US20140075929A1

US20140075929A1 - Hydraulic anti-cavitation system

Info

Publication number: US20140075929A1
Application number: US13/621,802
Authority: US
Inventors: John Luvaas
Original assignee: Caterpillar Global Mining LLC
Current assignee: Caterpillar Global Mining LLC
Priority date: 2012-09-17
Filing date: 2012-09-17
Publication date: 2014-03-20

Abstract

An anti-cavitation system for hydraulic equipment is provided. The anti-cavitation system includes at least one high pressure hydraulic pump, at least one secondary hydraulic pump, and a motor configured to provide power to the secondary hydraulic pump. The anti-cavitation system also includes at least one accumulator fluidly connected to the secondary hydraulic pump, at least one hydraulic manifold, a control module, and at least one anti-cavitation manifold fluidly connected to at least one accumulator, and also fluidly connected to at least one hydraulic manifold.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to hydraulic pressure systems, and more particularly to an anti-cavitation system for hydraulic pressure systems in hydraulic equipment.

BACKGROUND

This section is intended to provide a background or context to the invention recited in the claims. The description herein may include concepts that could be pursued, but are not necessarily ones that have been previously conceived or pursued. Therefore, unless otherwise indicated herein, what is described in this section is not prior art to the description and claims in this application and is not admitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.
Hydraulic shovels are powered by hydraulic pressure systems. In these systems, hydraulic fluid is transmitted throughout the machine to various hydraulic motors and hydraulic cylinders, sending power to the machine's components as necessary. When a hydraulic shovel is digging, the shovel dipper receives power while the boom and stick may remain unpowered. Even without power, the boom and stick may move slightly due to the force of the digging. This movement may compress the fluid on the head side of the hydraulic cylinders controlling the boom or the stick. The compressed fluid on the head side of the cylinders may lead to fluid cavitation on the rod side of the cylinder. Cavitation within a hydraulic system can cause unwanted noise, damage to the hydraulic components, vibrations, and a loss of efficiency.
In order to prevent cavitation, hydraulic fluid may be supplied to the cylinders not in use. Conventional anti-cavitation devices typically are configured to constantly feed fluid to the manifolds and hydraulic lines that are not being used. However, this constant fluid flow often creates back pressure in the hydraulic tank lines. The back pressure reduces the positive flow of the hydraulic fluid, which decreases the effective hydraulic pressure. The pressure output must then be increased in order to create the appropriate amount of digging power, reducing the overall efficiency of the shovel.

