Hydraulics and Pneumatics - Notes
Hydraulics and Pneumatics - Notes
Hydraulics and Pneumatics - Notes
FLUID POWER: It may be defined as the technology that deals with the generation, control and
transmission of power using pressurized fluids
HYDRAULIC SYSTEM:
An electric motor drives the hydraulic pump so that the fluid is pumped from the tank at the
required pressure. The fluid circulated into the system should be clean to reduce the wear of the
pump and cylinder; hence a filter is used immediate to the storage tank. Since the pump delivers
constant volume of fluid for each revolution of the shaft the fluid pressure rises indefinitely until a
pipe or pump itself fails. To avoid this some kind of pressure regulators is used to spill out the excess
fluid back to the tank. Cylinder movement is controlled by a 3 position change over control valve. One
side of the valve is connected to a pressurized fluid line and the fluid retrieval line and other side of
the valve is connected to port A and port B of the cylinder. Since the hydraulic circuit is a closed one,
the liquid transferred from the storage tank to one side of the piston, and the fluid at the other side of
the piston is retrieved back to the tank.
Raise: To lift the weight, the pressurized fluid line has to be connected to port A and the retrieval line
has to be connected to the port B, by moving the valve position to “raise”.
Petroleum Oils: These are the most common among the hydraulic fluids which are used in a
wide range of hydraulic applications. The characteristic of petroleum based hydraulic oils are
controlled by the type of crude oil used. Naphthenic oils have low viscosity index so it is
unsuitable where the oil temperatures vary too widely. The aromatics have a higher presence
of benzene and they are more compatible with moderate temperature variation. Paraffinic oils
have a high viscosity index and they are more suitable for the system where the temperature
varies greatly.
Advantages: Excellent lubricity, Reasonable cost, Non-corrosive
Disadvantage: Tendency to oxidize rapidly, Not fire resistance
Water Oil Emulsions: These are water-oil mixtures. They are of two types oil-in-water
emulsions or water-in-oil emulsions. The oil-in-water emulsion has water as the continuous
base and the oil is present in lesser amounts as the dispersed media. In the water-in-oil
emulsion, the oil is in continuous phase and water is the dispersed media.
Advantages: High viscosity index, Oxidation stability, Film strength
Disadvantage: Depletion of water due to evaporation decreases fire resistance,
Demulsification may be problem with water-in-oil emulsions.
Phosphate Ester: It results from the incorporation of phosphorus into organic molecules.
They have high thermal stability. They serve as an excellent detergent and prevent building up
of sludge.
Advantages: Excellent fire resistance, Good lubricity, Non corrosive
Disadvantage: Not compatible with many plastics and elastomers, Expensive
PROPERTIES OF FLUIDS:
1. Viscosity: It is a measure of the fluid’s internal resistance offered to flow. Viscosity is the most
important factor from the stand point of flow. If the viscosity of the hydraulic oil is higher than
recommended, the system will be affected in the following manner.
1. The viscous oil may not be able to pass through the pipes.
2. The working temperature will increases because there will be internal friction.
3. The consumption of power will increase
If the viscosity of the oil is lesser than recommended then,
1. The internal and external leakage will increase
2. It cannot lubricate properly and will lead to rapid wear of the moving parts.
2. Viscosity Index: This value shows how temperature affects the viscosity of oil. The viscosity of
the oil decreases with increase in temperature and vice versa. The rate of change of viscosity with
temperature is indicated on an arbitrary scale called viscosity index (VI). The lower the viscosity
index, the greater the variation in viscosity with changes in temperature and vice versa.
4. Demulsibility: The ability of a hydraulic fluid to separate rapidly from moisture and
successfully resist emulsification is known as Demulsibility. If oil emulsifies with water the
emulsion will promote the destruction of lubricating value and sealant properties. Highly refined
oils are basically water resistance by nature.
5. Lubricity: Wear results in increase clearance which leads to all sorts of operational
difficulties including fall of efficiency. At the time of selecting a hydraulic oil care must be taken to
select one which will be able to lubricate the moving parts efficiently.
6. Rust Prevention: The moisture entering into the hydraulic system with air causes the parts
made ferrous materials to rust. This rust if passed through the precision made pumps and valves
may scratch the nicely polished surfaces. So additives named inhibitors are added to the oil to keep
the moisture away from the surface.
7. Pour Point: The temperature at which oil will clot is referred to as the pour point i.e. the
lowest temperature at which the oil is able to flow easily. It is of great importance in cold countries
where the system is exposed to very low temperature.
