Product category:
Hydraulic Components
News Release from: Parker Hannifin | Subject: HMI tie-rod cylinder
Edited by the Engineeringtalk Editorial
Team on 25 July 2000
Parker keeps Arsenal FC in training
A Parker Hannifin HMI tie-rod cylinder has been specified to control the innovative AquaTerr Moveable Floor System in the hydrotherapy pool at the new Arsenal Football Club training facility
A Parker Hannifin HMI tie-rod cylinder has been specified to control the innovative AquaTerr Moveable Floor System installed in the hydrotherapy pool at the new Arsenal Football Club training facility at London Colney in Hertfordshire Designed and manufactured by Thermelek Engineering Services Limited, the AquaTerr Moveable Floor System was developed to provide swimming pool operators with new recreational facilities to appeal to all types of swimmer
This article was originally published on Engineeringtalk on 6 Dec 2000 at 8.00am (UK)
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The ability to alter the geometry of the pool floor enables various activities to be performed without the need for complex and costly multi-pool facilities or extensive structural modifications.
For example, water aerobics, water polo, disabled swimming, synchronised, competition and recreational swimming and diving, can all be easily accommodated.
The Arsenal hydrotherapy pool incorporates viewing portholes which can be accessed via the basement plantroom.
These portholes allow the club physiotherapists and doctors to examine and observe the players, giving them the ability to assess their movement and thus their recovery from injury.
The pool is 12 metres long by 4 metres wide, incorporating a single parallel lift AquaTerr floor which is raised and lowered by a Parker Hannifin HMI hydraulic cylinder, situated within the basement plantroom and fixed to the pool wall.
Further reading
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T7EEC pumps incorporate a single-piece shaft, enabling them to transmit cumulative torque internally, without any restrictions, for maximum operational efficiency.
This simplifies loading and stresses on the pool structure, which are transmitted along the pool slab.
The moveable pool floor structure is manufactured from grade 316L stainless steel, formed into a latticework with longitudinal members spanning between main transverse members.
The structure is restrained by 316L stainless steel wires which locate to anchor plates positioned at strategic points.
High density polyethylene sheets - measuring 2 m by 2 m by 20 mm thick - are used as the floor panels, and are secured to the structure by stainless steel straps hidden below the floor to eliminate any possibility of a safety hazard.
The panels are white in colour (alternative colours are available) and incorporate a non-slip finish.
Buoyancy for the floor is provided by polyurethane foam encapsulated blocks.
These are strapped to the floor structure, buoyancy being based on a loading of 40 kg per square metre +20% margin to cater for unequal loading.
The movement of the floor is achieved using stainless steel pull wires - controlled by the Parker Hannifin HMI hydraulic cylinder - which exit the pool through specially designed seals in the pool wall.
The 80 mm bore, 1100 mm stroke cylinder features linear transducer feedback for digital display purposes.
The speed of the floor can be adjusted to suit differing requirements, but is generally 0.35m per minute.
The complete hydraulic system was supplied by Parker distributor, Hedley Hydraulics of Huddersfield.
Operation of the AquaTerr system is simple.
Accurate positioning of the moveable floor is at the touch of a button.
Using the latest in micro processor control, pool operators can reposition the floor from a remote poolside panel - strategically positioned to give full view of the pool hall.
Electronic water depth indicators with audible and visual alarm indicators - linked to sensors on the Parker Hannifin HMI cylinder - are positioned along the sides of the pool to enable the floor to be positioned at any level.
The control system incorporates all necessary fail-safe interlocks and alarms with key switch access to avoid unauthorised use.
Thermelek has been at the forefront of technology and engineering in the municipal, leisure filtration and water treatment industry for more than 20 years.
Having initially established the most suitable engineering materials for use in the AquaTerr system, Thermelek appointed structural design specialists, British Aerospace Defence Systems (formerly Yard), to research and develop the correct structural design to ensure a well engineered product.
Yard have extensive experience in material selection and, in particular, moving structures which are exposed to elemental forces such as ocean environments. Request a free brochure from Parker Hannifin ...
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