Fluid Power Journal

Quick Check of Accumulator Precharge

Watch the gauge showing pressure at the hydraulic side of the accumulator. Start the pump. The gauge will “jump” to the accumulator precharge …

Monitor Equipment Performance

PLCs with PID loops can often be used to monitor equipment performance, sometimes even without adding dedicated sensors. For example, consider a simple …

Beware Design Cost and Space-Saving Pitfalls of an Undersized Reservoir

The improved oil-cooling technology of recent years has resulted in many hydraulic reservoirs being designed to reduce initial cost and take up less space. …

Spur Gear Pump Displacement

So you need to replace an unlabeled external gear pump originally sold by Cro-Magnon Hydraulics during the First Crusades, and sadly you have no idea of the …

Wear Band Materials and Pressures

Phenolic wear bands were a mainstay in hydraulic cylinders, however due to the formaldehyde content, they have largely been replaced by glass-filled nylon. If …

Hose Abrasion

When an operation relies on hydraulic hose, evaluating it for potential abrasion is paramount. Industry and user experience agree 70% of failures are a direct …

High-Temperature Seals

What is “high temperature” in hydraulic-sealing applications? Most hydraulic seals are NBR rated at 250ºF. So is anything over 250ºF high temperature? …

Money Wasted Due to Air Leaks

ONE THING I FIND in maintenance costs is money wasted due to air leaks that drive a compressor runtime through the roof and the electric bill along with it. A …

In the “Heat” of the Moment

IN THE “HEAT” OF THE MOMENT of a pneumatic system troubleshooting exercise, skilled workers frequently overlook the most important step. If this step is …

What’s in Your Toolbox? – Digital Measuring Tools

As technology advances, prices tend to become more affordable. Digital measuring tools have advanced into the 21st century. What was once reserved for …