MOHAMED SATHAK ENGINEERING COLLEGE

KILAKARAI, RAMANATHAPURAM DIST-623

623 806
Accredited by NAAC and NBA
NBA,, Approved by AICTE, DGS, COA & Affiliated to Anna
University Chennai. An ISO 9001:2015 Certified Institution

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

QUESTION BANK

HYDRAULICS AND PNEUMATICS

QUESTION BANK

STUDENT NAME :
REGISTER NO :
DEPARTMENT :
YEAR :
 QUESTION
ME8694 Hydraulics and Pneumatics
BANK

ME8694 Hydraulics and Pneumatics

UNIT I
UNIT I FLUID POWER PRINICIPLES AND HYDRAULIC PUMPS
PART-A
1. What are the functions of hydraulic fluid?
i. To transmit fluid power efficiently to perform useful work.
ii. To lubricate the moving parts to minimize wear and friction.
iii. To absorb, carry and dissipate the heat generated within the system.
iv. To prevent rust and corrosion
To remove unwanted and harmful impurities from the system.
2. Explain the importance of viscosity and what happens if viscosity is too high
(or) too low?
Viscosity is the most important property of a hydraulic fluid, as it determines the
ability of a fluid to be pumped and transmitted through the system.
Too high viscosities (Heavy weight fluids) have the following effects.
i) High resistance to flow, which causes sluggish operation (Difficult to flow).
ii) Increases power consumption.
Too low viscosities (Light weight fluids) have the following effects.
i) Less precision control and slower responses.
Increases Leakage losses past seals.
3. List the applications of fluid power.
i. Agriculture: Hydraulically driven farm equipments.
ii. Automobile: Fluid power steering and braking systems.
Defence: Missile Launch Systems, navigation controls. Iv Transportation:
Hydraulically powered overhead sky tram
4. In comparison with hydraulic systems, why are pneumatic systems are
suitable only for low load and low power applications?
Since pneumatic pressures are quite low due to the compressor design, the
pneumatic systems are suitable only for low load and low power applications. It is
compressible in nature and not suitable for high load application. This is the reason
for using pneumatic systems in low load applications.
 QUESTION
ME8694 Hydraulics and Pneumatics
BANK

5. What is demulsibility? Write its significance.

The property of a hydraulic fluid to separate rapidly and completely from moisture
and to resist emulsification is known as demulsibility. Significance: This property is
significant because the operation of many hydraulic systems are conducive to the
forming of moisture or of stable water-in-oil emulsions.

6. What is oxidation stability?

Oxidation stability is defined as the ability of a liquid to resist reaction with oxygen
or oxygen-containing compounds.

7. State the law that govern the fluid power system.

Pascal's law states that the pressure generated at any point in a confined fluid acts
equally in all directions. P1= P2, F1/A1 = F2/A2
8. Differentiate between laminar and turbulent flow
A laminar flow is one in which paths taken by the individual particles 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. A turbulent flow is that flow in
which fluid particles move in a zig-zag way. The turbulent flow is characterized by
continuous small fluctuations in the magnitude and direction of the velocity of the
fluid particles.
9. List out the various energy losses when liquid flows through a pipe.
1. Major energy losses occur due to friction
Minor losses - These losses are due to losses in valves and pipe fittings. Sudden
enlargement/Contraction of pipe. (Hi) Bend in pipe, etc.

10. List the advantages of hydrostatic pumps over hydrodynamic pumps.

 They are capable of generate high pressure (over 690 bar).
 They are relatively small and compact in size.
High volumetric efficiency due to less leakages.
11. Why water is not used as a hydraulic fluid in fluid power systems?
Water is not used in fluid power system because it corrodes, encourages growth of
bacteria, easily evaporates and gets contaminated easily, has poor lubricity,
viscosity and prone to more leakage.
 QUESTION
ME8694 Hydraulics and Pneumatics
BANK

PART-B
1. What types of fluids are available for hydraulic system? Explain
each of them.

