The History of Hydraulics – Understanding the Basics of the Hydraulic System
The history of hydraulics goes back thousands of years but it was a 17th century French philosopher by the name of Blaise Pascal that clearly defined it. Pascal discovered that liquids cannot be compressed out of existence. When compressed the fluid transmitted pressure in all directions with equal force on equal areas. Understanding this principle, a British mechanic named Joseph Bramah built a hydraulic system during the industrial revolution that put the science into practice. The machine was a simple hydraulic press that functioned by a single lever. He discovered that when using the fluid system a small push on a small cylinder could balance a large force on a large cylinder. Hydraulics became extensively used in the 1940’s by engineers when they realized hydraulic technology could be quickly adapted for a variety of military applications and machinery.
The engineers took note that the hydraulics took up very little space and weight and in return they were able to produce massive power. Hydraulic technology is self -lubricating and thus protects the components from rusting.The hydraulic hose was revolutionary in that it was much easier to connect throughout a machine due to their generous flexibility. Unlike old metal pipe conductors, the steel braided plastic hoses were also able to withstand the constant shaking and vibration of the hydraulic pumps pushing fluid through the system. There are different types of hydraulic hoses for different types of machinery. High-pressure hoses are typically reinforced with four or six layers of oil-resistant synthetic tubes and braided steel wire. These hoses are used in heavy-duty machinery where 2500 psi pressure surges take place. Alternatively, low pressure hoses are usually reinforcement by textile material and are used to transport petroleum fluids, diesel fuel, hot lubricating oil, air, glycol anti-freeze and water up to 300 psi. In modern day, hydraulic hoses are used regularly and can be located in most every industrial and agricultural machine.
Hydraulic systems are made of up several component of which include: fluid, reservoir, pump, hoses, valves and actuators. Hydraulic fluid can be any liquid, but is more commonly a type of petroleum product that provides lubricant and protection to the system from corrosion. Large machines have hydraulic reservoir which hold the fluid and acts as a heat dissipater. Hydraulic pump generates energy by compressing the hydraulic fluid, in reservoir into the system. Hydraulic valves – control pressure, direction and flow rate of the hydraulic fluid. Actuator usually cylinders, convert energy into mechanical energy. Hydraulic valves control pressure, direction and flow rate of the fluid. Hydraulic valves are mostly used to deter unsuitable levels of pressure and maintain balance throughout the hydraulic systems. Keeping on top of
This article is provided by Ritter Technology – A industrial power fluid company that specializes in Hydraulic Fluid Power and Parker Hannifin Hydraulics.
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