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 2 months of work, the lifting system was successfully used to lift a massive 30-meter-diameter water tank, weighing 85 tons and capable of storing up to 5 million litres of water.
The lifting system has 42 hydraulic cylinders linked with 84 hoses that are 22 meters long.
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 22 meters long. The lifting system spans roughly 1.8 kilometres 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 40-meter 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.