1) Ideal Fluid:
The ideal fluid is an incompressible fluid. This type of fluid does not have any
viscosity and surface tension. The ideal fluid is also known as a perfect fluid. In
real life, no fluid has such properties so it is an imaginary fluid. Some of the
liquid can be considered ideal like water which has very low viscocity, low
surface tension and high resistance to compression. Thus water can be
considered an ideal fluid for all practical purposes without incurring much
 QUESTION
ME8694 Hydraulics and Pneumatics
BANK

appreciable error in arriving at the result. In real life, it is impossible for any
fluid to have the properties mentioned above. Every fluid has some viscosity
and surface tension and also has some compressibility. So, no ideal fluid exists
in real life.

2) Real Fluid:
The real fluid is a compressible fluid. Every real fluid present posses some
Viscosity and Surface Tension. A real fluid is also known as practical fluid.
A fluid that possesses properties such as viscosity, surface tension, and
compressibility is known as real fluid or practical fluid. All fluid present in
nature is real fluid. Examples of real fluid: Water, petrol, kerosene, etc.

3) Newtonian Fluid:
Newtonian Fluids are the fluid that obeys Newton’s Law Of Viscocity.
In Newtonian Fluid, shear stress is directly proportional to the rate of shear
strain. Also, the viscosity totally depends upon the temperature and pressure
of the fluid. Examples of Newtonian fluid are air, water, hydrogen, emulsions,
kerosene, etc.

4) Non-Newtonian Fluid:
The fluids which do not obey Newton’s Law Of Viscosity are known as Non-
Newtonian Fluid. In Non-Newtonian Fluid the shear stress is not directly
proportional to the rate of shear strain. Examples Of Non-Newtonian Fluid:
Blood, grease, sugar solutions, Flubber, Oobleck, etc

5) Ideal Plastic Fluid:

The fluid in which the shear stress is proportional to the rate of shear strain i.e
it follows Newton’s Law Of Viscocity and the shear stress is more than the yield
value is known as ideal plastic fluid. The ideal plastic fluid is also known as
Bingham Fluid. When the ideal plastic fluid reaches a yield value of shear
stress, the fluid begins to flow. The fluid flows such that the relation between
the shear stress and velocity gradient is linear. Examples of ideal plastic fluid
are Water suspension Of Clay and Fly ash.

6) Thyxotropic Fluid:
Thyxotropic fluid is a fluid in which after reaching a yield value of shear stress,
the fluid begins to flow. The fluid flow such that the relationship between the
shear stress (T) and the velocity gradient (dy/dx) is non-linear. The thyrxotropic
fluid is similar to plastic fluid till its initial value of shear stress (T) exceeds the
yield value but after that it does not follow Newton’s law during flowing.
Examples of thyxotropoic fluid are crude oil and printing ink.
 QUESTION
ME8694 Hydraulics and Pneumatics
BANK

2. Explain the various losses in hydraulic fluid power system.

 Major Head Loss – due to friction in straight pipes

 Minor Head Loss – due to components as valves, bends, etc.

The head loss forms key characteristic of any hydraulic system. In systems, in
which some certain flow rate must be maintained (e.g. to provide sufficient
cooling or heat transfer from some source), the equilibrium of the head
loss and the head added by a pump determines the flow rate through the
system.

There are two types of head losses in pipe flow system i.e. Major head loss and
Minor head loss.

Head loss in pipe flow system due to viscous effect i.e. due to friction will be
termed as major head loss and will be indicated by h L-Major.

Head loss in pipe flow system due to various piping components such as
valves, fittings, elbows, contractions, enlargement, tees, bends and exits will
be termed as minor head loss and will be indicated by h L-Minor.

Therefore, complete head loss or pressure loss in pipe flow will be summation
of major head loss and minor head loss and will be indicated by h L.
h L = h L-Major + h L-Minor
Major Head loss
Major Head losses in pipe flow problem will be calculated with the help of
Darcy-Weisbach formula as mentioned below and this Darcy-Weisbach formula
will be used to calculate the major loss in pipe flow, it does not matter that pipe
is horizontal, vertical or on inclined plane.
 QUESTION
ME8694 Hydraulics and Pneumatics
BANK

Friction factor as mentioned above will be determined on the basis of type of

flow i.e. Laminar flow, Transition flow and turbulent flow. We can refer below
equations in order to determine the friction factor.

