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Item ID: 120
UNiGY Positive Displacement Pump Control for Injection Molding Machine Hydraulic Systems
Injection Molding Machine Hydraulic Systems: Displacement Pump Control vs. Conventional
Controls that allow for turndown of positive displacement pumps used in hydraulic systems for injection molding.
Synopsis:
Injection molding machines use hydraulics to control and fill the two halves of a mold. Traditionally, centrifugal pumps continuously drove an impeller to provide necessary hydraulic pressure. The UNiGY technology optimizes hydraulic pumping efficiency during the injection molding process by maintaining closure pressure without continually pumping fluid. This is achieved using a positive displacement pump with a patented device that allows for infinite turndown.
The Kadant UNiGY system was funded through a grant from the New York Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). To date, approximately 150 of these systems have been installed. UNiGY is currently the only provider of such equipment. The UNiGY system:
- Only works with positive displacement pumps that are in use in injection molding and forging hydraulic systems, in high-pressure washdown systems or with chemical metering pumps.
- Uses feed-forward control to slow pump speed when demand is intermittent.
- Provides the look and feel of adjustable speed drive (ASD) control, which is often used with centrifugal pumps in injection molding applications.
The UNiGY control is available for new applications or can be retrofitted onto existing equipment (when a positive displacement pump is in use). An IETC paper discusses the savings associated with use of a high-efficiency hydraulic pump with infinite turndown technology (ITDT) or UNiGY system, and cites energy savings of 50% versus the typical 40% associated with ASD retrofits.
Energy Savings: 60%
Energy Savings Rating: Extensive Assessment
What's this?
| Level | Status | Description |
| 1 | Concept not validated | Claims of energy savings may not be credible due to lack of documentation or validation by unbiased experts. |
| 2 | Concept validated: | An unbiased expert has validated efficiency concepts through technical review and calculations based on engineering principles. |
| 3 | Limited assessment | An unbiased expert has measured technology characteristics and factors of energy use through one or more tests in typical applications with a clear baseline. |
| 4 | Extensive assessment | Additional testing in relevant applications and environments has increased knowledge of performance across a broad range of products, applications, and system conditions. |
| 5 | Comprehensive analysis | Results of lab and field tests have been used to develop methods for reliable prediction of performance across the range of intended applications. |
| 6 | Approved measure | Protocols for technology application are established and approved. |