Plant Equipment Feature Library

Operations Engineer's library catalogues editorial features going back five years.

Access to all archive material is free to all, including non-members of IPlantE (the Institution of Operations Engineers) or BES (Bureau of Engineer Surveyors), under the umbrella of SOE (Society of Operations Engineers). However, to discover the many benefits of becoming an SOE member, please click here.

08/04/2025 Constant motion

Domin has released a whitepaper that highlights the inefficiencies of hydraulic systems and how to revolutionise motion control. Ben Spencer provides a summary of the findings » Read More

08/08/2023 Hydraulic motors

Rotating assemblies apply the movement of incompressible fluids to mechanical advantage in many different ways, reports Toby Clark » Read More

18/10/2021 Hosed & home

If poorly administered, flexible hydraulic hose failures can damage machinery and the environment, and even endanger life. An effective hose management scheme is key to their long-term success. By Brian Wall » Read More

29/07/2021 Eaton guide to selecting hydraulic tube for marine applications

When it comes to specifying a hydraulic piping connection system for marine applications there are a number of critical factors to keep in mind. Firstly, the system must carry approval in accordance with the relevant agency specification. ... » Read More

17/06/2021 SPMTs: trailers that lead the way

Deployed linked together in ranks and files, SPMTs can meet the scale of huge structural components, unlike other types of construction equipment. That means that they are the solution to shift and lift just about anything large, awkward ... » Read More

08/04/2021 How Agile Vehicle Technology developed an all-terrain vehicle

Five years ago, Agile Vehicle Technology spotted a gap in the market for an industrial-grade, hydrostatic vehicle that could operate on any terrain while maintaining manoeuvrability, speed, robustness, value for money and a heavy load ... » Read More

17/12/2020 Transport & distribution: Dock, stock and barrel

Loading bays may consist of more than a poured concrete ledge and rubber bumpers. Equipment including dock levellers, doors and bay shelters facilitating operations also require care and maintenance. By John Challen » Read More

31/08/2020 Hose re-ending: the fallacies behind ‘saving a bit of money’

Fluid power hose re-ending is a dangerous business. Not only does it fly in the face of industry standards, but it can also prove highly destructive… and even lethal if the remade joint fails. Add a lack of warranty and supplier liability ... » Read More

05/08/2019 Cushioned approach

The latest pneumatic and hydraulic cylinders feature improved cushioning systems for higher speeds with reduced stress and vibration. But what is involved in the technology, how does it work, and what maintenance implications are there? » Read More

02/11/2018 Oil circuit power check

Servicing plant machinery or vehicles with hydraulic equipment is a job often overlooked. With the help of leading brands in excavators, truck-mounted cranes, lifting gear and body hoists, we present a guide to inspection, care and ... » Read More

09/12/2014 Breath of fresh fluid

What bothers engineers concerned with pneumatics can be very different to those working solely with hydraulics. » Read More

05/10/2012 Keep things fluid

Innovation is continuing apace in the worlds of fluid power. Steed Webzell examines some of the developments most likely to be in demand » Read More

08/06/2012 Branching out

Hydraulic ring mains and mixer circuits that respond in milliseconds, yet improve energy efficiency, are under development. Brian Tinham reports » Read More

06/10/2011 Full flow fluid power

As hydraulic and pneumatic systems continue to evolve, Steed Webzell weighs up the latest innovations benefiting static and mobile plant operations » Read More

09/12/2010 Mixing machines get hydraulic power boost

Industrial mixers manufacturer Winkworth is reporting success with two new hydraulic drive systems – one for a 450 litre twin-blade waste and recycling mixer/extruder, the other for a hazardous fluid mixer/incorporator. » Read More

06/10/2010 Mersen mould station automation improves quality and yield

Thermal insulation supplier Mersen's site at Eurocentral, Scotland, is now running a new wet moulding station and effluent treatment plant that now automates a manual manufacturing process. » Read More

06/10/2010 Hoses and pumps

Although hydraulics and pneumatics are very mature branches of engineering, Dr Tom Shelley finds useful developments involving specialist hoses and air pumps » Read More

10/08/2010 Cut your carbon

Modern electromechanical technology can help plant engineers to reduce the environmental impact of their operations, says Phil Burge » Read More

01/08/2009 May the force be with you

Would hydraulics and pneumatics feature in a futuristic Star Wars setting? Either way, innovations are ensuring that more of the force is with you, as Dr Tom Shelley explains » Read More

01/04/2009 The filter factor

The benefits of keeping hydraulic fluid and compressed air clean are well known to time-served plant engineers. They include higher system reliability, longer component life and improved efficiency, as well as more responsive plant ... » Read More