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LEARNING ACTIVITY PACKET 1

HYDRAULIC POWER SYSTEMS

INTRODUCTION
Hydraulic power technology is used to power machines in almost every
manufacturing plant in the world. It has many unique features that have caused its use to
continue to grow rapidly.
This module is going to teach you the basic skills in hydraulics. You will learn to
connect and operate basic components and systems, read circuit diagrams, monitor
system operation, and design circuits.
To learn these skills you will be working with the Amatrol 850 series hydraulic
trainer. This trainer is designed with real world industrial components that will allow you
to set up actual circuits and test their operation.
In this first hydraulic LAP, you will learn how to start up and operate a hydraulic
power supply and then connect a basic circuit.

ITEMS NEEDED
Amatrol Supplied:
1 85-BH Basic Hydraulic Training System
1 85-HPS Hydraulic Power Unit
1 94-VF-1 Video - Fluid Power: It Works For You (optional)
1 94-VF-2 Video - Hydraulic Trainer Operation (optional)

School Supplied
Shop Towels or Rags

FOURTH EDITION, LAP 1, REV. C


Amatrol, AMNET, CIMSOFT, MCL, MINI-CIM, IST, ITC, VEST, and Technovate are trademarks or registered
trademarks of Amatrol, Inc. All other brand and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective companies.
Copyright © 2002, 2000, 1991, 1988, 1986 by AMATROL, INC.
All rights Reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, translated, or transmitted in any form or by any
means, electronic, optical, mechanical, or magnetic, including but not limited to photographing, photocopying,
recording or any information storage and retrieval system, without written permission of the copyright owner.
Amatrol, Inc., P.O. Box 2697, Jeffersonville, Indiana 47131 USA, Phone 812-288-8285, FAX 812-283-1584

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 2
TABLE OF CONTENTS

SEGMENT 1 INTRODUCTION TO HYDRAULICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4


OBJECTIVE 1 Define hydraulics and give an application
Activity 1 Video on fluid power
OBJECTIVE 2 Describe the functions of five basic components of a hydraulic system
Activity 2 Hydraulic Trainer Component Identification
OBJECTIVE 3 Define hydraulic pressure and give its units of measurement
SKILL 1 Read a hydraulic pressure gage

SEGMENT 2 POWER UNIT OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19


OBJECTIVE 4 Describe the operation of a hydraulic power unit
Activity 3 Identification of 850 power unit components
Activity 4 Video on hydraulic trainer operation
SKILL 2 Read the liquid level and temperature in the reservoir
SKILL 3 Operate a hydraulic power unit

SEGMENT 3 CIRCUIT CONNECTIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31


OBJECTIVE 5 Describe the function of a hydraulic schematic
OBJECTIVE 6 Describe the function of a hydraulic quick disconnect fitting and give its schematic symbol
SKILL 4 Connect and disconnect a hydraulic hose that uses quick-connect fittings
OBJECTIVE 7 Describe the function of a tee and give its schematic symbol
SKILL 5 Use a tee to connect two circuit branches together
OBJECTIVE 8 Describe the operation of a pressure gage and give its schematic symbol

SEGMENT 4 BASIC CYLINDER CIRCUITS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48


OBJECTIVE 9 Describe the function of a hydraulic cylinder and give an application
OBJECTIVE 10 Describe the operation of a double-acting hydraulic cylinder and give its schematic symbol
Activity 5 Basic operation of a double-acting cylinder
OBJECTIVE 11 Describe the function of a 3-position, 4-way DCV and give an application
OBJECTIVE 12 Describe the operation of a 3-position, 4-way DCV and give its schematic symbol
Activity 6 Flow paths of a 3-position, 4-way DCV
SKILL 6 Connect and operate a double-acting hydraulic cylinder using a 3-position,
manually-operated DCV
SKILL 7 Design a dual cylinder hydraulic circuit

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SEGMENT 1
INTRODUCTION TO HYDRAULICS

OBJECTIVE 1 DEFINE HYDRAULICS AND GIVE AN APPLICATION

All machines require some type of power source and a way of


transmitting it to the point of operation. The three methods of
transmitting power are mechanical, electrical, and fluid.
Fluid power deals with the transmission and control of energy by
means of a pressurized fluid. Although it is common to think of a fluid as
simply a liquid, a fluid is actually considered to be either a gas or a
liquid. Hence, there are two primary branches of fluid power:

· Hydraulics - Which uses a liquid, usually oil


· Pneumatics - Which uses a gas, usually air

An example of how hydraulics can be used for energy transmission


is shown in figure 1.

ELECTRIC
MOTOR
CONVEYOR

PUMP HYDRAULIC
MOTOR

RESERVOIR

OIL

Figure 1. Using Hydraulics to Drive a Conveyor

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In this example, hydraulic power runs a conveyor. To do this, an
electric motor rotates a hydraulic pump shaft causing the hydraulic pump
to pump oil from a tank or reservoir through a pipe to a hydraulic motor.
The pumped oil causes the hydraulic motor shaft to rotate, turning the
conveyor drive. The oil leaving the motor returns to the reservoir to be
used again.
Hydraulics is an important part of modern industry. In almost any
career you choose, you will probably work with or around
hydraulic-powered machinery. Some of the applications that use
hydraulics include:

Manufacturing
· Some industrial robots are powered by hydraulics.
· Many industrial machines use hydraulics for their power source.
· Plastic injection molding machines use hydraulics to close the
mold.
· Lifting devices, including fork trucks, use hydraulic power.

Transportation
· Commercial airplanes use hydraulics to control the moving
surfaces and for lowering and raising the landing gear.
· The shock absorbers used on cars and trucks use hydraulics.
· Brake systems for cars and trucks are powered by hydraulics.

Construction
· Digging equipment such as backhoes use hydraulics.
· Bulldozers, graders, and dump trucks use hydraulics.

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Figure 2. Application of Hydraulics in Plastics

Many applications use hydraulic systems because they can provide


very high forces and can smoothly and accurately control the motion of
the machine. Hydraulic systems also have the advantage of being able to
operate under water and in other harsh environments.
However, hydraulics isn’t the solution for every application. For
example, because hydraulic systems can leak oil they don’t work well in
clean room applications.

Activity 1. Video on Fluid Power


❑ 1. Select the video titled Fluid Power: It Works For You from your
instructor’s video library.
❑ 2. Insert the video tape into a VCR and watch it. This tape will
introduce you to the concept of fluid power.
As you are watching the tape, answer the following questions:
A. How many people are employed in the fluid power industry
world wide?

___________________________________________________
B. What is the total value of all fluid power products sold
worldwide as of 1996?

___________________________________________________
C. Name two applications shown in the video.

___________________________________________________
❑ 3. When the tape is finished, rewind it and return it to the library.

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OBJECTIVE 2 DESCRIBE THE FUNCTIONS OF FIVE BASIC COMPONENTS
OF A HYDRAULIC SYSTEM

All hydraulic systems consist of five basic components:


• Power Input Device - This is the pump that provides hydraulic
power to the system. The pump draws oil from the reservoir and
pumps it into the supply line.
• Control Devices - Valves control direction, pressure and flow rate
of the pressurized oil in the hydraulic system.
• Power Output Device - This is where the hydraulic power is
converted back to mechanical power. These output devices are
called actuators. Two types of actuators are motors and
cylinders. The motor creates rotary motion as the oil flows
through it. The cylinder creates straight line motion when oil
flows into it.
• Conductors - To transmit the liquid, conductors (pipes, tubing or
hoses) are needed. There are two main lines in a hydraulic
system: the supply line and the return line. The supply line
provides a flow of oil to the actuators. The return line allows oil
leaving the actuators to return to the reservoir.
• Liquid - This is our power conducting medium. Typically, this is
oil but other liquids are sometimes used.

LINEAR
MOTION
FLOW OF ROD
CONTROL
VALVES

SUPPLY
OIL
LINE
FLOW

RELIEF
ELECTRIC VALVE DIRECTIONAL
MOTOR CONTROL VALVE
CYLINDER

RETURN
LINE
PUMP

RESERVOIR

Figure 3. Basic Hydraulic System Components

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Activity 2. Hydraulic Trainer Component Identification

Procedure Overview
In this activity, you will identify the components of the
Amatrol 850 series hydraulic trainer. This activity will
familiarize you with the components used in a hydraulic
system.

❑ 1. Position yourself in front of the Amatrol 850 series hydraulic


trainer as shown in figure 4.

HYDRAULIC
INSTRUMENTATION
HYDRAULIC MODULE
ACTUATOR
MODULE

BASIC HYDRAULIC
VALVE MODULE

HOSE RACK

HYDRAULIC
POWER
UNIT

Figure 4. Amatrol 850 Series Hydraulic Trainer

❑ 2. Locate the Instrumentation Module.


This includes pressure gages and a flow meter to monitor your
circuits.
❑ 3. Locate the Actuator Module.
This panel includes two cylinders, a motor and some valves to
build many types of circuits that are used in industrial applications.
❑ 4. Locate the Basic Hydraulic Valve Module.
This panel includes several types of valves that you will use to
build circuits. These valves will be connected to the actuators on
the actuator panel.

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 8
❑ 5. Locate the Hydraulic Power Unit.
This unit has the pump, electric motor, reservoir and other
components to supply power to the system.
❑ 6. Locate the Hoses.
The hoses will be used to connect the components.
❑ 7. Locate each of the following components on the trainer, as shown
in figure 5.
Each component’s name is silkscreened next to it on its mounting
panel. Use these labels to identify the location of each component.

