At the end of this module, you will be able to:
- Explain the purpose of hydraulic systems
- Identify the safety hazards and safety guidelines associated with hydraulic systems
- Identify and describe the common components of a typical paper or board machine hydraulic system
- List the functions of common hydraulic system components
- Describe the types of valves that are commonly used in hydraulic systems
- Identify and describe the typical process flows of a hydraulic system
The following key questions are answered in this module:
What are some hazards of hydraulic systems?
Hydraulic fluid is highly pressurized and becomes very hot during operation, which can cause burns or start fires. Hydraulic systems should be de-pressurized and isolated prior to any work. Also, pinhole leaks can inject hydraulic fluid under the skin, which can be very serious.
What are the components of a hydraulic system?
Each system consists of a hydraulic power unit (tank with one or more pumps), filtration equipment, heat exchanger, distribution and return piping, various valves, actuators, and instruments and controls.
What type of pump is used to pump hydraulic fluid?
Positive displacement pumps are typically used because they move the same volume of fluid with each revolution and the flow volume is relatively unaffected by the discharge pressure.
What analysis can be performed to determine if the hydraulic fluid is suitable for use?
Fluids can be analyzed for dirt content, water content, oxidation, and particulate levels.
What is the purpose of an accumulator?
Accumulators can be used to maintain hydraulic pressures for short periods of time, dampen pressure pulses in fluid flow, and to allow equipment to slowly return to a lower energy state if hydraulic pressure is lost.
Below is a transcript of the video sample provided for this module:
Hydraulic fluids must be kept clean and free from contaminants in order to maximize their life and ensure trouble-free operation of the system. Dirt and water contamination in hydraulic fluids can result in faulty operation of control valves due to sticking spools and plugged orifices. Dirt also increases wear in system components. Therefore, strainers and filters are typically used to remove solid particles and vacuum dehydrators and centrifuges are often used to remove water. Wire mesh strainers are typically installed in pump sanction lines to remove larger particles. And filters that contain media that remove smaller particles can be installed in return lines to the tank, circulation systems, or in pressurized supply lines.
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