October 2020

Slack & Parr produces pumps and hydraulic equipment to a particularly high engineering quality so they can withstand some of the toughest industry demands. Such high demands can be found in the luxury yacht industry, where faultless performance has to be delivered under challenging situations. Here, Slack & Parr’s flow dividers are the go-to choice for many customers. Long-standing Slack & Parr client, Phoenix Marine Solutions, based in Peterborough, is a designer of bespoke hydraulic solutions for the world’s luxury yacht market. The company has been supplying recognisable brands such as Sunseeker, Fairline and Princess with unique hydraulic systems and mechanisms since 1981. Identical fluid displacement Slack & Parr’s rotary geared flow dividers connect two or more gear sections along a common shaft. The flow divider is fed from a common inlet port and has separate outlet ports. The geared sections, while rotating at speed on the common shaft, provide identical fluid displacement for each outlet. For Phoenix’s products, which include mechanisms such as submerging bathing platforms and tender lift systems, flow dividers are an integral part of the technology, reportedly providing a much higher accuracy than spool-type dividers, which rely on a pressure compensation for accuracy. The commanding standards for quality and design demanded by the super yacht market requires that Phoenix’s products need to perform smoothly, evenly and reliably in a particularly demanding operational environment. Slack & Parr comments that the performance and efficiency of its flow dividers is guaranteed by the method of manufacture. All plates are lapped and gears are ground to give extremely small, controlled clearances, which can be adjusted depending on the specific viscosities, pressures and speeds required. The company adds that the level of expertise used in the manufacturing process means an accuracy of up to 98% can potentially be achieved, both when measured from port to port in a single unit, as well as across a number of different units. Crucial component Elizabeth Noles, director and general manager at Phoenix, comments: “Slack & Parr flow dividers are a crucial component to our end-product, and we couldn’t supply our finished product without them. We have been working together for 15 years – their quality of product and level of professionalism keeps our working relationship strong.” Very best of everything Michael Smith, captain of luxury super yachts for the past 15 years with multiple circumnavigations and long periods of sailing in remote areas, explains: “There is no way you can provide the level of service our clients are accustomed to without using the very best of everything. The constantly changing conditions, the demanding nature of the business and the harsh ocean environment leave no room for error or slight indication of failure.” Neil Anderton, hydraulics and industrial director at Slack & Parr, adds: “We are very proud of the relationship with Phoenix that has evolved over the years. To know our solid, reliable engineering excellence is working away providing the difference between good and exceptional under the skin of such incredible and beautiful yachts is extremely pleasing.” Slack & Parr, based out of Kegworth, UK, has a 100-year history for its highest quality precision engineering. The company established its Hydraulics Division in 1978 and has been manufacturing and distributing its rotary geared flow dividers to clients all over the world ever since. There are many other demanding situations requiring such high-precision solutions from Slack & Parr, including those in the agriculture, textiles, F1 and construction sectors. www.slackandparr.com www.phoenixmarinesolutions.co.uk 22 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS October 2020 www.hpmag.co.uk HYDRAULICS Slack & Parr flow dividers bring a quiet strength to the luxury yacht market