Fluid Power

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Forging new generations of engineers
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What is Fluid Power?

• Fluid power is energy transmitted and controlled
  by means of a pressurized fluid, either liquid or
  gas. The term fluid power applies to both
  hydraulics and pneumatics.
• Hydraulics uses pressurized liquid, for example,
  oil or water
• Pneumatics uses compressed air or other neutral
  gases.
• Fluid power can be effectively combined with
  other technologies through the use of sensors,
  transducers and microprocessors.

From http//www.nfpa.com/OurIndustry/OurInd_About
FP_WhatIsFluidPower.asp
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How does Fluid Power Work?

• Pascal's Law expresses the central concept of
  fluid power
• "Pressure exerted by a confined fluid acts
  undiminished equally in all directions."

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An Example

• An input force of 10 pounds (44.8 Nm) on a
  1-square-inch (6.45 cm2) piston develops a
  pressure of 10 pounds per square inch (psi)
  (68.95 kN/m2 or 68.95 KPa) throughout the
  container.
• This pressure will allow a 10-square-inch piston
  to support a 100-pound (444.8 Nm) weight.
• The forces are proportional to the piston areas.

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The Advantages

• Multiplication and variation of force
• Easy, accurate control
• Multi-function control
• High horsepower, low weight
• Low speed torque
• Constant force or torque
• Safety in hazardous environments
• Established standards and engineering

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Fluid Power Applications

• Mobile
• Backhoes
• Graders
• Tractors

• Truck brakes
• Suspensions
• Spreaders
• Highway maintenance vehicles

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Fluid Power Applications

• Industrial
• Metalworking equipment
• Controllers
• Automated manipulators
• Material handling
• Assembly equipment

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Fluid Power Applications

• Aerospace
• Landing gear
• Brakes
• Flight controls
• Motor controls
• Cargo loading equipment

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Fluid Power Components
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Fluid Power System
A typical fluid power system includes the
following components

• Manifolds, hose, tube, fittings, couplings, etc.,
  
• Sealing devices
• Accumulators and reservoirs
• Instruments, such as pressure switches, gauges,
  flow meters, sensors and transducers

• Hydraulic pump or air compressor
• Cylinder or motor
• Valves
• Filters, regulators and lubricators