Minor Head loss

As we have discussed above minor head losses are pressure losses in pipe flow
system due to various piping components such as valves, fittings, elbows,
contractions, enlargement, tees, bends and exits.

Where K is termed as minor loss coefficient and values of minor loss coefficient,
K for various piping components or fitting are mentioned in following table.

3. Explain with neat sketch construction and working of external gear

pump.
A gear pump comes under the category positive displacement pump
which has a continuous delivery rotary pump. With the help of gear
meshing, mechanical energy is converted into fluid energy and this creates
void suction. Space which is in between the gear meshing pull in the high-
level of viscous liquids by letting them flow towards the wall surface and
then to the output. This pump works effectively for an extended level of
viscous liquid like oil because it does not need any priming.
 QUESTION
ME8694 Hydraulics and Pneumatics
BANK

Working Principle

The gear pump working principle can be explained as follows:

When there is a revolution of toothed wheels inside of the casing

section, air will get wedged in between and throughout the teeth which
creates space. This shows a result of a positive up direction lift of the liquid
on the way to the suction pump. The pump continues to pull in the air until
it initiates to receive liquid through the inner section.

The liquid will be pulled into it at the level of atmospheric pressure;

prior to being trapped in-between the space of two wheels. Gradually the
viscous liquid will be pulled in the direction of output and then pulled
towards the out. The pump functions effectively also in the inactive state
but operates more actively when it got primed in before.

Added protection in the scenario of valve relieving is fitted in the gear

type revolving pump so as to expel any kind of destruction either for the
pipeline or pump. The relieving valve will decrease the additional pressure
during emergency thus safeguarding the entire equipment.

Applications

The gear pump applications are stated as below:

Mostly, gear pumps are employed for an extended level of viscous liquids like
resins, oil, foodstuffs, and paints.

 These are utilized in the applications where precise dosing is necessary.

 As the gear pump output is not much influenced by pressure, it can be
even applied in the applications where there is an unbalanced supply.

4. What are the desirable properties of hydraulic fluids? Discuss them

in detail.

Every power transmission system has some means or medium to convey

power from its source to the application area. hydraulic fluid is used to
convey power from a power source such as a motor or engine to the
actuator. One point should be clear in mind that the hydraulic fluid as a
working medium should not be compared with the fuel in the
combustion engine, where the energy from the fuel is used to develop the
power, whereas in the hydraulic system no internal energy of the fluid is
used. It is used only as a medium to carry energy or power.
 QUESTION
ME8694 Hydraulics and Pneumatics
BANK

Following are the important properties of hydraulic fluids:

1. Viscosity
2. High Viscosity Index
3. Demulsibility
4. Lubricity
5. Resistance to oxidation
6. Resistance to Foaming
7. Compatibility
8. Pour point
9. Flash Point
10.Film strength

5. State and explain Pascal’s law

A pressure of 2000 Pa is transmitted throughout a liquid column
due to a force being applied on a piston. If the piston has an area of 0.1
m2, what force is applied? This can be calculated using Pascal's Law
formula. F = PA.
 QUESTION
ME8694 Hydraulics and Pneumatics
BANK

6. With a neat sketch explain the principle and working of unbalanced

vane pump and derive the expression for the output of vane pump.
There are mainly three types of vane pumps:
 Unbalanced Vane Pump
 Balanced Vane Pump
 Variable Displacement Vane Pump

Unbalanced Vane Pump

Unbalanced vane pumps are the regular vane pump that you have
read in this article. It consists of a cylindrical rotor mounted on an offset
inside a circular casing. This means that the center of the cylindrical
rotor and the center of the casing is not coincidental. The center of the
casing and the centers of the rotor are at some distance. There is no
leakage between the vane tips and the casings.

