CHALLENGE:
Parker Distributor, VarioDrive were tasked with solving a unique challenge of aiding Utrecht Univeristy in an experiment to simulate the tides using a 60m2 metal container of sand, water and plants. To be able to tilt the extremely heavy container, they required the expertise of VarioDrive and their hydraulic and electromechincal experience.
SOLUTION:
VarioDrive analyzed the challenge and recommended an electromechanical solution: the new ETA-125 cylinder from Parker Hannifin.
BENEFITS:
Expertise, availability and local support. VarioDrive were quickly able to install the solution which resulted in the successful operation of Utrecht's experiments. The solution ensured smooth movement, quiet operation, efficiency, and ease of maintence.
VARIODRIVE
Variodrive, based in The Netherlands, is a certified Parker Distributor, partnering with customers to provide motion control solutions and associated services.
As a global manufacturer of motion and control technologies, Parker has an unrivalled network of distributors that ensures products and services are available when and where you need them. This network provides instant local access to spare parts, maintenance, repair and overhaul items for electromechanical, hydraulic, process control, filtration and pneumatic technologies.
“It is incredibly great to see that we’ve succeeded in realizing this whole thing in collaboration with VarioDrive and Parker. As a result, we can do wonderful experiments while the whole world is watching. Nobody can do this, nobody has ever managed to achieve this in this way. So that’s fantastic."
Prof. Dr. Maarten Kleinhans, University of Utrecht
A Collaboration for Groundbreaking Natural Landscapes Experiment
The Challenge
The study of natural landscapes, particularly how they form, is a subject of great interest for Prof. Dr. Maarten Kleinhams and his team at Utrecht University. To delve into this, they embarked on an ambitious project: replicating natural landscapes using a large sandbox. The objective was to simulate low and high tides by tilting the entire container. However, the scale of the experiment posed significant challenges. The massive sandbox filled with sand was exceedingly heavy, making the tilting process a technical hurdle.
The Solution
To overcome this challenge, Utrecht University sought the expertise of VarioDrive, a certified distributor of Parker Hannifin, a world leader in motion control technology. Initially, the plan was to use hydraulics to facilitate the tilting process. However, after discussions with VarioDrive, the team decided to use an electromechanical solution: the new ETA-125 cylinder from Parker Hannifin. This product was identified as being perfectly suited to the task at hand, meeting the criteria of smooth movement, quiet operation, efficiency, and maintenance-friendly nature. Frank Wiertz from Parker Hannifin emphasized the importance of product innovation and the role of certified distributors like VarioDrive in bringing these innovations to the market, especially in the field of electromechanical products. ## The Result The collaboration between Utrecht University, VarioDrive, and Parker Hannifin resulted in a successful implementation of the ETA-125 cylinder, enabling the team to perform their unique experiments.
Prof. Dr. Maarten Kleinhans expressed his satisfaction with the result, “It is incredibly great to see that we’ve succeeded in realizing this whole thing in collaboration with VarioDrive and Parker. As a result, we can do wonderful experiments while the whole world is watching. Nobody can do this, nobody has ever managed to achieve this in this way. So that’s fantastic."
The Benefits of Local Expertise and Availability
The case of Utrecht University underscores the value of local expertise and availability in solving complex technical challenges. VarioDrive's knowledge of Parker Hannifin's product portfolio and their ability to provide a tailored solution to the university's unique problem played a crucial role in the project's success.
The locality and availability of VarioDrive ensured a smooth, efficient, and timely implementation of the solution, enabling Utrecht University to move forward with their groundbreaking experiment. This collaboration not only solved a significant technical challenge but also contributed to the advancement of scientific research, demonstrating the power of innovation and partnership in overcoming obstacles and achieving remarkable results.
Watch how Parker distributor, Variodrive, aid Utrecht university by devising an electromechanical solution to a unique challenge to an experiment that simulates currents and high tides using a 60m2 metal box full of sand, water and plants.
