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 In automotive and construction equipment, the terms hydraulic and
pneumatic describe a method of transmitting power from one place to another
through the use of a liquid or a gas. Certain physical laws or principles apply
to all liquids and gases.
This course covers the basic principles associated with hydraulics and pneumatics, followed by coverage of various system components. The purpose of this information is to give you an analytical understanding of the interrelationships of principles and the components of hydraulic and pneumatic operating systems. When you have completed this course, you will be able to:
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The extensive use of hydraulics to transmit power is due to the fact that a properly constructed hydraulic system possesses a number of favorable characteristics:
If the system is well adapted to the work it is required to perform and is not misused, it can provide smooth, flexible, uniform action free of vibration and unaffected by variation of load. Hydraulic systems can provide widely variable motions in both rotary and straight-line transmission of power. The need for control by hand can be minimized. In addition, they are economical to operate.
The basic principles of hydraulics are few and simple:
The foundation of modern hydraulics was established when Blaise Pascal, a French scientist, discovered the fundamental law for the science of hydraulics.
Pascal’s law states that pressure applied to a confined liquid is transmitted undiminished in all directions and acts with equal force on all equal areas, at right angles to those areas.
According to Pascal’s law, any force applied to a confined fluid is transmitted in all directions throughout the fluid, regardless of the shape of the container. Consider the effect of this in the systems shown in Figure 1. If there is resistance on the output piston (View A, piston 2) and the input piston is pushed downward, a pressure is created through the fluid which acts equally at right angles to surfaces in all parts of the container.
Figure 1 — Force transmitted from piston to piston.
Pascal’s law is independent of the shape of the container; it is not necessary that the tubing connecting the two pistons be the full area of the pistons. A connection of any size, shape, or length will do so long as an unobstructed passage is provided. Therefore, the system shown in View B (a relatively small, bent pipe connects the two cylinders) will act the same as that shown in View A.
Pressure (P) is the amount of push or pull (force) applied to each unit area of the surface and is expressed in pounds per square inch (psi) or grams per square centimeter (gm/cm2). Pressure may be exerted in one direction, in several directions, or in all directions.
Force (F) means a total push or pull. It is push or pull exerted against the total area of a particular surface and is expressed in pounds or grams.
Area (A) represents the surface area acted upon by the hydraulic force.
The formula used to compute force, pressure, and area in a hydraulic system can be described by force equals pressure times area and is written as:
F=PxA
Pressure equals force divided by area. By rearranging the above formula, this statement may be rewritten in terms of P=F divided by A:
P=F/A.
Since the area equals force divided by pressure, the formula for area is written as:
A=F/P.
If the force is 100 pounds and the area of the input piston is 10 square inches, then pressure in the fluid is 10 psi (100 ÷ 10). It must be emphasized that this fluid pressure cannot be created without resistance to flow, which, in this case, is provided by the 100- pound force acting against the top of the output piston 2. This pressure acts on piston 2, so for each square inch of its area, it is pushed upward with the force of 10 pounds. In this case, a fluid column of a uniform cross section is used so the area of output piston 2 is the same as input piston 1, or 10 square inches; therefore, the upward force on output piston 2 is 100 pounds—the same as was applied to input piston 1. All that was accomplished in this system was to transmit the 100-pound force around a bend; however, this principle underlies practically all mechanical applications of fluid power.
For all practical purposes, fluids are incompressible. Under extremely high pressures, the volume of a fluid can be decreased somewhat, though the decrease is so slight that it is considered to be negligible except by design engineers.
Liquids expand and contract because of temperature changes. When liquid in a closed container is subjected to high temperatures, it expands, and this exerts pressure on the walls of the container; therefore, it is necessary that pressure-relief mechanisms and expansion chambers be incorporated into hydraulic systems. Without these precautionary measures, the expanding fluid could exert enough pressure to rupture the system
When the end of a solid bar is struck, the main force of the blow is carried straight through the bar to the other end (Figure 2, View A). This happens because the bar is rigid. The direction of the blow almost entirely determines the direction of the transmitted force. The more rigid the bar, the less force is lost inside the bar or transmitted outward at right angles to the direction of the blow.
Figure 2 — Transmission of force.
When a force is applied to the end of a column of confined liquid (Figure 2, View B), it is transmitted straight through the other end and is also undiminished in every direction throughout the column—forward, backward, and sideways—so that the containing vessel is literally filled with pressure.
Another example of this is a fire hose. The flat hose takes on a circular cross section when it is filled with water under pressure. The outward push of the water is equal in every direction.
Some hydraulic systems are used to multiply force. In Figure 3, notice that piston 1 is smaller than piston 2. Assume that the area of the input piston 1 is 2 square inches. With a resistant force on piston 2, a downward force of 20 pounds acting on piston 1 creates 10 psi (20 ÷ 2) in the fluid. Although this force is much smaller than the applied forces in Figure 1, the pressure is the same because the force is concentrated on a relatively small area.
Figure 3 — Multiplication of force in a hydraulic system.
This pressure of 10 psi acts on all parts of the fluid container, including the bottom of output piston 2; therefore, the upward force on output piston 2 is 10 pounds for each of its 20 square inches of area, or 200 pounds (10 x 20). In this case, the original force has been multiplied tenfold while using the same pressure in the fluid as before. In any system with these dimensions, the ratio of output force to input force is always 10 to 1 regardless of the applied force; for example, if the applied force of input piston 1 is 50 pounds, the pressure in the system is increased to 25 psi. This will support a resistant force of 500 pounds on output piston 2.
The system works the same in reverse. Consider piston 2 as the input and piston 1 as the output; then the output force will always be one tenth of the input force.
Therefore, the first basic rule for two pistons used in a fluid power system is the force acting on each is directly proportional to its area, and the magnitude of each force is the product of the pressure and its area.
There have been many liquids tested for use in hydraulic systems. Currently liquids being tested include mineral oil, water, phosphate ester, water based ethylene glycol compounds, and silicone fluids. The three most common types of hydraulic fluids are petroleum-based, synthetic fire-resistant, and water based fire-resistant.
The most common hydraulic fluids used in hydraulic systems are the petroleum-based oils. These fluids contain additives to protect the fluid from oxidation, to protect the metals from corrosion, to reduce the tendency of the fluid to foam, and to improve the viscosity.
Petroleum-based oils contain most of the desired traits of a hydraulic fluid. However, they are flammable under normal conditions and can become explosive when subjected to high pressures and a source of flame or high temperatures. Nonflammable synthetic liquids have been developed for use in hydraulic systems where fire hazards exist. These synthetic fire-resistant fluids are phosphate ester fire-resistant fluid, silicone synthetic fire-resistant fluid, and the lightweight synthetic fire-resistant fluid.
An arrangement of interconnected components is required to transmit and control power through pressurized fluid. Such an arrangement is commonly referred to as a system. The number and arrangement of the components vary from system to system, depending on application. In many applications, one main system supplies power to several subsystems, which are commonly referred to as circuits. The complete system may be a small compact unit; more often, however, the components are located at widely separated points for convenient control. The basic components of a fluid power system are essentially the same, regardless of whether the system uses hydraulic or pneumatic medium. The basic components are as follows:
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Several applications of fluid power require only a simple system, that is, a system which uses only a few components in addition to the basic components.
A properly constructed reservoir is more than just a tank to hold oil until the system demands fluid (Figure 4). It should also be capable of:
Figure 4 — Typical hydraulic reservoir.
