Chapter 16 - Hydraulic Systems Flashcards
Define hydraulic
- water pipe
How is a specific amount of force expressed?
- newtons
- pounds
- pounds-force`
Define the following term in relation to force and pressure:
- pressure
- the force per unit area
- pressure = force / area
Define the following term in relation to force and pressure:
- pascal
- one newton per square metre
Define the following term in relation to force and pressure:
- atmospheric pressure
- pressure of the atmosphere at sea level is 14.7 psi
- 14.7 psi = 101.35 kPa = 1.01 bar (usually rounded off to 1 bar)`
Define the following term in relation to work, power and energy:
- a joule
- 1 joule = 1 N x 1 m
Define the following term in relation to work, power and energy:
- 1 ft-lbf
- 1 ft-lb = 1 lbf x 1 ft
Define the following term in relation to work, power and energy:
- 1 watt
- 1 newton lifted 1 metre in 1 second
Define the following term in relation to work, power and energy:
- 1 horsepower
- 746 watts
State the law of conservation of energy
- Energy cannot be destroyed, but it may be converted from one form to another
What are the properties of liquids?
- no definite form, but takes the shape of its container
- virtually incompressible
- when force is applied to a fully contained liquid, the liquid shows the same resistance to compression as a solid
- extremely flexible, yet as unyielding as steel
What does Pascal’s law state?
- Pressure applied to a confined fluid at rest, force is transmitted equally in every direction and always at right angles to the containing surface
How is mechanical advantage gained with hydraulics?
- by using Pascal’s Law, liquid can be used to gain a mechanical advantage, by acting as a force multiplier between two different surface areas
- force is gained at the expense of distance moved
How is fluid flow measured?
- measured by the volume of fluid passing a given point in a unit of time
How is velocity measured?
- the distance travelled by the fluid in a unit of time
Describe laminar and turbulent flow
- laminar flow - the fluid at the outer walls of conductor moves more slowly than the fluid in the centre of the conductor
- turbulent flow - the fluid particles move in a random pattern rather than parallel to the direction of flow
- can be caused by high velocity, obstructions or projections in the fluid stream, sharp bends and/or roughness in the conductor, a large number of bends in the system, or a combination of these
List the main causes of excessive friction in hydraulic lines
- excessive length of lines
- excessive velocity (because the lines are too small)
- excessive number of bends or fittings, or unsuitable bends or fittings
- sustained flow at high pressure
What does Bernoulli’s Principle state?
- if the flow rate is constant, the sum of the kinetic energy and the potential energy at various points in the system is constant.
- therefore, whenever the velocity (kinetic energy) of a fluid increases, the pressure (potential energy) decreases
What is the purpose and what are the types of hydraulic actuators?
- hydraulic actuators convert hydraulic energy into mechanical energy
- cylinders - used to create linear motion
- motors - used to create rotary motion
Describe a single-acting cylinder
- applies force, or is pressurized, in one direction only
- the return action is accomplished by an external force such as gravity, a spring, or a small-diameter auxiliary piston
Describe rod and ram cylinders
- rod - in a cylinder, the cross-sectional area of a piston rod is LESS than half of the piston face area
- ram (plunger) - in a cylinder, the cross-sectional area of a piston ram is MORE than half the piston face area
Describe a spring return cylinder
- cylinder rod returned by a spring
Describe a diaphragm spring-return cylinder
- diaphragm cylinders, such as pancake types, are used to provide short strokes with large forces
- large forces are available due to its large piston area.
- rolling diaphragms are used for longer strokes
- very little friction to overcome
- zero leakage
Describe a double-acting cylinder
- hydraulic fluid delivered under pressure to both sides of the piston, producing a force in either direction
- the force exerted by the piston is larger on the cap end than the rod end
- if the same fluid supply exists on each side, the speed of the piston travel is also different, being faster on the rod end retraction
- piston speed differences are overcome by using valves
Describe a double acting cylinder with a double-ended piston rod
- in a double-rod cylinder, where the rods are the same diameter, the forces on the piston can be the same. Because equal amounts of fluid are displaced, the force and the rate of travel is the same
Describe cylinders with cushions
- cylinders (often double-acting) are designed with a cushion device at one or both ends of the stroke
- this slows down the piston as it approaches the end of its travel
- the cushioning is created by slowing the flow of oil being discharged, the cushion of oil tends to absorb any shock.
- as the piston enters the cushioning area, the normal discharge is blocked off by the cushion sleeve
- the remaining oil is forced through one of the following:
- the clearance between the sleeve and cushion area (fixed)
- a small orifice controlled by an adjustable needle valve (variable)
Describe tandem cylinders
- have two pistons attached to one rod
- this design allows for higher forces at the rod end without an increase in fluid pressure or cylinder diameter
- this is achieved because the pistons total surface area is almost doubled
- tandem cylinders require more linear mounting space
Describe telescopic cylinders
- have a series of tubular rod segments called sleeves which fit inside each other
- this permits a working stroke much longer than its retracted length
- available as single- or double-acting cylinders
Describe cylinder mounting practices
- cylinders can be oriented in any position and will work successfully, provided they are mounted on a strong and rigid base and aligned with the part they are to move
- to examine specific mounting styles, refer to manufacturers reference material
How are motors similar to and how do they differ from pumps?
