Power Systems

First hybrid forklift on display at show

Power Forklifts Ltd has announced its exclusive New Zealand-wide distributorship of the Still range of German designed and manufactured electric, LPG and diesel forklifts.

Still forklifts are part of the Kion Group, which is the second largest manufacturer of forklift trucks in the world and is the only manufacturer to date offering hybrid technology in the New Zealand market.

Power Forklifts will be displaying the Still hybrid forklift stand 150 at the Materials Handling Show, which runs in conjuction with the National Safety Show on July 3-4 at the ASB Showgrounds, Auckland.

Hybrid technology equates to massive fuel savings by being predominantly electric drive which uses energy generated by a small fuel efficient VW LPG or diesel engine rather than a large traction battery.

The nature of this technology also means that the machine produces far less emissions than any other LPG or diesel forklift available in the world, Power Forklifts says.

New Zealand fleet operators will enjoy the benefits of:

25-50% fuel savings over existing brands in the market
Lowest emissions of any LPG or diesel forklift currently in the market
German build quality encompassing award winning design and functionality
Reduced downtime due to 1000 hour service intervals and lifelong brake system
Cornering stability control
Wide clear view mast construction
Capsulated AC drive components give reliable use under the hardest site conditions, and are resistant to dust, dirt and water
Optional built-in 70 litre LPG tank saves on bottle swap downtimes
Spacious and well-structured workplace for drivers

The Still products will be launched on July 3 this year.

Power Forklifts is also pleased to announce the launch of two new exciting new products from its existing brands. The first of these is the new compact 2.5-4 tonne diesel and LPG range of multi-directional forklifts for long loads in tight working areas. The second product is the new narrow aisle articulated electric walkie stacker with power steering and the ability to work inside and outside in lanes as narrow as 1.6 metres wide.

www.powerforklifts.co.nz

Stainless pumps beat corrosion due to use of recycled water

The introduction of recycled water to cool and humidify intake air to the gas turbines at the Smithfield, Sydney Marubeni power station is bringing the company cost savings.

The downside of using recycled water is an expected increase in plant corrosion levels. As part of an upgrade programme, Marubeni Power Development Australia replaced conventional cast iron submersible pump equipment with Tsurumi stainless steel electro-submersibles.

Cast 316 stainless steel SFQ series pumps, supplied by Australian Pump Industries, are specifically designed for corrosive water applications. They are used around the world in similar industrial and even marine applications.

The SFQ series is unique in that even the stator housings are cast and machined 316 stainless steel. Casings, impellers and suction covers are also cast 316 stainless steel. The grade of stainless steel used has a higher content of carbon for strength. It also has a high proportion of nickel and molybdenium for improved corrosion resistance. No welds are required which means no pitting and reduced oxidisation. This material is also capable of withstanding abrasive liquids.

“Our experience has been that Tsurumi pumps provide trouble-free reliable operation,” says mechanical maintenance engineer Shane Lewis.

“Cast 316 stainless steel pumps resist corrosion and will require less maintenance” he says.

The SFQ range includes 2- and 3-inch ports with heads to 44 metres and flows to 2000lpm. They feature a high capacity semi open style impeller that will perform in even the toughest conditions.

Tsurumi incorporate a number of features that enhance the life expectancy of the pump and cut maintenance costs. These include a unique anti-wicking cable gland. Water is prevented from wicking down inside the cable. The motor is protected even if the cable is damaged or the end accidentally immersed.

All Tsurumi pumps have a double silicon carbide mechanical seal. Both seal surfaces are submerged in an oil chamber, well away from the pumped liquid. A patented oil lifter ensures the mechanical seal faces are always lubricated and cooled, even if the pump is installed horizontally.

Tsurumi Pump developed the product range in response to requirements in the Japanese market for super tough pumps for the chemical industry. Like all Tsurumi pumps, they are backed by a three year warranty against faulty material or workmanship.

www.aussiepumps.com.au

Complete checklist before forklift will operate

AB Equipment has announced an upgrade to its Toyota I_Site forklift operating data information system.

Toyota I_Site now features a new generation pre-operation checklist with digital display that ensures that an operator follows a clear list of operational checks before the forklift can start work and be put into motion.

The new checklist makes it virtually impossible for any forklift to operate in an unsafe condition resulting in less downtime and an overall reduction in costs. The checklist itself can be customised and an authorised staff member can change the questions asked of the operator at any time.

