MARINE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS TECHNOLOGY

FLUID POWER
INTRO

TABLE OF CONTENT

No. T it le Page
4 .1 Introduction 2
4 .2 Fluid Power Terms 3
4 .3 Fluid Power Applications 6
4 .4 Fluid Power Comparisons Chart 7
4 .5 Fluid Power Control Diagram 8
4 .6 Advantages & Disadvantages 9
4 .7 Safety 11
4 .8 Stored Energy Devices 13
4 .9 Basic Units 14
4 .1 0 Symbols 16

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4.1 INTRODUCTION

4.11 Pneumatics
Compressed air is the oldest form of energy known to man. The deliberate utilisation of air as a
medium can be traced back thousands of years.

The first recorded use of pneumatics was the Greek KTHESIBOUS. He built a compressed air
impulse catapult 2000 years ago.

One of the first books concerning the application of compressed air as an energy form
originated in the first century A.D. and describes devices driven by warm air.

The expression PNEUMA is derived from the Greeks- “Breath of Wind”, from this word the term
pneumatic was established.

It was not until the last century that the behaviour and fundamentals were researched. The
practical application of pneumatics in industry dates back to less than 60 years.

4.12 Hydraulics
The study of hydraulics deals with the use of a liquid to do work. The earliest recorded history
shows devices that were used for grain grinding, using a water wheel and irrigation
applications.

A confined fluid is a versatile means of transmitting motion and power. It is infinitely flexible; it
will change its shape to fit a chamber that resists its thrust. It can be divided into parts, each
doing work. It can move rapidly or slowly and can maintain the ability to transmit a maximum of
power in a minimum of bulk and weight. Hydraulic power is used to do work with ease that
would be difficult or impossible by any other means.

4.13 Fluid Power

Is the term used to describe the generation, control and application of smooth, effective power
of pumped or compressed fluids (either liquid or gases). This power is used to provide force
and motion to mechanisms. This force and motion may be in the form of pushing, pulling,
rotating, regulating, or driving. Fluid power systems often include one or all of the following:
hydraulics, pneumatics, electrics and mechanical devices.

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4.2 FLUID POWER TERMS

4.2.1 Absolute
A measure having its zero point or base with the complete absence of the entity being
measured.

4.2.2 Bulk Modulus

A measure of a liquid’s resistance to compression when a pressure is applied (Hydraulic oil
compresses approximately 0.5% of its volume for every 7Mpa pressured applied with-in limits).

Note: If a hydraulic system has in excess of 160mL of compressed oil then de-compression of
the system should be considered.

4.2.3 Cavitation
A negative pressure, which can cause material destruction due to insufficient volumetric
efficiency. Can occur in a hydraulic pump.

4.2.4 Conservation of Energy

The law of conservation of energy states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed,
although it may change from one form to another.
Forms of energy:
 Electrical
 Mechanical
 Light
 Heat
 Sound, etc.

4.2.5 Control Engineering

Most industrial and marine applications incorporate one or more of the four basic methods of
transmitting and controlling power:
 Mechanical
 Electrical
 Hydraulic
 Pneumatic

4.2.6 DCV
Directional Control Valve.

4.2.7 Displacement Volume

Designed capacity of a pump, motor or compressor.

4.2.8 Displacement
The volume of fluid a pump or motor is capable of transporting per shaft revolution. Unit =
cm3/rev

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4.2.9 Efficiency
The ratio of the output power to the Input power expressed as a percentage (%)
Output Power 100
Efficiency(%)  x
Input Power 1

4.2.10 Energy
The ability to do work. (Can exist as Potential or Kinetic energy).
Unit = joule (J) same unit as work.

4.2.11 Flow rate

Quantity of fluid flowing per second. Unit: cubic metres per second (m3 /s)

4.2.12 Flow
Quantity of fluid flowing. Unit: cubic metres (m3) or
Litre (l) note 1m3 = 1000 litres

4.2.13 Fluid Power

Is the term used when a fluid is used to transmit and control power. The fluids most often used
are Atmospheric Air (Pneumatics) and Oil (Hydraulic).

