Virtually, all-hydraulic circuits are essentially the same regardless of the application. There are six basic components required for setting up a hydraulic system:
03
An electric motor or
other power source
to drive the pump
04
Valves to control the
liquid direction, pressure
and flow rate
The extent of sophistication and complexity of hydraulic systems vary depending on the specific application. Each unit is a complete packaged power system containing its own electric motor, pump, shaft coupling, reservoir and miscellaneous piping, pressure gages, valves and other components required for operation.
01
A reservoir to hold
the liquid (usually
hydraulic oil)
02
A pump to force the
liquid through the
system
05
An actuator to convert the energy of the liquid into mechanical force or torque, to do useful work. Actuators can either be cylinders which provide linear motion or motors which provide rotary motion
06
Piping to convey the liquid from one location to another
Advantages of hydraulic systems
A hydraulic system has four major advantages, which makes it quite efficient in transmitting power.
Ease and accuracy
of control
By the use of simple levers and
push buttons, the operator of a
hydraulic system can easily start,
stop, speed up and
slow down.
Multiplication of
force
BA fluid power system (without using cumbersome gears, pulleys and levers) can multiply forces simply and
efficiently from a fraction of a
pound, to several hundred
tons of output.
Constant force
and torque
Only fluid power systems are
capable of providing a constant
torque or force regardless of
speed changes
Simple, safe and economical
In general, hydraulic systems use fewer moving parts in comparison
