Details

A containerized hydraulic snubber test bench is a fully self-contained, mobile testing unit—usually built into a standard ISO shipping container—that can be transported to site locations for on-site testing of hydraulic snubbers. It's a step up from in situ test rigs in terms of equipment centralization and control.

Key Features of a Containerized Test Bench:
  • Container Shell: Often a 20-foot or 40-foot container, modified for easy transport, ventilation, and utility connections.
  • Hydraulic Power Unit (HPU): Provides precise and variable hydraulic pressure and flow to simulate real-life loading conditions.
  • Test Frame: Rigid steel frame inside the container that can hold the snubber during testing.
  • Load & Displacement Measurement:
    - Load cells (force measurement)
    - LVDTs or laser sensors (displacement tracking)
  • Control System:
    - PLC or PC-based control panel
    - Real-time feedback and logging
    - Custom test profiles (e.g., load cycling, lock-up response, bleed down rates)
  • Safety Systems:
    - Pressure relief valves
    - Emergency stop systems
    - Shielding for high-pressure components
  • Utilities:
    - Electrical connections or built-in generator
    - HVAC for climate control
    - Lighting, workbenches, storage for tools and spares

1. Hydraulic Power System
  • Pressure Range: 0 to 350 bar (5,000 psi typical)
  • Flow Rate: 10 to 50 L/min (depending on actuator speed requirements)
  • Reservoir Capacity: 200 to 500 liters
  • Pump Type: Variable displacement axial piston pump (preferred for fine control)
  • Hydraulic Fluid: ISO VG 32 or 46 (fire-resistant fluid options for nuclear/oil & gas sites)
  • Filtration:
    - 10-micron return filter
    - 3-micron pressure filter (for precision systems)

2. Actuator (Test Jack)
  • Capacity: 50 kN to 500 kN (5 to 50 metric tons force) depending on snubber size.
  • Stroke Length: 300 mm to 1000 mm (custom depending on test needs)
  • Speed Control: 0.1 to 50 mm/s (to simulate slow thermal and rapid dynamic conditions)
  • Mounting: Swiveling clevis mounts for easy snubber alignment.

3. Instrumentation
  • Load Cells:
    - Accuracy: ±0.5% of full scale
    - Range matched to actuator (e.g., 100 kN, 250 kN, etc.)
  • Displacement Sensors (LVDT or Laser):
    - Resolution: 0.01 mm
    - Range: typically matched to actuator stroke
  • Pressure Sensors:
    - Range: 0–400 bar
    - Accuracy: ±0.25% of full scale
  • Temperature Sensors (for fluid temp monitoring):
    - Range: 0–120°C

4. Control & Data Acquisition
  • PLC/Controller:
    - Siemens, Allen Bradley, or Beckhoff
  • Human Machine Interface (HMI):
    - 10" to 15" touchscreen panel
    - Recipe-based testing (pre-loaded programs for different snubber models)
  • DAQ System:
    - High-speed sampling (at least 1 kHz)
    - Digital archiving of test results (csv, PDF auto-reports)
  • Remote Monitoring Option:
    - Ethernet or 4G/5G connectivity for cloud upload or remote troubleshooting

5. Container Specs
  • Container Size: 20 ft High Cube (preferred for more height inside) or 40 ft standard
  • Climate Control:
    - HVAC unit rated for -20°C to +45°C operation
  • Flooring:
    - Reinforced steel or aluminum deck
    - Drainage channels for hydraulic spills
  • Safety:
    - CE marking or ASME certification if required
    - Pressure-tested hydraulic systems
    - Emergency lighting and exits
    - Fire suppression (e.g., FM-200 system)

Test Capabilities: 


  

    

      
Feature
      
Specification
    
  
  

    

      
Max Test Load
      
Up to 500 kN (optional up to 1000 kN for large snubbers)
    
    

      
Stroke Range
      
50 mm – 1000 mm (typical range: 300–600 mm)
    
    

      
Load Accuracy
      
±0.5% FS (Full Scale); optionally ±0.25% with high-end sensors
    
    

      
Displacement Accuracy
      
±0.1 mm; resolution 0.01 mm or better
    
    

      
Velocity Control
      
0.1 to 50 mm/s (precise ramp profiles configurable)
    
    

      
Test Modes
      
Static test, Dynamic test, Bleed down, Lock-up test
    
  




Standards & Compliance
  • Test Standards Supported:
    - ASME QME-1
    - IEEE Std 344 (Seismic Qualification)
    - RCC-E (for nuclear applications)
    - EN 15129 (Anti-seismic devices in Europe)
  • Calibration Protocols:
    - ISO 376 for force transducers
    - ISO 9513 for extensometers (LVDT)
    - In-house or third-party yearly recalibration supported

Optional Upgrades
  • Automatic Snubber Clamping Fixtures:
    - For different snubber types: piston-type, diaphragm-type, or 3-piece designs
  • Remote Access:
    - VPN module for OEM diagnostics or remote operation
  • EMC/EMI Shielding:
    - For use in nuclear facilities or near high-frequency equipment
  • Integration with CMMS (Maintenance Management):
    - Test result tagging to plant asset management systems (SAP, Maximo)