A side thrust is made on the rotor shaft due to the difference in

pressure between the inlet and outlet port. Due to the sides thrust on the
rotor shafts, the bearing’s life is reduced. Due to the pressure difference
in the inlet and outlet port, this vane pump is called an unbalanced vane
pump. In balanced vane pumps, there is no side thrust on the rotor
shaft.
 QUESTION
ME8694 Hydraulics and Pneumatics
BANK

Balanced Vane Pump

In balanced vane pumps, the casing is elliptical in shape. The center of

the rotor and elliptical casing is the same, and no offset is used. For
equilibrium, two inlets and two outlets are provided, due to which no pressure
difference is created between the inlet and the outlet.

Two inlets are present on opposite sides of each other, and two outlets are
present on opposite sides of each other. Due to thises type of arrangement of
inlets & outlets, equal and opposite thrust is balanced, and therefore no side
thrust is experienced by the rotor shaft.

A balanced pump gives better service and longer life. The pocket size between
the two vans increases when moving from the outlet to the outlet, and the
pocket size decreases when moving from the inlet to the outlet. Therefore the
inlet port has suction, and the outlet port has a delivery.
 QUESTION
ME8694 Hydraulics and Pneumatics
BANK

Variable Displacement Vane Pump

In a variables displacement vane pump, the pocket-size can be varied. Due to

different pocket sizes, the discharge from the outlet varies. In this variable
displacement vane pump, the casing is not in direct contact with the casing.

A ring is provided between the casing and the pane, and this ring is called the
reaction ring. On one side, the feedback ring is connected with the adjustment
screw, and on the other side, it is connected with a spring.

The adjusting screw is used to separate the pocket size of this pump. By
turning the adjustment screw, the reaction ring can be moved upward or
downward. By moving the reaction ring up or down, the offset between the
reaction ring center and rotor center.

As the offset change, the pocket-size also changes, & hence the discharge from
the pump changes.

Working of Vane Pump:

First, power is provided to the shafts of the pump using an electric motor. After
providing power, the shaft starts rotating, & the rotor which is mounted on the
shaft also starts rotating. When the rotor rotates, the sliding vans present in
the slot of the rotor experience a centrifugal force that is radially directed
outward.
 QUESTION
ME8694 Hydraulics and Pneumatics
BANK

Due to the centrifugal forces on the sliding vane, the vans move outward, and
the spring that connects the rotor and vane expands. Then the springs expand,
and the sliding vans establish contact with the cam-ring, and this contact is
established until the rotor rotates.

When the vane reaches a position where the distance between the rotor shaft
and the casing is short, the spring of the vanes is compressed to maintain
contact with the cam-ring. In this case, the area between the two adjacent vans
and the casing is also smaller, i.e., the pocket size is smaller.

Similarly, when the vane reaches a position where the distances between the
rotor shaft and the casing are large, the spring of the vanes expands to
maintain contact with the cam-ring. In this case, the area between the two
adjacent vans and the casing is also larger.

When the rotors rotate continuously, after some time, suctions are formed in
the inlet port, which causes the fluids to be sucked into the inlet port.

The fluid that is sucked through the inlet is trapped between two adjacent
vans, & as the vanes are always in contact with the cam-rings, the trapped
fluid rotates along with the two adjacent vans.

While moving from the inlet ports to the outlet port, fluid experiences a
centrifugal force that increases the pressure of the fluid, & this high-pressure
fluid is transported through the outlet port to the required area.

Near the inlet of the vane pumps, the space between the two adjacent vans
increases due to the increasing distance between the shaft and the casing. As
the space between two adjacent vans increases, a vacuum is created near the
inlet of the vane pump. Due to the vacuum created, suction starts, and fluid is
drawn from the pump’s inlet.