8. Flash Point and Fire Point: Flash point is the temperature at which a liquid gives off
vapour in sufficient quantity to ignite momentarily or flash when a flame is applied. The minimum
temperature at which the hydraulic fluid will catch fire and continue burning is called fire point.
10. Density: It is that quantity of matter contained in unit volume of the substance.
11. Compressibility: All fluids are compressible to some extent. Compressibility of a liquid
causes the liquid to act much like a stiff spring. The coefficient of compressibility is the fractional
change in a unit volume of liquid per unit change of pressure
FLUID FLOW:
Laminar Flow: It is one in which paths taken by the individual partials do not cross one
another and moves along well defined paths. The laminar flow is characterized by the fluid flowing in
smooth layers of lamina. This type of flow is also known as streamline or viscous flow because the
particles of fluid moving in an orderly manner and retaining the same relative positions in successive
cross sections.
Examples:
1. Flow of oil in measuring instruments
2. Flow of blood in veins and arteries
Turbulent Flow: It is that flow in which fluid particles move in a zigzag way. It is
characterized by continues small fluctuations in the magnitude and direction of the velocity of the
fluid particles. It causes more resistance to flow, Greater energy loss and increase fluid temperature
due to greater energy loss.
Examples: High velocity flow in a pipe of large size
L V2
HL = f ( )( )
D g
HL – Head Loss V – Velocity of Flow
f - Friction Factor g – Acceleration due to gravity
L - Length of pipe
D – Inner Diameter
During laminar flow the friction is relatively independent of the surface conditions of the inside
diameter of the pipe.
The friction factor ‘f’ for laminar flow can be found by the equation
64
f= when Re < 2000
Re
But in turbulent flow friction factor depends on both the Reynolds number and roughness of the pipe.
An American engineer L.F.Moody documented the experimental and theoretical investigation on the
laws of friction in pipe flow in form of a diagram. He showed the variation of friction factor with the
governing parameters namely the Reynolds number and relative roughness of the pipe. This
D
CONTINUITY EQUATION: It states that if no fluid is added or removed from the pipe in any length
then the mass passing across different sections shall be same.
A1 V1 = A2 V2
BERNOULLI’S EQUATION: It states that in a ideal incompressible fluid when the flow is steady and
continuous the sum of potential energy, kinetic energy and pressure energy is constant across all
cross sections of the pipe.
2 2
V P V P
Z1 + 1 + 1 = Z2 + 2 + 2
2g w 2g w
Introduction:
A pump which is the heart of a hydraulic system converts mechanical energy into hydraulic
energy. The mechanical energy is delivered to the pump via prime mover such as electric motor. Due
to the mechanical action the pump creates a partial vacuum at its inlet. This permits atmospheric
pressure to force the fluid through the inlet line and into the pump. The pump then pushes the fluid
into the hydraulic system.
Pump Classifications:
1. Non Positive Displacement Pumps: The most common types of dynamic pumps are the
centrifugal and axial pumps. Although these pumps provide smooth continuous flow, their
flow output is reduced as circuit resistance is increased and thus are rarely used in fluid
power systems. In dynamic pumps there is a great deal of clearance between the rotating
impeller and the stationary housing. Thus as the resistance of the external system starts to
increase, some of the fluid slips back into the clearance spaces, causing a reduction in the
discharge flow rate. This slippage is due to the fact that the fluid follows the path of least
resistance. When the resistance of the external system becomes infinitely large the pump will
produce no flow. These pumps are typically used for low pressure, high volume flow
applications. Also since there is a great deal of clearance between the rotating and stationary
elements, dynamic pumps are not self priming unlike positive displacement pump.
2. Positive Displacement Pump: This type of pump ejects a fixed quantity of fluid per
revolution of the pump shaft. As a result, pump output flow, neglecting changes in the small
internal leakage is constant and not dependent on system pressure. This makes them
particularly well suited for fluid power systems. However positive displacement pumps must
be protected against overpressure if the resistance to flow becomes very large. This can
happen if a valve is completely closed and there is no physical place for the fluid to go. The
reason for this is that a positive displacement pump continues to eject fluid causing an
extremely rapid buildup in pressure as the fluid compressed. A pressure relief valve is used to
protect the pump against overpressure by diverting pump flow back to the hydraulic tank
where the fluid is stored for system use.