SUMMARY

An embodiment of the present disclosure relates to an anti-cavitation system for hydraulic equipment. The anti-cavitation system includes at least one high pressure hydraulic pump configured to supply high pressure hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic manifold, and at least one secondary hydraulic pump configured to charge at least one accumulator with hydraulic fluid. The anti-cavitation system also includes a motor configured to provide power to the secondary hydraulic pump, and at least one accumulator fluidly connected to the secondary hydraulic pump. The accumulator is configured to receive hydraulic fluid from the secondary hydraulic pump, and to send hydraulic fluid to an anti-cavitation manifold.
In this embodiment, the anti-cavitation system also includes at least one hydraulic manifold fluidly connected to the high pressure hydraulic pump, and configured to receive pressurized hydraulic fluid from an anti-cavitation manifold, and a control module configured to transmit an electronic signal to the anti-cavitation manifold. Further, the anti-cavitation system includes at least one anti-cavitation manifold fluidly connected to at least one accumulator and configured to receive pressurized hydraulic fluid from at least one accumulator, wherein the anti-cavitation manifold is also fluidly connected to at least one hydraulic manifold and configured to transfer pressurized hydraulic fluid to at least one hydraulic manifold.
Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a method for providing an anti-cavitation system for hydraulic equipment. The method includes providing at least one high pressure hydraulic pump configured to supply high pressure hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic manifold, and providing at least one secondary hydraulic pump configured to charge at least one accumulator with hydraulic fluid. The method also includes providing a motor configured to transmit power to the secondary hydraulic pump, and providing at least one accumulator fluidly connected to the secondary hydraulic pump. The accumulator is configured to receive hydraulic fluid from the secondary hydraulic pump, and to send hydraulic fluid to an anti-cavitation manifold.
In this embodiment, the method also includes providing at least one hydraulic manifold fluidly connected to the high pressure hydraulic pump, and configured to receive pressurized hydraulic fluid from an anti-cavitation manifold, and providing a control module configured to transmit an electronic signal to the anti-cavitation manifold. Further, the method includes providing at least one anti-cavitation manifold fluidly connected to at least one accumulator and configured to receive pressurized hydraulic fluid from at least one accumulator, wherein the anti-cavitation manifold is also fluidly connected to at least one hydraulic manifold and configured to transfer pressurized hydraulic fluid to at least one hydraulic manifold.
Another embodiment of the present disclosure relates to a hydraulic subassembly for a hydraulic anti-cavitation system. The hydraulic subassembly includes at least one secondary hydraulic pump configured to charge at least one accumulator with hydraulic fluid, and a motor configured to transmit power to the secondary hydraulic pump. The hydraulic subassembly also includes at least one accumulator fluidly connected to the secondary hydraulic pump, the accumulator configured to receive hydraulic fluid from the secondary hydraulic pump, the accumulator configured to send hydraulic fluid to an anti-cavitation manifold.
In this embodiment, the hydraulic subassembly also includes at least one hydraulic manifold configured to connect to a high pressure hydraulic pump, and configured to receive pressurized hydraulic fluid from an anti-cavitation manifold. Further, the hydraulic subassembly includes at least one anti-cavitation manifold fluidly connected to at least one accumulator and configured to receive pressurized hydraulic fluid from at least one accumulator, wherein the anti-cavitation manifold is also fluidly connected to at least one hydraulic manifold and configured to transfer pressurized hydraulic fluid to at least one hydraulic manifold.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The disclosure will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, in which:

