HYTEC Engineering and Power Team, part of the Bosch Rexroth Africa Group, have collaborated on an innovative water tank project featuring advanced engineering and a specialised synchronised lifting system.
Commissioned by the water tank manufacturer, Power Team and Hytec Engineering produced a mobile lifting system. This mobility allows the lifting system to be transported and used across multiple locations.
After two months of work, the lifting system was successfully used to lift a massive 30-metre-diameter water tank, weighing 85 tons and capable of storing up to five million litres of water.
Led by project manager Neil Griezel, Power Team designed the lifting system and manufactured the power pack, incorporating components from Hydraulic and Automation Warehouse (HAW), another Group company, and HATZ’s OEM diesel engines. Hytec Engineering supplied the hydraulic cylinders, contributing to the lifting system’s overall functionality.
The advanced lifting system features a diesel engine-driven power pack, a distribution manifold trolley, and 42 hydraulic cylinders linked with 84 hoses, each spanning 22m long. The lifting system spans roughly 1,8 km of hydraulic hose, enabling it to lift the tank with remarkable precision.
Commenting on the project, Griezel stated, “In general, synchronised lifting systems can be challenging and we usually do not synchronise more than five cylinders at a time. Getting to synchronise 42 cylinders was an extremely tough challenge. With the limitation of mobility, there was no chance of the system being controlled by electronics, so some unique thinking was required, but we successfully overcame the challenge”.
The next lift that will take place is for a 40m diameter tank, which will weigh close to 200 tons and was designed with a lifting capability of 250 tons.
Aftersales service will be provided by Hytec Engineering and Power Team and will include cylinder or power pack repairs. HATZ will manage engine repairs through Hytec Engineering and Power Team.
About Bosch Rexroth Africa
Bosch Rexroth Africa, also known as Bosch Rexroth South Africa Group of Companies, is the continent’s leader in hydraulics, pneumatics and automation. The Group comprises seven specialist companies: Bosch Rexroth South Africa, Hytec South Africa, Tectra Automation, Hytec Fluid Technology, Hydraulic & Automation Warehouse, Hytec Engineering and Bosch Rexroth Africa Development.