COMPONENT LETTER
PRESSURE GAGE
MOTOR
CYLINDER
DIRECTIONAL CONTROL VALVE
PRESSURE REDUCING VALVE
FLOW CONTROL VALVE
CHECK VALVE

A B

A G C

Figure 5. Identifications of Various Hydraulic Components

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OBJECTIVE 3 DEFINE HYDRAULIC PRESSURE AND GIVE ITS
UNITS OF MEASUREMENT

An important concept in hydraulics is pressure. Pressure is the


intensity of force. It is created when a force from one object acts over an
area of another object.
For example, in figure 6, the weight of the box creates a total force
of 32 Newtons on the surface on which it is resting. However, the force
is actually distributed evenly over the entire area of 4 square meters. This
means that a percentage of the total force (32 N) acts on each square
meter of the surface. In this case, it would be 8 Newtons for each square
meter (32 ÷ 4 = 8). The pressure is said to be 8 Newtons per square meter
or 8 N/m2.

WEIGHT OF
CUBE 32N

PRESSURE
2
8 N/m

1 SQUARE
METER

2m 2m

Figure 6. Pressure is Determined by the Force and Area

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The pressure created by any force can easily be calculated by
dividing the total force by the total area as the following formula shows.
The most common units in the English system are inches and pounds.
This creates the unit of pressure called psi or lbs/in2. The most common
units in the S.I. system are Newtons and meters. This creates a unit of
pressure called a Pascal (Pa). A Pascal is equal to 1 N/m2.

FORMULA: PRESSURE / FORCE / AREA RELATIONSHIP


Force
Pressure =
Area
S.I. Units:
Pressure = Pascals (Pa), which is equal to N/m2
Force = Newtons (N)
Area = Square Meters (m2)
English Units:
Pressure = psi (lbs/in2)
Force = Pounds (lbs)
Area = Square Inches (in2)

To further see how pressure and force are different but related, look at
figure 7. When the weight is laid on its side, it creates a pressure of 2 N/m2
(5 ÷ 2.5 = 2). But when it is laid on its end, the pressure is 5 N/m2 (5 ÷ 1 =
5). The same force creates two different pressures by acting over different
amounts of area.
This same result occurs in people’s shoes. If a woman with a
high-heeled shoe steps on you, it hurts much more than if it is a flat-soled
shoe. This is because the pressure is higher with the smaller heel.

LOW PRESSURE HIGH PRESSURE


5N
WEIGHT
5N
WEIGHT

2
A1 = 2.5 m

NOTE: SHADED AREAS REPRESENT 2


A2 = 1 m
AREAS IN CONTACT WITH
THE SURFACE

Figure 7. Force vs. Pressure

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In addition to mechanical pressure, as shown in figure 7, hydraulic
fluid also produces a pressure. This is called fluid pressure. A simple
way to create fluid pressure is to place a weight on a container filled with
liquid, as shown in figure 8. To support the weight, the fluid generates a
pressure in the container.
The fluid pressure will be the same at every point in the liquid inside
the bottle as long as the liquid is not moving. A Frenchman named Blaise
Pascal discovered this concept in the seventeenth century. It is called
Pascal’s Law. You will learn more about Pascal’s Law in a later LAP.

10 N
LOAD

FLUID
PRESSURE

STOPPER
AREA = 0.1m 3
OIL

BOTTLE

Figure 8. Fluid Pressure Created by a Weight Placed on a Container

The amount of fluid pressure created in the container is determined


using the P=F/A formula, where the force is the weight and the area is
the area of stopper. In figure 8, for example, the pressure is 100 N/m2 (10
÷ 0.1 = 100).
The concept shown in figure 8 actually has an application with
hydraulic cylinders which you will learn more about later.

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SKILL 1 READ A HYDRAULIC PRESSURE GAGE

Procedure Overview
A pressure gage indicates the pressure in the hydraulic
system. Technicians read pressure gages in industry to
determine if the machine is operating correctly.
In this procedure, you will learn how to read a pressure
gage using the Amatrol hydraulic trainer.

❑ 1. Locate gage A on the hydraulic trainer’s instrumentation panel, as


shown in figure 9.

GAGE A

Figure 9. Gage A Location

Most pressure gages have a face plate that is graduated in either


English units (psi) or metric units (Pascals). A pointer rotates
around the scaled face plate as the pressure changes to indicate the
pressure in the system.

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 13
Gage A actually has two scales to enable it to indicate both English
units and metric units. The outer black scale indicates units of psi.
The inner red scale indicates kilo Pascals (kPa). One kPa is equal
to 1000 Pascals. 6.9 kPa is equal to 1 psi.
Each scale is graduated with a series of numbers ranging from 0 to
some number. In the case of the gage A, the maximum reading
possible is 7000 kPa or 1000 psi. This maximum reading is
commonly called the range of the gage.
To read a pressure gage you only have to look at the number on the
red or black scale to which the pointer points. For example, the
pressure reading shown for the gage shown in figure 10 is 200 psi
or about 1400 kPa.

500
0 60
40 0

0 400
300 0

70
0
30

0
0

500
200

0
200

800
1000

600
0

90
0
10

0
70
0 00

kPa 00
10
0
psi

Figure 10. Typical Gage Reading

NOTE
The gages on your trainer may show a kPa scale with units of
0 to 70. If so, notice that “100x kPa” is printed at the bottom of
the gage face. This means that the kPa readings you take from
the scale must be multiplied by 100 to get the actual reading. For
example, a reading of 14 is really 1400 kPa.

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 14
If the pointer points to a position between two numbers, as shown
in gage 1 in figure 11, read the gage to the nearest graduation.
For example, in gage 1 of figure 11, the pointer is positioned
between 2000 and 3000 kPa. Note that there are 10 graduations
between 2000 and 3000. This means the value of each graduation
is 100 kPa. Since the pointer is pointing to the first graduation, the
pressure being indicated is 2100 kPa.
❑ 2. Practice your ability to read a pressure gage by determining the
readings shown for each gage shown in figure 11.

GAGE 1 GAGE 2 GAGE 3

500 500 500


0 60 0 60 0 60
40 0 40 0 40 0

0 400 0 400 0 400


300 0 300 0 300 0
70

70

70
0

0
30

30

30
0

0
0

0
500

500

500
200

200

200
0

0
200

200

200
800

800

800
1000

1000

1000
600

600

600
0

0
90

90

90
0

0
10

10

10
0

0
0
70 0
70 0
70
00 00 00

kPa 00
10 kPa 00
10 kPa 00
10
0 0 0
psi psi psi

GAGE 4 GAGE 5 GAGE 6

500 500 500


0 60 0 60 0 60
40 0 40 0 40 0

400 400 400


3 000 0 3 000 0 3 000 0
70

70

70
0

0
30

30

30
0

0
0

0
500

500

500
200

200

200
0

0
200

200

200
800

800

800
1000

1000

1000
600

600

600
0

0
90

90

90
0

0
10

10

10
0

0
70 0
70 0
70
00 00 00

kPa 00
10 kPa 00
10 kPa 00
10
0 0 0
psi psi psi

Figure 11. Various Gage Readings

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 15
GAGE PRESSURE
(psi/kPa)
1 /
2 /
3 /
4 /
5 /
6 /

The answers for these are Gage 1 = 300 psi / 2100 kPa, Gage 2 =
150 psi / 1000 kPa, Gage 3 = 250 psi / 1700 kPa, Gage 4 = 70 psi
/ 500 kPa, Gage 5 = 160 psi / 1100 kPa, Gage 6 = 400 psi / 2800
kPa.
❑ 3. Now locate gage S on the hydraulic trainer’s power unit, as shown
in figure 12. The pointer on this gage should be indicating 0, as
shown in figure 12.
Notice that the unit of bar is used instead of the kPa unit for one of
the scales. A bar is approximately equal to 1 standard atmosphere,
which is about 14.7 psi or 100 kPa. To convert this scale to kPa,
just add two zeroes to the reading. For example, 10 bar is
approximately 1000 kPa.

GAGE S

Figure 12. Gage S Location

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 16
❑ 4. Determine the following about gage S.
A. Full Scale Reading________________psi ______________kPa
B. Major Graduation Unit_____________psi ______________kPa
C. Minor Graduation Unit_____________psi ______________kPa
You should find that the FS reading is 1000 psi / 7000 kPa,
major unit 100 psi / 1000 kPa, and minor unit 20 psi / 10 kPa.
It is important for you to know that pressure gages are not
perfect. All gages have an error. Manufacturers state the error
of the gage in their catalog data sheet. It is stated as a percent of
the full scale reading. For example, if gage S has an error of
±5% F.S. (full scale), the actual pressure could be different
from the reading by 50 psi (.05 x 1000). A good pressure gage
should have a F.S. reading error of 1/2% or 1%.
A point you should also keep in mind is that the amount of
error does not depend on the actual pressure reading. For
example, if the pressure gage’s error is 5% of full scale and full
scale is 1000 psi (i.e. 50 psi), the error is 50 psi whether the
actual reading is 200 psi or 1000 psi. This means that your gage
is not very accurate if the pressure is at the bottom of its range.

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 17
SEGMENT 1
SELF REVIEW

1. The power output device of a hydraulic system is known as


the _____________.

2. Hydraulics uses a _______________ to transmit power.

3. Pressure is a measure of __________ intensity.

4. The units of pressure measurement used in the S.I. system


are _______.

