Curtiss-Wright’s Industrial division has today announced the launch of its HI, a heavy-duty, multi-function grip that offers a wide range and combination of proportional roller and discrete push-button switch functions; and is suitable for use in arduous construction, material handling and agricultural in-cab applications. It is available fitted to Curtiss-Wright’s JC6000 and JC8000 series joysticks, or as a stand-alone grip with a range of adapters to suit standard industrial fittings.
Thanks to its novel roller design – and unlike many available grips – Curtiss-Wright’s class-leading HI sets the standard for new joystick controller grip design by incorporating up to four, ergonomically-placed, easy-to-reach proportional rollers. Up to three rollers can be placed across the front plate of the grip and positioned within easy reach of a sweep of the operator’s thumb, with the rear roller operated by the first finger. The HI is Curtiss-Wright’s first grip designed from the ground up to offer left- and right-handed versions that lean inward and forward, feature a scalloped shaft and a handed hand rest for optimal operator comfort and operation.
The HI grip is available with optional colors for the front and rear switch plates and nine standard colors for each of the buttons and rollers, meaning the HI grip is available in a vast array of configurations. Additionally, the HI can also be supplied with switch icons to industry-specific ISO standards or customer-specific designs. This use of colors and icons facilitates ease of operation by associating a grip button with a machine function.
Additional features and benefits of the heavy-duty, multi-function HI grip include:
Fulton is delighted to confirm that its VSRT Steam Boiler Operation & Maintenance course has been certified by the CPD Certification Service as conforming to the continuing professional development principles.
The news follows the company’s announcement in late-2018 that it had achieved similar CPD Certification status, but for its Vertical Steam Boiler Operation & Maintenance course.
Commenting for Fulton, aftercare and business development manager Jeff Byrne says: “You could be forgiven for thinking that achieving certified status for the VSRT course was easy as we had recently achieved similar for our vertical steam boiler course. However, given the radical design of our double-award-winning VSRT steam boiler and the fact that it was only launched in early-2018, it took months of extra assessments to achieve. We are therefore delighted to have gained certification for the training course so quickly.”
Designed for boiler operators, the one-day VSRT Steam Boiler Operation & Maintenance course covers basic monitoring and day-to-day operation of steam boilers to provide employees with the knowledge required to ensure boilers are running safely and efficiently. It also focuses on the VSRT’s use of state-of-the-art controls and technology, looks in-depth at its patented spiral heat exchanger and includes training in operational procedures, daily blowdowns and the checking of water levels, alarms, etc. Finally, it examines the importance of correctly treated feedwater and what boiler inspectors will look for during routine insurance inspections.
Further information on Fulton’s training courses can be found on their website, by calling +44 (0)117 972 3322 or emailing training@fulton.co.uk.
Curtiss-Wright’s Industrial division has announced that it will be using its stand (Hall A2 Stand 421) at Bauma 2019 to promote a portfolio of products designed to work within the most challenging of specialty construction vehicle environments.
With the approval and release of the ANSI A92.20 standard for Mobile Elevating Work Platforms (MEWPs) in late-2018, every MEWP that operates on slopes must now be fitted with an alarm and safety cutout for tilt angles beyond the safe working limit.
Curtiss-Wright’s VTS series of vibration-tolerant tilt sensor uses the latest IMU technology and fast-acting software algorithms to filter out disturbances caused by vibration and vehicle motion. This provides output stability without the measurement delays usually associated with heavily-damped, traditional sensing methods.
The VTS series sensor feeds output data over CANbus using the SAE J1939 protocol, with each measurement axis having two sensing elements, which are constantly compared to ensure correct operation. If an error is detected, its condition is communicated to the host electronics to ensure a safe operating situation is assumed. Additionally, each output signal is calibrated to account for thermal drift, ensuring accuracy over the operating temperature range.
With OEMs developing highly-efficient, flexible and safety-critical vehicles that increase productivity – there is a trend towards replacing multiple hydraulic levers and discrete components with electronic Human-Machine Interfaces (HMIs). These HMIs integrate fully into custom control boxes and armrest assemblies, providing operators a wide range of new capabilities.
For many on- and off-highway applications, Curtiss-Wright has a long association of developing HMIs that incorporate multiple functions and can be operated with the use of just one hand, or via finger or thumb activation. These interfaces typically incorporate push-button switches, rotary thumbwheels and joystick paddles and levers, which variously offer switched and proportional control of a vehicle’s numerous features.
Curtiss-Wright's all-new, multi-function HI Grip is available as a left- or right-hand option; and offers a wide range of proportional, non-contacting roller and high-life, push-button switch combinations. It offers the potential of up to four rollers (including three across the front plate), multiple switches and various colour and icon options, making it the most versatile of Curtiss-Wright's grips to date.