GEAR PUMPS:
External Gear Pump:
The given figure shows the operation of an external gear pump, which develops flow by carrying fluid
between the teeth of two meshing gears. One of the gears is connected to a drive shaft connected to
the prime mover. The second gear is driven as it meshes with the driver gear. Oil chambers are
formed between the gear teeth, the pump housing and the side wear plates. The suction side is where
teeth come out of mesh and it is here that the volume expands bringing about a reduction in pressure
to below atmospheric pressure. Fluid is pushed into this void by atmospheric pressure because the oil
supply tank is vented to the atmosphere. The discharge side is where teeth go into mesh and it is here
that the volume decreases between mating teeth. Since the pump has a positive internal seal against
leakage the oil is positively ejected into the outlet port. The displacement of the gear pump is
determined by volume of fluid between each pair of teeth, Number of teeth and speed of rotation.
QT = VD x N
VD = (Do2-Di2) L
4
QT – Theoretical Pump Flow Rate L – Width Of Gear
VD – Displacement Volume of Pump N – Speed of Pump
Do, Di – Outside and Inside Diameter of Gear Teeth
Advantages Disadvantages
High speed Four bushings in liquid area
High pressure No solids allowed
No overhung bearing loads Fixed End Clearances
Relatively quiet operation
Design accommodates wide variety of
materials
Applications
Various fuel oils and lube oils
Chemical additive and polymer metering
Chemical mixing and blending (double pump)
Industrial and mobile hydraulic applications splitters, lifts
Acids and caustic (stainless steel or composite construction)
Low volume transfer or application
Applications
All varieties of fuel oil and lube oil
Resins and Polymers
Alcohols and solvents
Food products such as corn syrup, chocolate, and peanut butter
Paint, inks, and pigments
Lobe Pump:
In this pump, the gears are replaced by the lobes. This pump operates in a similar fashion as that of
external pump. But unlike the external gear pump, these both lobes are driven independently and
they do not have actual contact with each other.
Lobe contact is prevented by external timing gears located in the gearbox. Pump shaft support
bearings are located in the gearbox, and since the bearings are out of the pumped liquid, pressure is
limited by bearing location and shaft deflection. As the lobes come out of mesh, they create expanding
volume on the inlet side of the pump. Liquid flows into the cavity and is trapped by the lobes as they
rotate. Liquid travels around the interior of the casing in the pockets between the lobes and the casing
it does not pass between the lobes. Finally, the meshing of the lobes forces liquid through the outlet
port under pressure. So, they are quieter than other types of gear pumps. Since the lobe pump has
smaller number of mating
elements, the lobe pump output
will have a somewhat greater
amount of pulsating, although its
volumetric displacement is
generally greater than that for
other types of gear pumps.Lobe
pumps are frequently used in food
applications because they handle
solids without damaging the
product.
Gerotor pumps are generally designed using a trochoidal inner rotor and an outer rotor formed by a
circle with intersecting circular arcs. A gerotor can also function as a motor. High pressure gas enters
the intake area and pushes against the inner and outer rotors, causing both to rotate as the area
between the inner and outer rotor increases. During the compression period, the exhaust is pumped
out.
Advantages: Disadvantages:
1. Volumetric and overall efficiencies are high. 1. They cannot handle abrasive liquids
2. only small changes in capacity occur with 2. They require seals and foreign bodies can
variations in viscosity and discharge pressure damage the pump
3. Their vanes are self compensating for wear and 3. They cannot be operated against a closed
also vanes can be easily replaced. discharge without damage to the pump.
4. They are self priming, robust and give constant Hence relief valves are required
delivery for a set rotor speed.
Piston Pumps:
In piston pumps, the pumping action is affected by a piston that moves in a reciprocating cycle
through a cylinder. The basic operations of piston pumps are very similar to that of the reciprocating
engines. These pumps are classified as
1. Axial Piston Pumps
a. Swash plate axial piston pump
b. Bent axis Axial piston pump
2. Radial Piston Pumps
In axial piston pumps, a number of pistons and cylinders are located in a parallel position with respect
to the drive shaft, while in the radial type they are arranged radially around the rotor hub.
If the cylinder block is rotated in a clockwise direction, the pistons on one side travel outward and
sucks the fluid when it passes the suction port of the pintle. When the piston passes the maximum
point eccentricity, it is forced inward by the reaction ring. This force the fluid to enter into the
discharge port. The displacement can be varied by moving the reaction ring to change the piston
stroke.
Volumetric Efficiency: It indicates the amount of leakage within the pump. This involves
considerations such as manufacturing tolerances and flexing of the pump casing under the design
pressure operating conditions.
o= v x m
A rod wiper is provided at the end of the neck to prevent foreign particles and dust from entering into
the cylinder along with the piston rod. When the fluid from the pump enters the cylinder through port
1, the piston moves forward and the fluid return to the reservoir from the cylinder through port 2.