5. The actuator converts ______ energy into ________ energy.

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SEGMENT 2
POWER UNIT OPERATION

OBJECTIVE 4 DESCRIBE THE OPERATION OF A HYDRAULIC POWER UNIT

The hydraulic components of most machines are grouped into two


parts: the actuator/control valves on the machine structure and the power
unit. The main components of the power unit are the pump, reservoir,
and the device that drives the pump. This device is called the prime
mover and is usually an electric motor.

ACTUATOR

HYDRAULIC
POWER UNIT

ACTUATOR

CONTROL
VALVES

Figure 13. Hydraulic Press with Separate Power Unit

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In addition to the main components, most hydraulic power units
include devices to monitor the operation (e.g. pressure gage), filters to
clean the oil, a relief valve for safety, and some means to start and stop
the unit.
When the prime mover on the power unit is started, it rotates the
shaft of the pump. This causes the pump to draw oil from the reservoir
through a filter and push it out to the system through the supply line, as
shown in figure 14. Oil that leaves the actuators comes back to the
reservoir through the return line.
It is the job of the power unit to not only produce a flow of oil to the
system but to make sure it is clean and not too hot. To clean the oil, most
power units have a suction filter and a return filter. To cool the oil, many
power units use a heat exchanger that uses cool water or air. However,
some power units allow the oil to cool by having a large reservoir.

SUPPLY LINE OIL FLOW TO VALVE


AND ACTUATORS

RETURN LINE
OIL RETURNING
FROM ACTUATORS
RETURN
FILTER
SAFETY
RELIEF OIL
GAGE VALVE COOLER

ELECTRIC
MOTOR
PUMP

SUCTION
FILTER

RESERVOIR

Figure 14. Basic Operation of the Power Unit

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 20
Activity 3. Identification of 850 Power Unit Components

Procedure Overview
It is very important to know every aspect of the
operation of the hydraulic power unit. In this activity, you
are going to begin learning about the 850 series hydraulic
power unit by inspecting it. This unit is a small industrial
model.

❑ 1. Locate the Hydraulic Power Unit on the 850 series trainer, as


shown in figure 15.

NOTE: The Pump,


Suction Line and ELECTRIC MOTOR
Suction Strainer
Are Located Inside
The Reservoir of
The Power Unit PRESSURE GAGE

RETURN LINE SUPPLY LINE

RELIEF VALVE
FILLER/BREATHER
LIQUID LEVEL GAGE
ELECTRICAL
STARTER BOX
RESERVOIR

Figure 15. Photo of the 850 Series Hydraulic Power Unit

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 21
SHUTOFF
VALVE
SUPPLY
LINE PRESSURE SUPPLY
GAGE MANIFOLD
ELECTRIC
MOTOR RETURN
LINE
RETURN
MANIFOLD

HYDRAULIC
FILLER/
PUMP
BREATHER

RELIEF
SUCTION VALVE
LINE
SUPPLY LIQUID
LINE
LEVEL
GAGE
SUCTION
STRAINER RESERVOIR

RETURN
LINE

Figure 16. Pictorial of the 850 Series Hydraulic Power Unit

❑ 2. Locate the Electric Motor.


Most industrial hydraulic power units get their energy from a
constant-speed electric motor. The electric motor’s shaft is
connected to the shaft of the hydraulic pump through a coupling.
Read the nameplate on the motor and answer the following:

Power Rating ________________________________________Hp

Voltage Rating _____________________________________Volts

Current Draw______________________________________Amps

Shaft Speed________________________________________RPM
❑ 3. Locate the Hydraulic Pump in figure 17.
In this case, you will not be able to actually see it because it is
mounted inside the reservoir.
The hydraulic pump supplies oil to the hydraulic system. When the
electric motor drives the pump shaft, the pump draws oil from the
reservoir into its inlet and discharges it into the system from its
outlet. The power unit design in the 850 power unit is a vertical
design where the electric motor and pump are mounted vertically.
The pump is located underneath the electric motor inside the
reservoir, as shown in figure 17.

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 22
PUMP
SUCTION
FILTER/
STRAINER

SUCTION
LINE
SUPPLY/
PRESSURE
LINE

RETURN
LINE

Figure 17. Hydraulic Pump of 850 Power Unit

❑ 4. Locate the Reservoir.


The reservoir’s main purpose is to contain oil not being used by the
circuit. It also allows the oil to cool and dirt to settle before the oil
re-enters the circuit. The 850 unit is a 10-gallon unit.
❑ 5. Identify the Suction Line in figure 17.
This line is connected to the pump’s inlet. It is the line through
which the pump draws oil from the tank.
❑ 6. Locate the Supply Line.
This line is connected to the pump’s outlet. It is the line through
which the oil flows to the system. This line is sometimes called the
pressure line.
The supply line runs through the relief valve’s manifold block and
comes out of a port marked P. See if you can locate the P port on
the relief valve.
The supply line of the 850 power unit then runs to the supply
manifold. This manifold is a machined block with four ports or
connections that are all connected to the supply line. This allows
four separate hoses to easily connect to the pump to supply four
separate circuits.
It is also important to note that the 850 unit’s supply manifold has
a shutoff valve connected between it and the pump. This valve’s
main function is to block power to the circuit during startup of the
power unit.

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 23
❑ 7. Locate the Return Line.
This is the line through which oil returns from the system to the
reservoir.
The return line of the 850 power unit runs from the return manifold
to the relief valve’s port marked R. See if you can locate the R port
on the relief valve.
The return manifold allows oil to return to the reservoir through up
to four hoses at the same time.

NOTE
It is important to note that the return line and supply lines run
straight through the relief valve block. The relief valve is actually
mounted in the block so that it provides a way to let the supply
line oil short circuit to the return line. These two lines are not
actually running through the relief valve itself, only through the
block.

❑ 8. Locate the Relief Valve.


The relief valve limits system pressure to safe levels. Its pressure
setting is adjusted using the black knob located on the side of the
valve’s body.
❑ 9. Locate the Pressure Gage.
The pressure gage is connected through the body of the relief valve
to the pump’s outlet. It reads the oil pressure at the outlet of the
pump. This is also the pressure in the supply manifold.
❑ 10. Locate the Suction Strainer on figure 17.
The suction strainer is installed in the suction line at the inlet to the
pump and located beneath the surface of the oil. It protects the
pump from taking in any harmful dirt particles that may be in the
reservoir.
❑ 11. Locate the Filler/Breather.
The filler/breather performs two functions for the hydraulic power
unit. First, it has a cap that unscrews to allow the reservoir to be
filled with oil. You will notice it also has a protective screen
attached to the reservoir to keep any large pieces of dirt from
entering the hydraulic system.
The second function served is to allow air to enter or exit the
reservoir. This is necessary because the oil level rises and falls
slightly at various times during circuit operation. As you will soon
learn, the air pressure in the reservoir must be kept near
atmospheric pressure. The filler/breather allows air to pass through
air openings in its cap to balance the pressure. These openings
have filters over them to help keep out dirt.

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 24
❑ 12. Locate the Liquid Level Gage.
The liquid level gage indicates the level of the oil in the reservoir.
It is attached to the outside of the reservoir and has a port
connected through the reservoir to the oil.
❑ 13. Locate the Return Filter.
The return filter is connected in the return line to remove dirt that
has been obtained as the oil flowed through the components in the
system. This filter is not always needed on small power units like
the 850 unit.

Activity 4. Video on Hydraulic Trainer Operation


❑ 1. Select the video titled Hydraulic Trainer Operation from your
instructor’s video library.
❑ 2. Insert the video tape into a VCR and watch it.
As you watch this tape, answer the following questions.
A. What type of fitting connects the hoses?

___________________________________________________
B. What is the step performed immediately before turning on the
power unit?

___________________________________________________
C. What are the six safety rules stated?
1. _____________________ 4. _____________________
2. _____________________ 5. _____________________
3. _____________________ 6. _____________________
❑ 3. When the tape is finished, rewind it and return it to the library.

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 25
SKILL 2 READ THE LIQUID LEVEL AND TEMPERATURE
IN THE RESERVOIR

Procedure Overview
In this procedure, you will check the level and
temperature of the oil in the reservoir of the hydraulic
trainer.

❑ 1. Locate the Liquid Level Gage, as shown in figure 18, on the


reservoir of the power unit.
The liquid level indicates the quantity of oil available. There are
two marks shown on the gage: a red mark at the bottom and a blue
or black mark at the top. The oil level must be kept between these
two marks.
Also, there is a thermometer contained inside the liquid level gage.
This indicates the temperature of the oil in the reservoir. Oil
temperature drastically affects the performance of the hydraulic
system. The temperature of the oil should be between room
temperature and 130°F/54° C.

BLACK OR BLUE MARK

C F

THERMOMETER

RED MARK

Figure 18. Liquid Level Gage

❑ 2. Read the liquid level and describe the level relative to the two
marks.
_______________(above red mark, in between, below black mark)
You should observe that it is in between the marks. If it is not,
check with your instructor to correct this.
❑ 3. Read the oil temperature and record below.
______________________________________________(°F / ° C)
You should observe that it is near room temperature.

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 26
SKILL 3 OPERATE A HYDRAULIC POWER UNIT

Procedure Overview
For most of the activities in this manual, you will use
the hydraulic power unit to supply power to your circuit. In
order to safely use this power supply, there are very
specific steps that must be followed. These steps are
basically the same ones you would use with any industrial
machine. In this procedure, you will perform these steps to
check out and then start up a hydraulic power unit.

