KTI Hydraulics introduces submerged hydraulic power units for recycling equipment

Aug 16, 2023

KTI Hydraulics Inc., a Santa Ana, California-based company that manufactures hydraulic components for use in commercial and industrial equipment, has introduced a submerged direct current (DC) hydraulic power unit (HPU) it says can increase the reliability of recycling equipment.

In the recycling industry, hydraulic processes are vital to efficiently collect, transport and process bulk materials like metal, plastic, glass, paper and cardboard. Front and rear loaders hydraulically lift and load large bins of materials into trucks, while hook lift trucks transport materials using a series of hydraulic rams to hook, lift and hoist the roll-off container onto the truck.

Compactors and balers use hydraulics to save space and reduce large volumes for easier transport. Hydraulic shears and shredders cut larger materials into smaller pieces that are easier to process and recycle. HPUs provide the muscle behind all of this operating machinery, KTI says, but frequent exposure to moisture splashed from roadways as well as weather, washdowns, humidity and other corrosion-causing factors can wreak havoc on the hydraulic component parts.

KTI adds that for decades there has been little variation in the basic component configuration of HPUs, which convert electrical power to hydraulic energy and include complex systems that consist of numerous parts such as manifolds, directional valves and the system's motor and pump, which are mounted to the top of the oil reservoir. Additional components such as filters, pressure gauges and heat exchangers also may be needed to meet application requirements.

KTI says that while the design is technically sufficient, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have long sought ways to improve the overall reliability of hydraulic systems that must operate in inhospitable, moisture-prone environments. A challenge is that high-value components like the motor and pump also are the most likely to require repair or replacement in many cases, though the current HPU design involves mounting the motor and pump to the reservoir, which exposes the components to the environment and potential corrosion damage. Accelerated corrosion can lead to premature service, repair and replacement.

According to the company, in its patented design, the motor and gear pump are protectively submerged in the reservoir fluid, rather than the typical configuration of mounting the motor/gear pump and manifold to the top of the reservoir. KTI says when the motor and gear pump are submerged, the high-value parts require substantially less maintenance and replacement. The new units are particularly ideal for equipment and machinery operated in harsh, corrosive environments. The oil also functions as coolant, resulting in a longer duty cycle.

KTI says it offers the submerged HPU with a 1.8-kilowatt, 12-volt and 24-volt DC motor with superior ingress protection ratings. The HPU includes a pressure-loaded gear pump, potted solenoid and a reservoir with five quarts of usable volume. KTI offers several add-ons.

The new HPU configuration also enables a more compact design, 15 ½ inches-by-9 ½ inches-by-8 inches, which KTI says is ideal for OEMs looking to minimize the space required for hydraulic components.

For flexibility in design for OEMs, the new HPU is offered with a variety of common hydraulic circuits, with custom circuits available for design upon request. The HPU also allows OEMs to change the manifold to work with a multitude of different standard or custom circuits.

For hydraulic equipment distributors, KTI says the capability of the new unit eliminates the need to stock four different types of HPUs, which can conserve inventory space and capital. The company adds that distributors can purchase a single SKU item to hold in inventory and then the needed manifolds.

For more information, visit www.ktihydraulicsinc.com or call 949-752-8818.