FlowHUB

Webtec FlowHUB

Having spent some considerable time figuring out how to use the two System 20 flow sensors I purchased some time ago, to monitor the flow through the system I then came across Webtecs new FlowHUB. Essentially it is exactly what I need in one device, and with built in electronics and sender. It also measures temperature, but unfortunately does not send the temperature signal.

So I stood looking and worrying about my System 20 Christmas tree, and though why not give Webtec a ring and find out just how much one would set us back. Well you can imagine they aren't cheap, however, having explained our application to Webtec, they gave us a very healthy discount as well as allowing me to return a temperature sensor to them that I had recently bought in part exchange for the FlowHUB and as its a new product some operational feedback to Webtec.

Now I just have to keep my fingers crossed that it will fit in without causing too much of an issue with hose lengths, but even if I have to have a couple of hoses re-made, it s allot easier than trying to get the four pressure transducers on the system 20 configuration to work!

To the right of this image you can see the two System 20 sensors I hope the FlowHUB will replace.

Large Hydraulic Fittings!

This is the largest hydraulic fitting on the machine, a 2" SAE flange fitting, its a beast! I picked up the fitting from Roger at Unimaster so we can measure up our suction hose.

More Plumbing

Lots more head scratching and measuring. I think I may have found a way to route the large 1.5" return line under the chassis back to the tank, rather than coming out of the engine cowling and round the main A frame. Unfortunately I think the main 2" suction line will have to go round the A frame, due to our hydraulics rep telling me not to use any elbows on suction lines! Also go the cooling system plumbed in and tidied up.

 

 

My next job is to get the pump pressure control circuit sorted out, I think I have found a good place for the proportional pressure relief valve, assuming that the coxa ram lines don't interfere.

Break Time!

Taken from the time lapse camera.

I guess this could be classed as product placement... however, when watching the time lapse footage at 25fps, its more like subliminal advertising :)

Chassis Plumbing

Its been a while since my last post.. Josh has finishing off some of the welding on the cab, but unfortunately has come down with pneumonia! So I am on my own for a couple of weeks. During this time I have been working out the hose arrangement within the chassis.

First of the manifolds were added, with the 4 position cetop 3 blanking plates I made up. Next a position for the main check valve, pressure relief and to UCC sensors, these were all joined together with a 4 way female adaptor, turning into a bit of a Xmas tree!

I have been getting the hoses made up at hosemaker.com, also know as Unimaster, Roger at Unimaster has been a great help, even coming to visit with a few words of wisdom!

Manifolds are prepared for installation

The manifolds have been capped with my CNC cut 4 way cetop 3 blanking plates and the fittinggs have been torqued up ready for installation to the chassis. The blanking plates are 5mm 6063 Aluminium with nitrile O rings fitted in recesses on the mounting face. we will be able to run the system with these blanking plates in place until we have the valves to fit.