❑ 1. Before starting the power unit, perform the following checkout


procedures:
A. Check the oil level in the reservoir by looking at the liquid level
sight glass. If the oil is below the red mark, fill the reservoir
with clean oil until the oil level rises to the desired level
between the two marks. To do this, unscrew the filler breather
cap and pour oil into the reservoir.
B. Push the red pushbutton labeled “Stop” on the power unit’s
motor starter to make sure the starter is in the off position.
C. Plug the power cord of the power unit’s electric motor into a
wall outlet.
D. Set the power unit’s relief valve to minimum starting pressure by
turning its knob counterclockwise (CCW) as shown in figure 19.

COUNTER CLOCKWISE (CCW)


DECREASES
PRESSURE SETTING

CLOCKWISE (CW)
INCREASES
PRESSURE SETTING

Figure 19. Relief Valve Pressure Setting Knob

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 27
❑ 2. Push the green “Start” button to start the power unit.
The electric motor should start running. The pump will then pump
oil. Since no hoses are connected to the supply manifold the
pump’s flow returns to the reservoir through the relief valve, as
shown in figure 20.
Because the relief valve is turned to its minimum pressure setting,
you should observe a near zero pressure at gage S. This is the
pressure required to open the relief valve.

SUPPLY RETURN
MANIFOLD MANIFOLD

RELIEF
VALVE
LOW
PRESSURE

OIL FLOWS
THROUGH
PUMP VALVE

RESERVOIR

Figure 20. Pump Flow Returning to Reservoir Through Relief Valve

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 28
❑ 3. Turn the black knob on the relief valve clockwise until the pressure
of gage S reads 200 psi/1380 kPa.
The flow from the pump should still flow through the relief valve,
as shown in figure 21. However, the relief valve’s setting causes
the pump to push harder to open it. This causes the higher pressure.

SUPPLY RETURN
MANIFOLD MANIFOLD

RELIEF
VALVE
200 psi /
1380 kPa

OIL FLOWS
THROUGH
PUMP VALVE

RESERVOIR

Figure 21. Pump Flow Returning to Reservoir at Higher Pressure

❑ 4. Now turn the adjustment knob clockwise to 500 psi/3447 kPa.


This pressure is the maximum rated pressure of the power unit.
❑ 5. Readjust the pressure back to 200 psi/1380 kPa by turning the
adjustment CCW.
To accurately obtain this pressure, adjust below 200 psi/1380 kPa
and then adjust back to the desired pressure.
❑ 6. Turn the relief valve knob fully CCW to reduce the relief valve’s
pressure to minimum.

CAUTION
Before turning off the power unit, the relief valve should be
reduced to the minimum pressure as you have just done. If this
is not done, the pressure in the system can cause the pump to
turn backwards and damage it!

❑ 7. Press the red “Stop” pushbutton on the motor starter to turn off the
power unit.

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 29
SEGMENT 2
SELF REVIEW

1. To increase the pressure setting of a relief valve, turn the


adjustment knob _____________.

2. Power units normally are started and stopped with the relief
valve set at _____________.

3. The purpose of a relief valve is to ____________ system


pressure.

4. The liquid level gage often gives you the oil’s __________
as well as its level.

5. The ________ ________ is where the oil can be poured into


the reservoir to refill it.

6. Pumps always have a __________ attached to their suction


lines to clean the oil.

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 30
SEGMENT 3
CIRCUIT CONNECTIONS

OBJECTIVE 5 DESCRIBE THE FUNCTION OF A HYDRAULIC SCHEMATIC

Before we look at more complex hydraulic circuits we first need to


look at the way these components are represented in a diagram. A fluid
power diagram shows how the components in a circuit are connected so
that we can understand what the circuit does and how it works.
So far, the hydraulic diagrams you have seen have been pictorial,
where actual pictures are used. While pictorials allow us to easily see
what the devices look like, they are very time consuming to draw and
actually harder to use. To solve this problem, schematic diagrams are
used.
A schematic diagram is a form of visual shorthand where standard
symbols represent each component. It shows all the components in a
circuit and their interconnections. Schematic diagrams are usually drawn
in the normal or deenergized condition.
An example of a typical hydraulic schematic that uses standard
symbols is shown in figure 22.

Figure 22. Typical Hydraulic Schematic

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 31
As you learn about each new hydraulic component, you will learn
the symbol for each device. Most hydraulic symbols use an elementary
form to identify the general function of the component. These forms are
circles, squares, rectangles, triangles, arcs, arrows, lines, dots and ovals,
as shown in figure 23. These basic symbol forms are combined together
to form symbols of various components.

SYMBOL SYMBOL

ROTATING DEVICE VARIABLE

VALVE RESTRICTION

CONDITIONING DEVICE LINES CONNECTED

CYLINDER SPRING

ACCUMULATOR BLOCKED LINE

CONDUCTOR BLOCKED LINE

FLOW DIRECTION

Figure 23. Elementary Forms of Symbols

As you will see throughout these LAPs, the solid flow direction
arrow (triangle) is also used as a shortcut to indicate a partial circuit. This
allows you to show only the components and circuit necessary without
having to draw the complete circuit diagram.
Three standards that are most often referenced for symbols are those
developed by the National Fluid Power Association (N.F.P.A.),
American National Standards Institute (A.N.S.I.) and the International
Organization for Standardization (ISO).
The organization uses ISO instead of IOS because, although not a
correct acronym, it is easier to remember. ISO is from the Greek word
“isos”, meaning “equal”.
The United States uses NFPA and ANSI standards. The rest of the
world, as well as the U.S., uses the ISO standard.

NOTE
As you progress through the rest of this LAP, you will learn
the symbol for each component and how to read schematics that
contain them.

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 32
OBJECTIVE 6 DESCRIBE THE FUNCTION OF A HYDRAULIC QUICK
CONNECT FITTING AND GIVE ITS SCHEMATIC SYMBOL

Hydraulic systems often use flexible hoses. Sometimes these hoses


use quick connect fittings to connect them to the components. As its
name implies, this style of fitting allows fast and easy assembly and
disassembly of circuits.
Quick connect fittings consist of a male-end fitting and a female-end
fitting, as shown in figure 24. These fittings snap together without
special tools.
Industry uses quick connect fittings where there is a frequent need to
disconnect a hose. An auxiliary power unit for jet aircraft is an example.

FEMALE QC
FITTING

MALE QC
FITTING

Figure 24. Quick Connect Fittings

The schematic symbol for two quick connect fittings which are
connected is shown in figure 25. Each fitting shown has a valve called a
check valve which closes when the fittings are disconnected to keep oil
from leaking out.

ONE END ONE END


WITH SHOWS WITH
CHECK VALVE CONNECTION CHECK VALVE

Figure 25. Schematic Symbol for Quick Connect Fittings

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 33
SKILL 4 CONNECT AND DISCONNECT A HYDRAULIC HOSE
THAT USES QUICK-CONNECT FITTINGS

Procedure Overview
In this procedure, you will learn to use quick-connect
fittings to connect components. To do this, you will hook up
a pressure gage.

❑ 1. Perform the following steps to inspect the quick fittings on the 850
hydraulic trainer.
Because you will need to change circuits frequently, the 850 basic
hydraulic system uses flexible hydraulic hoses and quick-connect
fittings.
A. Locate a quick connect fitting on the supply manifold, as
shown in figure 24. This is a male fitting.
One important feature of hydraulic quick connect fittings is
they have built in valves to keep oil from leaking out of the
hose or components when the hose connection is released. This
avoids messy oil spills. When the male and female ends are
connected, they each open their valves to allow oil to flow
freely.
B. Try pressing the top of the male fitting with your thumb to see
if you can open the valve.
C. Now locate a hose and inspect its quick connect fitting. This is
a female fitting.
D. Try pressing a ballpoint pen on the bottom of the inside of the
fitting to see if you can open its valve.
As you can see, both the male and female fittings have valves
to keep the oil from leaking. When these two fittings are
connected to each other, their valves are forced open so that oil
can flow through.

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 34
❑ 2. Perform the following substeps to set up the circuit shown in figure
26.

HYDRAULIC INSTRUMENTATION PANEL


FLOW
GAGE A GAGE B GAGE C METER

SUPPLY
MANIFOLD

RELIEF \ SEQUENCE PRESSURE REDUCING


VALVE VALVE

1 1 SHUTOFF
VALVE
2 2
3 3

NEEDLE
VALVE
A B RETURN
MANIFOLD
D.C.V. IN
#1
CHECK VALVE #1
A B B A
CHECK VALVE #2
OUT
B A
BASIC HYDRAULIC VALVE MODULE

Figure 26. Circuit Setup: Pressure Gage A Connected to Supply Manifold

A. Locate a flexible hose from the trainer’s hose storage area.


Make sure it is long enough to reach from the supply manifold
to gage A.

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 35
B. Grasp the female fitting on the hose and pull back on its collar,
as shown in figure 27.

COLLAR

Figure 27. Q.C. Collar Pulled Back

C. While holding the collar back, push the female end firmly onto
the male end of the pressure gage and release the collar. Your
completed assembly should appear as shown in figure 28.

Figure 28. Hose Connected to Pressure Gage

D. Now check your connection by pulling firmly on the hose.


If you connected the fittings properly, the hose should not pull
loose.

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 36
❑ 3. Repeat step 2 to connect the other end of the hose to the supply
manifold, as shown in figure 26.
❑ 4. Perform the following checkout procedures before starting the
hydraulic power unit.
A. Check the oil level. Fill if necessary.
B. Press the stop pushbutton on the motor starter to make sure it is
in the off position.
C. Plug in the power cord to a wall outlet.
D. Reduce the relief valve to its minimum pressure setting (turn
CCW fully).
❑ 5. Turn on the power unit.
❑ 6. Open the shutoff valve on the supply manifold by turning its
handle as shown in figure 29. This will connect the flow of oil
from the pump to gage A.

