shelf” components in all applicable cases, so as to expedite replacement part access.
• Redundant logic is designed into critical control functions.
• We can interface both closed and open loop controls with remote operational capability.
• Remote control would allow user to change closed loop parameters to selected  conditions.
• This approach to circuit design allows for practical modification of the controls to accept  additional functions or to change operational parameters.

•  An operator’s manual.
  • The manual should enable a competent electrician or technician to trouble shoot and  maintain the system.     
• A complete parts list, including component identification and suggested sources.
• The logic path for the system is detailed in operational sequence, including the function of each component.
• L.E.D. indicators track each function and will self diagnose in most cases.

• Landline telephone interfaced control – accessed by landline phone, cell phone, or P.C.
• Cellular link – accessed by cell phone or landline.
• Radio link – accessed by stationary or mobile radio
• The remote lines require the installation of the respective proper interface to the control system.

• Solar powered, (12)v battery operated systems will reliably power hydraulic operators and control systems
• We utilize (2) – 140 watt solar panels and a multi-battery bank for storage. A (12) v D.C. motor driven hydraulic pump powers the operating system.
• We design the hydraulic operator and controls to function on an “open center” condition, with an accumulator system to power the hydraulics.
• This method seriously reduces the “run” time on the pump and the resulting power drain on the battery storage.
• The solar system is self monitoring and self diagnosing. The batteries are standard (12)v truck batteries and the conditions of use tend to long functional life.
• The complete system, excluding solar panels, is mounted in a secure, lockable, (1/4”) steel plate enclosure, for exterior installations.
• There are several issues that should be examined when considering solar power:
  • A typical installation costs from, (7) to (10), thousand dollars installed. This cost should be compared to that of conventional line powered service when available
  • Maintenance –
  • Batteries should be replaced, on average, at (4) year intervals.
  • Vulnerability of solar panels
  • Lightning – Hail – vandalism – theft
  • The last two are, increasingly common in remote locations.
  • Location- The panels should have maximum exposure to a perpendicular path to the sun. In a year-round application, this probably requires an adjustable method to accommodate tracking.
  • Demand- Based on the amount of use, panel wattage and battery storage may have to be                       increased.
  • Availability - The sun does not always shine. Weather conditions will affect the charging rate of  the panels. Adding battery storage or panels would moderate this, but there is a diminishing return in numbers.   

• Sustainability (realistically)

• Panels                                                                                    

2@ 600.00                              1,200.00
Labor, replace                          1,150.00

• Batteries

4@ 400 x 2.5                           1,000.00
Labor, replace
            480 x 2.5                     1,200.00

• Charge controller                           80.00

Labor, replace                             120.00

• Maintenance Labor

120.00/trip X 4 per year
     X 10 years                          4,800.00

• Insurance (damage)

200.00/year x 10                      2,000.00
            Total                                                                  11,500.00

• Credit   20.00/mo. Service minimum

20.00 x 12 x 10                                                            ( 2,400.00)

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