During the return stroke the fluid is allowed to enter the cylinder through port 2 and fluid from the
other side of the piston goes back to the reservoir through port 1.
CYLINDER CUSHIONING:
As long as the piston is moving in the middle range of the cylinder, nothing will hit the piston
head. But, due to the inertia forces of the moving parts at the end of the piston travel, the piston will
hit the cylinder head at full speed. To overcome this, the designers provide a cushioning arrangement
by which the hydraulic cylinder can be slowly retarded or cushioned, during the last portion of the
stroke. The figure shows the position of the piston at the start of the cushioning action. In this
position, the fluid from the pump enters into the rod end of the cylinder moving the piston towards
the left. The fluid from the head end of the cylinder flows freely to the reservoir through the fluid port.
D 2
A – Area of Blank end -
4
d 2
a- Piston rod area -
4
Q – Input flow rate
qE – Flow rate from rod end of the cylinder when extending
qR – Flow rate from blank end of cylinder when retracting
Rod End Area – (A-a) = (D2-d2)
4
1. When Piston rod is extending:
Q qE
Piston velocity VE = =
A ( A a)
( A a) (D 2 d 2 )
Thus qE = Q =Q
A D2
Thus as the piston rod is extending, the flow rate of the fluid leaving the cylinder is less than
the flow rate of fluid entering the cylinder.
2. When piston rod is retracting:
Q q
Piston velocity VR = = R
Aa A
A D2
Thus qR = Q =Q
( A a) (D 2 d 2 )
Thus when the piston rod is retracting, the rate of fluid leaving the cylinder is greater than the
flow rate of fluid entering the cylinder.
TELESCOPING CYLINDER:
They are used where long work strokes are needed. A telescoping cylinder provides a relatively long
working stroke for an overall reduced length by employing several pistons which telescope into each
other.
Since the diameter A of the ram is relatively large, this ram produces a large force for the beginning of
the lift of the load. When ram A reaches the end of the stroke, ram B begins to move. Now ram B
provides the required smaller force to continue raising the load. When ram B reaches the end of its
stroke, then ram C moves outwards to complete the lifting operation. These three rams can be
retracted by gravity acting on the load or by pressurized fluid acting on the lip of each ram.
MOUNTING CONFIGURATIONS:
The type of mountings on cylinder is numerous, and they can accommodate a wide variety of
applications. The most common mountings are lugs, flange, trunnion, clevis and extended tie rods.
One of the important considerations in selecting a particular mounting style is whether the major
force applied to the load will result in tension or compression of the piston rod. The ratio of rod length
to diameter should not exceed 6:1 proportion at full extension. This helps to prevent the rod from
buckling due to compression or tensile shock forces.
GEAR MOTOR:
The operation of gear motor is shown in the figure. One of the gears is keyed to an output
shaft, while the other is simply an idler gear. Pump flow and pressure are sent to the inlet port of the
motor. The pressure is then applied to the gear teeth, causing the gears and the output shaft to rotate.
The pressure builds until enough torque is generated to rotate the output shaft against the load. Most
gear motors are bi-directional the direction of rotation can be reversed by simply reversing the
direction of flow.
The idler is automatically a tensioned one, so a constant tension is maintained. Pressure is applied to
one port of the actuator. The larger piston moves away from the port due to the differential area of the
two pistons. Movement of the larger piston pulls the chain, causing the sprocket and output shaft to
rotate.
3.1 INTRODUCTION: A fluid power system can be broken down into three segments. The power
input segment consisting of the prime mover and the pump. The control segment consisting of valves
that control the direction, pressure and flow rate. The power output segment, consisting of the
actuators and the load. This unit is devoted to each of the following categories of control valves.
1. Directional control valves
2. Pressure control valves
3. Flow control valves
DCVs control the direction of flow in a circuit, which among other things; can control the direction of
the actuator. PCVs control the pressure level, which controls the output force of a cylinder or the
output torque of a motor. FCVs control the flow rate of the fluid which controls the speed of the
actuators.
3.2 VALVE CONFIGURATION: There are the essential types of control valves based on their
configuration or modes of operation. They are
1. .Poppet or Seat Valves
2. Sliding Spool Valves
3. Rotary Spool Valves
By using this type of valves different operations can be achieved with a common body and different
spool. It is used for high pressure applications.
