The application and use of hydraulic hoses and the associated fittings and components in the mining sector require that operators are fully trained to operate the equipment that they work with, supplier of hydraulic hose products Genflex Hydraulics states.

For this reason, the company has started training workshops and has been awarded a contract for two hydraulic hose component assembly workshops by a mining company in the North West province.

These workshops are aimed at training appropriate staff in the manufacture, assembly and application of hydraulic hoses and fittings and the company believes that the workshops will equip the workforce with and increased understanding of hydraulic operations, therefore, preventing unnecessary stoppages.

The contract is worth some R2-million a year.

Genflex Hydraulics already offers customers a 24-hour service vehicle facility with qualified technicians who are available to assist customers with hydraulic hose problems. The company views the hydraulic hose component assembly workshops as a natural addition to this service for customers.

Opportunities outside South Africa for these workshops are being investigated.

Piping up Installations
Genflex Hydraulics has put together a team of technicians to install hydraulic systems on both horses and trailers of heavy-duty transportation vehicles, which allows the driver to fully operate all vehicle functionali- ties without having to leave the cab.

The installations use air from the pneumatic system to control the hydraulic direct control valves.

All kinds of makes, models and sizes of trucks, tippers, side-tippers and slopers as well as walking floors can be serviced on site or at Genflex Hydraulics’ head office in Alrode South.

The company offers a 24-hour emergency backup service on all of the major routes and transportation hubs.

“The majority of heavy-duty vehicles used in the transportation and delivery of coal, platinum, anthracite and maize are now fully hydraulically operated and Genflex sees this market growing substantially over the next few years.

“With railway infrastructure still currently under review for refurbishment, the first option is still road transportation. The requirement of the products used in the installations is that they are of a high standard with strict quality controls in place. Therefore, Genflex sources the hard equipment such as pumps, valves and motors from Europe. All other technical fittings are ‘proudly South African’,” says Genflex Hydraulics deputy MD Tiaan du Preez.

Suppliers and stockists of hydraulic and industrial hoses Singlehurst, at the Port of Durban, Hydraulic Hose & Cylinder Services, in Richards Bay, Interlok, in Port Elizabeth, and Genflex, in the Port of Cape Town, are all able to provide this installation service.

Using the Correct Bore Sizes for Hydraulic Hoses
Meanwhile, the company reports that many trucks and trailers are using the wrong hydraulic hose bore sizes for the pumps that have been fitted.

On further investigation by Genflex, it was established that the hydraulic hoses with bore sizes of 9.6 mm and 12.7 mm do not allow the stated litre capacity through the system.
Most of these hydraulic systems only work periodically and are not in use while the vehicle is being driven, but only when the vehicle is loaded or unloaded, says Genflex.

Genflex Hydraulics sales director Alan Cosgrave says that the recommended amount of oil that can be pumped through a 12 mm hose is 25 ℓ/m, while the recommended amount of oil passing through a 10 mm hose is 15 ℓ/m. “More than this could cause heat build-up in the system, which will limit the life of the hydraulic hoses and can even cause cavitation in the pumps and further wear in the cylinders and valves.”

Forcing oil through smaller bores is what causes such overheating. All means should be used to limit the heat of the oil to less than 100 ºC and the ideal temperature should be around 70 ºC.

If hydraulic hoses are chafing, strap them away from the obstruction, or protect them with some form of hydraulic hose protector, such as Genflex’s Spiral Guard protection hose cover, recommends Genflex.

Flow charts for pressure lines, return lines and suction lines, traditionally available through any technical hose specification catalogue, are also available from Genflex Hydraulics.