HANDLE IN OPEN POSITION HANDLE IN CLOSED POSITION

Figure 29. Shutoff Valve in Opened and Closed Positions

❑ 7. Turn the relief valve’s adjustment knob CW until the pressure at


gage S on the power unit reads 100 psi/690 kPa.
❑ 8. Record the pressure indicated at gage A.
Gage A = ______________________________________(psi/kPa)
It should be close to the reading at gage S. If it is, you have
correctly connected the hose and the gages are working correctly.
❑ 9. Turn the relief valve’s adjustment knob CW until the pressure at
gage S reads 500 psi/3447 kPa.
❑ 10. Record the pressure indicated at gage A.
Gage A = ______________________________________(psi/kPa)
Again, both gages should closely agree.

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 37
❑ 11. Turn the relief valve’s adjustment CCW fully to reduce the
pressure to a minimum.
❑ 12. Turn off the power unit and close the shutoff valve.
❑ 13. Disconnect the hose between the gage and the manifold using the
following substeps.
A. Put your hand around the collar of the hose fitting.
B. Push the two fittings together and hold them.
C. While holding, pull back on the collar with your fingers and
then pull the hose to release it.

NOTE
Make sure you push the two fittings together before pulling the
collar.

If there is pressure trapped in the system, connecting and


disconnecting hydraulic quick-connects can be difficult if not
impossible. When you are unable to easily connect or
disconnect a hose equipped with quick-connects, there is
probably pressure trapped in the circuit. This pressure should
be removed before you make or break the connection.
❑ 14. Use the following substeps to verify the difficulty of connecting
the quick-connect fitting under pressure:
A. Turn on the power unit.
B. Turn the relief valve’s adjustment knob CW until the pressure
at gage S on the power unit reads 200 psi/1380 kPa.
C. Open the shutoff valve on the supply manifold.
This will connect the supply manifold fittings to the outlet of
the pump.
D. Close the shutoff valve.
Pressure will now be trapped in the manifold.
E. Turn the relief valve’s adjustment CCW fully to reduce the
pressure to minimum.
F. Turn off the power unit.
G. Connect one end of a hose to gage A and attempt to connect the
other end to the supply manifold.
You should find it difficult to connect the hose to the supply
manifold because there is trapped pressure. At higher pressures,
you might not even be able to make the connection.

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 38
❑ 15. Open the shutoff valve and connect the other end of the gage A
hose to the supply manifold if not already connected.
You should now see that the hose can easily be connected to the
manifold because the pressure has been lowered.
❑ 16. Now use the following substeps to verify the difficulty of
disconnecting the quick-connect fitting under pressure:
A. Turn on the power unit.
B. Turn the relief valve adjustment knob CW until the pressure at
gage S on the power unit reads 200 psi/1380 kPa.
C. Open the shutoff valve on the supply manifold. This will
connect the pump to gage A.
You should observe 200 psi/1380 kPa on gage A.
D. Close the shutoff valve.
E. Turn the relief valve’s adjustment CCW fully to reduce the
pressure to minimum.
F. Turn off the power unit.
You should observe approximately 200 psi/1380 kPa on gage A
because pressure has been trapped between the shutoff valve
and the gage.
G. Try to disconnect the hose from the supply manifold.
You should find it difficult to disconnect the hose.
H. If disconnected, reconnect the hose to the manifold.
❑ 17. Open the shutoff valve. Gage A pressure should drop to zero.
❑ 18. Now disconnect the hose.
With no pressure in the hose it should be easily disconnected.

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 39
OBJECTIVE 7 DESCRIBE THE FUNCTION OF A TEE AND GIVE
ITS SCHEMATIC SYMBOL

There are many times when you will need to connect two circuits to
the same supply line. A single fitting called a tee (and shaped like a “T”)
provides this connection.
The 850 hydraulics system includes three fitting tees equipped with
quick-connect fittings: two ends are male and one end is female, as
shown in figure 30. These fittings allow you to quickly connect these
components together.

SCHEMATIC
SYMBOL

Figure 30. Tee Equipped with Quick-Connect Fittings and Schematic

BRANCH A

SUPPLY
LINE

TEE

BRANCH B

Figure 31. Tee Connection to Two Branch Circuits

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 40
SKILL 5 USE A TEE TO CONNECT TWO
CIRCUIT BRANCHES TOGETHER

Procedure Overview
In this procedure, you will connect two pressure gages
to the same supply line using tee fittings. This procedure
will help you better understand how to use tees in a circuit.

❑ 1. Set up the circuit shown in figure 32.


In this circuit, both gages are connected to the supply line by a
fitting tee. This will allow both pressure gages to read the pressure
at the manifold.

HYDRAULIC INSTRUMENTATION PANEL


FLOW
GAGE A GAGE B GAGE C METER

TEE

SUPPLY
MANIFOLD

RELIEF \ SEQUENCE PRESSURE REDUCING TEE


MANIFOLD
VALVE VALVE FITTING

1 1 SHUTOFF
VALVE
2 2
3 3

NEEDLE
VALVE
A B RETURN
MANIFOLD
D.C.V. IN
#1
CHECK VALVE #1
A B B A
CHECK VALVE #2
OUT
B A
BASIC HYDRAULIC VALVE MODULE

Figure 32. Pictorial of Gages A and B Connected to Supply Using a


Separate Fitting Tee

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 41
❑ 2. Perform the following checkout procedures before starting the
hydraulic power unit.
A. Check the oil level. Fill if necessary.
B. Press the stop pushbutton on the motor starter to make sure it is
in the off position.
C. Plug in the power cord to a wall outlet.
D. Reduce the relief valve to its minimum pressure setting (turn
CCW fully).
❑ 3. Turn on the power unit.
❑ 4. Open the shutoff valve on the supply manifold.
This will connect the tee fitting to the outlet of the pump.
❑ 5. Turn the relief valve’s adjustment knob CW until the pressure at
gage S on the power unit reads 100 psi/690 kPa.
Record the pressures indicated at gages A and B.

Gage A ________________________________________(psi/kPa)

Gage B ________________________________________(psi/kPa)
Both gages should be close to the reading at gage S. If they are,
you have correctly connected a separate tee fitting in the circuit.
❑ 6. Turn the relief valve’s adjustment knob CW until the pressure at
gage S reads 500 psi/3447 kPa.
Record the pressures indicated at gages A and B.

Gage A ________________________________________(psi/kPa)

Gage B ________________________________________(psi/kPa)
Again, both gages should closely agree.
❑ 7. Turn the relief valve’s adjustment CCW fully to reduce the
pressure to a minimum.
❑ 8. Turn off the power unit and close the shutoff valve.

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 42
❑ 9. Now locate the tee fittings that are attached to each gage, as shown
in figure 33.
These are called gage block tees. They do the same thing as the
loose fitting tee you just used. They are tees machined from blocks
of aluminum.

HYDRAULIC INSTRUMENTATION PANEL


FLOW
GAGE A GAGE B GAGE C METER

TEE
MACHINED
INSIDE OF
BLOCK

GAGE SUPPLY
BLOCK MANIFOLD

TEE RELIEF \ SEQUENCE PRESSURE REDUCING


VALVE VALVE

1 1 SHUTOFF
VALVE
2 2
3 3

NEEDLE
VALVE
A B RETURN
MANIFOLD
D.C.V. IN
#1
CHECK VALVE #1
A B B A
CHECK VALVE #2
OUT
B A
BASIC HYDRAULIC VALVE MODULE

Figure 33. Pictorial of Gages A and B Attached to the Supply Line Using
a Gage Block Tee

❑ 10. Set up the circuit shown in figure 33.


In this circuit, gage block A’s tee is used to connect gages A and B
to the supply line. This is the same circuit you connected in step 1
with the separate tee.
The gage block tees are attached to the gages to save you setup
time. The pressure gage is almost always connected to the circuit
through a tee.
❑ 11. Turn on the power unit.
❑ 12. Open the shutoff valve on the supply manifold.
This will connect gage block A’s tee to the outlet of the pump.
❑ 13. Turn the relief valve’s adjustment knob CW until the pressure at
gage S on the power unit reads 100 psi/690 kPa.

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 43
❑ 14. Record the pressures indicated at gages A and B.
Gage A ________________________________________(psi/kPa)
Gage B ________________________________________(psi/kPa)
Both gages should be close to the reading at gage S. If they are,
you have correctly connected gage A’s tee block in the circuit.
❑ 15. Turn the relief valve’s adjustment knob CW until the pressure at
gage S reads 500 psi/3447 kPa.
❑ 16. Record the pressures indicated at gages A and B.
Gage A ________________________________________(psi/kPa)

Gage B ________________________________________(psi/kPa)
Again, all gages should closely agree.
❑ 17. Turn the relief valve’s adjustment CCW fully to reduce the
pressure to a minimum.
❑ 18. Turn off the power unit and close the shutoff valve.
❑ 19. Now change the circuit to the one shown in figure 34.
In this circuit, gage block A’s tee is connected to the other side of
gage block B’s tee.
The purpose of testing this circuit is to show you that both sides of
the gage block tee are connected to each other and to the gage port.

