Fluid Power Journal

Test Your Skills

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

Test Your Skills: Considering Component Capability

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

Test Your Skills: Opening Up About Closed Loop Control

When accuracy and repeatability are important to a process, such as when an actuator is required to follow a predetermined position profile, a closed loop …

Test Your Skills: The Application of Fluids

Selection of viscosity must be made with the normal operating temperature of the machine in mind. The temperature is usually measured at the pump. The correct …

Test Your Skills: Application of Proportional Valves

There are many applications for proportional solenoids in the control of hydraulic pressure and flow in both mobile and industrial applications.  The terms …

Test Your Skills: Types and Applications of Compressors

The generic term “supply side” is often used to refer to the complete package that includes the compressor, drive motor, and associated hardware, as well …

Test Your Skills: Hydrostatic Transmissions

The transmission of force through a contained hydraulic fluid (hydrostatics) will fall into one of two categories: open circuit or closed circuit. An open …

Gas-Charged Hydraulic Accumulators

Accumulators are pressure vessels and are subject to the American Society of Testing Materials standards in addition to the International Standards …

Stopping a Load with a Shock Absorber

It is common practice to position shock absorbers to cushion loads attached to air cylinders, rather than to subject the air cylinders to shock loading …

Recognizing Misaligned Cylinders

Misalignment of a cylinder occurs when the load is not applied along the centerline of the rod. Many applications have a small amount of inherent misalignment …

Linear Displacement Sensors

The first factors to consider when selecting linear displacement sensors are the mechanical interface, dimensions, contact, noncontact, and environmental …