Once correctly answered the forklift is good for the operator to use for the next twelve hours. As each person has an individual pin code other operators wanting to use that particular forklift will have to adhere to the same procedure.

Toyota I_Site was designed specifically to help owners to optimise their fleet sizes, reduce damage costs, identify which drivers needed additional training and to control access to the forklift. Toyota I_Site is not simply about supplying a clever system and reports about your forklift fleet, it is also about proposing an ongoing support programme that helps analyse fleet information and provide a faster and easier decision making process.

Toyota I_Site supplies data from its service database together with information taken directly from the forklift using the latest wireless technologyTechnicians can then work with you to interpret this wealth of information into practical solutions that deliver valuable cost savings, improved productivity levels and higher safety standards across the customers entire fleet.

Running a safe, efficient and cost effective materials handling operation is no easy task. It requires constant analysis and decision making to control a whole variety of different costs and operational factors. The new Toyota I_Site Pre-Op Check List feature ensures that the driver is better prepared, which in turn leads to a safer and more productive working environment.

While each of AB Equipment’s services and after market solutions play a vital role in adding value to your materials handling operation, the Toyota I_Site can complete the picture and empower you to focus on running your core business.

www.abequipment.co.nz

Dynaset range adds value to hydraulics

Dynaset manufactures a wide range of industrial equipment powered by hydraulics. Its product range includes hydraulic welders, generators, electro-magnets, submersible pumps and high-pressure water pumps.

By using power from machines already equipped with hydraulic systems - such as excavators, bulldozers or tractors - the need for a separate power supply is eliminated. Without the need for an additional power source the equipment is more compact, lighter and requires less maintenance than a stand-alone unit.

Pacific Tech Imports is the New Zealand distributor for Dynaset.

“Dynaset products can be used as attachments,” Bob Charleston of Pacific Tech Imports said, “or they can be used when the machine is not drawing on its hydraulics, such as powering a welder.”

Dynaset’s hydraulic powered, high-pressure water pumps are compact, lightweight and have no rotating parts. Ranging from 90 Bar to 1600 Bar (23,000psi) they have a wide range of uses across many industries.

From dust suppression and wash-down facilities in the civil, construction, demolition and farming industries to pipe clearing, concrete cutting, tunnel hydro-scaling and stripping road-markings, Dynaset has a solution.

Its demolition dust suppression equipment uses a high-pressure mist to surround the jaws, bucket or drill, minimising the risk of nuisance dust escaping from site.

Dynaset is based in Finland and has twenty five years’ experience in hydraulic power systems. Its equipment is designed and built to withstand the harshest environments.

Pacific Text Imports has exclusive distribution rights and technical information for the Dynaset range as well as selected demonstration units.

www.pacifictech.co.nz
www.dynaset.com

Challenge: upgrading a power station inside a mountain

In an extremely demanding construction project in the Swiss Alps, at an altitude of around 1700 metres and almost 600m inside a mountain, large chambers are being excavated to form the new expanded underground centre of a pumped storage hydroelectric power station.

The expansion project ‘Linthal 2015’ will upgrade three existing power station systems and increase their overall output power from 480mW to 1480mW. The supplier of this complete drive solution is Getriebebau Nord AG, Switzerland.

A new underground pumping station will drive water from a lower reservoir at an altitude of 1860m into a lake reservoir which is about 600 m higher. The pumped storage power station will use this elevation difference to produce hydroelectric power on demand. The client for this project is Kraftwerke Linth-Limmern AG, a part of Axpo Holding AG.

The power requirements of a national electricity grid are subject to large fluctuations over the course of a single day. At night, power consumption is at a minimum and typically reaches a peak at midday and in the evening. In Switzerland, electric power is mainly supplied by nuclear and river-based hydroelectric power stations.

Biomass and conventional thermal power stations also make a contribution. In contrast to nuclear and river-based plant, pumped storage hydroelectric power stations can rapidly respond to changes in demand. The optimum interplay between these various types of power generation technologies ensures that a reliable and economic power supply A Nord SK 12407 industrial geared motor drives the lower conveyor belt is maintained around the clock.