HYDRAULIC INSTRUMENTATION PANEL


FLOW
GAGE A GAGE B GAGE C METER

TEE
MACHINED
INSIDE OF
BLOCK

GAGE SUPPLY
BLOCK MANIFOLD

TEE RELIEF \ SEQUENCE PRESSURE REDUCING


VALVE VALVE

1 1 SHUTOFF
VALVE
2 2
3 3

NEEDLE
VALVE
A B RETURN
MANIFOLD
D.C.V. IN
#1
CHECK VALVE #1
A B B A
CHECK VALVE #2
OUT
B A
BASIC HYDRAULIC VALVE MODULE

Figure 34. Pictorial of Gages A and B Connected to the Supply Line


Using a Gage Block Tee

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 44
❑ 20. Turn on the power unit and open the shutoff valve on the supply
manifold.
This again will connect gage block A’s tee to the outlet of the
pump.
❑ 21. Turn the relief valve’s pressure adjustment knob CW until the
pressure at gage S on the power unit reads 100 psi/690 kPa.
Record the pressures indicated at gages A and B.

Gage A ________________________________________(psi/kPa)

Gage B ________________________________________(psi/kPa)
Both gages should be close to the reading at gage S.
❑ 22. Turn the relief valve’s adjustment knob CW until the pressure at
gage S reads 500 psi/3447 kPa.
Record the pressures indicated at gages A and B.

Gage A ________________________________________(psi/kPa)

Gage B ________________________________________(psi/kPa)
Again, both gages should closely agree.
❑ 23. Turn the relief valve’s adjustment CCW fully to reduce the
pressure to a minimum.
❑ 24. Turn off the power unit and close the shutoff valve.
❑ 25. Disconnect the two hoses and store them.

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 45
OBJECTIVE 8 DESCRIBE THE OPERATION OF A PRESSURE GAGE
AND GIVE ITS SCHEMATIC SYMBOL

The most common type of pressure gage is the bourdon tube gage, as
shown in figure 35. The main component of a bourdon tube is a curved
tube that works much like a party rollup horn. The curved tube in the
bourdon tube gage straightens slightly when exposed to fluid pressure.
This causes its mechanical linkage to move the pointer indicating the
amount of pressure in the tube. The higher the pressure the more the tube
straightens and the more the pointer rotates.

SCALE
1500

1000 2000

500 2500

0 3000
POINTER LINKAGE
FLUID IN
BOURDON
TUBE

SYMBOL

Figure 35. Bourdon Tube Gage and Symbol

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 46
SEGMENT 3
SELF REVIEW

1. A _____________ ____________ is a form of visual


shorthand that makes hydraulic circuits easier to draw and
read.

2. The worldwide standard for hydraulic symbols is developed


by the ___________.

3. A quick connect fitting is used whenever there is a need to


______________.

4. Two branch circuits are connected with a ______________.

5. A ____________ ____________ pressure gage uses a


curved tube to indicate pressure.

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 47
SEGMENT 4
BASIC CYLINDER CIRCUITS

OBJECTIVE 9 DESCRIBE THE FUNCTION OF A HYDRAULIC CYLINDER


AND GIVE AN APPLICATION

A hydraulic cylinder is an actuator that converts fluid power into


mechanical power in the form of straight-line motion of a rod. A typical
cylinder is shown in figure 36.

Figure 36. A Typical Hydraulic Cylinder

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 48
Applications commonly use hydraulic cylinders for high force and
straight-line motion. One example is a plastic injection molding machine
like the one shown in figure 37.

Figure 37. Injection Molding Machine

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 49
Another example is a hydraulic press as shown in figure 38. Presses
forge parts under high pressure and perform many other tasks.

Figure 38. Hydraulic Press

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 50
OBJECTIVE 10 DESCRIBE THE OPERATION OF A DOUBLE-ACTING
CYLINDER AND GIVE ITS SCHEMATIC SYMBOL

A hydraulic cylinder consists of a piston/rod assembly that moves


inside a barrel-shaped body. The most common type of cylinder is a
double-acting cylinder like the one shown in figure 39. This type has two
ports through which oil can enter. When oil flows into the cap end, the
cylinder rod extends. The cylinder rod retracts when oil flows into the
rod end.
This operation will be explained in more detail in the following
activity.

PORT PORT
A B

ROD

BODY
PISTON

Figure 39. Basic Parts of a Cylinder

The schematic symbol for a double-acting cylinder is shown in


figure 40.

Figure 40. Schematic Symbol of Double-Acting Cylinder

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 51
Activity 5. Basic Operation of a Double-Acting Cylinder

Procedure Overview
In this procedure, you will connect and operate a
cylinder by switching two hoses between the ports of the
cylinder. This will demonstrate the basic operation of the
cylinder.

❑ 1. Set up the hydraulic circuit shown in figure 41.

HYDRAULIC INSTRUMENTATION PANEL


FLOW
GAGE A GAGE B GAGE C METER

SUPPLY
MANIFOLD

RELIEF \ SEQUENCE PRESSURE REDUCING


CYLINDER VALVE VALVE

1 1
FLOW FLOW 2 2
CONTROL CONTROL 3
3
#1 #2
A A
NEEDLE
VALVE
A B
B B RETURN
MOTOR MANIFOLD
D.C.V. IN
#1
CHECK VALVE #1
A B B A
CHECK VALVE #2
OUT
CYLINDER B A
HYDRAULIC ACTUATOR MODULE BASIC HYDRAULIC VALVE MODULE

Figure 41. Pictorial of a Circuit to Extend a Double-Acting Cylinder

❑ 2. Perform the checkout procedures for the power unit.


A. Check the oil level. Fill if necessary.
B. Press the stop push button on the motor starter to make sure it
is in the off position.
C. Plug in the power cord to a wall outlet.
D. Reduce the relief valve to its minimum pressure setting (turn
CCW fully).
❑ 3. Close the shutoff valve.
❑ 4. Start the power unit and adjust the relief valve pressure to 100
psi/690 kPa (shown at gage S).

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 52
❑ 5. Open the shutoff valve and observe the operation of the cylinder.
You should see that the flow of oil from the pump causes the
cylinder to extend.
To understand how the cylinder was able to extend, remember that
pressure acts on all surfaces in a closed container with equal force.
However, with a cylinder, one wall of the container, the piston, is able
to move. When oil from the pump enters the cylinder port from the
cap end, the oil presses against the inside surfaces of the cylinder.
This causes the piston to move and extend the rod as shown in figure
42. As the piston moves, it forces the oil on the other side to be
pushed out of the rod-end port. This oil returns to the reservoir.

OIL FLOWING OIL IN ROD END


IN IS FORCED OUT

ROD
EXTENDING

FLUID
PRESSURE
CAP
END
ROD
END

Figure 42. Double-Acting Cylinder Being Extended

At this point, you may be wondering why the oil doesn’t leak out of
the cylinder around the rod. This is because there is a flexible seal
called a rod seal that is placed around the rod, as shown in figure 43.
To hold this seal in place, a rod bushing is needed. This bushing
also acts as a bearing to support the rod as it extends.

PISTON
SEALS

ROD
SEALS

ROD
BUSHING

Figure 43. Seals of a Double-Acting Cylinder

In addition to the rod seal, there are also one or more piston seals.
The piston seals keep oil from leaking around the piston so that
pressure can build up to move the load.
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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 53
❑ 6. Reduce the relief valve pressure to minimum.
❑ 7. Turn off the power unit and close the shutoff valve.
❑ 8. Now switch the two hoses at the cylinder so that the pressure line
from the pump connects to the rod end of the cylinder, as shown in
figure 44.

HYDRAULIC INSTRUMENTATION PANEL


FLOW
GAGE A GAGE B GAGE C METER

SUPPLY
MANIFOLD

RELIEF \ SEQUENCE PRESSURE REDUCING


CYLINDER VALVE VALVE

1 1
FLOW FLOW 2 2
CONTROL CONTROL 3
3
#1 #2
A A
NEEDLE
VALVE
A B
B B RETURN
MOTOR MANIFOLD
D.C.V. IN
#1
CHECK VALVE #1
A B B A
CHECK VALVE #2
OUT
CYLINDER B A
HYDRAULIC ACTUATOR MODULE BASIC HYDRAULIC VALVE MODULE

Figure 44. Pictorial of a Circuit to Retract a Double-Acting Cylinder

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 54
❑ 9. Turn on the power unit and adjust the relief pressure to 100 psi/690
kPa.
❑ 10. Open the shutoff valve and observe the operation of the cylinder.
You should observe that the cylinder retracts.
The cylinder retracted because the oil from the pump flowed into
the cylinder through the rod-end port, as shown in figure 45. This
causes the piston to move in the other direction and retract the rod.
When this happens, the piston forces the oil in the cap end out of
the cylinder and back to the reservoir.
When the piston reaches the end of travel (fully extended or
retracted), the oil flow in the cylinder stops. The pump flow then
returns to the reservoir through the relief valve.

OIL IN ROD END OIL FLOWING


IS FORCED OUT IN

ROD
RETRACTING

CAP
END
ROD
END

Figure 45. Double-Acting Cylinder Being Retracted

❑ 12. Reduce the relief valve pressure to minimum.


❑ 13. Turn off the power unit.
❑ 14. Close the shutoff valve.
❑ 15. Disconnect the two hoses and store them.

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 55
OBJECTIVE 11 DESCRIBE THE FUNCTION OF A 3-POSITION, 4-WAY DCV
AND GIVE AN APPLICATION

To change the direction of the double-acting cylinder without


moving hoses, as you did in the previous skill, we need a switch that
controls the direction of flow. In fluid power, this switch is called a
directional control valve (“DCV” for short), as shown in figure 46.
Almost every hydraulic circuit you see uses one or more hydraulic
DCV’s.
Applications use 3-position, 4-way DCV’s to provide 3-function
control of the cylinder: extend, retract and stop in mid-position.