Ideally, the reservoir should be high and narrow rather than shallow and broad. The oil level should be as high as possible above the opening to the pump suction line. This condition prevents the vacuum at the line opening from causing a vortex or whirlpool effect. Anytime you see a whirlpool at the suction line opening, the system is taking in air.
As a rule of thumb, the reservoir level should be two to three times the pump output per minute. By this rule which works well for stationary machinery, a 20-gallon per minute (gpm) system would require a 40- or 60-gpm reservoir. However, this is not possible for mobile equipment. You are more likely to find a 20- or 30-gallon tank to support a 100- gpm system. This is possible because mobile systems operate intermittently rather than all the time. The largest reservoirs are on mobile equipment. These reservoirs may have a 40- or 50- gallon capacity, capable of handling more than 200-gpm output.
The reservoir must be sized to ensure there is a reserve of oil with all the cylinders in the system fully extended. The reserve must be high enough to prevent a whirlpool at the suction line opening. Also, there must be enough space to hold all the oil when the cylinders retract with some space to spare for expansion of hot oil.
An air vent allows the air to be drawn in and pushed out of the reservoir by the ever-changing fluid level. An air filter is attached to the air vent to prevent drawing atmospheric dust into the system by the ever changing fluid level. A firmly secured filling strainer of fine mesh wire is always placed below the filler cap.
The sight gauge is provided so the normal fluid level can always be seen, as it is essential that the fluid in the reservoir be at the correct level. The baffle plate segregates the outlet fluid from the inlet fluid. Although not a total segregation, it does allow time to dissipate the air bubbles, lessen the fluid turbulence (contaminants settle out of non-turbulent fluid), and cool the return fluid somewhat before it is picked up by the pump.
Reservoirs used on CESE may vary considerably from that shown in Figure 4; however, manufacturers retain many of the noted features as possible depending on design limits and use.
The purpose of a hydraulic pump is to supply a flow of fluid to a hydraulic system. The pump draws in oil and displaces it, converting mechanical force into fluid force. The pump does not create system pressure, since only a resistance to the flow can create pressure. As the pump provides flow, it transmits a force to the fluid. As the fluid flow encounters resistance, this force is changed into pressure. Resistance to flow is the result of a resistance or obstruction in the path of flow. This restriction is normally the work accomplished by the hydraulic system, but can also be restrictions of lines, fittings, and valves within the system. Thus the load imposed on the system or action of a pressure-regulating device controls the pressure.
Pumps are rated according to their volumetric output and displacement. Volumetric output is the amount of fluid a pump can deliver to its outlet port in a certain period of time at a given speed. Volumetric output is usually expressed in gallons per minute (gpm). Since changes in pump speed affect volumetric output, some pumps are rated by their displacement. Pump displacement is the amount of fluid the pump can deliver per cycle. Since most pumps use a rotary drive, displacement is usually expressed in terms of cubic inches per revolution.
Many different methods are used to classify pumps. Terms, such as non-positive displacement, positive displacement, fixed displacement, variable displacement, fixed delivery, variable delivery, constant volume, and others are used to describe pumps. The first two of these terms describe the fundamental division of pumps because all pumps are either non-positive displacement or positive displacement. Basically pumps that discharge liquid in a continuous flow are referred to as non-positive displacement, and those that discharge volumes separated by a period of no discharge are referred to as positive displacement.
Pumps may also be classified according to the specific design used to create the flow of fluid. Practically all hydraulic pumps fall within three designs classifications—centrifugal, rotary, and reciprocating. Since the use of centrifugal pumps is limited, we will discuss only rotary and reciprocating.
All rotary pumps have rotating parts that trap the fluid at the inlet (suction) port and force it through the discharge port into the system. Gears (Figure 5), screws (Figure 6), lobes (Figure 7), and vanes (Figure 8) are commonly used to move the fluid. Rotary pumps are positive displacement of the fixed displacement type.
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Figure 5 — Gear-driven hydraulic pump. |
Figure 6 — Screw-driven hydraulic pump. |
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Figure 7 — Lobe-driven hydraulic pump. |
Figure 8 — Vane-driven hydraulic pump. |
Rotary pumps are designed with very small clearances between rotating parts and stationary parts to minimize slippage from the discharge side back to the suction side. They are designed to operate at relatively moderate speeds. Operating at high speeds causes erosion and excessive wear, which results in increased clearances.
There are numerous types of rotary pumps and various methods of classification. They may be classified by shaft position—either vertically or horizontally mounted; the type of drive—electric motor, gasoline engine, and so forth; their manufacturer’s name; or service application. However, classification of rotary pumps is generally made according to the type of rotating element.
The term reciprocating is defined as back-and-forth motion. In a reciprocating pump, it is the back-and-forth motion of pistons inside of cylinders that provides the flow of fluid. Reciprocating pumps, like rotary pumps, operate on the positive principle, that is, each stroke delivers a definite volume of liquid to the system.
The most common type of reciprocating pump is the hand pump (Figure 9). There are two types of manually operated reciprocating pumps—single action and double action. The single-action pump provides flow during every other stroke, while the double-action provides flow during each stroke. Single-action pumps are frequently used in hydraulic jacks.
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Figure 9 — Reciprocating pump. |
Figure 10 — Radial piston pump. |
Several types of power-operated hydraulic pumps, such as the radial piston (Figure 10) and axial piston (Figure 11), are classified as reciprocating pumps. These pumps are sometimes classified as rotary pumps because a rotary motion is imparted to the pumps by the source of power. However, the actual pumping is performed by sets of pistons reciprocating inside sets of cylinders.
Figure 11 — Axial piston pump.
Strainers are constructed of fine mesh wire screens or of screening elements consisting of specially processed wire of varying thickness wrapped around metal frames. They do NOT provide as fine a screening action as filters, but they offer less resistance to flow and are used in pump suction lines where pressure drop must be kept to a minimum. If one strainer is not large enough to handle the supply of the pump, two or more strainers can be used in parallel.
The most common device installed in hydraulic systems to prevent foreign particles and contaminations from remaining in the system are called filters. They may be located in the reservoir, in the return line, in the pressure line, or in any other location in the system where the designer of the system decides they are needed to safeguard the system against impurities.
Filters are classified as full flow and partial flow. In the full-flow filter, all fluid that enters the unit passes through the filtering element, while in the partial-flow filter, only a portion of the fluid passes through the element.
It is all but impossible to design a practical fluid power system without some means of controlling the volume and pressure of the fluid and directing the flow of fluid to the operating units. This is accomplished by incorporating different types of valves. A valve is defined as any device by which the flow of fluid may be started, stopped, or regulated by a movable part that opens or obstructs passage.
Valves must be accurate in the control of fluid flow and pressure and the sequence of operation. Leakage between the valve element and the valve seat is reduced to a negligible quantity by precision machined surfaces, resulting in carefully controlled clearances. This is one of the very important reasons for minimizing contamination in the system. Contamination causes valves to stick, plugs small orifices, and causes abrasions of the valve seating surfaces which will result in leakage between the valve element and valve seat when the valve is closed. Any of these can result in inefficient operation or complete stoppage of the equipment.
Valves may be controlled manually, electrically, pneumatically, mechanically, hydraulically, or by combinations of two or more methods. Factors that determine the method of control include the purpose of the valve, the design and purpose of the system, the location of the valve within the system, and the availability of the source of power. Valves are classified according to their use: flow control, pressure control, and directional control. Some of these valves have multiple functions that fall into more than one classification.