The claims made by vertical steam boiler manufacturers are easy to get excited about, especially at a time when stringent industry and environmental standards – such as the MCPD and London’s Air Quality Strategy – are making the headlines. Fulton’s Carl Knight takes a closer look.
We’ve all read the claims, “class-leading”, “energy efficient”, “superior steam quality”, “low maintenance”, the list goes on. But do these claims really stack up?
There are really only two vertical tubeless steam boiler solutions available in the UK. One is based on decades-old technology and the other is Fulton’s all-new, award-winning VSRT, a ground-up, clean-slate design approach that combines new people with new skills that have brought a new approach to the design and optimisation of heat transfer solutions.
And yes, Fulton has its own claims to make: that the VSRT is the most radical change to vertical steam boiler design since they pioneered the vertical tubeless boiler in 1949.
But let’s look at some of these claims in more detail and base the findings on Fulton’s VSRT-60 compared to equivalent 60HP vertical tubeless steam boiler models available in the UK.
Energy Efficiency
With full operating performance curves available throughout the full range of output – and at various operating pressures – Fulton’s VSRT provides exceptionally high operating efficiencies (84% gross thermal efficiency compared to approximately 80% from equivalent models), which result in lower operating costs.
These operating efficiencies are achieved thanks to the VSRT’s long heat transfer path and double-wall annular spiral rib heat exchanger that are fully-water-backed. This means that heat is transferred in two directions to double the heat transfer area in a fixed volume. The fully-water-backed design of the VSRT also allows low jacket loses which, combined with low flue gas temperatures, provides the highest thermal efficiencies.
Its combustion technology – featuring a Fulton-designed modulating burner and furnace that have been designed as a single component and fully-matched with the VSRT in mind – has also helped Fulton to achieve ultra-low NOx emissions of less than 20ppm and up to 10:1 turndown capability. Additionally, when correctly sized for applications, the exceptionally high turndown of the VSRT will result in savings above and beyond those gained from the stated efficiencies.
Steam Output & Quality
At 1,306 litres, the water volume of the VSRT-60 is almost 120% greater than equivalent 60HP vertical tubeless steam boilers yet, despite the increased volume, the VSRT still boasts a start-up time of 10-15 minutes and its installed footprint is up to 25% smaller. At 8 bar, the VSRT also achieves a 99.75% steam quality, a figure most manufacturers are unwilling to publish.
Durability & Warranty
Thanks to its down-firing burner alignment – that eliminates flame impingement on the pressure vessel – and the VSRT’s patented spiral-rib heat exchanger design that virtually eliminates thermal stress, Fulton has created a longer-lasting boiler that not only improves boiler efficiency, but one that the company believes will beat the competition in every category of durability. This is why all VSRT models come with the assurance of a 10-year “unparalleled” warranty on the pressure vessel, double that of the industry standard.
Maintenance
With features including a tubeless design, no internal refractory and a revolutionary air filtration system as standard, the VSRT is extremely easy to maintain. For applications where contaminated air can reduce boiler uptime, the VSRT’s standard-fit cyclonic air filter effectively separates debris and damaging particles from the combustion air and, because it won’t clog over time, eliminates the need for replacement filters.
Compared to other tubeless vertical steam boilers, maintenance is further improved thanks to the VSRT’s industrial control platform and easy access to the pressure vessel.
In Summary
All the advanced, energy-saving and environmentally-beneficial features mentioned above are standard across the VSRT range, which is currently available with outputs from 160 to 960 kg/h. Fulton is also developing a much larger VSRT-250 model – planned for early 2019 – with a steam output of approximately 4,000 kg/h, similar to that offered by manufacturers of horizontal steam boilers.
Compared to equivalent 60HP vertical tubeless steam boilers, the VSRT is a more durable, compact boiler that is energy-efficient, produces an increased volume of higher quality steam, is easy to maintain and backed by an unparalleled warranty. Additionally, the VSRT complies with the City of London Air Quality Strategy and anticipated MCPD regulations, is constructed to BS EN 12953 and CE marked to PED.
So, before committing to a tubeless vertical steam boiler for your next heat transfer project, consider the “class-leading” claims about energy efficiency, performance, reliability and maintenance and instead look at the figures that speak for themselves!
For further information on the VSRT, call Fulton on 0117 972 3322, email sales@fulton.co.uk or visit www.fulton.co.uk.
Curtiss-Wright’s Industrial division has today announced the launch of the VTS2021, a dual-axis, vibration-tolerant tilt sensor that offers an optimal combination of performance, safety and cost in dynamic applications, making the sensor ideal for pitch and roll detection for on- and off-highway industrial-vehicle applications, including mobile elevating work platforms.