'Figure B' shows the valve in its actuated state and its corresponding symbol. The valve is shifted into
this position by applying a force to overcome the resistance of the spring. In this position, the flow is
allowed to go to the outlet port around the smaller diameter portion of the spool. The complete
symbol for this valve is shown in 'Figure C'. The symbol has two blocks, one for each position of the
valve. Valves may have more than two positions. The spring is on the closed position side of the
symbol, which indicates that it is a normally closed valve. The symbol for the method of actuation is
shown on the opposite side of the valve. In this case, the valve is push button actuated. Thus, the
graphic symbol in 'Figure C' represents a two way, two positions, normally closed DCV with push
button actuation and spring return.
The below Figure shows the example of an application for a two way valve. Here pair of two way
valves is used to fill and drain a vessel. Although two tanks are shown in this schematic, there may in
fact be only one tank in the actual system. When valve1 and valve2 are in the closed position then the
line from pump and tank are blocked to hold the fluid in the vessel. When the valve1 is shifted to the
open position and valve 2 remains closed. This will fill the vessel.
long as the valve is in this position. In part B the valve is shifted so that the pressure port is connected
to the outlet and the tank port is blocked. This applies pump flow and pressure to the piston and
extends the cylinder against the relatively light force of the spring. A two way valve could not be used
in this application. It would not allow the cylinder to retract when it is in the closed position because
the closed position of a two way does not have a return to the tank. A pressure relief valve, a device
that limits the maximum pressure in a hydraulic circuit, is included in the previous circuit. These
valves are required components in every hydraulic system. The importance of the pressure relief
valves are discussed in upcoming topics.
The next figure shows application of three way three position DCV using gravity return type single
acting cylinder. A third valve position called neutral may be desirable for this application. This
position shown as the center position in the symbol blocks all the three ports. This holds the cylinder
Co mp il e d b y D r. M. Pu vi y ar a s an , F acu l t y i n M ech a ni cal En gi n ee r in g Page 43 of 79
in a mid-stroke position because the hydraulic fluid, which is relatively incompressible, is trapped
between the valve and the cylinder. Many cylinder applications require this feature. This introduces
another type of actuation manual lever and detent. A detent is a mechanism that holds the valve in any
position into which it is shifted. Detented valves have no normal position because they will remain
indefinitely in the last position indicated.
and stem to lift off its seat and the flow goes directly from the pressure port to the tank. The symbol
for the pilot operated relief valve is the same as that used for the direct acting relief valve. The
advantages are usually smaller than a direct acting type for the same flow and pressure ratings. They
also generally have a wider range for the maximum pressure setting. Another advantage is that they
can be operated remotely. This is achieved by connecting a direct acting relief valve to the vent port of
the pilot operated relief valve as shown in Figure C. Notice that the vent port is connected into the
pilot line. The direct acting relief valve, called the remote in this arrangement, acts as a second pilot
relief valve. Flow can now go back to tank through either the onboard pilot or the remote pilot.
Whichever pilot is set to a lower pressure will cause the relief valve to open. Flow through either pilot
will cause the main poppet to lift off its seat and allow full flow back to the tank. The advantage of this
type of arrangement is that the on board pilot can be set to the absolute maximum pressure that the
circuit is designed for, while the remote can be set for a lower
Unloading Valve
The ‘In’ port of the unloading valve is connected to the line which is to be unloaded. The pilot
port is connected to the line which is supposed to send the pressure impulse for unloading the valve.
As soon as the system pressure reaches the setting pressure which is available at the pilot port, it lifts
the spool against the spring force. The valve is held open by pilot pressure and the delivery from the
pump starts going into the reservoir. When the pilot pressure is released, the spool is moved down by
the spring and the flow is directed through the valve into the circuit. The unloading valve is useful to
control the amount of flow at any given time in systems having more than one fixed delivery pump.
The symbol for each is shown in 'Figure A' for comparison. Both send flow back to the tank
when a preset pressure is reached. However, an unloading valve reads the pressure in an external
line, rather than in its own line, as indicated by the dashed pilot lines. 'Figure B' shows the application
for an unloading valve. This circuit can be used in an application in which high flow (speed) and low
A - Symbol Comparison
pressure (force) is required for a part of the cylinder’s stroke, while low flow and high pressure are
required for the rest for example a metal stamping machine. In this machine it may be desirable for
the cylinder to move into position very quickly, and then slow down when it reaches the work piece.