The safe and efficient operation of hydraulic systems, systems components, and related equipment requires a means of controlling pressure. There are many types of automatic pressure control valves. Some of them
merely provide an escape for pressure that exceeds a set pressure, some only reduce the pressure to a lower pressure system or subsystem, and some keep the pressure in a system within a required range. The most common pressure control valves are relief valves (Figure 12), pressure regulators, pressure-reducing valves, and counterbalance valves.
Figure 12 — Relief valve.
Directional control valves are designed to direct the flow of fluid, at the desired time, to the point in a fluid power system where it will do work, for example, using a directional control valve to drive a ram back and forth in its cylinder. Various other terms are used to identity directional control valves, such as selector valve, transfer valve, and control valve.
Directional control valves for hydraulic and pneumatic systems are similar in design and operation. However, there is one major difference. The return ports of a hydraulic valve is ported through a return line to the reservoir, while the similar port in a pneumatic valve, commonly referred to as an exhaust port, is usually vented to the atmosphere.
Directional control valves may be operated by differences in pressure acting on opposite sides of the valving element, or they may be positioned manually, mechanically, or electrically. Often two or more methods of operating the same valve will be used in different phases of its action.
Directional control valves may be classified in several ways. Some of the different ways are by the type of control, the number of ports in the valve housing, and the specific function of the valve. The most common method is by the type of valving element used in the construction of the valve. The most common types of valving elements used in a hydraulic system are the poppet (Figure 13), rotary spool (Figure 14), and sliding spool valves (Figure 15).
Figure 13 — Poppet control valve.
Figure 14 — Rotary spool control valve
Figure 15 — Sliding spool control valve.
A volume control valve (Figure 16) is a valve that opens by lifting a round or rectangular wedge out of the path of the fluid. The movable object that controls the flow can form a wedge shape or it can be parallel. Typically, these valves should never be used for regulating flow unless they are specifically designed for that purpose. On opening the valve, the flow path is enlarged in a highly nonlinear manner with respect to percent of opening. This means that flow rate does not change evenly with stem travel. Also, a partially open valve disk tends to vibrate from the fluid flow. Most of the flow change occurs near shutoff with a relatively high fluid velocity causing disk and seat wear and eventual leakage if used to regulate flow. Typical volume control valves are designed to be fully opened or closed. When fully open, the typical valve has no obstruction in the flow path, resulting in very low friction loss.
Figure 16 — Volume control valve.
Hydraulic actuators convert the fluid power from the pump into mechanical work. In mobile hydraulic systems, actuators can be grouped as hydraulic cylinders and hydraulic motors. A hydraulic cylinder is a linear actuator; a hydraulic motor is a rotary actuator.
An actuating cylinder is a device that converts fluid power to linear motion, or straight-line force and motion. Since linear motion is a back-and-forth motion along a straight line, this type of actuator is sometimes referred to as reciprocating. The cylinder consists of a ram or piston operating within a cylindrical bore. Actuating cylinders may be installed so that the cylinder is anchored to a stationary structure and the ram or piston is attached to the mechanism to be operated, or the piston or ram may be anchored to the stationary structure and the cylinder attached to the mechanism to be operated.
The terms ram and piston are often used interchangeably. However, a ram-type cylinder is usually considered one in which the cross-sectional area of the piston is more than one half of the cross-sectional area of the movable element. In most actuating cylinders of this type, the rod and the movable element have equal areas. This type of movable element is frequently referred to as a plunger. The most common ram-type cylinders are the single- (Figure 17) and the double-acting (Figure 18).
Figure 17 — Single-acting piston type cylinder.
Figure 18 — Double-acting piston type cylinder.
The ram-type actuator is primarily used to push rather than pull. Some applications require simply a flat surface on the external part of the ram for pushing or lifting the unit to be operated. Other applications require some mechanical means of attachment, such as a clevis or eyebolt. The design of ram-type cylinders varies in many other respects to satisfy the requirements of different applications. The piston-type cylinder has an actuating cylinder in which the cross-sectional area of the piston is less than one half of the cross-sectional area of the movable element. This type of cylinder is normally used for applications that require both push and pull functions. The piston-type cylinder is the most common type used in fluid power systems.
The essential parts of a piston-type cylinder are a cylindrical barrel, a piston and rod, end caps, and suitable seals. The end caps are attached to the end of the barrel. These end caps usually contain fluid ports. The end cap on the rod end contains a hole for the piston rod to pass through. Suitable seals are used between the hole and the piston rod to keep fluid from leaking out and to keep dirt and other contaminants from entering the barrel. The opposite end cap of most cylinders is provided with a fitting for securing the actuating cylinder to some structure. This end cap is referred to as the anchor end cap.
The piston rod may extend through either or both ends of the cylinder. The extended end of the rod is normally threaded so that some type of mechanical connector, such as an eyebolt or clevis, and locknut can be attached. This threaded connection provides for adjustment between the rod and the unit to be actuated. After the correct adjustment is made, the locknut is tightened against the connector to prevent the connector from turning. The other end of the connector is attached to, either directly or through additional mechanical linkage, the unit to be actuated.
A hydraulic motor is a device that converts fluid power energy to rotary motion and force. The function of a motor is opposite that of a pump; oil under pressure is forced in and spilled out, converting fluid force into mechanical force. However, the design and operation of motors are very similar to pumps.
Motors have many uses in fluid power systems. In hydraulic power drives, pumps and motors are combined with suitable lines and valves to form hydraulic transmissions.
Fluid motors may either be fixed or variable displacement. Fixed-displacement motors provide constant torque and variable speed. Controlling the amount of input flow varies the speed. Variable displacement motors are constructed so that the working relationship of the internal parts can be varied to change displacement. The majority of the motors used in fluid power systems are the fixed-displacement type, and examples are in Figures 9-5, 9-8, and 9-11.
An accumulator is a pressure storage reservoir in which hydraulic fluid is stored under pressure from an external source. Accumulators have four major uses:
While most accumulators can do any of these things, their use in a system is limited to only one. The major types of accumulators are as follows: pneumatic (gas-loaded), weight-loaded, and spring-loaded.
In the pneumatic accumulators, gas and oil occupy the same container. When the oil pressure rises, incoming oil compresses the gas. When oil pressure drops, the gas expands, forcing oil out.
In most cases, the gas is separated from the oil by a piston (Figure 19), a bladder (Figure 20), or a diaphragm (Figure 21). This prevents mixing of gas and oil, keeping gas out of the hydraulic system.
Figure 19 — Floating piston-type accumulator.
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Figure 20 — Bladder-type accumulator. |
 Figure 21 — Diaphragm-type accumulator. |
The weight-loaded accumulator uses a piston and cylinder along with heavy weights on the piston for loading or charging the oil. It is loaded by gravity, and operation is very basic. The pressure oil in the hydraulic circuit is pushed into the lower section of the cylinder, raising the piston and weights. The accumulator is now charged and ready for work. The major disadvantages are its bulky size and heavy weight, which render it impractical for mobile equipment.
The spring-loaded accumulator is very similar to the weight-loaded accumulator except that springs do the loading (Figure 22). In operation, the pressure oil loads the piston by compressing the spring. When the pressure drops, the spring forces oil into the system.
Figure 22 Spring-loaded accumulator.
Some hydraulic systems require an oil cooler to help lower and control the operating temperature of the hydraulic fluid. Two types of coolers are common with hydraulic systems, the air cooler (Figure 23, View A) and the water cooler (Figure 23, View B).