After that, as the rotors continue to rotate, the compression of the fluid
continues to rotate, the space between the adjacent vans begins to decrease,
i.e., the pocket size decreases. As the pocket size decreases, the fluid volume
decreases, and the entangled fluid becomes narrower, and the fluid pressure
increases. After that, the high-pressure fluids are discharged from the outlet of
the vane pump.
 QUESTION
ME8694 Hydraulics and Pneumatics
BANK

UNIT II
UNIT II HYDRAULIC ACTUATORS AND CONTROL COMPONENTS
Define fluid power Actuator. Explain its types.
Fluid power actuators are devices that perform useful work by extracting energy
from the fluid and convert it to mechanical energy. Actuators transmits and controls
the fluid power efficiently to provide correct force and speed for any job ranging
from simplex to complex. Fluid power actuators may be either linear type or rotary
type. There are two types of fluid power actuators.
They are (1) Linear actuators (2) Rotary actuators. Linear actuators provide
linear motion while rotary actuators provide rotary mechanical motion.
Why are double-acting cylinders known as differential cylinders?
Since the piston rod is attached at one side only, the cylinder exerts greater force
when extending [F = P x Apiston] than when retraction [F = P x (Apiston - Arod)]. This
results in different pressure levels on either side of the piston and that is the reason
that double-acting cylinders are also called as differential cylinders.
What is meant by cylinder cushioning?
When the pressurised fluid is allowed to enter inside the cylinder, the piston
accelerates and travels in the cylinder barrel. If the piston is allowed to travel at
the same speed till the end of the stroke, it will hit the end cap with a great impact.
To avoid this impact, the piston needs to decelerate at the end of the travel. The
arrangement made at the end caps to achieve the same is called cylinder cushion.
Name the basic types of rotary actuators.
Types:
1. Continuous rotary actuator: (a) Gear motor, (b) Vane motors, and (c) Piston motors.
2. Limited rotation hydraulic motors: Vane type, and Piston type.
List any four types of pressure control valves.
 Pressure-compensated valves, Unloading valves,Pressure relief valve
 Sequence valves, Counterbalance valves, Pressure reducing valve
 QUESTION
ME8694 Hydraulics and Pneumatics
BANK

What are actuation devices and list them?

Actuation devices are components used in hydraulics/pneumatic circuits that are used
for shifting the valve spool from one position to another. The types of actuation devices
are: Manual actuation devices, Mechanical actuation devices, Pilot operated actuation
devices, Solenoid operated actuation devices
What is shuttle valve?
A valve that has two inlets and one outlet is known as shuttle valve. The outletreceives
the flow from the inlet whichever is at a higher pressure. Shuttle valve also known as
double check valve, are used when control isrequired from more than one power
source.
What is the use of sequence valve?
It is a type of hydraulic pressure control valve that is used to force two actuatorto be
operated in a pre-determined sequence. These valves permit several operations to be
completed in sequential order.
What is the function of servo system?
Generally, hydraulic direction control valves are working with many actuating devices,
especially solenoids. Solenoids can be operated under two states: shifted and not
shifted. So, solenoid valve can be shifted open to allow flow or closed to block flow.
But servo systems are able to precisely position the valve spool between the open and
closed positions. This allows the flow to be throttled (metered) through the valve and
provides precise flow control as well as direction control. Simply, servo systems are
integration of DCV with FCV.
What are proportional control valves?
It is an infinite variable position valves. They use a variable force direct current
solenoid to control the output from the main spool. It provides a change in
output pressure or flow in the same ratio as the change in the input.
State the semi-rotary actuator. List the applications
These are used to convert fluid pressure energy into torque, which turns through an
 QUESTION
ME8694 Hydraulics and Pneumatics
BANK

angle limited by the design of the actuator. With the majority of designs, the angle of
rotation is within 3600.
Applications:
 Machine loading systems
 Car production automation systems
 Paper machinery and Marking machines
Turn-over machines
What are the functions of seals in the hydraulic system?

 To stop leakage of oil. To maintain the pressure

 To keep out contamination in the system.
 To enhance the functional reliability of the components over a longerperiod.
To enhance the working life of the system.

