Integrated solutions for the pulp and paper industry
HYDAC South Africa provides sustainable, energy-efficient solutions for the pulp and paper industry, focusing on creating value through expert after-sales service and engineering support.
Maximise system uptime
The pulp and paper production process is sensitive, and even small issues can cause disruptions. To maximise uptime and ensure the production of high-quality paper, HYDAC offers a wide range of hydraulic and lubrication systems, fluid filtration solutions, cooling systems, condition monitoring with cloud capabilities, and components for water treatment and oil services.
The company also adds value by using its technical expertise to identify system inefficiencies, implement upgrades, and monitor conditions to extend equipment life.
HYDAC has completed many upgrades, using cutting-edge technology and improved monitoring. For example, replacing old filter systems with HYDAC’s advanced filters has led to cleaner oil, fewer problems, and better cost efficiency.
Tailored solutions with technology from abroad
HYDAC South Africa stays ahead of technological trends by maintaining close ties with its parent company in Germany.
“Many new systems are designed and imported to the South African pulp and paper industry, which already has existing HYDAC technology fitted due to HYDAC’s global ties to the industry,” says Jacobus Erasmus, part of the sales team at HYDAC South Africa.
This gives access to the latest products and expertise, while the South African division customises solutions for local needs. HYDAC works closely with South African companies, providing solutions that improve efficiency and solve complex problems.
With its engineering expertise, the local team can design and retrofit systems to address regional challenges.
One example of HYDAC’s innovation is the HMG 4000 portable measuring and data logging device. This tool helps optimise equipment performance, ensure reliability, and keep operations running smoothly.
HMG 4000: a game-changer
HYDAC has successfully partnered with key industry leaders.
Mr Erasmus shares a key moment at a mill, where HYDAC introduced the HMG 4000. The engineer quickly used the portable data recorder to identify and fix a pump failure that had caused the system to trip, leading to a cessation of production.
The HMG 4000 was put to the test with its capability to record up to 38 sensors and high-speed sampling rate of 0.1ms at a time. The customer accurately identified the cause and actioned corrective measures. Downtime was drastically decreased and production restored to optimum expectations, resulting in substantial and measurable cost savings.
Instead of the costly approach of replacing pumps, the HMG 4000’s precise data identified the cause of the problem, allowing the customer to contact its pump supplier for a quick and cost-effective fix. This data-driven approach minimised downtime and saved costs compared to traditional methods.
Filter replacement in a turbine system: a strategic upgrade
HYDAC replaced filters in a turbine system of a client’s plant, crucial for maintaining the plant’s efficiency. The existing filters were swapped for HYDAC filters. They offer better performance, higher dirt-holding capacity, longer filter life expectancy, and lower differential pressures, which are crucial to the system.
A key advantage of HYDAC filters lies in their design for lube systems and turbine systems, specifically in the incorporation of a bypass within the filter element rather than the housing.
This safety approach ensures ISO fluid cleanliness class levels are maintained by eliminating the possibility of premature bypass of the element inside the housing due to the bypass in the housing head lapsing from long service life. This is unlike some competitor systems where internal bypass can lose tension over time and cause problems.
HYDAC’s attention to detail and commitment to quality set it apart from competitors.
Critical equipment failure: A swift and effective response
A client faced an equipment failure and initially thought the filters were causing blockages. However, Mr. Erasmus explains that filter blockages are normal if the oil is contaminated.
HYDAC analysed the oil in its laboratory and found continuous contamination generated by the system itself, caused by a critical failure.
HYDAC recommended the use of its filter systems to continuously clean the oil and protect the equipment until the failure could be addressed. The client took a proactive approach by collaborating with HYDAC to ensure the cleanliness of the oil while awaiting the scheduled replacement of the component.
This approach helped extend the equipment’s life and protect crucial components in the system until the shutdown.