Figure 23 — Types of oil coolers.
The air cooler is much like a radiator in an engine assembly, except that instead of coolant flowing through the tubes of the radiator, the hydraulic fluid flows through it. A cooling fan blows across the fins to cool the oil before it is returned to the reservoir. The water cooler has water flowing through the center of the capsule and the hydraulic fluid is flowed into a series of tubes that surround the water jacket. The cool water removes the heat of the hydraulic fluid as it returns to the reservoir.
The cooling fan is run off an electrical circuit that blows across the tubes of the heat exchanger. This air circulation cools the hydraulic fluid before returning it to the reservoir.
Piping, and Hose The three types of lines used in fluid power systems are tubing (semi rigid), pipe (rigid), and hose (flexible). A number of factors are considered when the type of line is selected for a particular system. These factors include the type of fluid, the required system pressure, and the location of the system. For example, heavy pipe might be used for a large stationary system, but comparatively lightweight steel tubing is used in the automotive brake system. Flexible hose is required in installations where units must be free to move relative to each other.
The choice between pipe and tubing depends on system pressure and flow. The advantages of tubing include easier bending and flaring, fewer fittings, better appearance, better reusability, and less leakage. However, pipe is cheaper and will handle large volumes under high pressures. Pipe is also used where straight-line hookups are required and for more permanent installations.
In either case, the hydraulic lines must be compatible with the entire system. Pressure loss in the line must be kept to a minimum for an efficient system. Pipes for hydraulic systems should be made of seamless cold-drawn mild steel. Galvanized pipe should NOT be used because the zinc coating could flake or scale, causing damage to the valves and pumps.
Tubing used in fluid power systems is commonly made from steel, copper, aluminum, and, in some instances, plastic. Each of these materials has its own distinct advantages or disadvantages in certain applications.
The use of copper is limited to low-pressure hydraulic systems where vibration is limited. Copper has high resistance to corrosion and is easily drawn or bent. However, it is unsatisfactory for high temperatures and has a tendency to harden and break due to stress and vibration.
Tubing constructed of cold-drawn steel is the accepted standard in hydraulics where high pressures are encountered. Steel is used because of its strength, stability for bending and flanging, and adaptability to high pressures and temperatures. Its chief disadvantage is its comparatively low resistance to corrosion. There are two types of steel tubing: seamless and electric welded.
Aluminum is limited to low-pressure use, yet it has good flaring and bending characteristics.
Plastic tubing lines are made from a variety of materials; nylon is the most suitable for use in low-pressure hydraulic applications ONLY.
There are three important dimensions of any tubular product:
Sizes of pipe are listed by the nominal (or approximate) ID and wall thickness. Sizes of tubing are listed by the actual OD and the wall thickness.
The material, the inside diameter, and the wall thickness are the three primary considerations in the selection of lines for the circulatory system of a particular fluid power system.
The manufacturers of tubing and pipe usually supply charts, graphs, or tables which aid in the selection of proper lines for fluid power systems. These tables and charts use different methods for deriving the correct sizes of pipe and tubing.
Lines should normally be kept as short and free of bends as possible. However, tubing should NOT be assembled in a straight line because a bend tends to eliminate strain by absorbing vibration and it compensates for thermal expansion and contraction. Bends are preferred to elbows because bends cause less of a power loss. A few of the incorrect and correct methods of installing tubing are shown in Figure 24.
Figure 24 — Correct and incorrect methods of installing tubing.
Flexible hose is used in fluid power systems where there is a need for flexibility, such as connection to units that move while in operation or to units attached to a hinged portion of the equipment. It is also used in locations that are subjected to severe vibration. Flexible hose is usually used to connect the pump to the system. The vibration that is set up by the operating pump would ultimately cause rigid tubing to fail.
Flexible hose is designated by a dash number, which is the ID of the hose expressed in 16ths of an inch and is stenciled on the side of the hose. For example, the inside of a -16 hose is 1 inch. For a few hose styles, this is approximate and is not a true ID.
Rubber hose is designed for specific fluid, temperature, and pressure ranges and is provided in various specifications. Flexible hydraulic hose is composed of three basic parts (Figure 25):
Figure 25 — Flexible rubber hose construction.
The inner tube is a synthetic rubber layer that is oil-resistant. It must be smooth, flexible, and able to resist heat and corrosion. The reinforcement layers vary with the type of hose. These layers (or plies) are constructed of natural or synthetic fibers, braided wire, or a combination of these. The strength of this layer depends upon the pressure requirement of the system. The outer cover protects the reinforcement layers. A special rubber is most commonly used for the outer layer because it resists abrasion and exposure to weather, oil, and dirt.
Flexible hose is provided in four pressure ranges. Low-pressure hose is used in a low-pressure system and for the exhaust lines of high-pressure systems. Medium-pressure hose is used in systems with pressures up to 1,200 psi; high-pressure hose is used with pressures up to 3,000 psi; and extra high-pressure hose is used in systems with pressures up to 5,000 psi. High- and extra high-pressure hoses normally come as complete assemblies with factory-installed end fittings. Medium- and low-pressure hose are available in bulk and are usually fabricated locally. Flexible hose must NOT be twisted on installation since this reduces the life of the hose considerably and may cause fittings to loosen as well. You can determine whether or not a hose is twisted by looking at the lay line that runs along the length of the hose. This lay line should not tend to spiral around the hose (Figure 26).
Figure 26 — Correct and incorrect installation of flexible hose.
Hose should be installed so that it will be subjected to a minimum of flexing during operation. Support clamps are not necessary with short installations, but with hoses of considerable length (48 inches, for example); clamps should be placed not more than 24 inches apart. Closer supports are desirable and, in some cases, needed.
Hose must NEVER be stretched tight between two fittings. About 5 to 8 percent of the total length must be allowed as slack to provide freedom of movement under pressure. When flexible hose is under pressure, it contracts in length and expands in diameter. Examples of correct and incorrect installations of flexible hose are shown in Figure 26.
There are many types of connectors and fittings required for a fluid power system. The type of connector or fitting depends upon the type of circulatory system (pipe, tubing, or flexible hose), the fluid medium, and the maximum operating pressure of the system. Some of the most common connectors and fittings are described in the following paragraphs.
Threaded connectors are used in low-pressure pipe systems (Figure 27). The connectors are made with standard pipe threads cut on the inside surface of the connector. The end of the pipe is threaded on the outside for connecting with the connector. Standard pipe threads are tapered slightly to ensure a tight connection.
Figure 27 — Threaded pipe connectors.
To prevent seizing, you can apply a suitable pipe thread compound to the threads. When you apply a compound to the threads, keep the two end threads free of the compound so that it will not contaminate the fluid. Pipe compound, when improperly applied, may get inside lines and harm pumps and control equipment. For this reason, many manufacturers forbid the use of such compounds when fabricating the piping for a system.
Another material used on pipe thread is sealant tape, made by TEFLON®. This tape is made of polytetraflouroethylene (PTFE), which provides an effective means of sealing pipe connections and eliminates the need of having to torque connections to excessively high values to prevent leakage. It also provides for ease in maintenance whenever it is necessary to disconnect pipe joints.
Flared-tube connectors are commonly used in circulatory systems consisting of lines made of tubing. These connectors provide safe, strong, dependable connections without the necessity of threading, welding, or soldering the tubing. The connector consists of a fitting, a sleeve, and a nut (Figure 28).