The first part of the cycle requires only minimal pressure because the only resistance is the flow
resistance of the components and the friction of the cylinder. The second part of the cycle requires
high pressure because the cylinder is deforming the metal. This circuit supplies the cylinder with from
both the high flow pump and the low flow pump when the pressure is below 500 bar. When the
pressure reaches 500 bar, the unloading valve opens and unloads the high flow pump back to tank at
low pressure. Only the low flow pump supplies the cylinder with flow at pressure from 500 bar to
1500 bar. If the pressure reaches 1500 bar, flow from the low flow pump is forced over the relief valve
at this pressure. Check valve 1 isolates the high flow pump from the system pressure while it is being
unloaded. Check valve 2 prevents the flow the high flow pump from flowing into the low flow pump
line. This would reverse the low flow pump, which would cause damage to the power unit.
The below Figure compares the symbol for a relief valve and a reducing valve. The reducing valve is
normally open, while relief valve is normally closed.
Symbol Comparison
The reducing valve reads the pressure down stream while the relief valve reads the pressure
upstream. The reducing valve has an external drain line, while a relief valve does not. When a valve
has an external drain, a line must be connected from the valves drain port to the tank. Drain lines, like
pilot lines are shown as dashed lines.
The above figure shows an application for a pressure reducing valve. Here, two cylinders are
connected in parallel. The circuit is designed to operate at a maximum pressure of 1500 bar, which is
determined by the relief valve setting. This is the maximum pressure that cylinder will see. For a
reason determined by the function of the machine, cylinder 2 is limited to a maximum pressure of
1000 bar. This is accomplished by placing a pressure reducing valve in the circuit in the location as
shown.
If the pressure in the circuit rises above 1000 bar, the pressure reducing valve will close
partially to create a pressure drop across the valve. The valve then maintains the pressure drop so
that outlet pressure is not allowed to rise above 1500 bar setting. The disadvantage of this method of
pressure control is that the pressure drop across the reducing valve represents lost energy that is
converted to heat. If the pressure setting of the reducing valve is set very low relative to the pressure
in the rest of the system, the pressure drop will be very high, resulting in excessive heating of the
fluid. When the hydraulic fluid becomes too hot, its viscosity reduces, causing increased component
wear.
The below figure shows the circuit of tube bending machines uses sequence valve for clamping and
bending tubes in sequence. As per the required sequence first the work piece has to be clamped, then
bend to required shape, bending cylinder retract and clamping cylinder retract to unclamp the work
piece. In this circuit, the bending cylinder will extend only after the clamp cylinder is fully extended
and the clamp cylinder will retract only after the bending cylinder is fully retracted.
more controllable situation of the cylinder driving load. This can cause damage to the load, or even to
the cylinder itself, when the load is stopped quickly at the end of its travel. This can be remedied by
placing a counter balance valve on the rod end of the cylinder as shown in below figure.
Counterbalance Circuit
When the DCV is shifted to lower the weight, the cylinder will not extend until a preset
pressure is reached in the rod end. This provides a back pressure against the rod end of the piston,
which acts to stabilize the downward movement of the cylinder. The check valve allows the counter
balance valve to be passed when the cylinder is retracted. A counter balance valve has an internal
drain, unlike the sequence valve, which has an external drain.
pressure at the outlet will be higher than the pressure at the inlet. The brake valve senses the
pressure in both the inlet and outlet lines of the motor, just as it is with a pump.
Needle Valve
This valve is basically just an adjustable orifice than can be closed to reduce the flow rate in a
circuit. The orifice size is adjustment by turning the adjustment knob, which raises or lowers the valve
stem and needle. The first figure shows the valve fully open, allowing nearly unrestricted flow. The
valve is partially closed and is restricting the flow in the next figure. In the last figure, the valve is
completely closed and is therefore allowing no flow. The symbol for a needle valve is shown in D.
Needle valves are often used as manual shut-off in applications that require good metering
characteristics. In most fluid applications, a needle valve with an integral check valve is used to
control the flow rate as shown in below Figure. Part A shows the flow going through the valve from A
to B. In this direction, it cannot go through the check and must therefore go through the restriction. In
part B, the flow is coming from the opposite direction B to A and can pass through the check valve.
The flow is virtually unrestricted in this direction. This flow control valve therefore only controls the
flow rate from A to B. From B to A, the flow is uncontrolled because the restriction is by passed
through the check.
