HYDRAULICS

Learning Outcomes
• Pressure, flow rate and area in a hydraulic system
• Hydraulic fluids
• Basic components and symbols of a hydraulic system
• Hydraulic circuit
Pressure, flow rate and area in a hydraulic
system
• Pressure is amount of force exerted per unit area. For a hydraulic system to
operate, a pump must supply enough force to push the fluid through the
system. Atmospheric pressure is the pressure a fluid experiences when it is
exposed to the atmosphere. Atmospheric pressure is 101,3kPa. Applied
pressure is the pressure a fluid experiences when it is enclosed.
• Pascal’s law states that pressure exerted on the surface of a liquid is equal
in all directions.

• Flow rate is the measure of the volume of liquid which passes a point in a
given time. Measured in l/s. Determines the speed at which the fluid and
load move.

• Area is the diameter of the pipe through which the fluid passes.
Calculations
P = Pressure (Pa)

F = Force (N)

A = Area (m^2)

L = stroke length or distance (m)

S = displacement (m)
Example
1. Calculate the force (in kN) exerted on fluid displaced by a plunger
with a diameter of 250 mm exerting a pressure of 435 kPa.
 Questions
1. Calculate the pressure exerted on a piston in a hydraulic system
which has a diameter of 120 mm and supplied force of 1200 N.
2. The ram of a hydraulic press can exert a force of 15 kN if a force of
300 N is exerted on a piston. If the diameter of the piston is 80 mm,
calculate: a) The diameter of the ram. b) The pressure in the fluid
3. A plunger with a diameter of 155 mm and a stroke length of 375 mm
displaces a fluid. Calculate the volume of the fluid displaced.
4. The piston of a water pump has a diameter of 250 mm and a stroke
of 160 mm. If the pump delivers a pressure of 400 kPa, calculate: a)
the volume of water displaced per stoke. b) the volume of water
displaced in three strokes. c) the force exerted by the piston rod
Hydraulic Fluids
• A high refined mineral oil.
• Functions to:
• Transfer hydraulic power,
• Maintain a stable viscosity,
• Lubricate,
• Cool.
• Has the following characteristics – flexible, incompressible, pressure
applied must enable the fluid to work in any direction.
Components of a Hydraulic System
Pump Pushes on hydraulic fluid to create flow in the system. Converts mechanical
energy to pressure energy in the fluid.
Reservoir Tank or sump. Stores hydraulic fluid.

Motor Converts hydraulic pressure to mechanical energy.

Valves Pressure relieve valve releases excess air if the system is overloaded. Directional
control valves allow flow in one direction. Flow control valve control the flow rate
of the hydraulic fluid.
Pipes Channel the fluid that travels through the hydraulic system.

Actuator Output mechanism. Converts pressure energy into mechanical movement.

Fluid Water or oil used in the system. Must be fire-resistant.

Accumulators Cylinder that stores hydraulic fluid at high pressures. Also acts as a shock absorber
for the system.