High power actuator for marine applications
Compact EHA is supplied by Parker fully tested, flushed and filled with fluid ready for operation.
Motion and control technologies specialist Parker Hannifin has launched an innovative new Compact Electro-Hydraulic Actuator (EHA) that provides a complete, free standing actuation system for use in space critical or demanding applications in the marine sector.
Typical applications include outboard and jack plate lifts, transom actuation, and hoist and ramp raising, lowering and locking mechanisms, with the Compact EHA offering an exceptionally high power density as an alternative to traditional hydraulic and electro-mechanical methods of linear motion.
The unique design of the new Parker Compact EHA integrates all components into a rugged monobloc housing, ensuring an exceptionally compact construction. Each unit comprises a high performance, double acting hydraulic actuator driven via a reversible gear pump, which is powered by an integrated 12V or 24V DC motor. The pump is enclosed within the hydraulic fluid reservoir, with pressure relief and check valves also being incorporated within the system assembly. Trunnion pin mounting holes are set within the base of the housing and at the end of the piston rod for ease of installation. All that is required are mounting pins and motor connections.
Each piston rod is manufactured from stainless steel, with a micro-finished cylinder bore featuring buna-nitrile and polyurethane sealing elements, to prevent both leakage and the ingress of contaminants. The monobloc housing is produced from anodised aluminium, providing a relatively lightweight, tough and corrosion resistant unit that is sealed to IP67 standard. Compact EHA is supplied by Parker fully tested, flushed and filled with fluid ready for operation, so is fully sealed and requires no subsequent maintenance.
The design and construction of the new Compact EHA actuator enables it to produce exceptionally high levels of force, up to 22.25kN on extension and up to 15.57kN on retraction, at operating speeds of over 100mm/sec. By comparison with conventional ballscrew or linear motion systems, Compact EHA is free from problems of backlash and does not require any form of gearing, so is unaffected by wear and loss of positional accuracy.
The new actuator can be used at operating temperatures of between -29ºC and +65ºC and generates less than 60dB of noise. Compact EHA is available with a range of options for motor, pump, bore and stroke length, making the new system an ideal choice for manufacturers of marine handling and positioning equipment looking for a simple and efficient method of providing fast, high power linear motion.
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