Figure 46. 850 Series 3-Position 4-Way Directional Control Valve

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 56
The DCV on the 850 trainer uses a manual handle to operate it.
Construction equipment, like the backhoe shown in figure 47, use
manually-operated DCV’s. Most industrial applications, however, use
electrically operated valves. You will learn more about these later.

Figure 47. Backhoe with Manually-Operated DCV

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 57
OBJECTIVE 12 DESCRIBE THE OPERATION OF A 3-POSITION, 4-WAY DCV
AND GIVE ITS SCHEMATIC SYMBOL

The 3-position, 4-way DCV consists of four components as shown in


figure 48.
• Valve Body - The valve body has ports drilled in it to provide flow
paths for the fluid. Hydraulic DCV bodies are often made of cast
iron, steel or aluminum.
• Spool - The spool is designed with “lands” that channel the flow
through the valve to specific ports. By shifting position, the flow
paths can be changed.
• Operator - The lever is just one type of operator method of
moving the spool from one position to another. Other ways of
moving the spool include a manual palm button, electrical
solenoid, hydraulic pressure, and pneumatic pressure.
• Springs - A 3-position valve usually has a spring on either side of
the spool to position it in the middle when the operator is not
energized.

CYLINDER
OPERATOR CONNECTIONS
HANDLE
SPOOL
SPOOL
A B LAND

SPRING
P T
VALVE
TANK
BODY PRESSURE CONNECTION
CONNECTION

Figure 48. Main Components of a 3-Position, 4-Way DCV

Notice in figure 48 that the ports are labeled. The P stands for the
“pressure” or inlet port. The T stands for the tank port. This is the port
that is connected to the reservoir.
There are also two actuator ports labeled A and B. These are usually
connected to the lines going to the cylinder or motor. They allow fluid to
flow to and from the cylinder or motor.

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 58
Directional control valves are manufactured in many different styles
and sizes with a wide variety of options. One major classification of
directional control valves is by the number of flow paths or “ways”
available for oil to flow through a particular valve. Directional control
valves (DCV’s) are primarily available as one-way, two-way, three-way,
and four-way types.
In addition to classifying valves by the number of ways, a valve can
also be classified by the number of positions to which it can be adjusted.
A position determines which ports are connected to each other. Industrial
DCV’s are most often supplied as either 2-position or 3-position types.
The type we will explore in this LAP is a 3-position type.
The schematic symbols for directional control valves use what is
called a flow envelope to show the state of the flow paths for each valve
spool position. These flow paths can be shown as either open or closed
by the envelope, as shown in figure 49.

NOTE
In the fluidpower industry the terms open and closed mean
just the opposite of the meaning in the electrical industry. An
electrical switch passes electricity when it is closed. A fluidpower
valve passes fluid when it is open.

OPEN (PASSING) CLOSED (NOT PASSING)

Figure 49. Directional Control Valve Flow Envelopes

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 59
The flow envelopes of figure 49 represent one flow condition each of
a 2-way DCV symbol. A complete 2-position, 2-way DCV symbol
combines these two flow envelopes, as shown in figure 50. In one spool
position, the valve passes flow between its two ports. In the other
position, the ports are blocked.
To determine when the spool is in a particular position, operators are
placed next to each envelope. In figure 50, a spring is placed next to the
passing flow envelope. This means that the deenergized flow condition is
passing. The lever operator next to the blocked flow envelope shows the
flow condition when the lever is operated (valve is energized). In this
case, it is a blocked condition.
The complete description of the symbol shown in figure 50 is a
manually-operated, spring return, 2-position, 2-way DCV, normally open.

LEVER

SPRING

Figure 50. 2-Position, 2-Way DCV Symbol


A 4-way DCV symbol has two flow paths per envelope which show
the connections between its four ports (P, T, A and B). If the valve has
two positions, two flow envelopes are drawn side-by-side, as shown in
figure 51.
Each envelope shows the flow path condition for a particular
position of the spool. The flow path conditions shown in the DCV
symbol of figure 51 are called “straight arrows” and “crossed arrows.”

A B

SPRING
P T ELECTRICAL
STRAIGHT CROSSED OPERATOR
ARROWS ARROWS
CONDITION CONDITION

Figure 51. 4-Way, 2-Position DCV Schematic Symbol

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 60
Figure 52 shows the condition of the 4-way DCV when its electrical
operator is energized. The spool moves to the crossed arrows condition
causing oil to flow from P to B and retract the cylinder. When the
electrical operator is deenergized, the spring pushes the spool to the
straight arrows condition causing the cylinder to extend.

ENERGIZED FLOW
A B PATH CONDITION

SPRING
P T
ELECTRICAL
OPERATOR
ENERGIZED

Figure 52. 4-Way, 2-Position DCV Energized

The schematic symbol for a 3-position valve adds one more flow
envelope and a second spring, as shown in figure 53. The details of the
operation will be explained further in the skill.

A B

P T

Figure 53. 4-Way, 3-Position DCV Schematic Symbol

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 61
Activity 6. Flow Paths of a 3-Position, 4-Way Directional Control
Valve

Procedure Overview
In this procedure, you will determine the flow paths of a
3-position, 4-way directional control valve for each of its
positions. This activity will help you better see how this
valve works.

❑ 1. Obtain the open-end fitting from the loose items of the 850 series
trainer.
When inserted into a hose end quick-connect, as shown in figure
54, this fitting opens the end of the hose.

Figure 54. Hose End with Open-End Quick-Connect Fitting

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 62
❑ 2. Set up the hydraulic circuit shown in figure 55, inserting the
open-end fitting into the hose end from part A of the DCV.
This circuit will be used to determine the flow paths of the DCV in
each of its three lever positions.
When the DCV’s lever is shifted in one direction, port P will be
connected to port B, causing oil to flow through the flow meter.
When the DCV’s lever is shifted in the other direction, port P will
be connected to port A, causing oil to flow back to the reservoir
through the open-end fitting.

HYDRAULIC INSTRUMENTATION PANEL


FLOW
GAGE A GAGE B GAGE C METER

SUPPLY
MANIFOLD

RELIEF \ SEQUENCE PRESSURE REDUCING


VALVE VALVE

1 1
2 2
3 3

NEEDLE
VALVE
A B
RETURN
MANIFOLD
D.C.V. IN
#1
CHECK VALVE #1
A B B A
CHECK VALVE #2
OUT
B A
BASIC HYDRAULIC VALVE MODULE
OPEN-END
FITTINGS

Figure 55. Pictorial of a Circuit to Determine Directional Control Valve


Flow Connections

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 63
❑ 3. Now look at figure 56. This shows the same circuit as shown in
figure 55, except standard symbols were used for the components
instead of pictures. Compare the items shown to become more
familiar with the symbols used in hydraulics.

DIRECTIONAL
SUPPLY CONTROL VALVE
MANIFOLD
A B IN A
OUT B

SHUTOFF
VALVE

RETURN
OPEN-END
MANIFOLD
FLOW FITTING
METER

Figure 56. Schematic Diagram of a Circuit for Determining Directional


Control Valve Flow Paths

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 64
❑ 4. Close the needle valve.
❑ 5. Remove the cap of the filler/breather located on top of the power
unit tank and place the opened end of the hose into the
fillter/breather opening.

Figure 57. Using the Open End Fitting to View Flow Returning to
Reservoir Through the Filler/Breather Opening

❑ 6. Perform the following checkout procedures before starting the


power unit.
A. Check the oil level. Fill if necessary.
B. Press the stop pushbutton on the motor starter to make sure the
starter is in the off position.
C. Plug in the power cord to a 115 VAC wall outlet.
D. Reduce the relief valve to its minimum pressure setting (turn
CCW fully).
❑ 7. Turn on the power unit, increase the relief valve setting to 300
psi/2770 kPa and open the shutoff valve.
❑ 8. Open the needle valve 1/4 turn.
❑ 9. With the handle of the DCV remaining in the middle (center)
position, observe from which hose the oil flows.
No flow should be observed from either hose because the IN port
of this DCV is not connected to either hose when the lever is in the
mid position.
❑ 10. Pull out on the lever of the DCV and observe from which port the
oil flows. Record the letter of the port below.
Lever pulled out: IN port connected to____________________port
You should observe flow through the flowmeter. This indicates
that the IN port is connected to the B port of the valve.

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 65
❑ 11. Now push in on the lever and observe from which port the oil
flows. Record the letter of the port below.
Lever pushed in: IN port connected to ____________________port
This time, fluid will flow from the open-end hose into the
reservoir. This indicates that the IN port is connected to the A port
of the valve.
❑ 12. Reduce the relief valve setting to minimum and turn off the power
unit.
❑ 13. Disconnect the hose from the IN port and reconnect it to the OUT
port.
This will allow you to now test the flow paths for the OUT port in
the three lever positions.
❑ 14. Turn on the power unit and increase the relief valve setting until
the pressure at Gage S reads 300 psi/2070 kPa.
❑ 15. With the handle of the DCV remaining in the middle (center)
position, observe from which hose the oil flows. Again, no flow
should be observed from either hose, because the OUT port is not
connected to either hose when the lever is in the mid position.
❑ 16. Pull out on the lever of the DCV and observe from which port the
oil flows. Record the letter of the port below.
Lever pulled out: OUT port connected to _________________port
You should observe flow from the opposite port of that determined
in step 10, because when the IN port is connected to one of the
cylinder ports of a 4-way DCV, the OUT port is connected to the
other cylinder port.
❑ 17. Now push in on the lever and observe from which port the oil
flows.
Lever pushed in: OUT port connected to __________________port
❑ 18. Release the lever.
❑ 19. Reduce the relief valve setting to minimum and turn off the power
unit.
❑ 20. Close the shutoff valve.
❑ 21. Using a clean rag to catch any oil drops from the hose ends,
remove the hoses from the filler/breather opening and replace the
cap on the power unit tank.
❑ 22. Remove the open-end fittings from the hoses and store with the
other loose items of the 850 trainer.
❑ 23. Now disconnect and store the hoses.

