With the first drive system being specified for a 450 litre twin blade waste and recycling mixer/extruder, it was imperative that it could offer increased power and efficiency, thus improving the rates of productivity and mixing. In replacing the existing dated and underpowered hydraulic unit Winkworth was able to benefit from a total power supply of 66kW – through a combination of three 22kW motors, thus meeting the tough requirements of the process.

Following an in-depth brief, our team produced a number of CAD drawings detailing the proposed circuit design, taking into consideration manufacturing processes, performance and cost; once confirmed the necessary components were specified. With our ability to source parts from our engineering network and the company’s warehoused stock, we could minimise lead times and provide compatible parts efficiently.

To ensure optimum performance, our team specified a Comer planetary gearbox. The gearbox was then integrated with a hydraulic power unit that incorporated Parker load sensed, constant horsepower piston pumps and Sauer Danfoss proportional valves, to control both speed and torque.

Working with approved fabrication and electrical control specialists to complete the design process, the team then began the complex task of building the drive system, working out of the Engineering Solution Centre in Gloucester.

By designing and specifying the parts for both drive systems, our team were able to deliver the two hydraulic power systems within four weeks of one another. The second hydraulic power unit was more compact, offering an 11kW power supply, driving a single Comer foot-mounted planetary gearbox.

Again, to optimise performance, the hydraulic power unit incorporated a Parker load sensed, constant horsepower piston pump and a Duplomatic proportional valve. The unit was fitted to a double Z blade mixer/incorporator used to mix and incorporate a selection of hazardous fluids and powders, including explosives and propellants, known as energetic materials.

Even though the unit was positioned within a safe area, the hazardous zones surrounding it had to be considered during the design process; this included safety and remote operation of the unit, with alarm and shut down controls for high oil temperature, low oil level, blocked filtration and loss of hydraulic pressure.

Winkworth’s designs are renowned for being high quality, robust and reliable – a reputation that they are proud of and in selecting Flowtech, they allowed us to prove the efficiency and financial benefits of appointing a specialist company.

Supported by a relevant and reliable network of divisions and suppliers, the completed drive systems show our diverse engineering capabilities as a group. Further discussions were held on future opportunities and developing our relationship with Winkworth.