Figure 28 — Flared-tube connector.
The fittings are made of steel, aluminum alloy, or bronze. The fitting used in a connection should be made of the same material as that of the sleeve, the nut, and the tubing. For example, use steel connectors with steel tubing and aluminum alloy connectors with aluminum alloy tubing. Fittings are made in union, 45-degree and 90- degree elbows, tees, and various other shapes (Figure 29).
Figure 29 — Flared-tube fittings.
Tubing used with flare connectors must be flared before assembly. The nut fits over the sleeve, and when tightened, draws the sleeve and tubing flare tightly against the male fitting to form a seal.
The male fitting has a cone-shaped surface with the same angle as the inside of the flare. The sleeve supports the tube so vibration does not concentrate at the edge of the flare and distributes the shearing action over a wider area for added strength. Correct and incorrect methods of installing flared-tube connectors are shown in Figure 30.
Figure 30 — Correct and incorrect methods of installing flared fittings.
Tubing nuts should be tightened with a torque wrench to the value specified in applicable technical manuals.
The flareless-tube connector eliminates all tube flaring, yet provides a safe, strong, and dependable tube connection. This connector consists of a fitting, a sleeve or ferrule, and a nut (Figure 31).
Figure 31 — Flareless-tube connector.
Flareless-tube connectors are available in many of the same shapes and threaded combinations as flared tube connectors. The fitting has a counterbore shoulder for the end of the tubing to rest against. The angle of the counterbore causes the cutting edge of the sleeve or ferrule to cut into the outside surface of the tube when the two are assembled.
The nut presses on the bevel of the sleeve and causes it to clamp tightly to the tube. Resistance to vibration is concentrated at this point rather than at the sleeve cut. When fully tightened, the sleeve or ferrule is bowed slightly at the midsection and acts as a spring. This action of the sleeve or ferrule maintains a constant tension between the body and the nut, thereby preventing the nut from loosening.
Before the installation of a new flareless-tube connector, the end of the tubing must be square, concentric, and free from burrs. For the connection to be effective, the cutting edge of the sleeve or ferrule must bite into the external surface of the tube.
When tube-type fittings are being tightened, observe the following:
Flexible hose connectors are designed to be either permanent or reusable and are made of forged steel. There are various types of end fittings for both the piping connection side and the hose connection side of hose fittings (Figure 32).
Figure 32 — Flexible hose connectors.
Permanent hose fittings are discarded with the hose when the hose is damaged or defective. They are either crimped or swedged onto the hose. A crimping machine that may be found in most shops does crimping of the fitting. The crimping machine is either powered by hand, an air pump, or a hydraulic pump.
Reusable hose fittings are pushed on, screwed on, or clamped onto the hose. When the hose wears out, the fittings can be removed and used on a new hose that is cut from stock. Many fittings can be converted to another thread type by changing the nipple in the socket.
| Caution If hoses and fittings are matched incorrectly, the results can be pinhole leaks, ruptures, heat build ups, pressure drops, cavitations, and other failures. |
Quick disconnect couplers are used where oil lines must be connected or disconnected frequently. They are self-sealing devices and do the work of two shutoff valves and a tube coupler.
These couplers are fast, easy to use, and keep oil loss at a minimum. More importantly, there is no need to drain or bleed the system every time a hookup is required. However, dust plugs must be used when the coupler is disconnected.
No hydraulic circuit can operate without the proper seals to hold the fluid under pressure in the system. Seals also keep dirt and other foreign materials out of the system.
Hydraulic seals appear to be simple objects when held in the hand but, in use, they are highly complex; precision parts must be treated carefully if they are to do their job properly. Hydraulic seals are used in the following two main applications:
Many different sealing materials have been used in the development of sealing devices. The material used for a particular application depends on several factors: fluid compatibility; resistance to heat, pressure, and wear; hardness; and type of motion.
The selection of the correct packings and gaskets and their proper installations are important factors in maintaining an efficient fluid power system. The types of seals to be used in a particular piece of equipment are specified by the equipment manufacturer.
Seals are made of materials that have been carefully chosen or developed for specific applications. These materials include polytetraflouroethylene (PTFE), commonly called TEFLON®, synthetic rubber, cork, leather, metal, and asbestos. The most common types of materials are discussed in the following paragraphs.
The physical properties of cork make it ideally suited as a sealing material in certain applications. The compressibility of cork seals makes them well-suited for confined applications in which little or no spread of the material is allowed. The compressibility of cork also makes a good seal that can be used under various pressures and allows the gasket to be cut to any desired thickness to fit any surface while still forming an excellent seal. Cork is generally recommended for use where sustained temperatures do not exceed 275°F.
The materials used in synthetic rubber seals are either neoprene or nitrile-butadiene base. These seals are available in a wide range of density, tensile strength, and elongations. Many factors contribute to make synthetic rubber ideal for seals. The elasticity of the material makes it easier in many applications. Since synthetic rubber seals are virtually impermeable in their compressed state, they require less sealing load than many other types of gaskets. Synthetic rubber seals are used in a variety of applications and are capable of functioning in temperature ranges as wide as -65°F to +300°F.
Leather is a closely-knit material that is generally tough, pliable, and relatively resistant to abrasion, wear, stress, and the effects of temperature changes. Because it is porous, it is able to absorb lubricating fluids. This porosity makes it necessary to impregnate leather for most uses. In general, leather must be tanned and treated to make it useful as a sealing material. The tanning processes are those normally used in the leather industry. It is generally resistant to abrasion regardless of whether the grain side or flesh side is exposed to abrasive action. Leather remains flexible at low temperatures and can be forced with comparative ease into contact with metal flanges. When leather is properly impregnated, it is impermeable to most liquids and some gases. Leather is capable of withstanding the effects of temperatures ranging from -70°F to +220°F.
Metal seals are also popular; in fact, one of the most common seals used in Navy equipment is copper. Flat copper rings are sometimes used as gaskets under adjusting screws to provide a fluid seal. Copper is easily bent and requires careful handling. In addition, copper becomes hard when used over a long period of time and when subjected to compression. It is advised that when a component is disassembled, the copper sealing rings should be replaced.
In some fluid power actuating cylinders, metallic piston rings are used as packing. These rings are similar in design to the piston rings used in engines.
Seals are also categorized by their type. Fluid power seals are usually typed according to their shape or design. These types include T-seals, O-rings, quad-rings, U-cups, and so on. Some of the most commonly used seals are discussed in the following paragraphs.
The T-seal has an elastomeric bidirectional sealing element resembling an inverted letter T. This sealing element is always paired with two special extrusion-resisting backup rings, one on each side of the T. The backup rings are single turn, bias cut, and are usually made of TEFLON®, nylon, or a combination of TEFLON® and nylon. Nylon is widely used for T-seal backup rings because it provides excellent resistance to extrusion and has low friction characteristics.
The special T-ring configuration adds stability to the seal, eliminating spiraling and rolling. T-seals are used in applications where large clearances could occur as a result of expansion.
An O-ring is doughnut-shaped. O-rings are usually molded from rubber compounds; however, they can be molded or machined from plastic materials. The O-ring is usually fitted into a rectangular groove that is machined into the item to be sealed.
An O-ring sealing system is often one of the first sealing systems considered when fluid closure is designed because of the following advantages of such a system:
O-rings are used in both static (as gaskets) and dynamic (as packing) applications. An O-ring has always been the most satisfactory choice of seals in static applications when the fluids, temperatures, pressure, and geometry permit.
