Over 10 million people voted or watched x factor and over 200 thousand auditioned for the singing talent show. Some had talent, others had passion and some had neither.
The ones that finally came through had both talent and passion and were the real pop stars in making.
If only we could all get a little more passion in our every day work, the garage mechanic, sales assistant, doctor, policeman, politician, road sweeper and so on. Wouldn't all our lives be improved and become more enjoyable.
I am most interested in Manufacturing and Engineering where there has always been a huge variety of talent but often lacking the passion. I know that over many years politicians and investors have created difficult times for us but if we had more passion and a little x factor maybe we could create new enthusiasm and a resurgence for a modern UK manufacturing and industrial base.
I believe that people with passion can positively influence others and could not only improve our economy but produce those desperately needed jobs for young people who are also entitled to feel real sense of worth and purpose.
Every job we do will impact on someone else, what we all need is a little x factor magic in all our working lives.
Monday 28 December 2009
Friday 25 December 2009
Sweden looses Volvo to China.
Many Swedes are concerned about the latest takeover of Volvo by China's Geely and so they should be. No doubt we will see Saab following close behind.
Geely only began producing cars 10 years ago. Now, almost overnight they will have gained technology and know-how that would have normally taken them decades to accumulate.
This is very sad day for Sweden and another blow to Europe and the Common Market.
We have recently seen the bailing out of the Banking world but manufacturing seems to have little or no importance. Car manufacturing is all about wealth creation not just moving money around by overpaid speculators.
My sincere commiserations to the Swedish people.
Geely only began producing cars 10 years ago. Now, almost overnight they will have gained technology and know-how that would have normally taken them decades to accumulate.
This is very sad day for Sweden and another blow to Europe and the Common Market.
We have recently seen the bailing out of the Banking world but manufacturing seems to have little or no importance. Car manufacturing is all about wealth creation not just moving money around by overpaid speculators.
My sincere commiserations to the Swedish people.
Tuesday 22 December 2009
Exporting our Know- how at what cost?
Over the last decade we have witnessed the transfer of manufacturing jobs to places like China. This has been carried out in a deliberate and consistent way with huge losses to our once thriving industrial market.
I hear many people say that UK costs were too high and that cheaper goods can only benefit the consumer but I say at what cost?
I listen to others who say that we do not want low skilled manufacturing jobs anyway, when we can provide the innovation, design and technical know how. I have always found this difficult to follow. Its almost like saying to an artist "describe your ideas to a Chinese person and they can go away and produce the painting, this will provide more time to develop more ideas and bring down the costs". Maybe some people will think that this is a satisfactory arrangement, but I don't.
I believe that Manufacturing, Engineering, innovation are all part of the same process. Stripping one part away from the other can not be sustainable.
I foresee the time when the Chinese, Koreans or any others who make our products will soon develop their own innovative ideas, designs and products and without our help. To think that they will always need us for the clever bits is not only arrogant but dangerous.
The countries who lead the world in manufacturing are often the countries with the greatest wealth and influence and we ignore this at our peril.
I hear many people say that UK costs were too high and that cheaper goods can only benefit the consumer but I say at what cost?
I listen to others who say that we do not want low skilled manufacturing jobs anyway, when we can provide the innovation, design and technical know how. I have always found this difficult to follow. Its almost like saying to an artist "describe your ideas to a Chinese person and they can go away and produce the painting, this will provide more time to develop more ideas and bring down the costs". Maybe some people will think that this is a satisfactory arrangement, but I don't.
I believe that Manufacturing, Engineering, innovation are all part of the same process. Stripping one part away from the other can not be sustainable.
I foresee the time when the Chinese, Koreans or any others who make our products will soon develop their own innovative ideas, designs and products and without our help. To think that they will always need us for the clever bits is not only arrogant but dangerous.
The countries who lead the world in manufacturing are often the countries with the greatest wealth and influence and we ignore this at our peril.
Saturday 19 December 2009
We need Manufacturing and Engineering jobs
A few days ago as I was driving to one of my customers when a radio program caught my attention. The discussion was around the problems of the unemployed, especially young people. The panel consisted of Politicians,Economists and so called experts in this field. The overall concerns were that we were likely to loose a whole generation of people whom at best would never reach their potential and at worst never have a job.
The debate continued with politicians on all sides making claims and counter claims regarding what they were doing, how much they were spending and slagging off the other side for not doing enough. Other organisations were dreaming up all sorts of schemes and training programs.
Out of frustration I could have ripped the radio out of its bracket, why on earth could they not identify the real problem nor see the obvious solution. Why was it so difficult to see?