- like pumps, motors may be of gear, screw, vane, or piston design
- they may have fixed or variable capacity
- they may be designed to run in one direction only (uni-directional), both directions (bi-directional), or oscillating
- a motor can act as a pump, but a pump cannot act as a motor
What is the advantage of variable capacity motors versus fixed capacity motors for controlling motor speed?
- if any variation must be controlled independently of the motor, then the motor is considered to have a fixed capacity
- Fixed capacity motors run at a constant rate according to the predetermined flow rate
- When the variation is done in the motor, then the motor is considered to have variable capacity. Regardless of the flow rate, the speed of variable capacity motors can be altered
Describe the operating principles of gear motors
- the fluid flow from the system enters the inlet port and travels in either direction around the casing, forcing the gears to turn in the casing
- both gears are driven by the fluid, but only one is connected to the output shaft
- gear motors are fixed capacity hydraulic motors
Describe the operating principles of screw motors
- uses the force of the fluid against the face of the screw threads to generate motion
- there are two or more screws in the housing but only one is attached to the drive, the others are idlers which act as a seal between the helical chambers, this prevents reverse fluid flow in the housing
- screw motors have a fixed capacity and operate quietly and free of vibration
Describe the operating principles of vane motors
- the fluid flow from the system enters the inlet port(s) and exerts force against the vanes and rotor
- the maximum amount of force is exerted against the vane with the largest area exposed to the fluid, turning the rotor in that direction
- no centrifugal force exists until the rotor is put into motion, therefor springs, or some other mechanical means, are needed to hold the vanes against the casing
- Vane motors may be balanced or unbalanced and have fixed or variable capacity
Describe the operating principles of radial piston motors
- pressurized fluid enters the cylinder block in the centre forcing the pistons outwards against the reaction ring
- the rotor and cylinder block centre-lines are offset causing the pistons to move to the farthest point
- the offset between the rotor and the cylinder block may be fixed or variable, altering its capacity
- fluid flow is as follows:
- during the half of the cycle that the pistons extend, the pressurized fluid enters the motor
- during the other half they contract and the fluid is exhausted into the reservoir line
- the cylinder block is connected to the output or drive shaft
- the casing is held stationary
Describe the operating principles of axial piston motors
- the pressurized fluid enters the valve plate, forcing the pistons towards the swash plate
- the angle of the swash plate causes the housing to rotate as the piston is forced to the furthest most point of travel
- this angle determines the capacity of the motor
- during one half of the cycle, pressurized fluid enters the motor as the pistons travel to their full extent
- during the other half of a cycle, fluid is exhausted in the reservoir line
- axial piston pumps are available with a fixed or variable housing angle
Describe the operating principles of oscillating motors (rotary actuators)
- designed to give shaft rotation of less than 360 degrees
- actuators commonly consist of a single, moveable vane mounted in the rotor
- fluid enters one port, forcing against the vane and rotating the rotor in one direction
- when fluid enters the other port, the rotation is reversed
- oscillating motors can develop high torque at low speeds
- their speed and torque can be adjusted in the same way as in standard motors or cylinders
*Excessive travel of the driven component should be controlled by external mechanical stops, not by the vane hitting the housing
Define the following in relation to motor calculations
- displacement
- the amount of liquid handled in one rotation of the motor
- it is usually expressing in cubic inches per revolution (in3/rev)
Define the following in relation to motor calculations
- pressure
- pressure requirements for motors vary with the size of the motor’s displacement
- the larger the displacement of the motor the less pressure required to produce a given torque, and vice versa
Define the following in relation to motor calculations
- torque
- torque output is a function of the system pressure and the motor displacement
- expressed in inch-pounds (in.lb)
= in.lb = psi x in3/rev / 2(Pi) - torque rating is used to find the size of the motor required for the job
- expressed in inch-pounds per 100 psi (in.lb/100 psi)
Define the following in relation to motor calculations
- mechanical efficiency
- each motor has some slippage, which is fluid that moves through the motor without doing any work. This robs the motor of some torque
- the mechanical efficiency of any machine is usually expressed as a percentage:
– mechanical efficiency = actual torque delivered / theoretical torque X 100%
Define the following in relation to motor calculations
- motor speed
- Speed (S) is a rotary speed, usually expressed in RPM
- determined by the flow rate or volume per unit time delivered (V) divided by the motors displacement or area (A)
– S = V/A
V = flow rate = GPM
A = area (displacement) = in3/rev
– Rotary speed = (flow rate x 231 / Area) X RPM
How is a hydraulic motor’s torque increased?