Unlike pure storage power stations, pumped storage stations cannot just generate energy at peak times; they can also convert excess power, which is generated during periods of low demand, into valuable peak-time energy. The demand for peak energy is continuously increasing throughout the entire European grid network. Apart from the general increase in annual consumption, another important reason for this is the intensive development of wind energy in the coastal regions of the European Union. This factor results in an increase in the so called stochastic energy, which depends on random wind conditions and therefore cannot be reliably planned. If power from wind energy is generated in times of low demand, the excess can be used to pump back water into the higher reservoirs of pumped storage power stations.

Industrial gear units are used in the conveyor systems which are located in the central area of the construction project Linthal 2015. Two S-conveyors convey 500 tons of material per hour over a distance of about 260 metres with an extreme incline of 45 degrees and a height difference of around 180m. The excavated material is conveyed down to a crushing plant. This conveyor belt is driven by a Nord industrial gear unit with brake control, which simultaneously generates electricity. On the second conveyor belt, the crushed material is conveyed up to the gravel plant, where it is stored until it is needed for further processing as construction aggregate for the dams or as concrete for walls and ceilings.

This conveyor has a belt speed of 2.2m/s and is driven by two Nord industrial gear units, located at the right and left of the conveyor system and connected by a common shaft. With a protection class of IP55, these industrial gear units each have a drive power of 250kW.

Supplied by Getriebebau Nord AG

Aggreko moves into engines

Aggreko has launched a new ultra-efficient 1MW engine.

Developed in conjunction with global engineering and technology consultancy Ricardo Plc and with the support of engine manufacturer Cummins, the G3+ is the product of a three-year, £6 million ($NZ10.2m) development programme. This is the Scottish manufacturer’s first move into developing its own engine technology.

“I am delighted to be able to announce this significant step forward for Aggreko and the temporary power industry as a whole,” chief executive Rupert Soames says.

“The HFO variant means that Aggreko is the only temporary power provider in the world that can offer customers a full range of fuels – diesel, gas or HFO.”

The development team were set a series of simple challenges; to create the world’s most efficient 1MW diesel engine for utility power; one that could also run on Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO); and one that could also be retrofitted into Aggreko’s existing fleet of 4500 gensets.

The result is the G3+, a significant upgrade on the existing G3 engines that currently power the majority of Aggreko’s fleet. The new engine produces 14 percent more power at 12 percent lower cost per MW than a standard G3 engine.

The G3+HFO variant of the new engine is also the first of its kind that can run on HFO. This produces power at about half the cost in terms of $/MW than traditional diesel alternatives.

The new engine is already being installed into Aggreko’s existing fleet. In addition Aggreko is pleased to announce its first HFO order, a 56MW installation in the Caribbean, demonstrating the latent client demand for this option. The remainder of Aggreko’s fleet will be upgraded to the G3+ as part of their 25,000 hour service.

www.aggreko.co.nz

Scud targets Japan

Australian Pump’s Scud pressure cleaner range is continuing its success in the US, South East Asia and the Middle East with a major product launch in Japan.

Australian Pump, Australia’s biggest manufacturer of high pressure water blasting equipment, designed the Aussie Scud pressure cleaner range for professional contractors, government departments, mines and quarries.

With a view to providing a world class product it was conceived specifically to suit Australia’s tough operating conditions. Available in either petrol or diesel drive, the unique range provides more efficient cleaning giving operators safer, faster and more environmentally friendly results.

Entering into Japan was through a unique cooperation with one of the country’s leading pump manufacturers, Matsusaka Engineering which operates an extensive distribution network covering agricultural, mining and construction machinery markets.

“The Scud is like nothing ever seen before in Japan,” said Aussie Pump’s Brad Farrugia, who recently spent a week with Matsusaka Engineering as part of the key product launch programme. “Japanese buying groups and dealers were impressed by the product’s clean functional design, its OH&S friendly features and more powerful cleaning capacity,” said Farrugia.

Australian Pump was the first company to develop hot galvanised welded frames. The company partnered with the world’s best engine manufacturers to provide users with a combination of performance and aftermarket support.

“We used Honda petrol and Yanmar diesel engines after a series of extensive power to performance matching tests,” said Farrugia. “We were also the first to begin serious production line manufacture of 4000psi machines and later to introduce 5000 and 7000psi units in large quantity runs,” he said.