PART B
1. How cylinder cushioning takes place in cylinders? Explain with diagram.
2. Explain the construction and working in detail of single and double acting hydraulic
cylinder with neat diagram.
3. With neat sketch, explain the working of poppet valve, pilot operated check valve,
pressure relief valve and compound relief valve.
4. In detail write the working of pressure reducing valve and sequence valve with neat
sketches.
5. Explain the construction, working of gear type motor and vane type motor
With neat sketch explain the working and construction features of Telescopic cylinder
also list its applications.
6. .Explain the sequence circuit using sequence valve in drilling operation.
 QUESTION
ME8694 Hydraulics and Pneumatics
BANK

UNIT III
UNIT III HYDRAULIC CIRCUITS AND SYSTEMS
What type of gas is used in gas loaded accumulators and why oxygen not
used for this purpose?
Inert gas is used in gas loaded accumulators.
Oxygen is not used for this purpose because it catches fire and cause explosion.
What are the basic requirements for parallel cylinder synchronizing
system?
Two cylinders must be identical, but no cylinders are identical, as manufacturing
tolerances may vary. Load should be divided equally for both cylinders to extend
in exact synchronization.
What is air-oil intensifier?
An air-oil intensifier circuit, which drives a cylinder over a large distance at low
pressure and then over a small distance at high pressure. In some applications,
hydraulic and pneumatic circuits are coupled to get the advantage of both air and oil
mediums.It is used in riveting machine, workpiece clamping device etc.
What are the constituents of hydraulic power pack?
The important constituents of hydraulic power pack are
 Hydraulic oil, Reservoir, Valves, Fluid transfer piping
What is the function of bleed-off circuit?
Bleed off circuits control the fluid flow rate by bleeding off the excess flow back to the
tank. This is accomplished by providing a additional line parallel to the system pressure
line. To slow down the actuator, some of the flow is bled off through this line, thereby
reducing the flow to the actuator. It may be noted that, opening a bleed off FCV, slows
down the actuator, whereas, opening a meter in
or meter out FCV increases the actuator speed.
What is the use of a regenerative circuit?
A regenerative circuit is used to speed up the extending speed of the double-
acting cylinder.
 QUESTION
ME8694 Hydraulics and Pneumatics
BANK

What is the difference between meter-in circuit and meter-out circuit?

Meter - in Circuit Meter - out Circuit
1. In this system the flow control valve is In this system the flow control
placed in the line leading to the inlet port of valve is placed in the outlet line of
2. It controls the oil flow rate into the It controls the oil flow rate out of
cylinder. the cylinder.
3. Less pressure is developed in the rod end Excessive pressure is developed in
of the cylinder while it is extending the rod end of the cylinder while it
4. If meter-in is desired point the arrow If meter-out is desired point the
toward the cylinder port. arrow away from the cylinder port.
What is the use of a regenerative circuit?
A regenerative circuit is used to speed up the extending speed of the double-
acting cylinder.
What is meant by an air-over-oil system?
The air-over-oil system was both air and oil to obtain the advantages of each
medium. By the use of these two media, the quick action of air and the smooth
high-pressure action of oil can be blended.
Name the three ways of applying flow control valves in a fluid power circuit.
i) Meter-in circuit ii) Meter-out circuit iii) Bleed-off circuit.
What do you mean by sequencing of cylinders? Name some applicationwhere
it would be desirable to have sequencing of two cylinders
In many applications, the operation of two hydraulic cylinders is required to be
performed in sequence one after another. This is known as sequencing of cylinders.
Applications: (i) In a drilling machine, clamping and drilling operations should be
performed in a sequence. ii) In a punching machine, clamping and punching
operations should be performed in a sequence.
List the applications of an intensifier.
Burst testing machines, High pressure clamping devices, Moulding machines Spot-
welding machines, Riveting machines. Hydraulic pressing, punching machines
 QUESTION
ME8694 Hydraulics and Pneumatics
BANK

What is an intensifier?
Intensifer is an ancilliary part used in hydraulic system to increase the pressureof
hydraulic liquid. Intensifier is a device which generates pressures to greater

value than the pump discharge pressure by using fluid power.

Sketch the different types of accumulator symbols.