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 66
SKILL 6 CONNECT AND OPERATE A DOUBLE-ACTING HYDRAULIC
CYLINDER USING A 3-POSITION, MANUALLY-OPERATED DCV

Procedure Overview
In this procedure, you will set up a basic hydraulic
circuit to reciprocate a cylinder using a 4-way, 3-position
directional control valve. You will find that this method is
much easier than switching hose connections as you did in
an earlier skill.

❑ 1. Set up the hydraulic circuit shown in figure 58 on the 850 series


hydraulic trainer.

NOTE
Make sure all your hose connections are firmly made.

HYDRAULIC INSTRUMENTATION PANEL


FLOW
GAGE A GAGE B GAGE C METER

SUPPLY
MANIFOLD

RELIEF \ SEQUENCE PRESSURE REDUCING


CYLINDER VALVE VALVE

1 1
FLOW FLOW 2 2
CONTROL CONTROL 3 3
#1 #2
A A
NEEDLE
VALVE
A B
B B RETURN
MOTOR MANIFOLD
D.C.V. IN
#1
CHECK VALVE #1
A B B A
CHECK VALVE #2
OUT
CYLINDER B A
HYDRAULIC ACTUATOR MODULE BASIC HYDRAULIC VALVE MODULE

Figure 58. Pictorial of a Basic Hydraulic Circuit

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 67
❑ 2. Now look at the schematic diagram shown in figure 59. Compare
this with the actual hose connections shown in figure 58.
As you can see, the hose connections are drawn to the center flow
envelope, which is the normal condition. The normal position of a
3-position valve is almost always designed to be the center
condition because the two springs center the spool.

NOTE
A 4-way DCV is the type needed to extend and retract a
double-acting cylinder. A 4-way DCV with 3-positions is used if
the cylinder must stop in mid-position.

NORMAL
CONDITION
A B

IN OUT

FROM TO
PUMP RESERVOIR

Figure 59. Schematic Diagram of Circuit Setup

❑ 3. Perform the following checkout procedures for the power unit:


A. Check the oil level. Fill if necessary.
B. Press the stop pushbutton on the motor starter to make sure it is
in the off position.
C. Plug in the power cord to a wall outlet.
D. Reduce the relief valve to its minimum pressure setting (turn
CCW fully).
❑ 4. Turn on the hydraulic power unit.
❑ 5. Open the shutoff valve.

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 68
❑ 6. Increase the pressure setting of the relief valve on the hydraulic
power unit to 200 psi/1380 kPa.
Since gage C is connected to the pressure manifold, it should now
be reading approximately the same as system pressure. Record
below the readings of gages C and S.

Gage C =_______________________________________(psi/kPa)

Gage S = __________________(psi/kPa) (on hydraulic power unit)


Also, you should observe that the cylinder does not move, even
though pressure has been raised. To understand why, look at the
diagram in figure 60.
With the manual lever on this DCV in the mid-position, the springs
hold the valve spool in the center position. This causes the spool’s
lands to block flow at all ports and hold the actuator stopped.
Because the flow is blocked by the valve the pressure in the supply
line builds up and the relief valve opens to dump the oil flow back
to tank.

CYLINDER STOPPED

LEVER
HANDLE
IN MID
POSITION A B

P T
BLOCKED

HIGH RELIEF LOW


PRESSURE VALVE PRESSURE

RESERVOIR

Figure 60. DCV with Spool in the Mid-Position

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 69
❑ 7. Now test your hydraulic circuit by pushing in on the lever of the
directional control valve (DCV). This will cause the cylinder’s rod
to extend. Continue holding the lever until the cylinder’s rod is
fully extended. Then release it.
When the manual lever is placed (pushed) in towards the body, the
spool is shifted to connect the P-port with the A-port and the
B-port with the T-port. This is the “straight arrows” position. Flow
through the valve is P to A and B to T, as shown in figures 61 and
62. This causes the actuator shown to extend.

CYLINDER EXTENDING

LEVER OPEN TO
HANDLE PORT T
A B
PUSHED IN

P T

OPEN TO
PORT A

RELIEF
VALVE

RESERVOIR

Figure 61. Pictorial of DCV Shifted to Straight Arrows Condition

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 70
CYLINDER
EXTENDS

A B

IN OUT

FROM TO
PUMP RESERVOIR

Figure 62. Schematic of DCV Shifted to Straight Arrows Condition


❑ 8. Retract the cylinder by pulling out on the lever of the directional
control valve. Continue holding the lever until the cylinder’s rod is
fully retracted.
When the lever is placed (pulled) away from the body, the spool
shifts to connect P-port with B-port and A-port with T-port, as
shown in figures 63 and 64. This is called the “crossed arrows”
condition and causes the actuator to retract.

CYLINDER RETRACTING

CONNECTED
TO PORT
T
LEVER
HANDLE
PULLED A B
OUT

P T
CONNECTED TO
PORT B

RELIEF
VALVE

PUMP

RESERVOIR

Figure 63. Pictorial of DCV with Spool Shifted to Crossed Arrows Condition

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 71
CYLINDER
RETRACTS

A B

IN OUT

FROM TO
PUMP RESERVOIR

Figure 64. Schematic of DCV with Spool Shifted to Crossed Arrows


Condition
❑ 9. Repeat steps 7 and 8 several times to “cycle” the cylinder. During
one of the cycles, release the lever while the cylinder’s rod is
extending and in midstroke. What happens? Does the cylinder stop
or does the rod keep moving?
_____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
You should observe that the cylinder stops in mid-stroke because the
spool goes to the center position and blocks the ports. This is one of
the functions for which you should choose a 3-position valve.

NOTE
3-position valves are made with center conditions other than
the blocked center condition. You will learn more about the other
center conditions in a later LAP.

❑ 10. Reduce the relief valve setting to minimum.


❑ 11. Turn off the power unit.
❑ 12. Move the handle of the DCV back and forth to remove any
pressure in the circuit.
❑ 13. Switch the two hoses connected to the ports of the cylinder with
each other so that the cap end is connected to port B of the DCV
and the rod end is connected to port A.
❑ 14. Turn on the power unit and increase the relief valve pressure
setting to 200 psi/1380 kPa.
❑ 15. Cycle the cylinder again by operating the DCV. What difference
do you observe in how the system operates?
_____________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 72
You should observe that the cylinder moves in the opposite
direction when the lever is pushed in. This step shows that the
direction of the cylinder’s motion depends not only on the internal
porting of the DCV but also how the DCV and cylinder are
connected. The cylinder motion can easily be changed by
switching hoses. This is a common task performed in industry.
❑ 16. Reduce the relief valve pressure to minimum.
❑ 17. Turn off the power unit and close the shutoff valve.
❑ 18. Move the handle of the DCV back and forth to remove any
pressure in the circuit.

SKILL 7 DESIGN A DUAL CYLINDER HYDRAULIC CIRCUIT

Procedure Overview
In this procedure, you will further develop your
understanding of hydraulic circuits by designing a basic
circuit.

❑ 1. Read the following scenario.


Scenario: Your company has asked you to design a hydraulic
shearing press that will cut off steel sheet stock. This shearing
press could use just one cylinder to operate but you have decided
that two cylinders would be better in order to maintain a more even
force on both sides of the shear.

CYLINDER
2

CYLINDER
1

Figure 65. Hydraulic Shearing Press


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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 73
❑ 2. Your task is to design a hydraulic circuit that will cause the
cylinders to extend and retract using a single directional control
valve. The valve should provide extend, retract, and mid-position
stop capability.
Draw the circuit schematic using the symbols you have learned in
this LAP. Start your drawing from the manifolds, as shown in
figure 66. Remember that the circuit symbols are drawn in the
de-energized condition.

SUPPLY
MANIFOLD

CYL CYL
1 2

RETURN SHEAR
MANIFOLD

Figure 66. Schematic of Circuit Design

❑ 3. Now add pressure gages to your design to measure the system


pressure and the pressures at the cap and rod ends of the cylinder.

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Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 74
SEGMENT 4
SELF REVIEW

1. The actuator that produces linear motion is called a


____________.

2. The number of “ways” that a directional control valve has


defines the number of _______ paths for the fluid to travel
through the valve.

3. The group of components that make up the hydraulic power


package is called the ______ ____.

4. The four methods used to shift (move) a DCV spool are


manual, ________, ________, and compressed air.

5. Double-acting cylinder direction can be reversed by


switching the hose connections at the ________ or at the
________.

6. The type of cylinder that needs to be powered in both


directions is called a ________ ________ cylinder.

7. The spool of a 3-position DCV is held in the middle position


by _____________.

8. A cylinder rod moves when the _________ against the


piston reaches a point that can no longer be resisted by the
piston.

9. The crossed arrows DCV condition causes port P to connect


to port ________.

10. A schematic is usually drawn with connections drawn to the


__________ condition flow envelope of the DCV.

B831-XA LAP 1 HYDRAULIC POWER SYSTEMS


Copyright © 2002 Amatrol, Inc. 75

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