The quad-ring is very similar to the O-ring, the major difference being that the quad-ring has a modified square type of cross section (Figure 33). Quad-rings are molded and trimmed to extremely close tolerances in cross-sectional area, inside diameter, and outside diameter. Quad-rings are ideally suited for both low pressures and extremely high pressures.
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Figure 33 — Quad-ring. |
 Figure 34 — U-cup seal. |
The U-cup is a popular packing due to its ease of installation and low friction (Figure 34). U-cups are used primarily for pressures below 1,500 psi, but, they can be used for higher pressures with the use of backup rings. When more than one U-cup is installed, they are installed back to back or heel to heel. This back to- back installation is necessary to prevent a pressure trap (hydraulic lock) between two packings
Maintenance of a hydraulic system that is properly operated and cared for is a routine task. Maintenance usually consists of changing or cleaning filters and strainers, and occasionally adding or changing the fluid in the system. However, overheating, excessive pressure, and contamination can damage an improperly operated system.
Proper maintenance reduces your hydraulic troubles. By caring for the system using a regular maintenance program, you can eliminate common problems and anticipate special ones. These problems can be corrected before a breakdown occurs.
When you work on a hydraulic system, make cleanliness a priority. Dirt and metal particles can score valves, seize pumps, and clog orifices, resulting in major repair work.
Despite all the precautions you take when working on the hydraulic system, some contaminates will get into the system anyway. Good hydraulic oils will hold contaminates in suspension, and the filters will collect them as oil passes through. Good hydraulic oil contains additives that work to keep contaminants from damaging or plugging the system. However, these additives lose their effectiveness after an extended period of time; therefore, oil changes at the recommended intervals can ensure that contamination is held to a minimum. Changing the oil at its recommended interval ensures that the additives will do their job.
Regular filter changes ensure solid particles are removed from the system. Change the filters more often under adverse operating conditions. When changing them, thoroughly clean the filter housing before installing a new filter. Remember to add enough fluid to compensate for any fluid lost in filter replacement.
Cleaning and flushing the system should be performed based on the manufacturer’s recommendation or when the system is known to be contaminated. The nature and amount of deposits in a particular system may vary widely. Inspection of the system may show any condition between a sticky, oily film and a hard, solid deposit (gum or lacquer formation) which completely chokes off the system. If you drain the system periodically according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, the formation of gum and lacquer will be greatly reduced.
If there is no gum or lacquer formation suspected, clean the system as follows:
If flushing is required because the oil is badly contaminated, clean and flush the system as follows:
The time necessary to clean the system will vary, depending on the condition of the equipment, 4 to 48 hours usually being sufficient for most systems. (Drain out the flushing oil, replace the filters, and refill the system with clean hydraulic oil of the recommended type.)
If gums or lacquer has formed on working parts and the parts are sticking, remove the affected parts and clean them thoroughly. Consult the manufacturer’s manual for proper procedures before removing and cleaning any parts.
When you empty the reservoir to perform cleaning and flushing, remove the strainer and clean it thoroughly. Replace the strainer before you refill the reservoir. A plugged or dirty strainer will reduce the function of the hydraulic system. Follow manufacturer’s recommendation for maintenance intervals.
The primary way that dirt can enter the system is through the air breather on the reservoir. As the cylinders in the hydraulic circuits are activated, the oil level in the reservoir goes up and down. Air rushes in and out of the reservoir through the air breather in order to compensate for the various fluid levels. Unfortunately, this air is often contaminated with air-borne dust and debris. The air breather screens out this dust by trapping it in between layers of oil-saturated filter material. Many times these filters are not cleaned or checked for holes or cracks, thereby permitting extremely dirty air to penetrate the system. Always keep the breather assemblies clean and intact because, many times, this is the only form of protection from the dusty atmosphere.
Normal maintenance on the accumulator is minimal. Periodically you need to check the system for leaks. If fluid is found on the system, you need to determine where it is leaking from. Sometimes a seal may leak; if this is the case, you need to determine where the leak is, and replace that seal. These systems are very dependable and more often than not, the fluid is from another source.
Periodically you need to perform a system check on the valves in a hydraulic system to ensure proper operation. You will need to isolate the system that you are checking and observe how it is operating. If it is not operating within its parameters, you may have to tear down that valve and replace the seals.
Leaking hydraulic connections are frequent reasons for maintenance. Some leaks are external, being evident on the outside of components. Others are internal, which does not result in actual loss of oil, but the leaking does reduce the efficiency of the system.
A small amount of internal leakage is allowed to provide lubrication of moving parts. This leakage is normal and does not result in faulty operation. On the other hand, an excess of internal leakage results in slow operation, loss of power, and overheating of the hydraulic fluid. The cylinders may creep or drift and, if the leak is bad enough, the control valves may not function properly.
Internal leaks are caused by wear of the seals and mating parts during normal operation. Leakage is accelerated by using oil that has too low a viscosity because the oil thins faster at higher temperatures. High pressures also force more oil out of leaking points in the system. This is why excessive pressures can actually reduce the efficiency of the hydraulic system.
Internal leaks are hard to detect. Usually, all you can do is observe the operation of the system for signs of sluggishness, creeping, and drifting. When these signs appear, it is time to test the system and pinpoint the problem.
External leaks not only look bad but make it hazardous for the operators of the equipment. A leak that allows floor plates to become slippery may cause the operator to fall on or off the equipment and get injured. A leak that drips on hot engine parts may start a fire that could result in the loss of the equipment.
Every joint in a hydraulic system is a potential point of leakage. This is why the number of connections in a system must be kept to a minimum. Leaks often arise from hoses that deteriorate and rupture under pressure. Such a leak is usually first noticed when equipment has remained idle for a period of time and hydraulic fluid is found underneath. You can remove a medium- or high-pressure hose from its fittings by unscrewing the nipple from the socket and then the socket from the hose.
Here are some hints that will help reduce hose leakage and maintenance:
Sometimes you can stop leaks at fittings by tightening the hose connections. Tighten them only enough to stop the leakage. If you cannot stop a leak by tightening, secure the equipment and remove the connection. Inspect the threaded and mating parts of the connector. Look for cracks in the flared ends of the tubing. If O-rings are used, examine them for cuts or tears. Replace any damaged or defective items.
Cylinders may leak around piston rods or rams. You can repair some leaks by tightening the packing located in the cylinder end cap. Tighten the end cap evenly until only a light film of oil is noticeable on the rod when it is extended. Do NOT over tighten; this results in rapid failure of the packing and causes scoring of the rod. If you find an internal seal instead of packing, you must remove and disassemble the cylinder to stop the leak. Components can leak, but care in assembly and use of new seals, packings, and gaskets during overhaul will reduce this problem.
Heat causes hydraulic fluid to break down faster and lose its effectiveness. In many systems, heat is dissipated through the lines, the components, and the reservoir to keep the fluid fairly cool. On high-pressure, high-speed systems, oil coolers are used to dissipate the extra heat.
The following maintenance tips will help prevent overheating:
If the system still overheats, refer to the manufacturer's manuals for charts that list the causes and remedies for overheating.
| Test Your Knowledge 1. If a force of 20 pounds is placed on an input piston with an area of 4 square inches, what is the pressure within the fluid, in psi?