All we need to do is create more jobs, jobs, jobs!
Over the last 20/30 years our country has gradually but steadily killed off manufacturing and engineering and replaced this with financial services.
I have no need to retell the disasters of the last few years and what the financial industries have done to our country, but I know that most of my engineering colleagues saw this coming a very long time ago.
Manufacturing, Engineering, the skill of making things will provide work for men and women of all ages and abilities. From making tea, sweeping the floor to design engineers, managers and even those financial people who have fallen from our favour.
Over recent years the trend has been to source products from places like China under the miss conception that we are only outsourcing the none skilled labour and it is cheaper but we are not only exporting the jobs desperately needed by our own people we are also exporting our know-how, innovations and technologies(the family silver) that will likely change our standard of living, culture and freedoms that we so dearly value.
Countries with advanced technologies are powerful in many ways. They can provide good social welfare, education, high standards of living and a system of fairness and of course those desperately important jobs for our young people.
We need those in government and industry to have some passion about making things and embrace technology for good purposes. Making things that people really need, products to help us fight against global warming, technologies that save lives and help those in third world countries where clean water is a rare and precious resource. We are not starved of problems to resolve and things to make.
We still have time to save and rebuild our manufacturing industries all we need is the passion and commitment to do it.
The debate continued with politicians on all sides making claims and counter claims regarding what they were doing, how much they were spending and slagging off the other side for not doing enough. Other organisations were dreaming up all sorts of schemes and training programs.
Out of frustration I could have ripped the radio out of its bracket, why on earth could they not identify the real problem nor see the obvious solution. Why was it so difficult to see?
All we need to do is create more jobs, jobs, jobs!
Over the last 20/30 years our country has gradually but steadily killed off manufacturing and engineering and replaced this with financial services.
I have no need to retell the disasters of the last few years and what the financial industries have done to our country, but I know that most of my engineering colleagues saw this coming a very long time ago.
Manufacturing, Engineering, the skill of making things will provide work for men and women of all ages and abilities. From making tea, sweeping the floor to design engineers, managers and even those financial people who have fallen from our favour.
Over recent years the trend has been to source products from places like China under the miss conception that we are only outsourcing the none skilled labour and it is cheaper but we are not only exporting the jobs desperately needed by our own people we are also exporting our know-how, innovations and technologies(the family silver) that will likely change our standard of living, culture and freedoms that we so dearly value.
Countries with advanced technologies are powerful in many ways. They can provide good social welfare, education, high standards of living and a system of fairness and of course those desperately important jobs for our young people.
We need those in government and industry to have some passion about making things and embrace technology for good purposes. Making things that people really need, products to help us fight against global warming, technologies that save lives and help those in third world countries where clean water is a rare and precious resource. We are not starved of problems to resolve and things to make.
We still have time to save and rebuild our manufacturing industries all we need is the passion and commitment to do it.
Sunday 13 December 2009
Setting up hydraulic system on Meercat Workboat
I am setting up a new system on a Meercat Workboat. The pump is a load sensing piston pump attached to an engine. The load sensor maintains a constant flow regardless of the out put load. The pump maintains a 15Bar differential so if the load increases the pump swashplate will move and increase the flowrate thus maintaining this differnetial.
This system provides pressure and flow to a deck crane. The crane will move at a speed depending on the position of the hand levercontrol (moved by the operator) and will maintain this speed even if the load changes.
Monday 7 December 2009
Hydraulic Power Pack Part 2
I found problems with the gear pump so I removed and stripped it to find that it had been over pressurised. I thank Williams Shipping for allowing me to make this video.
Sunday 6 December 2009
Hydraulic Power Pack Part 1
Working at Williams Shipping with Nick of Pirtek Southampton.
Quick release valves were fitted and I was asked to fit relief valves to protect the pump. I suspected that the pump had been over pressurised because aluminium swarf was found in the pressure filters.
The second part shows me replacing the pump.
Sunday 29 November 2009
Wednesday 18 November 2009
Hydraulics in Souths Largest Saw Mills
The most important maintenance task for Hydraulic systems is always ensuring that the oil is cool and clean. Here I am using the Parker CM20 Particle counter to see how clean or dirty the oil is. Readings can be shown in ISO or NAS and the print shows the number and size of the particles.
I would like to thank East Brothers Saw Mills for allowing me to make this video.
They have been a great customer to me over the years, nice people and an enjoyable place to work.
Tuesday 3 November 2009
Thursday 15 October 2009
To Strain or Not to Strain?