FIG. 1 is a view of a hydraulic mining shovel, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a simplified drawing of the hydraulic anti-cavitation system of the present disclosure, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a portion of the hydraulic anti-cavitation system of the present disclosure, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a low-pressure secondary pump with motor, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a fluid accumulator connected to an anti-cavitation manifold, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the attachment anti-cavitation manifold shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a propel anti-cavitation manifold, according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate the exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present application is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.
Referring to FIG. 1, a hydraulic mining shovel is shown. The hydraulic mining shovel 10 is typical of the type of hydraulic equipment that will utilize the hydraulic anti-cavitation system 20 (shown in FIG. 2) of the present embodiment.
Referring now to FIG. 2, a simplified drawing of the hydraulic anti-cavitation system of the present disclosure is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. The hydraulic anti-cavitation system 20 includes a low-pressure secondary pump 30. In exemplary embodiments, the secondary pump 30 includes a motor (shown as part of the secondary pump 30 in FIG. 4) that powers the secondary pump 30. In other embodiments, the motor may be a separate component that is coupled to the secondary pump 30.
In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2, the secondary pump 30 is fluidly connected to an accumulator 40. In this embodiment, the hydraulic anti-cavitation system 20 includes a single accumulator 40, but in other exemplary embodiments the system 20 may include more than one accumulator 40 if more fluid flow is required within the system 20. The secondary pump 30 may be fluidly connected to more than one accumulator 40, and is configured to charge an accumulator 40 by feeding pressurized hydraulic fluid into the accumulator 40. The accumulator 40 receives pressurized fluid from the secondary pump 30 and discharges the fluid into the anti-cavitation manifold 50 in exemplary embodiments.
In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2, the accumulator 40 is fluidly connected to a single attachment anti-cavitation manifold 50, which is configured to send pressurized hydraulic fluid to at least one attachment manifold 80 (e.g., boom manifold, stick manifold, drive manifold, etc.). However, in other exemplary embodiments, the accumulator 40 may be fluidly connected to more than one anti-cavitation manifold, including a propel anti-cavitation manifold 70 (shown in FIG. 7). In these embodiments, the propel anti-cavitation manifold 70 will receive fluid from the accumulator 40, and will transfer the pressurized hydraulic fluid to the system 20 's propel manifolds 85.
In exemplary embodiments, the anti-cavitation manifolds 50 and 70 are electronically connected to a control module 60. In these embodiments, the anti-cavitation manifolds 50 and 70 are configured to discharge pressurized fluid into a hydraulic manifold (shown as 80 in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 2) when the manifolds 50 and 70 receive an electronic signal 64 from the control module 60. The control module 60 may be configured to transmit the signal 64 to the anti-cavitation manifolds 50 and 70 when cavitation conditions are present within the system 20, as indicated by a signal 62 that may be initiated from suitable pressure sensors or the like. The control module 60 may also be configured to transmit the signal 64 to the manifolds 50 and 70 when the main pump 90 is not supplying fluid to the particular hydraulic manifold 80, or when otherwise suitable for the application. The pressurized fluid is intended to reduce or prevent cavitation within the hydraulic anti-cavitation system 20.
Referring now to FIG. 3, a side view of a portion of the anti-cavitation system of the present disclosure is shown. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3, the anti-cavitation system 20 includes the main accumulator 40 and a secondary accumulator 45. The anti-cavitation system 20 includes at least one accumulator 40, but may also include a secondary accumulator 45 when additional hydraulic fluid flow is required or when otherwise suitable for the application. The low-pressure secondary pump 30 (not shown in FIG. 3) is fluidly connected to the accumulators 40 and 45, and discharges pressurized fluid into the accumulators 40 and 45. Both accumulators 40 and 45 are also fluidly attached to the attachment anti-cavitation manifold 50 (shown in FIG. 5), and are configured to discharge hydraulic fluid into the attachment anti-cavitation manifold 50 as necessary for the application. The secondary accumulator 45 provides additional hydraulic fluid flow to the anti-cavitation manifold 50 in exemplary embodiments.
In exemplary embodiments, the anti-cavitation manifold 50 receives a signal 64 from the control module 60 when cavitation conditions are present within the attachment manifold 80 for the portions of the hydraulic system that are not being operated (e.g. boom, stick, etc.). Upon receiving the signal 64 from the control module 60, the anti-cavitation manifold 50 may send pressurized fluid to the attachment manifold 80. The anti-cavitation manifold 50 has at least one hydraulic port 32, through which it discharges the pressurized hydraulic fluid. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 3, the attachment anti-cavitation manifold 50 includes four hydraulic ports 32, but the manifold 50 may include any number of ports 32 suitable for the particular application. Hydraulic lines 35 are connected to each of the hydraulic ports 32, and the lines 35 transfer pressurized hydraulic fluid out into an attachment manifold 80. The pressurized fluid is intended to prevent cavitation from occurring within the attachment manifold 80.