4.2.14 Fluid
A liquid or a gas.

4.2.15 Force
An influence that tends to change the motion of a body:
 Can cause a body to move.
 Can retard or stop a moving body.
Unit = Newton (N)
Force = pressure x area

4.2.16 Gas
A highly compressible fluid, non-rigid control.

4.2.17 Hydraulic Lever

Hydraulic systems provide an ideal method of achieving force multiplication.
The ratio of piston areas (input to output) controls:
 Force multiplication.
 Distance travelled.

4.2.18 Hydraulics
The use of pressurised liquid to transmit energy.

4.2.19 Hydrodynamics
Where the kinetic energy of a fluid in motion is used to perform work.
Force = mass x acceleration

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4.2.20 Hydrostatics
Where the potential energy of a fluid under pressure is used to perform work.
Force = pressure x area.

4.2.21 Liquid
Almost a non-compressible fluid, rigid control.

4.2.22 Mechanical Advantage

The ratio of force output to the force input, ie. a simple lever. As force output increases, input
distance proportionally increases.

4.2.23 Pneumatics
The use of pressurised gas to transmit energy.

4.2.24 Power
Indicates the rate of doing work.
Unit = watt (W)

Fluid Power (W) = Pressure (Pa) x Flow rate (m3/s)

Force(F)xDistance(m)
MechanicalPower(W) 
Time(s)

4.2.25 Pressure
An indication of the intensity or concentration of a force (i.e. force exerted per unit area.)
Unit =Pascal (Pa)

Force N
Pressure (Pa) = ( )
Area m 2

4.2.26 Torque
The product of force and lever (linear oscillating or rotary). Unit = N.m

4.2.27 Velocity
Distance travelled per unit time.

4.2.28 Volumetric Efficiency

The measure of a pump or compressor’s efficiency related to the input volume and actual
displacement volume expressed as a percentage %.

4.2.29 Work
The movement of a resisting object through a distance.
Unit = joule (J)
Work (J) = Force (N) x Distance (m)

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4.3 FLUID POWER APPLICATIONS

4.3.1 Industrial Hydraulics

 Plastic Moulding machines
 Presses
 Heavy machinery
 Machine tools

4.3.2 Steelworks, Civil Engineering, Electric Power Generation

 Lock Gates and Dams
 Bridge operating Equipment
 Mining Machinery
 Turbines
 Nuclear Power Stations

4.3.3 Mobile Hydraulics

 Excavators and Cranes
 Constructional and Agricultural Machinery
 Automobile Manufacturing

4.3.4 Aeronautical Hydraulics Applications

 Control surfaces of Aircraft
 Landing Gear
 Equipment to load and unload planes

4.3.5 Marine Hydraulics Applications

 Rudder Control
 Deck Cranes
 Bow Doors
 Bulkhead Valves

4.3.6 Military Hydraulics Applications

 Control of weapon systems
 Tanks
 Ships
 Aircraft

4.3.7 Industrial Pneumatics

 High Speed Packing Machines.
 Food Processing Machinery
 Power tools
 Automobile Manufacturing

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4.4 FLUID POWER COMPARISON CHART

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4.5 FLUID POWER CONTROL DIAGRAM

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4.6 ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES

4.6.1 Hydraulic Systems

Advantages Disadvantages
Absorb external shock load. High cost - expensive components.

Ideal for modifying output power. Overheating.

Absence of wear and backlash. Could be a fire hazard.

Self-lubricating. Slow operations compared to pneumatic

systems.
Good power to weight ratio.

Low inertia for stop start reversals.

Can be stalled under load without damage to

the system.

Infinitely variable velocities and forces.

Wide range of application.

Large force outputs.

Long service life.

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4.6.2 Pneumatic Systems

Advantages Disadvantages
Air is universally available. Cost - Compressed air is expensive to
produce.
Easily stored.
Limited output power.
Circuit components are relatively few and
simple in operation. Exhaust air can be loud.

Clean. Water contamination in airlines and

components.
Safe to use in fire hazard / explosive
environments.

Insensitive to temperatures below 120C.

Transmission lines are small inexpensive

materials (often plastic).

Very flexible - application unlimited.

Overload proof - system can be safely

stalled.

Exhaust air dumped back to atmosphere.

Very fast and infinitely variable actuator

velocities and forces.

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4.7 SAFETY

4.7.1 Pneumatic Safety

Compressed air is a safe form of energy because it is free from fire hazards, or hazard
associated with electricity and high-pressure steam, but must be still treated with care as it can
expand explosively if suddenly released or by failure of the vessel or component containing its
potential energy.

