Multiple hydraulic motors
What is the consensus on driving hydraulic motors from one source? I have to design a system to drive 5 material screws at approximately 60rpm/3hp. Unfortunately space restrictions do not allow for a single point drive plus the augers have to be moved out of position fairly frequently and I don't believe the group would stand the handling. I am having problems with designing using flow dividers because of the odd number and the wasted energy, a rotary would work but the possibility of pressure intensification if a drive pin would shear has it's drawbacks to. I am almost thinking of individual circuits that would be driven from a gang pump with individual valving. I know the cost aspect but the benefit of being able to drop one screw out of service if a problem arises has its attraction. Or Five individual motor/pump/valve combos is also a possibility. Any other ideas?
I'd go with multiple pumps, per Mike. If not five elements on one
shaft, then multiple (2+2+1) tandem pumps on multiple drive gear box.
Pressure intensification can be handled with pressure relief valves on the motor side of the gear splitters.
Spool dividers, big energy losses on unbalanced legs, but gear dividers
don't have as much energy loss. The energy from the low load section
transfers over the the highly loaded sections.
Some rotary
dividers (Haldex Barnes for sure, and I think Parker) have relief valves
built in to prvent intensification. Each section has a RV cartridge
from output to inlet.
That said, I'd go with separate stacked
pumps somehow. Less interaction of pressures, espeically if you are
trying to control loads or close the loop in some way.
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