Hydraulics training institute Garnett Cross Hydraulics Courses founder Garnett Cross says the greatest potential for the hydraulics industry lies in mining applications.
Mines, such as global mining giant Anglo American subsidiary Kumba Iron Ore’s Sishen, and Kolomela operations, in the Northern Cape, are sending increasing numbers of employees for training on the technical applications of hydraulics, he adds.

This is owing to mines such as these using more hydraulic equipment like mechanical shovels. These excavators are used to load mine ore onto trucks, which use hydraulics to lift, lower and load bins, explains Cross.

He notes that the motor industry also incorporates hydraulics on the robotic arms used in the assembly process, but that these are mostly electronic.

“The reason for the increased use of hydraulics in industry is because of the convenience it provides when lifting loads. In the past, cable-operated excavators, which used steel ropes and winches, were used to lift loads. Currently, hydraulic cylinders and hydraulic motors can execute the same task faster and cheaper,” Cross explains.

He says that hydraulic equipment has undergone further development over the years, as it is moving towards more digital, electronic interfaces and programmable controls.

“For example, excavators now have cameras on the shovel and a screen in the canopy, enabling the operator to observe their actions more clearly. There are also electronic levers that enable the operator to control the direction and speed of the different hydraulic components, such as cylinders and hydraulic motors.

“Unfortunately, he continues, there are no local providers for the equipment if a problem occurs. On occasion, technicians have been brought in from overseas to rectify faults that have occurred. However, some of the foreign companies can remotely repair the electronics of hydraulic control devices by linking it to a computer. It is then possible for a technician to do the necessary repairs from anywhere in the world,” he states.

Education on Hydraulics
Cross says there is a lack of technical expertise in the hydraulics field. “Currently, the hydraulics industry is growing faster than the number of individuals who are qualified to design and maintain hydraulic systems.”

Further, artisans from other industries, such as electricians and diesel mechanics, try to operate and maintain hydraulic systems, but an understanding of how hydraulics works is crucial, notes Cross.

Cross mentions that he has experienced a number of challenges in industry, including the use of undersized bore in pipes carrying fluids from hydraulic pumps to the hydraulic system.

“Some companies have used unmarked hydraulic hoses, which is a very dangerous practice. Unmarked hoses can fail and have caused serious injuries as a result. “All hoses must have the manufacturer’s name printed on the hose, as well as the working pressure, date of manufacture, the code that stipulates the type of fluid that may be transported by the hose, and the relevant industry safety codes.

“The standard for hoses is that, once the fittings have been crimped onto the hose, the hose must pass a pressure test to withstand double the design pressure of the hose, to insure the integrity between the hose and fittings. The hose must be supplied with a test certificate,” he explains.

Course Schedule
The courses provided by Garnett Cross Hydraulics Courses comprise a four-day maintenance course and a five-day advanced, or design, course. The courses are registered with the South African Institute of Mechan- ical Engineers (SAIMechE). Upon completion, students will receive four credits for the maintenance course and five credits for the advanced course from SAIMechE.

Cross concludes that the next hydraulics maintenance course, which will focus on basic hydraulics; hydraulic fluids; piping and sealing; reservoirs and fluid conditions; actuators; directional control valves; pressure and volume controls and other maintenance subjects will be held from July 22 to 25, in Edenvale, Johannebsurg.

This course will delve into the characteristics of liquids in pumps and pipes, how a single hydraulic mechanism functions, the advantages of hydraulics as used in industry, an introduction to circuitry and other challenges that arise in industry.

An advanced hydraulics course, which has a duration of five days, will take place in Edenvale from July 29 to August 2.