This latest innovation uses IMU technology and fast-acting software algorithms to filter out disturbances caused by vibration and vehicle motion. This provides output stability without the measurement delays usually associated with heavily-damped, traditional sensing methods.
Each measurement axis of the VTS2021 has two sensing elements, which are constantly compared to ensure correct operation. If an error is detected, its condition is communicated to the host electronics to ensure a safe operating situation is assumed. Additionally, each output signal is calibrated to account for thermal drift, ensuring accuracy over the operating temperature range.
Additional features and benefits of the VTS2021 tilt sensor include:
Curtiss-Wright’s Industrial division has today announced the launch of the WM-D10, an electronic twist throttle solution that is ideal for motorcycle applications.
In 1904, Curtiss-Wright’s maverick founder, Glenn H. Curtiss, devised what is possibly the first handlebar throttle control, twist throttle, for use on his motorcycles. This throttle helped him win multiple endurance races and set ten World Speed Records over the following years.
Leveraging that heritage, Curtiss-Wright is today introducing its new WM-D10 Twist Throttle to the market.
The WM-D10 twist throttle – utilizes non-contacting, Hall-effect sensor technology to provide a true dual-redundant sensor with two channels, each with isolated power and ground. A vehicle’s Electronic Control Unit (ECU) can therefore perform comparisons between the throttle’s two outputs to ensure it is operating correctly. Both outputs are linear and are directly proportional to absolute sensor shaft rotation.
The throttle has a rotation range of 75 degrees counter-clockwise, and a 20 degrees clockwise rotation to allow control of a cruise control function. The sensing channels’ output can be programmed to meet a customer’s exact requirements.
The design of the WM-D10 means it is exceptionally robust across a wide range of environmental conditions, including: water immersion, pressure washing, salt spray, a variety of chemicals and dust. Connection to the unit is via an industry-standard integrated connector on a flying lead, which can be routed within the handlebar.
The VSRT from Fulton – the company’s all-new vertical spiral-rib tubeless steam boiler – already boasts ultra-low NOx emissions and high efficiencies, but now comes with a 10-year “unparalleled” warranty on the pressure vessel, double that of the industry standard.
Commenting for Fulton, sales and marketing manager Leigh Bryan says: “The unique spiral-rib design of the VSRT creates a longer-lasting boiler that we believe will beat the competition in every category of durability so, to put our money where our mouth is, we have decided to include a 10-year warranty on the pressure vessel as standard!”
The patented spiral-rib heat exchanger design – a result of the company’s ‘Pure Technology’ approach to systems engineering – not only allows Fulton to improve boiler efficiency but, with virtually zero thermal stress and a thick-walled construction featuring vertical tubeless design architecture, the VSRT is one of the most durable steam boilers available.
The VSRT is available with outputs from 160 to 960 kg/h and boasts ultra-low NOx emissions of less than 20ppm that are achieved thanks to its purposely-designed combustion technology. This has helped Fulton to achieve up to 10:1 turndown capabilities, an industry-leading performance of >82.5% gross thermal efficiency and 99.75% steam quality at 8 bar. It also complies with the City of London Air Quality Strategy and anticipated MCPD regulations, is constructed to BS EN 12953 and CE marked to PED.
Having recently rationalised its product range to ensure its solutions meet the requirements of the MCPD, Fulton announced that production of its horizontal reverse-flame boilers has ceased. However, the company can confirm that a much larger VSRT model with a steam output of approximately 4,000 kg/h – similar to those of its legacy RB horizontal steam boilers – is planned for early 2019 and will benefit from the same 10-year warranty on the pressure vessel.
For further information on the VSRT Series, call Fulton on +44 (0)117 972 3322, email sales@fulton.co.uk or visit www.fulton.co.uk.
Having introduced its City & Guilds accredited training courses four-and-a-half years ago, Fulton is delighted to announce that, following months of hard work and assessments, its Vertical Tubeless Boiler Operation & Maintenance training course has been certified by the CPD Certification Service as conforming to the continuing professional development principles.
Commenting for Fulton, aftercare and business development manager Jeff Byrne says: "Fulton has always enjoyed promoting the benefits of operator training to its customers and this CPD Certification adds real value to our course offering.”
Having achieved CPD status for its Vertical Steam Boiler Operation & Maintenance course, Fulton is now working towards certification for its VSRT Boiler Operation & Maintenance course which, given the radical design of the boiler, focuses on the VSRT’s use of state-of-the-art controls and technology and looks in-depth at its patented spiral heat exchanger. This all-new boiler design has emerged from Fulton’s adoption and implementation of its Pure Technology approach, an initiative that resulted in a world-first design that is durable, long-lasting and boasts the highest efficiencies and ultra-low NOx emissions as standard.