PART-B
1. With neat sketch, write the different types of accumulator with advantages and
disadvantages that are used in hydraulic system.
2. Explain with suitable circuit, how an accumulator can be used a) As leakage
compensator b) As emergency power source. Shock absorber auxiliary power source.
3. Draw and explain the air over oil circuit used in hydraulic circuit.
4. Design a failsafe control circuit using emergency cut off valve and two handed
safety circuit.
5. Explain the speed control circuit of hydraulic system.
6. How synchronizing of cylinder is possible in parallel and series piping?
7. Explain the pneumohydraulic circuit and automatic cylinder reciprocation circuit With
an example how electro hydraulic circuits
8. Discuss the construction and working of a Mechanical hydraulic servo system with
a diagram.
 QUESTION
ME8694 Hydraulics and Pneumatics
BANK

UNIT IV
UNIT IV PNEUMATIC AND ELECTRO PNEUMATIC SYSTEMS
PART-A
Name some fluidic devices.
 Bistable flip-flop
 Flip-flop with start-up preference
 SRT flip-flop
 OR/NOR gate AND gate
When do you use a flip-flop with start-up preference?
A flip-flop with start-up preference is used in applications where a specific
output is required when the power supply is first turned ON and all controls
are OFF.
What is the use of truth table in logic devices?
A truth table helps to describe the functioning of that particular logic device.
Give the truth table for fluidic OR and NOR gate.

What is Boolean algebra? Write its two functions relative to fluid power
systems.
Boolean algebra is algebra of logic. This is the algebra of proportions where
only two possibilities – true or false – are allowed.
Boolean algebra provides the following two functions:

 It provides a means by which a logic circuit can be reduced to its

simplest form.
 It allows for the quick synthesis of a circuit that is to perform desired
logic operations.
 QUESTION
ME8694 Hydraulics and Pneumatics
BANK

Name four fluid sensors used in fluid power systems.

 Back-pressure sensor
 Cone-jet Proximity sensor
 Interruptible-jet sensor Contact sensing
Define Ladder diagram.
It is a special standard schematic representation of the arrangement physical
component and its way of connections made between them. It is so called
because the circuit devices are connected in parallel across the AC line form
something looks like a ladder.
What is a PLC?
A programmable logic controller (PLC) is a user-friendly electronic computer
designed to perform logic functions such as AND, OR, or NOT for controlling
the operation of industrial equipment and processes. Three PLC components
are: processor, power supply, and an input/output (I/O) section.
What is a solenoid?
It is electromechanical electromagnets that convert the electrical power into
mechanical force to operate fluid power valves remotely. It consists of a coil
wrapped removable iron core (Armature). When the solenoid is energized, the
magnetic created causes the armature to shift the valve spool.
Define relay.
Relay is an electrically actuated switch which open or close when its
corresponding coil is energized. These relays are commonly used for
energizing and de-energizing the solenoids as they require high current to
operate.
Write few applications of electrohydraulic servo valve.
It is employed in more sophisticated control systems such as on tape
controlled machine tools, high speed printing presses, press brakes etc.
What is cascade method in pneumatics?
It involves dividing the sequence into groups with each group’s manifold
(power or main pressure line) being supplied with pneumatic power (pressure)
one at a time and in sequence.
 QUESTION
ME8694 Hydraulics and Pneumatics
BANK

PART-B
1. With suitable graphical symbol and sketch explain the working principle
and construction features of FRL unit in pneumatic system.
2. Explain the electrical control circuit of regenerative circuit with ladder
diagram in Pneumatic system.
3. Design a system in which cylinder A is used to clamp the workpiece,
cylinder B is used for punching and cylinder C removes the workpiece from
the station using cascade method.
4. Explain the construction and working of bistable flip-flop with truth table.
5. Explain the elements of PLC with neat diagram and Develop a ladder
diagram to perform a drilling operation
6. Explain with ANSI symbols a) all types of actuators used in pneumatics. b)
quick exhaust valve and 5/2 direction control valve.
7. Define coanda effect. Discuss how this effect useful to develop a monostable
and bistable- flip flop device
UNIT V
UNIT V TROUBLE SHOOTING AND APPLICATIONS
What is trouble shooting in hydraulic system?
Finding the faults in various components of hydraulic system like pump, strainer,
valve, cylinder and taking remedies to work in proper condition.
List any two selection criteria of hydraulic systems.
Pressure or force produced at the output should be high and the usage of hydraulic system
occupies more floor space.
It also depends on (i) Purpose (ii) Stroke requirement (iii) Thrust (iv) Speed

(v) Acceleration and deceleration (vi) Cylinder mountings, Special seal requirement.
Define a low cost automation.
Low cost automation is a technology that creates some degree of automation around the
existing equipment, tools, methods, people etc. using mostly standardcomponent. A wide
range of activities such as loading, feeding, clamping, machining, welding, forming and
packing can be subjected to low cost automation.
 QUESTION
ME8694 Hydraulics and Pneumatics
BANK

List three causes for low or erratic pressure in a hydraulic system.

