By Justin Fluegel, Contributor Electropneumatic pressure regulators are commonly used to control the force, tension or torque output of an actuator in a machine. These are found in a wide range of applications from custom machinery, food processing, semiconductors, cyclic testing machinery, and welding applications. The breadth of opportunities is vast for this technology, given […]
How do you select hydraulic pumps?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Hydraulic pumps convert mechanical energy into hydraulic energy, and it goes without saying every hydraulic system requires such a device to transmit controlled force to the actuators of your hydraulic machine. How you select a pump comes down to many factors but working through this guide will help you select […]
When should you use hydraulic hose protective wrap?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Modern hydraulic hose is no less susceptible to abrasion opportunities than in the past. Some applications cannot avoid abrasion, such as booms or arms on mobile lifts and similar equipment. In addition, any joint that pivots or rotates requires a flexible connection between two fixed connections, and sometimes the movement […]
A primer on hydraulic sensing technologies
Sensors and switches in fluid power use electronics to gauge critical system parameters, such as pressure, temperature, position, level and more. By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor A sensor is any mechanical or electronic device designed to recognize a physical input property and then relay or transform that input in a form of an electric or…
How to find the right fittings for your hydraulic system
With a myriad of choices available, it is critical you fully understand your system needs before choosing your hydraulic fittings. Contributed by John Joyce, Marketing Director, Brennan Industries Inc. Making the shift to connections with elastomeric O-ring seals is the focus in today’s fluid power industry. But before following everyone’s lead, it’s important you understand […]
How can you prevent hydraulic cylinder drift?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Drift is the unintentional movement of a cylinder when it’s meant to be held in place by directional, PO check or counterbalance valves. The objective of many cylinder applications is to move a load to a predetermined position and maintain that position for various lengths of time. For example, a…
How do directional seated valves operate?
In the most traditional sense, a directional control valve simply dictates the direction of hydraulic flow in some regard. The inline check valve is generally regarded as the most basic version of a directional valve, and simply allows flow in one direction while blocking flow in the opposing direction. Their advantage lies in their simple, […]
How does aeration affect hydraulic systems?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Aeration is the introduction of air bubbles within a liquid by passing through or across open air. Aeration most often occurs in hydraulic systems when oil returns to the tank above the oil level in the reservoir, entraining bubbles as it splashes into the tank. The primary worry with aeration […]
When can you use manual hydraulic valves?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Although many valves have a manual adjustment, as the knob on a flow control or the hex screw on a relief valve, we generally consider a manual valve to be a directional valve operated by a lever, button or knob. Many hydraulic systems run exclusively with manual valves, like your […]
A review of common hydraulic fluid types and their benefits
All hydraulic fluid is designed to transmit fluid power energy through a system, and for the most part, they do the job the same way. But that doesn’t mean all oil is the same. In fact, there are five common types of hydraulic fluid, each with its benefits and downsides whose use depends on the […]
How are ball valves used to ensure hydraulic safety?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor In fluid power, safety is always a concern. Everyone understands the force capacity of hydraulic actuators (which explains why some YouTube hydraulic press channels have millions of subscribers). Indeed, a high-powered hydraulic press can make nearly any material appear no stronger than modelling clay. It’s wise to respect the power […]
What is an air compressor’s pressure rating?
Air compressors come in many makes, styles and ratings. One of the most important ratings is the compressor rated pressure. This is the maximum pressure a compressor should operate, but as many people have found, the compressors will run above their maximum pressure, but should they? The primary issue is safety — compressors often have […]
The necessity of clean, dry compressed air
Learn some tips to ensure reliable, high-quality compressed air output at an affordable cost. By Ron Marshall, Contributing Editor It is crunch time. That important order needs to be processed by the end of the day. You are up against a deadline, and you only need a few more hours of production, and then the […]
What are electropneumatic pressure regulators/controllers?
A simple example of explaining a self-relieving pressure regulator is to imagine having a balloon with two normally closed ends. Call the ends supply and exhaust. Assume the balloon is empty and you ask for more pressure in the balloon. The supply end opens until the balloon pressure equals the requested pressure, then the supply […]
What are seal extrusion gaps?
For any seal to function well in a fluid power application, it must resist the extreme forces attempting to squeeze the material through even the smallest gap like so much Playdoh. The gaps available to a seal to squeeze through are called extrusion gaps. To understand the extrusion gap, you must first understand the primary […]
When should you use PTFE seals?
Being the fluid power professional you are, you know that Teflon is used for more than making pans slippery. However, you may not know that Teflon is a registered trademark of DuPont, discovered accidentally many decades ago and associated with non-stock coatings. PTFE is an acronym for polytetrafluoroethylene, which is also a fluorocarbon. DuPont trademarked […]
When should you use cartridge valves?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Cartridge valves are a type of compact hydraulic valve that slips or screws into the machined cavity of a ported manifold or block. Unlike other valves, such as monoblock lever valves or stackable industrial valves, the manufacturer leaves the porting for you to decide. Cartridge valves still use poppets or […]
How can you increase FRL efficiency?
FRLs are combination devices used to treat compressed air by filtering it, regulating its pressure levels and lubricating any pneumatic tools or equipment that use it. These devices require careful selection and care to ensure long-lasting, efficient operation. Here are some keys to maximizing the efficiency of your FRLs. Understand proper sizing and selection. Sizing […]
The basics on designing with FRLs
FRLs are key in treating and conditioning downstream components to ensure high air quality in most pneumatic machinery. By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Often forsaken, the FRL appears in the bills of materials for commissioned pneumatic machinery, only to never be touched again or considered by the end-user. Even when penciled into the design of […]
What are sizing considerations for an FRL?
Careful consideration to the sizing of the components feeding an end use is important. If not done correctly, the performance of the device can be negatively affected. Too often, low pressure problems will occur because a plant has selected a filter, regulator, lubricator (FRL) combination that is a standard size for all devices in the […]