- Increase pressure setting
- Increase displacement
How is a hydraulic motor’s speed decreased?
- Decrease flow rate
- Increase displacement
What would be the result if you replaced a hydraulic motor with a motor of a smaller displacement?
- Increase in system pressure
- Increase in speed
- Decrease in torque
What is the purpose of a DCV?
- used to control the direction of hydraulic fluid flow
- may have single or multiple positions
- single - maintains a uni-directional flow pattern
- double - start, stop, or change direction of flow to or from hydraulic actuators
How are the number of positions and flow patterns represented by the DCV symbol?
- single – free check valve
- multiple - two or more squares
- each square represents a position and the flow pattern inside the body
How are the ports labeled on the DCV symbol?
- the lower two ports in the symbol are labelled pressure (P) and tank (T)
- the top port(S) are lettered A, B.
How is a transitory condition indicated on a DCV symbol?
- an envelope with dashed ends indicate a transitory (in transit) but significant condition between two distinct positions
- this means that the valve passes through this position, but does not stop in it
How are flow paths indicated on DCV symbols?
- an arrow indicated the flow path of the fluid through the valve
- the T indicated a blocked flow path or port
- a dot at the intersection of crossing lines indicate flow paths which are connected
- flow paths which cross without being connected do not show a dot
How are DCV’s identified numerically?
- the First figure indicates the number of ways the fluid can flow. This is usually also the number of ports (excluding pilot ports)
- the Second figure indicates the number of distinct positions
- Example - 3 / 2 designates a 3-way valve (3 ports) with 2 positions
List how DCV’s are classified other than numerically?
- spool type – sliding or rotary
- nominal size
- usually nominal pipe connection size
- the recommended maximum volume through the valve
- maximum allowable pressure
- port connection
- threaded; national pipe taper (NPT) or national pipe straight (NPS)
- flanged or flat face
List two types of spools for DCVs
- sliding
- rotary
Compare throttling to non-throttling DCVs
- throttling DCV
- allows the spool to pass through from one envelope to another at any given rate. Because of this, they are also called - Infinite Positioning
- they are indicated by parallel lines above and below the envelopes
- example - tracer valve, activated by a plunger against a spring
- non-throttling DCV
- “snap” into only one of the envelopes at a time. These types include, two-, three-, and four-way valves, and closed-, open-, tandem-, float-, and regenerative centre envelopes
- normally open valves allow fluid to pass through until the valve is activated
- normally closed valves block the flow of fluid until the valve is activated
Describe the function of the following valve in regards to their centre envelope flow pattern
- closed centre
- all ports are blocked off in neutral
- the actuator is “locked” so that it cannot move out of its position
- over time some movement occurs due to minor internal leaks
- the fluid from the pump must go through the relief valve at maximum pressure, generating heat
- this requires maximum power and wastes energy through heat
Describe the function of the following valve in regards to their centre envelope flow pattern
- open centre
- all ports are connected in neutral
- the actuator moves in the direction of any external forces
- the flow from the pump is back to the tank with minimum power demand
- there is no pressure and only a low heat rise
Describe the function of the following valve in regards to their centre envelope flow pattern
- tandem centre
- the actuator ports are blocked off, and the flow from the pump is back to the tank
- this centre provides a hydraulic lock to hold the actuator in position
- fluid is allowed to flow from the pump back to the tank
- this requires minimum power and generates a small amount of heat
Describe the function of the following valve in regards to their centre envelope flow pattern
- float centre
- ports A and B are connected to the tank, and the pump is blocked off
- this centre allows the actuator to coast to a stop or be moved manually without disconnecting the circuit
- as the actuators movement slows down, oil flows from one side of the actuator, through the centre, and then back to the other side
- the fluid from the pump must go through a relief valve at maximum pressure, generating heat and requiring maximum power
Describe the function of the following valve in regards to their centre envelope flow pattern
- regenerative centre
- ports A and B are connected to the pump
- this centre maintains constant pressure to both ports of the actuator
- the fluid from the pump must go through the relief valve at maximum pressure, generating heat and requiring maximum power
Describe the purpose, application and types of check valves
- allow the free flow of fluid in one direction only
- available in in-line and right angle mounting
- free check valves use gravity to hold the valve closed and must be mounted in the correct orientation
- spring-loaded check valves use a light spring force of approximately 5 psi to hold the valve seated, regardless of its mounting position
What is the purpose for pressure control valves?
- control the hydraulic pressure in all or part of the circuit
- may be wither normally closed or normally open valves
Which pressure control valves are normally closed and which are normally open?
- normally closed – open when pressure reaches a set limit
- example - relief of sequence valves
- normally open - close when pressure reaches a set limit
- example - pressure reducing valves
How many squares (envelopes) are in a pressure relief valve symbol
- single square