Industrial Automation Magazine India

ECU-controlled hydraulics systems are working with IIoT seamlessly

Published on : Wednesday 03-03-2021

Shrikant Bairagi, Managing Director, Argo-Hytos Pvt Ltd.

Traditionally fluid power played an important role in automation. Has electrical actuation now taken over?
Fluid power will continue to play an important role in automation for decades to come. The application determines whether hydraulic or pneumatic or electrical actuator or combination of these is the right choice. For example, electrical actuators are more suited for low load, low noise medical applications like dental chairs whereas hydraulic actuators are preferred in heavy-duty work like large construction machinery, marine propulsion and cargo handling, military weapons and transportation systems.

What are the advantages fluid power still offers vis-à-vis electromechanical drives?
For heavy-duty applications, hydraulic drives offer many advantages like high power density (i.e., power-to-weight ratio), proven safety and security and mobility, etc.

For quick and light work, electromechanical drives offer superior speed, power savings, precision, and leakage free operation.

Large vehicles and the automotive industry have accounted for much interest in hydraulics. Will the upsurge of electrical vehicles sound a death knell for hydraulics?
No. The engine, transmission and drive systems are likely to convert to electric drives. But all implements will continue to run on hydraulics.

What are the new trends that hold promise for hydraulics and pneumatics in the digital era?
Energy efficiency, noise reduction, reduced tank volumes, reduced installation space, improved material and oil properties, safety, user friendliness are driving the development of hydraulics and pneumatics in the digital era.

For example, 3D printing will provide opportunity to make components more compact, lighter, and more efficient.

How relevant is fluid power in process industries today?
Highly relevant as most of the main and sub-systems use hydraulics extensively. For example, turbine control systems, paper mill hydraulic systems, conveyor systems, apron feeders, wagon tipplers, side arm chargers, stacker reclaimers, etc.

Are hydraulic and pneumatic devices compatible and in step with digital technologies and integrate with IIoT seamlessly?
Yes. ECU and telematics-controlled hydraulics systems are already working with IIoT seamlessly.

Real-time machine status information, through remote monitoring and data expertise allowing for smart, just in time, Predictive Maintenance. Argo-Hytos has developed ground-breaking solutions for the online monitoring of fluids. These intelligent measurement systems use smart algorithms to monitor the aging of lubricants and the wear of hydraulic components. Argo-Hytos measurement systems detect problems at an early stage before they cause further damage or downtime.
 
Shrikant Bairagi started his career with Motor Industries Company Ltd (Bosch India) in 1990 and was deputed to Bosch USA from 1996 to 2004. Upon return to India he worked with several companies in succession –  Perfect Circle India Ltd (PCIL) Nashik, as General Manager; Mahindra Hinoday Pune as AVP; HUSCO Hydraulics Private Limited Pune, a US based MNC as Managing Director – India; Tremec India Automotive Pvt Ltd, Pune – a Mexico based MNC as their Managing Director – India; and CEO of Prothom Industries. Under his capable leadership, companies grew profitably by acquiring new customers, launching new products and received Best Supplier Awards and Manufacturing Excellence Awards. Shrikant has served on various industry bodies such as the Confederation of Indian Industries, Fluid Power Society of India, etc.