This type of flow control valves automatically adjusts the size of the orifice in response to changes in
system pressure. It accomplishes this through the use of a spring loaded compensator spool that
reduces the size of the orifice when the upstream pressure increases relative to the downstream
pressure. Once the valve is set, the pressure compensator will act to keep the pressure drop across the
valve nearly constant. This in turn keeps the flow rate through the valve nearly constant. This valve
consists primarily of a main spool and a compensator spool. The adjustment knob controls the main
spool’s position, which controls the orifice size at the outlet. The pressure upstream of (before) the
main spool is ported to the left side of the compensator spool through pilot line A. Pressure
downstream of (after) the main spool is ported to the right side of the compensator spool through
pilot line B. The compensator spring bases the compensator spool to the fully open position. If the
pressure upstream of the main spool increases too much relative to the downstream pressure (ie the
pressure drop becomes too high), the compensator spool will move to the right against the force of
the spring. Thos acts to keep the pressure drop across the main spool and consequently the flow rate
nearly constant.
When the cylinder is extending, the flow coming from the pump cannot pass through the check
valve and is forced to go through the metering orifice (part A). When the cylinder is retracting, the
needle valve is being by passed through the check (part B). The net result is that the flow control valve
is controlling the extend speed, while the retract speed of the cylinder is uncontrolled. It is common to
control only the working stroke of a cylinder, while allowing the return stroke move at full speed.
The rotary flow divider is basically two gear pumps are in one housing
whose inlets are joined together as shown in Figure.
Their shafts are also coupled together so that they must turn at the
same speed. Because they are forced to turn at the same speed, they will
supply equal flow to their outlets when placed in a pump line.
3.17 ACCUMULATORS
Accumulators are devices that store hydraulic fluid under pressure. Storing hydraulic fluid
under pressure is a way of storing energy for later use. Perhaps the most common application for an
accumulator is supplementing the pump flow in a hydraulic system in which a high flow rate is
required for a brief period of time.
Types;
1. Weight loaded accumulator
2. Spring loaded accumulator
3. Gas charged accumulator
4. Piston type
5. Bladder type
6. Diaphragm type
pressure is constantly decreasing as hydraulic fluid is drawn out because the spring decompresses
and therefore exerts less force on the piston. This type is not commonly used in hydraulic circuit
because a large spring must be used to generate enough pressure.
As the hydraulic fluid enters the accumulator, it causes the piston to slide up, thereby compressing the
gas. Compressing the gas increases its pressure, and this pressure is then applied to the hydraulic
fluid through the piston. Because the piston is free sliding, the pressure on the gas and the hydraulic
fluid is always equal. Whenever the pressure in the system drops below the pressure in the
accumulator, fluid will flow out of the accumulator and into the system. As the hydraulic fluid flows
out of the accumulator, the gas decompresses and loses pressure, which in turn causes the pressure
on the hydraulic fluid to be reduced. The gas used to pre-charge accumulator is usually nitrogen
because it is an inert gas and does not support combustion.
port cover is a small piece of metal that protects the bladder from damage as it expands and contacts
the hydraulic fluid port.
Diaphragm Accumulators
The vessel is separated into two components by a flexible diaphragm. One compartment is
connected to the hydraulic system and the other to the high pressure gas system. Thus the diaphragm
serves as an elastic barrier between the oil and the gas. When the oil is delivered into the accumulator,
it deforms the diaphragm. The gas is compressed when the charged oil pushes the diaphragm against
it. This gas pressure is used as the potential energy to force the oil out when it is required in the
circuit. The advantage of bladder and diaphragm accumulators over the piston type is that they have
no sliding surface that requires lubrication and can therefore be used with fluids with poor lubricating
qualities. They are also less sensitive to contamination due to lack of any close fitting sliding
components.
The stored energy of the accumulator can be used to compensate any possible loss of energy
due to internal or external leakage in a system. This application is extremely helpful in circuits, such
as are used for hydraulic presses, which require high pressure for long periods. First operator places
work piece on the press and shifts handle of the 4/2 DC valve. Now the oil flows to blank end of
cylinder and piston extends. The pressure builds up and oil fills the accumulator. When maximum
pressure is reached, the pressure switch stops the pump motor. In these applications, the cylinder and
piston arrangement is required to press the work piece for a longer period of time. During this period,
the internal and external leakage may reduce the cylinder pressure. The leakage oil is replaced with
the oil from the accumulator. This leakage replacement of oil is carried for a longer period of time. The
maximum length of time is determined by the volume of the accumulator and the rate of leakage in
the cylinder. When the pressing cycle has been completed, the operator shifts the handle of the 4/2
DC valve to original position. Thus a cycle is completed.
When operator depresses push button energizing solenoid of the 3/2 DCV, oil flows to blank end of
cylinder. At the same time, the oil also unseats check valve. So the oil under pressure flow to rod end
of cylinder and into the accumulator. When there is a power failure, the solenoid will de-energize. In
the absence of solenoid energy, the spring pressure forces the valve to shift to its spring offset mode.
