Page 8 - Industrial Technology EXTRA 16th August 2021

traceable to a lack of worker
assembly skills. Of course, this
issue presents a challenge
for manufacturers
of tube-fitting
systems, who must
ensure their systems
allow the creation of
easy and reliable tube for this
connections, without application, even
compromising the though the media is water
necessary resistance to rather than hydraulic oil. Often, the preference is to
pressure peaks and vibration. These objectives are use the system in conjunction with a welded
exactly what the Eaton team has achieved with stainless steel tube, which is more cost-effective
WALFORMplus. than the seamless tubes used for hydraulics.
The failure of a hydraulic piping system can
prove costly in both downtime and repairs, and Testing the water
possibly present a safety hazard. Above-deck Fundamentally, test results identify the leading
hydraulic systems for vessels include those contenders when it comes to selecting a hydraulic
supporting cranes, lifting gear and winches, so the piping connection system. Alongside tests in
danger is clear, while below deck, hydraulics serve accordance with DIN EN ISO 19879 and IACS,
equally critical systems such as propulsion and special tests under extreme loads will confirm the
steering. For military or defence vessels, hydraulics safety and leak-proof capabilities of a tube-fitting
are also present on the turret machinery that system. For WALFORMplus, results are available
manoeuvres the guns, for example. (according to appropriate test institutes) for tests
Today, almost all vessel types take advantage of that include combined pressure-impulse and
WALFORMplus, everything from military aircraft reverse bending tests, as well as tensile and fire
carriers, frigates, corvettes and exploration ships, to resistance tests, to list but a few.
cruise liners, ferries and superyachts. Among the WALFORMplus has also proven it is resistant to
many factors at work here is Eaton’s ability to shock loads equivalent to 700 g-force in tests that
provide both the piping connection system and the simulate the effects of a torpedo strike. This
fittings. Moreover, the company can offer the system outstanding result highlights the system’s
and fittings in stainless steel for above-deck impressive resilience.
applications, which are subject to saltwater spray. Of course, achieving these approvals and test
Carbon steel is suitable for below-deck applications. results demands enormous effort and input from
As a further point of note, WALFORMplus is also Eaton’s engineering department. However, the
proving popular in the marine sector for water-mist outcome is an extremely attractive offer for sectors
fire extinguisher solutions, particularly for large such as marine, namely a reliable, easy-to-use, fully
cruise liners where a lot of piping is required. Water- certified hydraulic tube-fitting system that adds
mist systems operate at high pressure, typically genuine value.
140-160 bar, which makes WALFORMplus ideal www.eaton.com

August 2021 • INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY EXTRA • p8