Fluid Power Journal

Test Your Skills

Each month Fluid Power Journal brings you an industry problem with a solution the following month. 

Calculating Intensifier Ratio for Given Pressure and Flow

Intensifiers boost pressure by pumping hydraulic fluid with a larger bore piston into a smaller bore cylinder to extend the rod. The intensifier can be powered …

Attaching Clamps for Proper Assembly

Low-pressure hose assemblies require properly placing the clamps so that they will seal and retain the fitting. The clamp position “A” dimension is very …

Determining the Cause For A Cylinder Not Extending

There are three basic requirements to cause a double-acting cylinder to extend, as shown in Fig. 4.17:  Flow must be supplied to the cap-end of the cylinder …

Understanding the Selection Process of a Pressure Control Valve

Pressure control valves are sensitive to the direction of flow. For example, flow cannot pass through a relief valve from T to P. Some pressure control valves, …

Understanding Basic Types & Applications of Actuators

Linear Actuators Cylinders may be single acting or double acting. Single acting cylinders exert a force due to air pressure only in one direction. Springs or …

Replacing & Aligning a Hydraulic Cylinder

When installing a replacement cylinder, confirm that it matches the original part. Inspect the linkages and connection points for wear, such as cracked or …

Test Your Skills: Ensure Component Compatibility

Some fluids with very good lubricity and viscosity characteristics may prove caustic to the material in pumps, actuators or valves, especially when hot.  …

The “STAMPED” Method

Designing & specifying tube assembly components The acronym “STAMPED,” as used for hose assemblies, is equally as important to use when developing tube …

Test Your Skills: Understanding the Operation of Servo Valves

Servo valves have been used to provide proportional control of fluid power systems long before proportional valves were developed. Servo valves are capable of …

Test Your Skills: Calculate the Oil Flow Rate & Pressure From a Pneumatic Intensifier

Air-oil intensifiers combine advantages of both pneumatics and hydraulics in one system. Air is spongy and lacks precision and stiffness, while hydraulic oil …