2. What type of hydraulic fluid contains additives to reduce the foaming action?
3. What type of connector is used in a low-pressure pipe system?
4. What type of seal application allows for a slight leakage for seal lubrication?
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The word pneumatics is a derivative of the Greek word pneuma, which means air, wind, or breath. Pneumatics can be defined as that branch of engineering science that pertains to gaseous pressure and flow. As used in this manual, pneumatics is the portion of fluid power in which compressed air, or other gas, is used to transmit and control power to actuating mechanisms.
This lesson discusses the basic principles of pneumatics, characteristics of gases, heavy-duty air compressors, and air compressor maintenance. It also discusses the hazards of pneumatics, methods of controlling contamination, and safety precautions associated with compressed gases.
Gases differ from liquids in that they have no definite volume, that is, regardless of the size or shape of a vessel, a gas will completely fill it. Gases are highly compressible, while liquids are only slightly so. Also, gases are lighter than equal volumes of liquids, making gases less dense than liquids.
When the automobile tire is initially inflated, air that normally occupies a specific volume is compressed into a smaller volume inside the tire. This increases the pressure on the inside of the tire.
Charles Boyle, an English scientist, was among the first to experiment with the pressure-volume relationship of gas. During an experiment when he compressed a volume of air, he found that the volume decreased as pressure increased, and by doubling the force exerted on the air, he could decrease the volume of the air by half (Figure 35).
Figure 35 — Gas compressed to half its original size by a doubled force.
Temperature is a dominant factor affecting the physical properties of gases. It is of particular concern in calculating changes in the state of gases. Therefore, the experiment must be performed at a constant temperature. The relationship between pressure and volume is known as Boyle's law.
Boyle's law states when the temperature of a gas is constant, the volume of an enclosed gas varies inversely with pressure. Boyle's law assumes conditions of constant temperature. In actual situations this is rarely the case. Temperature changes continually and affects the volume of a given mass of gas.
Jacques Charles, a French physicist, provided much of the foundation for modem kinetic theory of gases. Through experiments, he found that all gases expand and contract proportionally to the change in absolute temperature, providing the pressure remains constant. The relationship between volume and temperature is known as Charles's law. Charles's law states that the volume of a gas is proportional to its absolute temperature if constant pressure is maintained.
In an attempt to explain the compressibility of gases, consider the container shown in Figure 36 as containing a gas. At any given time, some molecules are moving in one direction, some are travelling in other directions, and some may be in a state of rest. The average effect of the molecules bombarding each container wall corresponds to the pressure of the gas. As more gas is pumped into the container, more molecules are available to bombard the walls, thus the pressure in the container increases.
Figure 36 — Molecular bombardment that creates pressure.
Increasing the speed with which the molecules hit the walls can also increase the gas pressure in a container. If the temperature of the gas is raised, the molecules move faster, causing an increase in pressure. This can be shown by considering the automobile tire. When you take a long drive on a hot day, the pressure in the tires increases, and a tire that appeared to be soft in cool morning temperature may appear normal at a higher midday temperature.
Gases can be readily compressed and are assumed to be perfectly elastic. This combination of properties gives gas the ability to yield to a force and return promptly to its original condition when the force is removed. These are the properties of air that are used in pneumatic tires, tennis balls, and other deformable objects whose shapes are maintained by compressed air.
Gases serve the same purpose in pneumatic systems as liquids serve in hydraulic systems. Therefore, many of the same qualities that are considered when selecting a liquid for a hydraulic system must be considered when selecting a gas for a pneumatic system.
The ideal fluid medium for a pneumatic system must be a readily available gas that is nonpoisonous, chemically stable, nonflammable, and free from any acids that can cause corrosion of system components. It should be a gas that will not support combustion of other elements.
Gases that have these desired qualities may not have the required lubricating power. Therefore, lubrication of the components must be arranged by other means. For example, some air compressors are provided with a lubricating system, some components are lubricated upon installation, or in some cases lubrication is introduced into the air supply line (inline oilers).
Two gases that meet these qualities and are most commonly used in pneumatic systems are compressed air and nitrogen. Since nitrogen is used very little except in gas-charged accumulators, we will discuss only compressed air.
Compressed air is a mixture of all gases contained in the atmosphere. However, in this manual it is referred to as one of the gases used as a fluid medium for pneumatic systems.
The unlimited supply of air and the ease of compression make compressed air the most widely used fluid for pneumatic systems. Although moisture and solid particles must be removed from the air, a pneumatic system does not require the extensive distillation or separation process required in the production of other gases.
Compressed air has most of the desired characteristics of a gas for pneumatic systems. It is nonpoisonous and nonflammable but does contain oxygen, which supports ***33 combustion. The most undesirable quality of compressed air as a fluid medium for a pneumatic system is moisture content. The atmosphere contains varying amounts of moisture in vapor form. Changes in the temperature of compressed air will cause condensation of moisture in the system. This condensed moisture can be very harmful to the system and may freeze the line and components during cold weather. Moisture separators and air dryers are installed in the lines to minimize or eliminate moisture in systems where moisture would deteriorate system performance.
An air compressor provides the supply of compressed air at the required volume and pressure. In most systems the compressor is part of the system with distribution lines leading from the compressor to the devices to be operated.
Compressed air systems are categorized by their operating pressure as follows:
Compressors are used in pneumatic systems to provide requirements similar to those required by pumps in hydraulic systems. They furnish compressed air as required to operate the units of the pneumatic systems.
Even though manufactured by different companies, most compressors are quite similar. They are governed by a pressure control system that can be adjusted to compress air to the maximum pressure.
The rotary compressor has a number of vanes held captive in slots in the rotor. These vanes slide in and out of the slots, as the rotor rotates. Figure 37 shows an end view of the vanes in the slots.
Figure 37 — Rotary compressor operation.
The rotor revolves about the center of the shaft that is offset from the center of the pumping casing. Centrifugal force acting on the rotating vanes maintains contact between the edge of the vanes and the pump casing. This feature causes the vanes to slide in and out of the slots as the rotor turns.
Notice in the variation in the clearance between the vanes and the bottom of the slots, as the rotor revolves. The vanes divide the crescent-shaped space between the offset rotor and the pump casing into compartments that increase in size and then decrease in size as the rotor rotates. Free air enters each compartment as successive vanes pass across the air intake. This air is carried around in each compartment and is discharged at a higher pressure due to the decreasing compartment size (volume) of the moving compartments as they progress from one end to the other of the crescent-shaped space.
The compressor is lubricated by oil circulating throughout the unit. All oil is removed from the air by an oil separator before the compressed air leaves the service valves.
The screw compressors used in the NCF are direct drive, two-stage machines with two precisely matched spiral-grooved rotors (Figure 38). The rotors provide positive-displacement internal compression smoothly and without surging. Oil is injected into the compressor unit and mixes directly with the air as the rotors turn, compressing the air.
Figure 38 — Screw compressor.
The oil has three primary functions:
All large volume compressors have protection devices that shut them down automatically when any of the following conditions develop:
Other features that may be observed in the operation of the air compressors is a governor system whereby the engine speed is reduced when less than full air delivery is used. An engine- and compression-control system prevents excessive buildup in the receiver.
When air is compressed, heat is generated. This heat causes the air to expand, thus requiring an increase in power for further compression. If this heat is successfully removed between stages of compression, the total power required for additional compression may be reduced by as much as 15 percent. In multistage reciprocating compressors, this heat is removed by means of intercoolers that are heat exchangers placed between each compression stage. Rotary air compressors are cooled by oil and do not use intercoolers.
