HBM Measurement Amplifier Processes Data From Large Hydraulic Test Bench

Hydrauflush International was founded in 2008 and specializes in the overhaul and maintenance of hydraulic installations. These are mainly large hydraulic systems on ships, offshore and dredging installations, as well as in cranes, locks and heavy industrial installations. The company has achieved an impressive track record in the overhaul of such systems. Its customers include Allseas, Boskalis, Heerema, Huisman, Rusch Offshore and Van Oord. One project that very much appealed to the imagination in the sector was the complete overhaul of the hydraulic systems on the DEME offshore fall pipe vessel ‘Rollingstone’ in just two and a half weeks. This involved a total of 15 large pumps, motors and other items. “One of our specialities is flushing hydraulic systems”, says Michel Dijkman, CEO of Hydrauflush. “To do this we have developed a flushing container in house that can be used all over the world. We also have two units that are fitted out as hose containers, with which we can customize hydraulic hoses and pipes on site, pressurize them up to 1790 bar and certify them.” Hydrauflush has also become more active in the industry in recent years, in particular in the maintenance and overhaul of hydraulic systems in factories and recycling installations.

“We have the impression that the maintenance of hydraulic systems doesn’t always get the attention it deserves”, says Michel Dijkman, CEO of Hydrauflush. “Hydraulic systems are seen as being very robust. That is true, but it doesn’t mean that maintenance can be ignored. We come across different situations, which depend very much on the application. Maintenance is regarded in some sectors as an irritating additional cost. We have seen hydraulic cranes and installations in some recycling plants and scrap yards that have had no attention for years. If the hydraulic installation leaks, is filthy and the hoses have never been replaced, purchasing a new system makes more sense than overhaul. We also see hydraulic installations – on offshore platforms for example – where maintenance has been carried out meticulously. The maintenance intervals of 10,000 hours of operation have been strictly observed and the hoses have been replaced every seven years. A breakdown in a hydraulic installation entails enormous expense and loss of time, so safety and availability have absolute priority there."