Over the years I have listened to many opinions about hydraulic strainers. Some schools say that they should be fitted whilst others say they shouldn't.
To get behind these differing views lets look at what strainers are and the reasons they are fitted.
The strainer is a tube of wire mesh with perforations of around 125 microns. This is no way near the rating of a return line filter at 25micron nor the fine filtration of the pressure filter at 25micron down to 1 micron absolute.
Strainers are fitted to the suction pipe to stop big lumps being sucked into the pump.
The problem we have with these tubes of wire is that customers do not always know that they are fitted. Even if you do know, they are often difficult to remove and replace. I have seen strainers that have never been changed and have been sat undetected in a tank for more than ten years. During this time the strainer has become coated with silt and hairy contamination. The consequence is a starved and damage pump caused by cavitation.
On balance I think strainers should be fitted to stop that lump of weld splatter or large flake of paint entering the pump. Signs should be placed on the pack to indicate that they are fitted and must be changed (not cleaned) within a suitable period of time.
You may have differing views and I certainly would not take up the argument , its too close to call!
Bob Jackson
To get behind these differing views lets look at what strainers are and the reasons they are fitted.
The strainer is a tube of wire mesh with perforations of around 125 microns. This is no way near the rating of a return line filter at 25micron nor the fine filtration of the pressure filter at 25micron down to 1 micron absolute.
Strainers are fitted to the suction pipe to stop big lumps being sucked into the pump.
The problem we have with these tubes of wire is that customers do not always know that they are fitted. Even if you do know, they are often difficult to remove and replace. I have seen strainers that have never been changed and have been sat undetected in a tank for more than ten years. During this time the strainer has become coated with silt and hairy contamination. The consequence is a starved and damage pump caused by cavitation.
On balance I think strainers should be fitted to stop that lump of weld splatter or large flake of paint entering the pump. Signs should be placed on the pack to indicate that they are fitted and must be changed (not cleaned) within a suitable period of time.
You may have differing views and I certainly would not take up the argument , its too close to call!
Bob Jackson
Tuesday 13 October 2009
Wednesday 23 September 2009
Casting Machine Hydraulics
WH Rowe Ltd is a Foundry in Southampton producing high quality Aluminium Castings. They have been a very good customer for many years and I sincerely thank them for their continued support and allowing me to produce this video.
Saturday 19 September 2009
Friday 18 September 2009
Sunday 13 September 2009
Wednesday 9 September 2009
Some Hydraulic Safety Tips
Accidental start up.
Before starting work always ensure that the machine you are working on is switched off.
Never rely on other people to keep you safe. If possible keep the emergency stop key in your pocket or ask a qualified electrician to remove the machines fuses.
A clear sign informing others that you are working on the machine should be displayed. Surround the area with hazard tape.
A system with potential (stored) energy.
Ensure that the system is not pressurized and accumulators are fully discharged before removing any hydraulic part.
Check for any suspended or external loads on rams or motors. i.e. cranes, winches and lifts. Always lower the load to remove any locked pressure. If it’s not possible to lower the load, ensure that the load is safely chocked with suitable load bearing material (timber).
Sometimes it is not always obvious that there is an external load. Consider a vehicle with a hydraulic drive parked on a hill. Removing a component could release the locked pressure and set the vehicle in motion.
And remember, It’s not advisable to walk or stand under any suspended load, hydraulics can fail!
What Pressure?
It is important to know the pressure of the system you are working on. Sometimes you will find a label on the power pack or hydraulic circuit stating the maximum pressure. Any replacement parts should always be suitable for the pressure that it is being used for. Pressure gauges should have a scale twice the pressure being measured. If you have a maximum pressure of 250Bar a 500 Bar gauge or greater should be used.
Never try to find oil or air leaks using your hand as this can cause serious injury.
High pressure can be very dangerous but even low pressure when applied to a ram can exert very high crushing forces. Remember that Force = pressure x area, the larger the area the higher the force!
Hydraulic Oil.
Most hydraulic systems use mineral based oil which incorporates additives to improve the system performance and longevity of the components. It is important to use gloves or good barrier creams to help reduce contact with the skin and safety glasses to protect your eyes.
Special oils for extreme temperatures can sometimes be very aggressive and should be handled with care. When handling this type of fluid it is important to follow the manufacturer’s safety recommendations.
Always keep your work area clean and free from oil spills. Oil on the floor is extremely dangerous and can cause people to slip over.
If oil is ingested or injected through the skin immediately seek medical attention and provide medics with details of the fluid.
Bleeding the system.
It is rare that hydraulic systems need bleeding; however there are times when trapped air can cause erratic movements.