The Vertical Steam Boiler Operation & Maintenance course is designed for boiler operators and covers basic day-to-day operation and monitoring of steam boilers. It provides employees with the knowledge required to monitor boilers and ensure they are running efficiently and safely. The course also includes training in operational procedures, daily blowdowns and the checking of water levels, alarms, etc; as well as examining the importance of correctly treated feedwater and what boiler inspectors will look for during routine insurance inspections.
Training is also proven as being invaluable to employers and gives operators the knowledge and ability to handle more of their own maintenance and repairs and avoid call-outs to ‘boiler breakdowns’ that require no more than the simple flick of a switch to resolve. Real examples like this prove that a Fulton one-day Operator Routines & Maintenance course could potentially save the cost of many expensive and unwanted engineers’ visits.
Further information on Fulton’s training courses can be found on their website, by calling +44 (0)117 972 3322 or emailing training@fulton.co.uk.
Curtiss-Wright’s Defense Solutions division announced that its Avionics business unit, based in Christchurch, Dorset, has been awarded Silver accreditation by the Investors in People Standard, demonstrating the Company’s commitment to high performance through good people management.
Curtiss-Wright continually invests in research and development to ensure it maintains technology leadership to deliver high performance Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) and custom engineered products. Curtiss-Wright’s Avionics business provides system solutions that acquire, consolidate, analyze and record sensor and avionics data on aircraft. Our core capabilities include safety critical certified design and development processes (DO-178 and DO-254) combined with mature quality processes (AS9100). A range of product and service offerings enables us to provide solutions for many applications including: airborne recording, air data computing, flight test and space data handling systems. Curtiss-Wright Avionics is one of 3 business units based in Christchurch, Dorset and employs 100 staff.
Investors in People is the international standard for people management, defining what it takes to lead, support and manage people effectively to achieve sustainable results. Underpinning the Standard is the Investors in People framework, reflecting the latest workplace trends, essential skills and effective structures required to outperform in any industry. Investors in People enables organisations to benchmark against the best in the business on an international scale.
Paul Devoy, Head of Investors in People, said: “We’d like to congratulate Curtiss-Wright Avionics, Investors in People accreditation is the sign of a great employer, an outperforming place to work and a clear commitment to success. They should be extremely proud of their achievement.”
Commenting on the accreditation, Mark Liversidge, General Manager of the Avionics and Electronics group, said: “I am thrilled with this significant achievement for the Avionics team. This has been a 3 year journey of working together to make significant improvements to our business through good people management.”
Curtiss-Wright’s Industrial Group has today announced that it will be attending the IAA Commercial Vehicles exhibition in Hannover, Germany, and showcasing solutions (Hall 26, Stand D52) for the control and monitoring of vehicles, including applications throughout the on-highway commercial vehicle sector.
Curtiss-Wright’s Industrial division includes a number of established specialist business units with expertise in the design, testing and manufacture of a range of components and sub-system solutions for the safe and reliable operation and control of on-highway commercial vehicles, including light- and heavy-duty vehicles, buses and more.
Curtiss-Wright Industrial designs and manufactures a range of operator interface control systems and power management products and will use the show to launch its World Traction Inverter (WTI) series, which offers state-of-the-art technology and an innovative design for use in hybrid and pure-electric applications.
Other solutions being showcased include Curtiss-Wright’s range of automatic transmission shift controls, including cable and shift-by-wire systems. Many of these systems can be found on today’s most advanced commercial vehicles including medium and heavy-duty trucks, school and transit buses, recreational vehicles, plus various off-highway equipment.
The company’s extensive range of rotary, tilt and linear position sensors offer angle measurements from 10° to 360°and length measurements from 5mm to 2000mm; they have been developed to meet the operating requirements of many on- and off-highway position-sensing applications. Using Hall-effect, inductive or potentiometric technologies, sensors are packaged in compact or rugged housings with IP68 and IP69K environmental protections and mountings that give users a wide range of flexible installation options.
As a global market leader in electronic throttle control systems for commercial vehicle applications, Curtiss-Wright’s throttle systems are designed to meet the most demanding specifications. Its ergonomic designs include floor and firewall mounting configurations, kick down options and customizable treadle covers. In addition, the company manufactures a standard range of electronic throttle controls that can minimize tooling costs for many applications. Curtiss-Wright can also take basic ergonomic, dimensional, electrical and aesthetic requirements from OEMs and provide a complete custom design service, with the design, development and product qualification all part of the customization process.