Referring now to FIG. 4, a secondary pump and motor are shown. In exemplary embodiments, the anti-cavitation system 20 includes a low-pressure secondary pump 30. The pump 30 is powered by the motor (shown as attached to the pump 30 in this embodiment). The pump 30 runs continuously in this embodiment. However, the pump 30 may also be controlled by the control module 60 to run as needed in other embodiments, as may be determined in response to a signal 67 or other suitable signal such as a pressure signal 66 from the accumulator 40. The low-pressure secondary pump 30 is fluidly connected to at least one accumulator 40 (shown in FIG. 3) and charges the accumulator 40 with hydraulic fluid. In exemplary embodiments, when the accumulators 40 and 45 are full, the pump 30 returns oil back to the hydraulic tank 100 (shown in FIG. 2).
In exemplary embodiments, the secondary pump 30 provides hydraulic fluid with a pressure of approximately 16 bar, as opposed to the main pumps 90 within the system 20, which provide fluid with a much higher pressure of approximately 300 bar. The secondary pump 30 provides fluid to the anti-cavitation manifold 50 through the accumulator 40. When fluid is not being supplied to a manifold 80 by the main pump 90, the control module 60 sends a signal 64 to the anti-cavitation manifold 50 to transfer the fluid into the manifold 80 to prevent or reduce cavitation, in exemplary embodiments. Accordingly, the control module 60 may provide appropriate signals or instructions to pressurize an applicable attachment manifold 80 (or other component) when the attachment manifold 80 is not being operated (e.g. when not receiving fluid from main pumps 90), and/or provide signals on an actual or anticipatory basis as determined by pressure or other applicable signals 62 from the applicable attachment or its associated portion of the hydraulic system.
Referring now to FIG. 5, an isolated view of the main accumulator 40, the attachment anti-cavitation manifold 50, and the secondary accumulator 45 are shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, the accumulator 40 has two ends, with a first end fluidly connected to the low-pressure secondary pump 30 (not shown in FIG. 5), and a second end fluidly connected to an anti-cavitation manifold 50. The accumulator 40 receives hydraulic fluid from the secondary pump 30 and is “charged” by storing the pressurized fluid.
In exemplary embodiments, the anti-cavitation system 20 also includes a secondary accumulator 45. Like the accumulator 40, the secondary accumulator 45 has two ends, with a first end fluidly connected to the low-pressure secondary pump 30, and a second end fluidly connected to the anti-cavitation manifold 50. The secondary accumulator 45 also receives hydraulic fluid from the secondary pump 30 and is charged by storing the pressurized fluid. The secondary accumulator 45 operates as a backup to the accumulator 45 in certain exemplary embodiments. In these embodiments, the anti-cavitation system 20 requires more fluid flow than can be provided by the accumulator 40.
In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5, the accumulators 40 and 45 deliver a supply source of pressurized fluid to the anti-cavitation manifold 50, to be sent to a hydraulic manifold 80 (shown in FIG. 2). In other embodiments, the accumulators 40 and 45 may discharge fluid into more than one anti-cavitation manifold 50 or 70 if it is suitable for the particular application.
In FIG. 5, the attachment anti-cavitation manifold 50 is shown fluidly connected to the accumulators 40 and 45. The anti-cavitation manifold 50 receives a supply of the pressurized fluid from the accumulators 40 and 45. The anti-cavitation manifold 50 is configured to receive a signal 64 from the control module 60 when pressurized fluid is needed at the attachment to prevent cavitation, and in response to the signal 64, send pressurized hydraulic fluid to an attachment manifold 80 (shown in FIG. 2). The anti-cavitation manifold 50 has four ports 32 in the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 5. Fluid is sent out through the ports 32 (e.g. via appropriate valves 52 within the manifold 50 that actuate in response to signals 64), into hydraulic lines 35 (shown in FIG. 3), and out to the attachment manifolds 80 as needed. The pressurized fluid is intended to reduce the potential for cavitation within the attachment manifolds 80 by maintaining a predetermined minimum hydraulic pressure at the attachment.
Referring now to FIG. 6, the attachment anti-cavitation manifold 50 is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. In this embodiment, the anti-cavitation manifold 50 has three ports 32, which are each configured to connect to a hydraulic fluid line 35. The ports 32 send pressurized hydraulic fluid to at least one attachment manifold 80 within the anti-cavitation system 20. The attachment anti-cavitation manifold 50 sends pressurized fluid when the manifold 50 receives a signal 64 from the control module 60. The signal 64 is sent when conditions arise within the system 20 that are indicative of the potential for hydraulic cavitation. The pressurized fluid is intended to reduce or prevent cavitation within the system 20. According to one embodiment, the control module 60 receives signals 62 representative of a cavitation condition from suitable instruments such as pressure sensors or transducers that are operably associated with the hydraulic system at or near the applicable attachment manifolds.