Air bleeds are sometimes fitted to hydraulic cylinders or located somewhere in the hydraulic circuit.
Most bleeds are designed to be captivated and should not unscrew completely from its housing but this should never be assumed or taken for granted. When releasing trapped air always stand to one side of the air bleed. Should the bleed unscrew from its housing you must not be in its line of trajectory. People have been killed by being in the way of bleed screws released under pressure.
QUICK CHECK
· Has the machine been disabled
· Do you have key or fuses in your pocket
· Is there clear signage with hazard tape
· Have you discharged accumulators
· Have you removed all loads from rams or motors?
· Can the machine run away (wheel motors)
· What is the maximum pressure of the system
· Do you know what oil is being used COSH details
· Do you have gloves/barrier cream
· Are you wearing safety spectacles
· Do you have products for keeping area free of oil
· Are bleeds fitted remember stand to one side!
Before starting work always ensure that the machine you are working on is switched off.
Never rely on other people to keep you safe. If possible keep the emergency stop key in your pocket or ask a qualified electrician to remove the machines fuses.
A clear sign informing others that you are working on the machine should be displayed. Surround the area with hazard tape.
A system with potential (stored) energy.
Ensure that the system is not pressurized and accumulators are fully discharged before removing any hydraulic part.
Check for any suspended or external loads on rams or motors. i.e. cranes, winches and lifts. Always lower the load to remove any locked pressure. If it’s not possible to lower the load, ensure that the load is safely chocked with suitable load bearing material (timber).
Sometimes it is not always obvious that there is an external load. Consider a vehicle with a hydraulic drive parked on a hill. Removing a component could release the locked pressure and set the vehicle in motion.
And remember, It’s not advisable to walk or stand under any suspended load, hydraulics can fail!
What Pressure?
It is important to know the pressure of the system you are working on. Sometimes you will find a label on the power pack or hydraulic circuit stating the maximum pressure. Any replacement parts should always be suitable for the pressure that it is being used for. Pressure gauges should have a scale twice the pressure being measured. If you have a maximum pressure of 250Bar a 500 Bar gauge or greater should be used.
Never try to find oil or air leaks using your hand as this can cause serious injury.
High pressure can be very dangerous but even low pressure when applied to a ram can exert very high crushing forces. Remember that Force = pressure x area, the larger the area the higher the force!
Hydraulic Oil.
Most hydraulic systems use mineral based oil which incorporates additives to improve the system performance and longevity of the components. It is important to use gloves or good barrier creams to help reduce contact with the skin and safety glasses to protect your eyes.
Special oils for extreme temperatures can sometimes be very aggressive and should be handled with care. When handling this type of fluid it is important to follow the manufacturer’s safety recommendations.
Always keep your work area clean and free from oil spills. Oil on the floor is extremely dangerous and can cause people to slip over.
If oil is ingested or injected through the skin immediately seek medical attention and provide medics with details of the fluid.
Bleeding the system.
It is rare that hydraulic systems need bleeding; however there are times when trapped air can cause erratic movements.
Air bleeds are sometimes fitted to hydraulic cylinders or located somewhere in the hydraulic circuit.
Most bleeds are designed to be captivated and should not unscrew completely from its housing but this should never be assumed or taken for granted. When releasing trapped air always stand to one side of the air bleed. Should the bleed unscrew from its housing you must not be in its line of trajectory. People have been killed by being in the way of bleed screws released under pressure.
QUICK CHECK
· Has the machine been disabled
· Do you have key or fuses in your pocket
· Is there clear signage with hazard tape
· Have you discharged accumulators
· Have you removed all loads from rams or motors?
· Can the machine run away (wheel motors)
· What is the maximum pressure of the system
· Do you know what oil is being used COSH details
· Do you have gloves/barrier cream
· Are you wearing safety spectacles
· Do you have products for keeping area free of oil
· Are bleeds fitted remember stand to one side!
Friday 7 August 2009
Flushing Hydraulic System
I was approached by Pirtek Southampton to flush a hydraulic system fitted in a boat. The system had been subject to pump failure and debris from the pump including metal particles had been found in the pipework.
The pipework was 1" bore and needed about 200 litres/min to create an effective velocity to remove the contamination.
Our pack was capable of 200 l/m with maximum pressure of 500 psi.
Using the Parker CM20 particle counter we were able to clean the system to the desired level of cleanliness.
After 5 days flushing the job was completed, certificates of cleanliness issued and the system with new pump successfully installed and ran without problems.
The customer was pleased with our service.
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