The heart of the system is the Big Berty Bertolini pump that produces loads of pressure with minimum energy consumption. Bertolini heavy duty triplex pumps display a wide range of unique features and components.

For example, one of the most popular models is the 4000psi machine that achieves its full performance using only a 13hp Honda petrol engine. The same pump can operate in its full performance band with a 10hp Yanmar diesel engine.

The higher efficiency means better value for customers, shorter cleaning times, less water consumption and consequently less waste.

Japanese government departments like the idea of using 3,000 and 4,000 psi diesel powered machines. Bigger versions of the scud are ideal for cleaning earthmoving plant on road works, bridge construction and other public infrastructure projects.

Municipal bodies canvassed during Farrugia’s visit applauded the versatility of the Scud design. The machine can handle tasks as varied as cleaning graffiti in urban streetscape, to drain cleaning duties in both sewage and storm water drains.

www.aussiepumps.com.au

IVAC cylinder offers dramatic reductions in energy and operating costs

International market leader in pneumatic motion and fluid control technologies Norogen has announced the launch of an innovative, high-performance range of cylinders, designed to significantly reduce energy usage and operating costs for OEMs and end users.

Conventional pneumatic control involves an arrangement of valves or valve islands, actuators, flow controls and sensors, along with connectors and accessories. In typical applications up to 13 different components can be required for each actuator function.

Following collaboration with customers to offer a solution which would overcome these shortcomings and satisfy individual requirements, Norgren has developed IVAC (integrated valve and actuator control) - an integrated unit which delivers engineering advantage by combining the valve, flow controls, cushioning and sensors in a single actuator package.

IVAC is a weight and space optimised actuator, suitable for a range of bore sizes from 40mm to 80mm, featuring integrated valve and magnetically operated switches for complete actuator control. Able to be retrofitted or integrated within new systems, each unit requires only one pneumatic and one electrical connection, eliminating the need for multiple valve islands, components, tubing and accessories.

This integrated platform lowers costs for users in many ways. Because it is easier to install, maintain and replace a single unit, scheduled and unplanned installation, commissioning and maintenance time and costs are reduced. Less downtime for maintenance also means higher productivity.

Meanwhile, eliminating air piping between valves and actuators minimises ‘dead’ volume, reducing air consumption by up to 50 percent, significantly cutting cost per mm of stroke when compared with conventional pneumatic systems.

For a machine operating at two million cycles per year, this results in enough energy savings to pay back the cost of an IVAC product within one year. In addition the IVAC presents improved machine aesthetics.

A number of options and varieties are available including cleanline versions for industrial cylinders, industrial slave cylinders and easy washdown, helping OEMs comply more easily and cost effectively with hygiene regulations.

OEMs can take advantage of all of these benefits without any mechanical design changes, as IVAC products conform to the latest ISO VDMA dimensions. Its single M12 connection for input and output can be hardwired or plugged into a fieldbus system no matter which protocol is being used.

For more information:
Visit: www.norgren.com/ivac

Pump adds pressure to geotech probe

Sydney based company Terratest, has chosen the Aussie Fire Captain high pressure pump in their geotechnical investigation work.

Terratest is taking core samples for the proposed 15km of underground tunnels in the North West Rail Link project between Epping and Rouse Hill in Sydney, New South Wales.

The Fire Captain, known for its abilities as a portable fire fighting pump, has been applied to this particular drilling application to flush the core hole of drill cuttings. The pump is also being utilised for quick and efficient transfer between water tanks and the drilling operations on site.

“The pump primes first time every time,” says Terratest’s Paul Barker, Manager- Geotechnical Drilling.

“We like the reliability of the pump and the heavy duty steel frame protects the pump and makes it easy to move around the site.”

The Fire Captain has a maximum flow of 500 litres per minute and offers a delivery head, in the standard single impeller version, of up to 75 metres - more than 100psi.

The pump comes with a unique five year warranty and is loaded with features. It boasts a huge 7” diameter, one piece impeller that weighs more than 2 times most competitors. The big impeller is superbly balanced and matched to a purpose built volume for maximum efficiency.

The Fire Captain primes fast offering a record 7.6 metres vertical suction lift.

“The pump’s ability to draw water from below ground is vital for water recovery for us. We used to pump to move dirty water back to bulk tanks and to flush the hole of the drill cuttings,” said Mr Barker.

