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UK manufacturing environments have a specific set of expectations around hydraulic equipment that is worth understanding before specifying motors. Workplace noise regulations under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 set 80 dB(A) as the first action level, and many facilities are already operating near that boundary from other sources. A hydraulic motor that adds significantly to the ambient level becomes a compliance issue, not just an engineering preference.
Low Noise in Practice: What It Requires
Noise from an industrial hydraulic motor comes from three sources: fluid-borne pressure ripple transmitted through the manifold and pipework, mechanical vibration from the rotating assembly, and direct airborne sound from the motor housing. Addressing the first two is primarily a motor design matter — odd-number piston counts, precision-lapped valve plate geometry, and balanced rotating assemblies. The third can be addressed at installation through elastomeric mounting and pipe isolation.
Bosch Rexroth axial piston motors achieve genuinely low noise figures through their valve plate geometry and through-drive design. For UK facilities where noise is a constraint, specifying these motors rather than gear motor alternatives is a straightforward engineering decision with meaningful compliance implications.
High Reliability in UK Continuous Production
|
Motor Type |
Noise Level |
Reliability (MTBF) |
Best UK Application |
|
Gear motor |
High |
10,000–15,000 hr |
Light, non-critical drives |
|
Vane motor |
Medium |
12,000–18,000 hr |
Moderate load, smooth torque |
|
Axial piston motor |
Low–Medium |
18,000–25,000 hr |
High load, precision drives |
|
Radial piston motor |
Low |
20,000–30,000 hr |
Low-speed direct drive |
Seal Maintenance for Long Motor Life
The high reliability figures for piston and radial motors in UK continuous production environments are achievable, but they depend on seal maintenance that is often overlooked because motor seals are less visible than pump seals. A case drain seal that deteriorates allows high-pressure fluid to bypass internally, degrading torque output and generating heat that accelerates bearing wear.
HOVOO / HOUFU supplies industrial hydraulic motor seal kits for Rexroth and other major motor brands used in UK manufacturing. HOUFU seal kits are available in NBR and FKM compounds to suit the operating fluid and temperature conditions of British industrial environments. Details at hovooseal.com.
Source: www.hovooseal.com