Now the oil stored under pressure is forced from the accumulator to the rod end of the cylinder. Thus
the piston of the cylinder retracts to the starting position.
The accumulator installed near the shut-off point in order to be more effective in quickly absorbing
the shock wave. When the system demands to shut-off the supply suddenly, a 2/2 shut-off valve is
used for the purpose. When operator shifts handle of the 2/2 emergency shut-off valve, the fluid flow
is stopped suddenly. This results in high-pressure pulsations or hydraulic shock. The pressure
pulsation is blocked by check valve. The surges between the check valve and the shut-off valve are
used to store the oil in accumulator and thus the pressure pulsations of the oil in the pipe line are
absorbed.
3.19 INTENSIFIER
Pressure intensifier or boosters are devices used to generate pressure greater than
those achievable with standard hydraulic pumps alone. They take the inlet flow from the pump and
intensify the pressure. A simplified cut way of an intensifier is shown in Figure.
The intensifier is shown on the forward stroke. In this situation, the pump flow (Q pump) is fed into
port A of the intensifier, which applies a pressure (P pump) to the piston, causing it to more right. This
in turn generates a force that is applied to the rod. The force on the rod then creates pressure and
flow at the outlet to the system. When the four way directional control valve is shifted to the opposite
position, the pump flow is sent to port B of the intensifier, causing the piston to move left. This causes
fluid to be drawn into the rod chamber which completes one cycle. The Figure shows the usage of
intensifier in the punching machine. After placing the work piece in the fixture and shifts handle of
4/2 DCV to the right side, the oil flows to the blank end of the cylinder through the check valve. When
the pressure in the cylinder reaches the sequence valve pressure setting, the sequence valve opens
and supplies the flow to the intensifier. Now the intensifier starts to operate and gives high pressure
output. This high pressure output of the intensifier closes the pilot check valve and pressurizes the
blank end of the cylinder to perform the punching operation.
When the 4/2 DCV is shifted to the left side position, the oil flows to the rod end of the cylinder. When
it builds-up the pressure, the pilot signal opens the check valve. Thus the cylinder is retracted to the
starting position.
speed of extension in the regenerative circuit is greater than that for a regular double acting cylinder.
But the speed of retraction is similar to the regular double acting cylinder. This is because oil flow
from the rod end regenerates with the pump flow to provide a total flow rate, which is greater than
the pump flow rate to the blank end of the cylinder.
Regenerative Circuit
sequence valve2 and it opens. This allows the pilot pressure signal to shift the DCV to the left mode
again. Thus the sequence repeats and the cylinder reciprocates continuously.
DCV is shifted to the right mode, oil flows from the pump to the rod end of cylinder2 and thus the
cylinder2 retracts. As the same time, oil from the blank end of cylinder2 is forced to the rod end of
cylinder1 and thus the cylinder1 also retracts.
Now the oil returns to the tank from the blank end of cylinder1 through DCV. Thus both extension and
retraction operations of both cylinders are synchronized by connecting them is series. But for the two
cylinders to be synchronized, the piston area of cylinder2 should be equal to the difference between
the areas of the piston and rod for cylinder1.
When the cylinder and thus the cylinder extends. Thus extension of cylinder takes place only when
the operator depresses both the push buttons. When the operator pushes the right button only, oil
flows in through port R to port S of pilot valve1, then through port V to port N of pilot valve2. Thus the
oil is drained to the tank through the pilot valve2. This allow the 4/3 DCV to return to neutral
position, thus the cylinder is hydraulically locked. When the operator pushes the left push button only,
oil flows in port R of pilot valve1 and out port T, then unseats ball in check valve Z, then on to port U of
pilot valve2, and out port V. Oil follows the path of least resistance so it passes in port S of pilot valve1,
out port M and into sump. It does not build up enough pressure to keep pilot pressure on pilot
connection A so 4/3 DCV shifts back to neutral position, thus the cylinder is hydraulically locked.
When the operator releases both left and right push buttons, oil flows in port R of pilot valve1 and out
port T, then through check valve Z and into port U of pilot valve2. Now the oil flows out port W into
pilot connection B of 4/3 DCV shifting its position to right mode. When the 4/3 DCV is shifted to its
right mode, the oil from the pump flows into the rod end of the cylinder and hence the cylinder
retracts. Thus the retraction of cylinder takes place only when the operator releases both the push
buttons.