Hydraulic systems are crucial across many sectors of business from construction to aerospace. A hydraulic system relies on the quality of its parts and here we will look at the six main components that go to make the hydraulic system.
1. Reservoir
This is the storage tank that contains the fluid, vital for maintaining a constant supply of hydraulic fluid. It will also help cool the system by dissipating any heat generated. They are mostly made of either plastic or metal and can be located in various places around the system.
2. The pump
The pump is the very heart of a hydraulic system. It takes the fluid from the reservoir and generates the pressure required to keep it moving through the system.
Depending on the requirements of the system, a wide variety of different types of pumps can be used, such as piston pumps or geared pumps, centrifugal pumps or diaphragm pumps. A detailed comparison of the various pumps can be found here:
3. Valves
The valves are used to regulate the flow of fluid through the system. They can be directional flow valves or pressure control valves.
4. Actuators
Actuators are what convert the hydraulic pressure into the mechanical force needed. They will move various components, such as the hydraulic cylinders and motors.
5. Hoses and fittings
These connect the components of the system. They will be chosen in order to cope with such things as the temperature range and the pressure the system operates within.
A hydraulic power unit is a self-contained unit, and all the components will be pre-assembled and chosen to work within the limits of the unit. A Hydraulic Power Unit can be adapted for a wide range of industrial applications.
6. Hydraulic Fluid
If the pump is the heart of the system, then the fluid is very much the lifeblood of it. Depending on what the capacities of the system are, the fluid will be chosen for such things as viscosity or the temperature range it can safely operate in. Most hydraulic fluid is mineral oil-based stock.