The Aussie Fire Captain comes standard with a Honda 5.5hp petrol engine. The engine is covered by a three year Honda warranty, and the pump end has a five year guarantee.

For more information:
Visit: www.aussiepumps.com.au

Aussie pump maker signs distribution deal with plumbing technology giant

Australian Pump Industries invented the Aussie Cobra drain cleaning jetter and put high pressure drain cleaning on the map.

The company has now signed an international distribution arrangement with the giant Rothenberger Group.

Rothenberger is regarded as being a leader in plumbing equipment technology and operates a worldwide distribution network. The company has factories, branch offices and distributors across the globe.

The initial agreement involves the manufacture, by Aussie Pumps, of advanced design drain cleaning jetters. The equipment is customised to Rothenberger’s specifications and meets their stringent quality requirements.

“Rothenberger is famous for its relentless pursuit of quality and comprehensive after-sales support program,” said Aussie Pumps Product Manager Adam Scully.

“At Aussie, we brought to the table 20 years of design and manufacturing experience. That’s backed by an incredible R&D programme that’s delivered state of the art designs and will ensure future innovative advances,” he said.

Rothenberger is working with Australian Pump to develop a dedicated team of sales and service stations around the country. They will be able to provide plumbers fixed price servicing and fast after sales support.

“The Rothenberger machines, three Honda industrial engine powered high pressure jetters in the 4000 and 5000 psi range, are just the beginning,” said Rothenberger Australian Managing Director Oliver Taylor.

“We chose Australian Pump to partner with us in this great program. Their impeccable credentials, ISO9001 quality accreditation and huge production capacity at the big plant at Castle Hill were all factors. We don’t have time to waste with second class backyard manufacturers and only want to work with the best,” he said.

Australian Pump expects international sales to dramatically increase through the Rothenberger connection.

“Rothenberger’s equipment and distribution channels take our great Aussie product into new areas. International users will be able to experience, for the first time, products developed by and for Australia’s plumbing industry,” Scully said.

Rothenberger will initially market the product range in Australia through Reece Plumbing centres and other selected outlets.

For more information:
Visit: www.rothenberger.com.au
Tel: +61 2 9899 7577

IChemE welcomes UK fracking go ahead

IChemE is backing a UK government decision to lift an embargo on hydraulic fracturing, also known as fracking, after creating new regulations that it says will reduce the chance of causing earthquakes.

The technique, which involves injecting thousands of tons of water into gas-bearing rock formations, has been a source of controversy over recent years. It was temporarily banned in the UK last year, after wells drilled by gas explorer Cuadrilla Resources were linked to a series of earthquakes.

Nevertheless, the government has now ruled that the process itself poses no threat to the environment or public, provided it is regulated.
“My decision is based on the evidence,” says energy and climate change minister Ed Davey.

“It comes after detailed study of the latest scientific research available and advice from leading experts in the field.

“We are still in the very early stages of shale gas exploration in the UK and it is likely to develop slowly.

“It is essential that its development should not come at the expense of local communities or the environment.

“Fracking must be safe and the public must be confident that it is safe.”

The decision has been welcomed by IChemE director of policy and communications Andrew Furlong, who says that “shale gas presents an enormous opportunity for the UK.”

“The health, safety and environmental risks associated with hydraulic fracking can be managed effectively as long as the activity is fully risk assessed and operational best practice is implemented through appropriate regulation,” he says.

“Fracking is an established technology that has been used in the oil and gas sector for decades. Furthermore, the UK has 60 years’ experience of regulating the oil and gas industries, offshore and onshore.

“Chemical and process engineers have extensive knowledge of the exploration and production of natural gas.”

For more information:
Visit: www.icheme.org

Offshore wind to cut share of rotor blade market

The growing proliferation of offshore wind farms will see a decreasing share of the global wind turbine rotor blade market allotted to onshore installations, says the latest report from international business analysts GlobalData.

The firm’s new research estimates that in 2020 offshore wind farms will account for 11 percent of all installed rotor blades, whereas last year this share did not reach even one percent.

Wind rotor blades used for onshore and offshore wind turbines are not significantly different in terms of design, structure or composition; however, larger blades are used for offshore applications due to the larger turbine size and rated power output.

Offshore wind farms are currently a small portion of total wind power capacity, but the number of planned projects across the world’s major wind markets indicates the level of confidence in this renewable energy source.