(i) Very low relief valve setting (II)Leakage of pump delivery within the system Pump slipping
its entire volume.
What is the difference between pressure switch and a temperature switch?
 Pressure switch is used to sense the change in pressure and open or closecontacts
based on the system pressure.
 Temperature switches used to senses change in temperature and open or close
contacts when a predetermined temperature is reached.
Why screw pumps generate less noise while running?
 Screw pumps typically run silently with low pulsations, for low to medium, but
not high-pressure duty.
 screw pumps generate less noise, because of rolling action of the screwspindles
Also in the screw pump the fluid does not rotate but moves linearly.
Mention the area in a pneumatic system, of higher importance during
 Always ensure that you have an accurate circuit as well as the functional diagram of the
pneumatic system. If any changes are made after installation, ensure that they are made
in the directions as well.
 Do take care that the impulse valves of the system is protected from excess of
dirt, mechanical shocks and cooling water.
 Imprints of the elements and the units should be accurate and easilyvisible.
 The valve openings that are given by the manufacturers should only be used.
State any four common causes for hydraulic system breakdowns.

a) Inadequate supply of oil in the reservoir, Clogged or dirty oil filters

b) Leaking seals, Loose inlet lines that cause the pump take in air
What is the need for temperature compensation in flow control valves?
As the viscosity of oil varies with temperature, the oil becomes less viscous when
temperature increases. As the less viscous fluid flow more readily through an orifice, the
increase in temperature causes increase in flow for a valve setting. So temperature
compensation is needed to offset the effect of such temperature variation.
 QUESTION
ME8694 Hydraulics and Pneumatics
BANK

How does Microprocessor differ from PLC and List out any two PLC applications in fluid
power control.
 A Microprocessor is the central processing unit (CPU) of a computer

 All PLCs contain one or more microprocessors, but not all

microprocessors are used in PLCs
PLC applications

 PLC is used to control a double acting hydraulic cylinder

PLC is used in fluid power circuits replacing electromechanical relays.
What is the function of unloading valve?
 The unloading valve is useful to control the amount of flow at anygiven time in
systems having more than one fixed delivery pump.
 The unloading valve allows pressure to build up to an adjustable setting, and then
bypasses the flow as long as a remote sourcemaintains the preset pressure on the pilot
port.
How does a servo valve differ from proportional valve?
Servo valve — any continuously variable, electrically modulated, directional
control valve with less than 3% centre overlaps.
Proportional valve — any continuously variable, electrically modulated,
directional control valves with more than 3% centre overlaps.
Mention the roles of pneumatic systems in low-cost automation.
Pneumatic system provides a simple and cost-effective means to move, clamp,rotate,
grind and screw. A pneumatic system is a collection of interconnected
components using compressed air to do work for low cost automation
 QUESTION
ME8694 Hydraulics and Pneumatics
BANK

PART-B
1. Explain failure and troubleshooting of hydraulic system.
2. How surface grinding can be used by hydraulic circuit.
3. How a fork lift can be operated using hydraulic circuit?
4. Design and develop the pneumatic circuit for the pick and place applications with
suitable sketch.
5. How would you show and describe a hydraulic circuit to actuate a shaping
machine ram. Incorporate the following features in the circuit. i) rapid tool
approach ii) slow cutting iii) rapid tool retraction / return
6. Design and draw a circuit using the hydraulic components for the Shaping
operation.
7. Design a circuit using the hydraulic components for the Punching & press
operation.
8. Tabulate the various faults, causes, and the remedial actions for the following
hydraulic and pneumatic system components: i) Pump, Hydraulic cylinder, compressor,
FRL