It is obvious that the presence of water or moisture in an air line is not desirable. The water is carried along through the line into the tool where the water washes away the lubricating oil, causing the tool to run sluggishly and increases maintenance. The effect is particularly pronounced in the case of high-speed tools where the wearing surfaces are limited in size, and excessive wear reduces efficiency by creating internal air leakage.
Further problems may result from the decrease in temperature caused by the sudden expansion of air at the tool. This low temperature creates condensation that freezes around the valves, ports, and outlets. This condition obviously impairs the operational efficiency of the tool and cannot be allowed.
The most satisfactory means of minimizing these conditions is the removal of the moisture from the air immediately after compression and before the air enters the distribution system. This may be accomplished in reciprocating compressors through the use of an aftercooler that is an air radiator that transfers heat from the compressed air to the atmosphere. The aftercooler reduces the temperature of the compressed air to the condensation point where most of the moisture is removed. Cooling the air not only eliminates the difficulties which moisture causes at points where air is used but also ensures better distribution.
The receiver tank is of welded steel construction and is installed on the discharge side of the compressor. It acts as a surge tank as well as a condensation chamber for the removal of oil and water vapors. It stores enough air during operation to actuate the pressure control system and is fitted with at least one service valve, a drain or blow-by valve, and a safety valve.
All portable air compressors are governed by a pressure-control system. The control system is designed to balance the compressor's air delivery and engine speed with varied demands for compressed air.
The rotary compressor output is governed by varying the engine speed. The engine will operate at the speed required to compress enough air to supply the demand at a fairly constant pressure. When the engine has slowed to idling speed as a result of low demand, a valve controls the amount of free air that may enter the compressor.
A screw compressor output is governed by automatic control that provides smooth, stepless capacity regulation from full load to no load in response to the demand for air. From a full load down to no load is accomplished by a floating-speed engine control in combination with the variable-inlet compressor.
A number of built-in features make portable compressors easy to maintain:
Remember: a good maintenance program is the key to a long machine life. So it is up to both the operator and the mechanic to ensure that the maintenance is performed on time, every time.
The air cleaner contains a primary and secondary dry filter element (Figure 39). An air filter restriction indicator is located at the rear of the air filter housing to alert the operator of the need to service the filters. When a red band appears in the air filter restriction indicator, secure the compressor and service the filters.
Figure 39 — Air filter.
Use compressed air to clean the primary element; however, never let the air pressure exceed 30 psi. The secondary filter is not cleanable and should be replaced when necessary. Reverse flush the primary element by directing compressed air up from the inside out. Continue reverse flushing until all dust is removed. Should any oil or greasy dirt remain on the filter surface, replace the element. When the element is satisfactorily cleaned, inspect it thoroughly before installation.
Inspection procedures are as follows:
After the element has been installed, inspect and tighten all air inlet connections before resuming operation.
| Caution Do not strike the element against any hard surface to dislodge dust. This will damage the sealing surfaces and possibly rupture the element. |
Many articulated-piston compressors are oil lubricated, that is, they have an oil bath that splash-lubricates the bearings and cylinder walls as the crank rotates. The pistons have rings that help keep the compressed air on top of the piston and keep the lubricating oil away from the air. Rings, though, are not completely effective, so some oil will enter the compressed air in aerosol form. Air compressors that use oil as a lubricant require regular oil checks and periodic oil changes, and they must be operated on a level surface. Check the manufacturer’s specifications for oil change increments.
The main oil filter is a replaceable cartridge. The servicing of the filter is required as indicated by the maintenance indicator on the filter, or each time the compressor oil is changed. Under normal operating conditions, the oil is changed at approximately 500 operating hours. Under severe conditions, more frequent servicing is required.
The demister, or separator element, is located inside the receiver tank (Figure 40). Replacement of the demister is indicated by the maintenance indicator (usually mounted on the receiver tank but also can be remote-mounted) or any sign of oil in the air at the service valves. You can reach the demister after removing the plate on the end of the receiver tank.
Figure 40 — Demister.
As in hydraulic systems, fluid contamination is the leading cause of malfunctions in pneumatic systems. In addition to the solid particles of foreign matter that find their way to enter the system, there is also the problem of moisture. Most systems are equipped with one or more devices to remove contamination. These include filters, water separators, air dehydrators, and chemical dryers. Most systems contain drain valves at critical low points in the system. These valves are opened periodically to allow the escaping gas to purge a large percentage of the contaminants, both solids and moisture, from the system. In some systems these valves are automatic, while in others they must be operated manually.
Removing lines from various components throughout the system and then attempting to pressurize the system, causing a high rate of air flow through the system, does complete purging. The air flow will cause the foreign matter to be dislodged and blown from the system.
| Caution If an excessive amount of foreign matter, particularly oil, is blown from any one system, the lines and components should be removed and cleaned or, in some cases, replaced. |
In addition to monitoring the devices installed to remove contamination, it is your responsibility as a mechanic to control the contamination. You can do this by using the following maintenance practices:
All compressed gases are hazardous. Compressed air and nitrogen are neither poisonous nor flammable, but should be handled with care. Some pneumatic systems operate at pressures exceeding 3,000 psi. Lines and fittings have exploded, injuring personnel and property. Literally thousands of careless workers have blown dust or other harmful particles into their eyes by careless handling of compressed air outlets.
If you ever have to handle nitrogen gas, remember that it will not support life, and when released in a confined space, it will cause asphyxia (the loss of consciousness as a result of too little oxygen and too much carbon dioxide in the blood). Although compressed air and nitrogen seem safe in comparison with other gases, do not let overconfidence lead to personal injury.
To minimize personal injury and equipment damage when using compressed gases, observe all practical operating safety precautions, including the following:
| Test Your Knowledge 5. A pneumatic system with an operating pressure of 500 psi is known as what type of system?
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In this course, you were introduced to hydraulic and pneumatic systems. You learned how the hydraulic system and all its components, including a reservoir, pump, control valves, and cylinders, generate great power to perform material-handling operations. In addition you learned about the pneumatic system, including the laws that control compressed gases and the safety needed to properly operate both systems. This information will enable you to master the knowledge of these systems and to be a better construction mechanic.
1. A properly constructed hydraulic reservoir should be capable of dissipating heat from the fluid, separating air from the oil, and _______.
2. What component of a hydraulic system supplies a flow of fluid to the system?
3. What type of valve should never be used to regulate the flow of hydraulic fluid?
4. What type of seal is ideally suited for both low-pressure and high-pressure applications?
5. The majority of the motors used in fluid power systems are what type?
6. The major types of accumulators are the pneumatic, weight-loaded, and _______.
7. The three types of lines used in fluid powered systems are the tubing, pipe, and _______.
8. Which type of tubing is NOT recommended for use in high temperatures?
9. Flexible hydraulic hose is composed of how many basic parts?
10. Flexible hose fittings are made of what material?
11. What determines the types of seals to be used in a particular piece of equipment?
12. What device is used on high-pressure hydraulic systems to dissipate extra heat?
13. What law states that when the temperature of a gas is constant, the volume of enclosed gas varies inversely with pressure?
14. What is the most undesirable quality of compressed air as a fluid medium for a pneumatic system?
15. What device in a rotary air compressor removes oil from the compressed air before the air leaves the service valves?
16. The receiver tank on air compressors is made of what material?
17. When cleaning the air filter on an air compressor, never let the pressure exceed how many psi?
18. The release of what compressed gas can cause asphyxia if you are in a confined space?
19. As a safety precaution, never subject compressed gas cylinders above what temperature?