The largest wind rotor blade market in 2011 (by a substantial margin) was China, who held a massive 59 percent share with 37,385 installations.

The US came a relatively distant second, with an installed total of 11,085 rotor blades accounting for 18 percent of the global market, while India were third with an 11 percent share.

GlobalData predicts the global cumulative wind power installed capacity to show steady growth until the end of the decade, increasing from 238,600 megawatts (MW) last year to 658,449 MW by the end of 2020.

However, due to increases in the average turbine capacity, this increase will not be mirrored by the number of wind rotor blades installed during the same period. From a global total of 63,405 installed last year, the figure will actually drop to 45,675 come the end of the decade.

For a full report:
Click here

Radio control hobby blossoms into export success

By Iain MacIntyre

A personal hobby flying radio controlled helicopters combined with a passionate vision, has progressively forged an innovative and financially-successful export business for the now full-time chief executive of Photo Higher, Kimberley Attwell.

Mr Attwell candidly admits that in order to fund the expensive repairs inevitably associated with the hobby, he elected to design a camera gimbal, to providing a cost-effective aerial photography service for the real estate market.

“I soon learned that real estate agents were very tight with their money and basically I would never make anything from offering the service,” he laments.

“So I did some research on the Internet and saw that I could manufacture the gimbals instead and sell them around the world. We have never had a market in New Zealand and so right from the start we exported the gimbals into the United States and Europe.”

Having for many years worked on the 2003-founded business primarily in the evenings and weekends, Mr Attwell says Photo Higher began to gain real traction when he gave up his previous job and committed full-time to the venture in September 2010.

“Today we have nine full-time staff and we operate out of a factory in Ngauranga (Wellington). Our sales are increasing monthly and we have already turned over what we did last year and we are only halfway through this financial year.

“The company exports 99 percent of its products into 34 countries and we have around 70 distributors, so we are really proud of our success to date.”

Mr Attwell says Photo Higher’s primary focus is now on the design and development of innovative three-axis camera gimbals or “hot heads” for the film industry and unmanned aircraft.

“Our current two very popular products are the AV130 and AV200 gimbals as well as our Skyline RSGS which is an electronic stabilisation system for the gimbals.

“When we design something we always look outside the square to see what other areas it could be used in and if there is a need. We have a strong development team of electronic and mechanical engineers and we believe there is no such thing as ‘can’t’.”

Mr Attwell says the three-dimensional computer-aided design (CAD) program, SolidWorks, plays a key role in the development of Photo Higher’s products.

“It comes with a lot of very useful tools to help with the design process and ensure components fit together correctly, and that your staked tolerances etc are correct and there is no interference. It also has a powerful finite analysis tool that allows you to simulate loads and analyse particular parts or assemblies to ensure they are within the design specifications.

“We are able to quickly draw components such as a sheet metal part which we can send to our supplier who then loads it directly into laser-cutting software and the parts are then cut. The same drawing is then run through the folding software which creates the CNC folding program and the parts are then folded.”

With numerous new products in the final stages of development, Mr Attwell says it is an “exciting time” for Photo Higher.

“Our plan is to continue to research and develop products within the UAS [unmanned aircraft systems] industry but we are also looking at how we can help in the development of the public aerospace industry.

“Man has successfully landed the Curiosity on Mars, with the Opportunity which has now been on Mars for about eight years. More recently, Felix Baumgartner breaks the sound barrier with his successful skydive from the Red Bull Stratos.

“Someday I would like to see our company associated with similar breakthrough ventures.”

For further information:
Kimberley Attwell
Tel: 021 222 3388
E-mail: kim [at] photohigher [dot] co [dot] nz
Visit: www.photohigher.co.nz

The Kiwi black is hunting down Britain’s Bloodhound

The Richard Nowland led group chasing the World Land Speed record has unveiled a new aerodynamic design and propulsion system for Jetblack.

Two hybrid rocket motors will now drive Jetblack, dispensing with the combined jet engine and rocket propulsion system in the earlier design. The rocket motors are expected to give the New Zealand challenger more than 70 percent extra thrust in its bid to breach the 1000mph (1610kmph) mark.

“The work the group’s design team has undertaken over the past 12 months has resulted in a car that is less complex, produces considerably less drag, has greater controllability and the potential to achieve the target speed more quickly. In all, this is a significant advance over its predecessor,” says Jetblack’s managing director and founder Richard Nowland.