Specific safety requirements of compressed air systems are:

 All parts of the system should be protected against over pressure and these devices should
be tamper proof where possible.

 All components must have a suitable working pressure rating, relative to the pressure in
which they are working.

 Receivers should have an approved type and size safety valve to relieve full input flow at
the designed working pressure under all conditions, eg. valve must not seize at freezing
temperatures.

 Receiver and all other types of pressure vessels should be marked with the hydraulic test
pressure and date of test, designed working pressure and standard or code to which they
are manufactured.

 All pneumatic systems should have a main airline shut-off valve. This should be the
pressure release type capable of safely venting all working system pressure.

 Systems should be designed and constructed so that components are readily accessible for
adjustment and/or replacement.

 Systems should be designed on a fail-safe basis, so that in the event of a failure, personnel
safety is maintained, and minimum damaged to equipment occurs.

 Provision is made to allow individual machine isolation from the main system and the safe
release of pressure from the machine.

 Pressure must be released from any device or component on the system prior to
maintenance.

 Weight or mechanically loaded devices must be restrained by either packing or manual

braking to prevent danger to maintenance personnel.

 All electrical supply should be isolated and tagged before any maintenance is carried out on
electro-pneumatic systems. Maintenance of any electric component or system is to be
carried out by suitably qualified personnel.

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4.7.2 Hydraulic Safety

 Petroleum based fluids have a fire risk. Fire resistant fluids are available and should be
used for fire hazard applications.

 Keep stored oils away from flames and electrical switchgear.

 Keep oil saturated rags in a proper container.

 Have foam type fire extinguishers within easy reach.

 Repair oil leaks. These can be a fire danger and spilled oil on the floor can be dangerous to
the operator.

 Use protective clothing to prevent oil contacting the skin. Use rubber aprons, gloves and
safety glasses. High-pressure oil can penetrate the skin and at the very least cause skin
complaints. Contact with your eyes may cause blindness.

 Understand the operation of all equipment that you are working with, ie. starting and
stopping procedures.

 Make sure that all safety guards are in place on all machines.

 Before working on a hydraulic machine, ensure that the power source is isolated. Pull out
electrical fuses.

 Support machine parts when dismantling; use correct lifting tackle for large components.

 Plug all open ports to exclude foreign matter.

 Use correct cleaning fluids, (note: some fluids can damage seals and others are toxic).

 Tighten all bolts to the correct torque rating.

 Use the correct tool for the job.

 Handle and store hydraulic parts in a manner to avoid damage. The slightest damage to a
piston, 'O' ring groove or 'U' ring will cause serious and expensive failure.

4.7.3Electrical Safety

 All electrical work must be carried out by a trained and licensed electrician.

 Check for frayed or damaged leads.

 Before commencing maintenance check that machine is isolated from mains by removing
the fuses.

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 Confirm with electrician that machine is safe to carry out maintenance.

4.8 STORED ENERGY DEVICES

In both hydraulic and pneumatic machinery it is possible to store fluid under pressure (Potential
energy). These devices must be relieved of pressure fluid before any maintenance is carried
out on machinery.

In both hydraulic and pneumatic systems check: -

 Pressure gauges for visual indication of pressure.

 Manual relief valves are operated to relieve pressure.

 Cylinders in positions of load, (e.g. press cylinder with weight of platen) are either
adequately supported, or moved to a safe working position. This will remove pressure from
the oil trapped inside cylinder.

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4.9 BASIC UNITS

Unit Symbol
Base
units

Length metre m
Mass kilogram kg
Time second s
Temperat kelvin K
ure
Current ampere A

Derived Unit Symbol

Units

Force newton N
Pressure pascal Pa
Area metre2 m2
Volume metre3 m3
Flow rate metre3/se m3/s,
cond m3s-1
Velocity meter/sec m/s, ms-1
ond
Work joule J
Power watt W

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Multiples of Units – use of prefixes

Factors Prefix Symbol

102 hecto H
103 kilo k
106 mega M
10-2 centi C
10-3 Milli m
10-6 micro 

Examples: 1000000Pa = 106 = 1Mpa

1000W = 103W = 1kW
1
m = 10-3m = 1mm
1000

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4.10 GENERAL SYMBOLS

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