Referring now to FIG. 7, the propel anti-cavitation manifold 70 is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. The propel anti-cavitation manifold 70 serves a function similar to the attachment anti-cavitation manifold 50 within the anti-cavitation system 20. In exemplary embodiments, the propel anti-cavitation manifold 70 is included in the anti-cavitation system 20 in order to fluidly connect to hydraulic manifolds that are not located near the attachment anti-cavitation manifold 50, and may be difficult to fluidly connect to the attachment anti-cavitation manifold 50. In these embodiments, the propel anti-cavitation manifold 70 is supplemental to the attachment anti-cavitation manifold 50 and is fluidly connected to one or more propel manifolds 85. However, in other embodiments, the attachment anti-cavitation manifolds 50 may be fluidly connected to the propel manifolds 85, and may be the sole supply source of hydraulic fluid to the propel manifolds 85, depending on the application.
The propel anti-cavitation manifold 70 receives pressurized fluid from an accumulator 40 or 45. The propel anti-cavitation manifold 70 is electronically connected to the control module 60, which sends a signal 68 to the propel anti-cavitation manifold 70 when cavitation conditions are detected within one or more manifolds or operating attachments that are receiving hydraulic fluid from the main pumps 90. In exemplary embodiments, the propel anti-cavitation manifold 70 is fluidly connected to at least one propel manifold 85.
Upon receiving the signal from the control module 60, the anti-cavitation manifold 70 discharges pressurized hydraulic fluid into attached hydraulic lines 35, which transfer the fluid to a propel manifold 85 as necessary. The pressurized fluid is intended to reduce or prevent cavitation within the manifold 85.
As utilized herein, the terms “approximately,” “about,” “substantially,” and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. It should be understood by those of skill in the art who review this disclosure that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without restricting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims.
It should be noted that the term “exemplary” as used herein to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or illustrations of possible embodiments (and such term is not intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples).
The terms “coupled,” “connected,” and the like as used herein mean the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another.
It should be noted that the orientation of various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and that such variations are intended to be encompassed by the present disclosure.
It is also important to note that the construction and arrangement of the systems and methods for providing the hydraulic anti-cavitation system as shown in the various exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present inventions have been described in detail in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter disclosed herein. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present inventions.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The disclosed anti-cavitation system may be utilized within any hydraulic equipment, including but not limited to mining equipment such as hydraulic mining shovels. The disclosed anti-cavitation system is intended to detect cavitation conditions within a hydraulic system, and to reduce or prevent cavitation within the hydraulic system when the conditions occur.
Within a hydraulic system, fluid may be subjected to changes in pressure. For instance, the force of digging in a hydraulic shovel may compress oil on one side of a hydraulic cylinder, resulting in cavitation of oil on the other side of the cylinder. Cavitation can be a significant cause of wear within a hydraulic system and can reduce the efficiency of the equipment. The anti-cavitation system of the present embodiment is intended to detect cavitation conditions within a hydraulic system, and respond to those conditions by discharging pressurized hydraulic fluid into the areas where cavitation may occur. The pressurized fluid is intended to reduce or prevent cavitation within the system.
Conventional anti-cavitation systems typically continuously provide fluid to unused hydraulic manifolds, which can create back pressure in the hydraulic lines, and reduce the efficiency of the hydraulic circuit. The anti-cavitation system of the present embodiment is intended to selectively provide fluid to the unused manifolds when cavitation conditions are present, thereby reducing back pressure in the lines and increasing the efficiency of the hydraulic equipment. Also, the anti-cavitation system of the present embodiment utilizes a small, low-pressure pump to supply pressurized fluid, which uses less energy than a typical anti-cavitation system, further increasing the efficiency of the system.
It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the disclosed hydraulic anti-cavitation system. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosed hydraulic anti-cavitation system. It is intended that the specification and examples be considered as exemplary only, with a true scope being indicated by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An anti-cavitation system for hydraulic equipment, comprising:

at least one high pressure hydraulic pump configured to supply high pressure hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic manifold;

at least one secondary hydraulic pump configured to charge at least one accumulator with hydraulic fluid;

a motor configured to provide power to the secondary hydraulic pump;

at least one accumulator fluidly connected to the secondary hydraulic pump, the accumulator configured to receive hydraulic fluid from the secondary hydraulic pump, the accumulator configured to send hydraulic fluid to an anti-cavitation manifold;

at least one hydraulic manifold fluidly connected to the high pressure hydraulic pump, and configured to receive pressurized hydraulic fluid from an anti-cavitation manifold;

a control module configured to transmit an electronic signal to the anti-cavitation manifold;

at least one anti-cavitation manifold fluidly connected to at least one accumulator and configured to receive pressurized hydraulic fluid from at least one accumulator, wherein the anti-cavitation manifold is also fluidly connected to at least one hydraulic manifold and configured to transfer pressurized hydraulic fluid to at least one hydraulic manifold.

2. The anti-cavitation system of claim 1, wherein the at least one anti-cavitation manifold is configured to transfer pressurized hydraulic fluid to at least one hydraulic manifold only when the control module transmits the electronic signal to the anti-cavitation manifold.

3. The anti-cavitation system of claim 2, wherein the control module is configured to detect cavitation conditions within the hydraulic system, and to transmit the electronic signal when cavitation conditions are detected.

4. The anti-cavitation system of claim 2, wherein the control module is configured to transmit the electronic signal when the high pressure hydraulic pump is not supplying high pressure hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic manifold.

5. The anti-cavitation system of claim 1, wherein the secondary hydraulic pump is coupled to the motor.

6. The anti-cavitation system of claim 1, wherein the secondary hydraulic pump is configured to discharge fluid at a pressure of less than approximately 16 bar.

7. The anti-cavitation system of claim 1, wherein the high pressure hydraulic pump is configured to discharge fluid at a pressure of at least approximately 300 bar.

8. The anti-cavitation system of claim 2, further comprising a first anti-cavitation manifold fluidly connected to at least one attachment hydraulic manifold, and a second anti-cavitation manifold fluidly connected to at least one propel hydraulic manifold.

9. The anti-cavitation system of claim 8, wherein the first anti-cavitation manifold is configured to transfer pressurized hydraulic fluid to at least one attachment manifold, and the second anti-cavitation manifold is configured to transfer pressurized hydraulic fluid to at least one propel hydraulic manifold.

10. The anti-cavitation system of claim 1, further comprising at least two accumulators fluidly connected to the secondary hydraulic pump, the accumulators configured to send pressurized hydraulic fluid to at least one anti-cavitation manifold.

11. A method for providing an anti-cavitation system for hydraulic equipment, comprising:

providing at least one high pressure hydraulic pump configured to supply high pressure hydraulic fluid to a hydraulic manifold;

providing at least one secondary hydraulic pump configured to charge at least one accumulator with hydraulic fluid;

providing a motor configured to provide power to the secondary hydraulic pump;

providing at least one accumulator fluidly connected to the secondary hydraulic pump, the accumulator configured to receive hydraulic fluid from the secondary hydraulic pump;

providing at least one hydraulic manifold fluidly connected to the high pressure hydraulic pump, and configured to receive pressurized hydraulic fluid from an anti-cavitation manifold;

providing a control module configured to transmit an electronic signal to the anti-cavitation manifold;

providing at least one anti-cavitation manifold fluidly connected to at least one accumulator and configured to receive pressurized hydraulic fluid from at least one accumulator, wherein the anti-cavitation manifold is also fluidly connected to at least one hydraulic manifold and configured to transfer pressurized hydraulic fluid to at least one hydraulic manifold.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein the control module is configured to detect cavitation conditions within the hydraulic system, and to transmit the electronic signal when cavitation conditions are detected.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the control module is configured to detect cavitation conditions within the hydraulic system, and to transmit the electronic signal when cavitation conditions are detected.

14. The method of claim 12, wherein the control module is configured to transmit the electronic signal when the high pressure hydraulic pump is not supplying high pressure hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic manifold.

15. A hydraulic subassembly for a hydraulic anti-cavitation system, comprising:

a motor configured to provide power to the secondary hydraulic pump;

at least one hydraulic manifold configured to connect to a high pressure hydraulic pump, and configured to receive pressurized hydraulic fluid from an anti-cavitation manifold;

16. The hydraulic subassembly of claim 15, wherein the secondary hydraulic pump is coupled to the motor.

17. The hydraulic subassembly of claim 15, wherein the secondary hydraulic pump is configured to discharge hydraulic fluid at a pressure of less than approximately 16 bar.

18. The hydraulic subassembly of claim 15, further comprising at least two accumulators fluidly connected to the secondary hydraulic pump, the accumulators configured to send pressurized hydraulic fluid to at least one anti-cavitation manifold.

19. The hydraulic subassembly of claim 15, further comprising a first anti-cavitation manifold fluidly connected to at least one attachment hydraulic manifold, and a second anti-cavitation manifold fluidly connected to at least one propel hydraulic manifold.

20. The hydraulic subassembly of claim 19, wherein the first anti-cavitation manifold is configured to transfer pressurized hydraulic fluid to at least one attachment manifold, and the second anti-cavitation manifold is configured to transfer pressurized hydraulic fluid to at least one propel hydraulic manifold.