Manifolds are used in my many fluid power applications, depending upon the application. Manifolds are used in hydraulics as well as pneumatics, and can be used to mount valves or to consolidate plumbing. When used for mounting valves, they are the interface between the valves and the ports to be plumbed into. With industrial style […]
Engineering Basics
One of Canada’s preeminent trainers to head technical sessions at FPTC
Carl Dyke, founder of CD Industrial Group, will lead four of the key technical sessions at the inaugural Fluid Power Technology Conference, presented by Fluid Power World. The event is slated for June 21 and 22 at the Milwaukee School of Engineering’s Kern Center. Dyke, who also is a contributing editor for Fluid Power World, […]
Mobile hydraulics troubleshooting Part 1: Taking a methodical approach
Part 1: Taking a methodical approach is the best way to get off-highway equipment working again, quickly and safely.
Where is hydraulic bar stock used?
Bar stock is used in various applications of fluid power, either as a mounting for other valve systems or simply for consolidation of plumbing. The bar stock itself is typically an alloy of either aluminum or ductile iron, and is manufactured in billets suitable for machining finished product. The most popular use is the bar […]
What is laminar flow?
A fluid is unique in its capacity to be, well … fluid. A solid is solid because its molecules enjoy staying put. A granite molecule joins hands with its molecular friends, where they have to stare at each other for millions, if not billions of years. Fluid molecules—remember that gases and liquids are both fluids—are […]
Accumulator fundamentals … without the math
I’m going to attempt the impossible: I am going to explain the fundamentals of hydro-pneumatic accumulators without using any mathematics. I will use some numbers where needed, but the unfortunate reality is that the proper application of accumulators does require the manipulation of equations. Accumulators are a versatile and valuable tool, but because of the […]
How do you specify a hydraulic cylinder?
A hydraulic cylinder is one of the simplest devices you can use to create force this side of hiring a guy (or thirty) to push on stuff. It’s as simple as having something at point A and then moving it to point B. Although I keep using the word simple, there is a little bit […]
What are PTOs/gearboxes
The Power Take-Off, most commonly referred to by its acronym, PTO, is a common form of mechanical power delivery in the mobile machine market. The PTO is a method of transferring high power and torque from the engine (usually via the transmission) of trucks and tractors. In combination with gearboxes and pump mounts, nearly any […]
What are hydraulic valves?
Hydraulic valves, in addition to the force density advantage of actuators, are what help make hydraulics unique in its control of force, torque and motion. Valves govern direction, pressure and flow of hydraulic fluid, enabling smooth, safe and controlled use of actuators. Every machine both requires and uses valves, varying vastly in execution from a […]
What is hydraulic fluid?
Hydraulic fluid is the energy transfer medium in all hydraulic systems. However, the job of hydraulic fluid goes beyond simple transmission of power. Although transmitting hydraulic energy is the core purpose of hydraulic fluid, it is useful in four secondary functions—heat transfer, contamination removal, sealing, and lubrication. Hydraulic machines produce a lot of excess heat […]
