firewood processor help

polemidis · Apr 10, 2018

I need your expertise guys. I completed the major design, it is here, its open source to anyone to download, improve etc.
I keep the story short, on the design link above I have wrotten my approach. Also here I have my diagram. Its ongoing now, and I need your help to make some decisions and avoid mistakes.
The main frame is welded, I am waiting the legs and the chains in a few days

The splitter circuit will be independent for now with a dual stage pump (sorry muddstopper, I already had the pump!

) so lets leave it out of the discussion.
In short:
I have a 16HP motor, planning to run it at 3000rpm, then add a 0.97ci/rev pump. I calculated it can handle 12.6pm @1900psi, followed by the prince sv stack valves to operate ONE at a time

:
a) the loading arms motor (motor spool w/ spring return)
b) the infeed motor (motor spool w/ spring return)
c)the clamp cylinder/chainbar cylinder/chainsaw motor (here I need help)
d) the 4way wedge height cylinder (DA cylinder spool)
e) the outfeed conveyor motor (DA cylinder spool w/detent)

My understanding is that the upstream valve will take all the power correct? Thats why I left the outfeed conveyor motor last. I do not care that it will start/stop as other functions happen, unless if that way it will shorten its lifespan. If thats the case can I just TEE before the stack valve with a inline flow valve and operate it through the flow valve only, removeing the (e)spool? Or should I just move the (e) spool to be the first?

With the (c) can I do it with one spool movement? With one sequence valve that sends the fluid to the clamp cylinder first, then the chainbar cylinder (with a pressure limit valve)??? How can I connect the chainsaw motor? with another sequence valve? Or is there 4 way sequence valve? I bet there is some other way, maybe a pressure sensor? I am completely lost at that part.
Or maybe just add another spool to operate the chainsaw motor on its own without the automation/relation of the clamp or/and chainbar cylinders?

Plz dont get into the discussion of what motor I will use for the chain motor, I would like to resolve one issue at a time as i am kind of slow to hydraulic stuff:confused2::confused2: I will do my homework when its time and I will bother you again for confirmation:thumbsup:

I have started the diagram here if someone want to edit it its open to the public.

Oh, and another thing. I am wiling to add pressure gauges whenever it can be useful for troubleshooting and for tweaking. How is this implemented? Just add TEEs that tee to the pressure gauges???

thank you guys!

Millet · Jan 26, 2019

Hi, I hope you have resolved your problem?
The first link didn't work!

Tractor Seabee · Jan 27, 2019

To really follow the logic of the hydraulics you need to show a point to point one line piping diagram. I am lost on your arrows. Is the system open center or closed center? If open center are you maintaining the power flow through the various valve stacks with power beyond circuits? Do you need to establish one or more circuits as priority using a priority valve? Are there solenoids for operations? Sometimes they simplify the operating sequences. Maybe use a tractor manual piping diagram as an example if you are not familiar withe the standard symbology. This is the way my mind works on this stuff. I have learned my tractor hydraulics by studying the WSM diagrams. Then again I worked as an air, various fluid, and electronic/electric instrumentation tech for several years in industrial plant environments, both install and service.

Ron

Tractor Seabee · Jan 27, 2019

Millet said:
Hi, I hope you have resolved your problem?
The first link didn't work!

The one in the next to last paragraph works and brings up his diagram.

Ron

Tractor Seabee · Jan 27, 2019

Another recommendation: Get a Surplus Center catalog or other vendor and identify each valve as to what it controls and its operating characteristics. Motor operating valves are different than cylinder operating valves and the circuits will probably need restrictors to control speed. Some cylinders may also need restrictors to slow down the timing of thrust. Restrictors can be orifices or needle valves. The Tech Desk at SC can be very helpful to you in selecting components. If you know all this stuff forget I posted, just brainstorming your solutions.

Ron

polemidis · Jan 27, 2019

Guys, that a very old thread, all the problems are solved (in paper) and the build hopefully will be complete in 2 weeks. I just ordered the hoses and the last parts.
My design has moved in gitlab. as I now have a team that designs equipment

The many arrows are because I have implemented some inteliggene to the circuit that it detect if the chainsaw is about to stall and slows down the feeding.

In another thread I have posted the hydraulic circuit with the correct schematics. That link with on google slide is just a quick sketch

Millet · Jan 28, 2019

In the beginning I wanted too, to have a feeding system for the chainsaw, but I read in the 6kproduct website they say that:

The least expensive to build and fastest cutting feed method it to have a lever and move it by hand. In testing done in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s we found manual feed to be 20% to 50% faster than hydraulic feed. Using our 30G basic saw with a feed roll in feed system we were able to saw 6” diameter X 16” pieces at a rate of up to 20 per minute in green wood.

The link of the Firewood Processor Design Considerations article:

6K Products - Design Considerations

polemidis · Jan 28, 2019

Millet said:
In the beginning I wanted too, to have a feeding system for the chainsaw, but I read in the 6kproduct website they say that:

The least expensive to build and fastest cutting feed method it to have a lever and move it by hand. In testing done in the late 1970’s and early 1980’s we found manual feed to be 20% to 50% faster than hydraulic feed. Using our 30G basic saw with a feed roll in feed system we were able to saw 6” diameter X 16” pieces at a rate of up to 20 per minute in green wood.

The link of the Firewood Processor Design Considerations article:

6K Products - Design Considerations