The move to rocket propulsion alone has been under development since last year with the Space Propulsion Group (SPG) in the US, a world-leader in hybrid rocket propulsion. It was selected due to its inherent safety and simplicity over other rocket systems.

“Space Propulsions advanced hybrid rockets deliver very high performance while retaining the safety, simplicity and controllability of classical hybrids. The inherent safety, throttling and shut down are the key virtues of SPG’s rocket technology which makes it ideal for this particular application,” says the Group’s co-founder, president and chief technical officer Dr Arif Karabeyoglu. Initial low speed testing will take place in 2014, with the high speed testing and challenge taking place during 2015 and 2016

The change from jet and rockets to rockets only was made after discussions with SPG on the controllability of the rocket motors. SPG are developing a hybrid rocket propulsion system that can be throttle controlled, which means the thrust of the rocket can be varied.

This work-in-progress will represent a significant breakthrough and will provide Jetblack with a competitive advantage, says Mr Nowland.

“The new design represents a significant advance for the design of the vehicle and with this last major decision now behind us, the team is focused on the integration of the other componentry required, preparatory to building the challenger vehicle in 2013.”

The hybrid rockets in the new design produce thrust of 35,000lb x2 as opposed to 20,000lbs x2 in the older, and are of the same type that have been chosen to power Virgin Galactic’s passenger spacecraft.

Unlike jet engines which require an air intake, all the fuel and oxidiser with the rocket propulsion system can be carried on board the vehicle, with positive effects on both the aerodynamics and the vehicle’s structure. Richard Nowland

“The new challenger’s design minimises drag. It produces approximately onethird less drag than the earlier versions, enabling the car to accelerate to the required speed faster. The new design is also shorter by almost three metres so it has less surface area, which has contributed to its lower aerodynamic resistance, and weighs around two tonnes less,” says Richard Roake, Jetblack’s lead aerodynamicist.

“A further benefit of having a solely rocket powdered design is that we have been able to lose the complexity of having control systems for each engine type,” says Mr Nowland.

“We now have far simpler and safer vehicle using Nytrox, which is the oxidiser for the rocket motors. Nytrox is a proprietary formulation from SPG and contributes appreciably to the high performance of the rocket motors - the system is pressure fed and requires no pumps.”

During a high speed run, the new Jetblack will shed around 3,100kg of weight, around 40 percent of the total weight of the car.

The Jetblack team plan to select the venue for testing and the subsequent high speed runs within 12 months and begin to build their vehicle in 2013. Initial low speed testing will take place in 2014, with the high speed testing and challenge taking place during 2015 and 2016, by which time it may be facing a tougher challenge as Bloodhound is looking to mount its 1000mph challenge towards the end of 2013 in South Africa.

The current Land Speed record stands at 763mph set by Thrust SSC in October 1997 at Black Rock Desert in Nevada.

For more information:
Visit: www.jetblackLSR.com
Visit: www.spg-corp.com

Specialist actuation skills by SIPOS

SIPOS Aktorik will present its range of actuation products and services at the Valve World Expo held in Dusseldorf from 27-29 November.

Capabilities in specialist solutions will be showcased including the company’s pioneering variable speed actuation technology. Other advancements in actuation displayed by SIPOS will include the HiMod extreme precision actuator along with an innovative solution to support subterranean installations and a turn-key solar system.

A central feature of the company’s booth will be the SIPOS 5 Flash electric actuator. With established industry credentials, the variable speed capabilities of SIPOS’ flagship product provide soft start and stop functionality – this avoids water hammer and has strong appeal for a range of process control applications.

Also featured at the expo will be the SIPOS 5 HiMod series. Designed to address the most challenging valve control requirements for high end modulating duty, precision and longevity, applications include boiler start-up valves, turbine regulation and other instances where high levels of accuracy and flexibility are demanded.

Skills in the development of specialist solutions will be confirmed with innovative technology to support underground conduction systems and a solar initiative aids challenging remote location applications.

SIPOS’ solar package includes a full planning and specification service, component configuration, a solar power module, a switching cabinet, a SIPOS 5 Flash actuator and remote control or time and sequence programmer options for a complete bespoke solution.

For more information:
Visit: www.sipos.de