HYDRAULIC CYLINDERS FOR ENERGY AND CIVIL ENGINEERING
Sector
Energy, civil engineering and seismic protection are sectors served by Silvio Fossa S.p.A. with custom hydraulic cylinders and devices up to 2.500 mm bore and 15.000 mm length, tested before delivery.
In civil works and energy plants, cylinders move very large loads, protect structures from earthquakes and must stay in service for many years, often outdoors.
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
- Gates, dams and hydraulic structures
- Control devices of hydroelectric plants
- Movable bridges and lifting of decks and structures
- Cement plants and drilling equipment
SEISMIC PROTECTION
Hydraulic seismic devices protect bridges, viaducts and buildings: they leave the slow movements of the structure free and come into action when an earthquake strikes.
- Viscous dampers: absorb seismic energy and reduce structural displacements
- Shock transmitters: free under slow movements due to temperature and shrinkage, they become a rigid restraint under rapid actions such as earthquakes and braking
- Uses: new bridges and viaducts and seismic retrofitting of existing structures
SECTOR REQUIREMENTS
- Very high loads: large bores, up to 2.500 mm, and long strokes up to 15.000 mm
- Long service life: fatigue design, corrosion protection and bellows to protect the rod
- Ready after years of standby: seals and fluids chosen to work even after long periods of inactivity, as in seismic devices
- Structural design: forces, strokes and speeds set by the structural engineer and the required standards
- Logistics: packaging and transport of oversize pieces, including by container
RECOMMENDED PRODUCTS
- Single acting and plunger cylinders: for lifting and thrust with gravity return
- Double acting cylinders: for operations controlled in both directions and for seismic devices
- Telescopic cylinders: for long strokes from a compact length
- Special applications: for one-off devices developed on the project
- Revamping: to inspect and rebuild existing cylinders and devices
Capabilities
| Max bore | Up to 2.500 mm |
|---|---|
| Max length | Up to 15.000 mm |
| Max assembled weight | Up to 100 tons |
| Tests | Static and dynamic, up to 1.500 bar |
| Engineering | In-house: solid design, parametric configuration, FEM and fatigue analysis |
| Certifications | ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 |
| Production | Two large areas in Northern Italy |
From the installation project to cylinder requirements
For gates, energy plants or structural movement, an enquiry should start with the project requirements: loads, stroke, speed and installation constraints. Also describe the environment, maintenance access and expected periods of inactivity. For devices involved in structural behaviour, include the specifications and verification requirements set by the designer.
Frequently asked questions
Does Silvio Fossa S.p.A. make cylinders for the energy and civil engineering sectors?+
Yes. It is one of the sectors served by Silvio Fossa S.p.A., together with metals, steel, test machines, petrochemical, naval, offshore, energy, cement and drilling industry.
Can you build very long cylinders for civil works?+
Yes. Silvio Fossa S.p.A. machines components up to 3.000 mm in diameter and 15.000 mm in length and assembles cylinders up to 100 tonnes.
Do you make seismic devices?+
Yes. Silvio Fossa S.p.A. makes custom hydraulic seismic devices for bridges, viaducts and structures. Dampers absorb seismic energy, with a force that increases with the speed of movement; shock transmitters leave slow movements free and lock the structure under rapid actions.
What is the maximum size?+
Components up to 3.000 mm diameter and 15.000 mm length can be machined, and cylinders and components weighing up to 100 tons can be assembled.
How are the cylinders tested before delivery?+
Static and dynamic tests are performed up to 1.500 bar, simulating the final application. Materials undergo certified controls, including level 2 non-destructive tests carried out in-house.
Can an existing cylinder be replaced or revamped?+
Yes. Silvio Fossa S.p.A. offers a complete revamping service for all kinds of cylinders, both its own and those of other manufacturers.
What information is needed for an energy or civil engineering application?+
Provide the device function, project requirements, loads, stroke, speed and available space. State the environment, planned maintenance and documentation required by the plant or structural designer.
Need a cylinder built around your application?
Tell us your requirements and our technical office will prepare a quote.