Hydraulic Ringmain Components

Question 1

Air reservoir

Answer 1

Fitted next to the accumulator. Changes the accumulator with HP air from the HP air ringmain. The pressure will be reduced via reducing stations.

Question 2

Automatic by pass valve

Answer 2

Allows the pumps to run constantly from when the pressure builds because no operations involving the hydraulic ringmain are being used then when the pressure set high pressure is reached, a solenoid is energised opening the by pass valve allowing pump discharge to flow back to the header tank.

Question 3

Header tank

Answer 3

Acts as a reservoir for the hydraulic systems oil, it provides a positive head of pressure to the pumps suction inlet. Die to the tank being positioned higher than the pump the type of tank is called a vented tank.

Question 4

Level switch

Answer 4

Fitted to give a ‘low level’ indication, when the oil level drops below a set amount.

It can also be used as an interlock so as to cut off power to the supply to the pump in the event of rapid oil loss.