Fundamental principles of

hydraulics
• Introduction to the hydraulics
• We can define that the hydraulics is the generation of forces and motion using hydraulic
fluids.
• The hydraulic fluids represent the medium for power transmission.
• Hydraulic systems are used in modern production plants and manufacturing installations.
The main areas for the application of hydraulics are as follow:
• Production and assembly machines of all type
• Transfer lines
• Lifting and conveying devices
• Presse
• Injection molding machines
• Rolling lines
• Construction machinery
• Tippers, excavators, elevating platforms
• Lifting and conveying devices
• Agricultural machinery
 Hydraulic symbols

• Simple graphic and circuit symbols are used for individual

components to enable clear representation of hydraulic
systems in diagrams.
• A symbol identifies a component and its function, but it does
not provide any information about its design.
 Directional control valves

• Directional control valves are shown by means of

several connected squares.
• The number of squares indicates the number of
switching positions possible for a valve.
• Arrows within the squares indicate the flow direction.
• Lines indicate how the ports are interconnected in the
various switching positions
• There are two possible methods of port designation. One
method is to use the letters P, T, A, B the other is to label
ports alphabetically A, B, C, D, etc.
• The former method is generally preferred. Ports should always
be labelled with the valve in the rest position.
• Directional control valves have at least two switching
positions and at least two ports.
• In such an instance, the valve would be designated a 2/2-way
valve. The following diagrams show other directional control
valves and their circuit symbols.
 Flow control valves

• In the case of flow control valves, a distinction is made

between those affected by viscosity and those unaffected.
• The 2-way flow control valve consists of two restrictors, one
setting restrictor unaffected by viscosity (orifice) and one
adjustable throttle. The adjustable throttle gap is modified by
changes in pressure.
 Fig 2 throttle and orifice
There is a special symbol to represent the 2-way
flow control valve.
 Non-return valves

• The symbol for non-return valves is a ball which is pressed

against a sealing seat.
• This seat is drawn as an open triangle in which the ball rests.
• The point of the triangle indicates the blocked direction and
not the flow direction.
 Hydraulic cylinder

• The hydraulic cylinder converts hydraulic energy into

mechanical energy.
• It generates linear movements. For this reason, it is also
referred to as a “linear motor”.
• There are two basic types of hydraulic cylinder
single-acting and
double-acting cylinders
 Single acting cylinder

• Single-acting cylinders are used wherever hydraulic power is

required for only one direction of motion.
• Single acting cylinders just have one port, i.e. only the full
piston surface can be pressurized with hydraulic fluid.
• These cylinders are returned either by the effect of external
forces – indicated by the symbol with the open bearing cap –
or by a spring.
 Double acting cylinder

• In the case of double-acting cylinders, both

piston surfaces can be pressurized.
• Therefore, it is possible to perform a working
movement in both directions.
Double-acting cylinder