Vocabulary Term

Definition

Accumulator

A hydraulic component used to store hydraulic fluid and pressure. An acccumulator can b
source, a leakage compensator, and a shock absorber.

Bleed-Off Circuit

A flow control configuration in which a valve directs flow back to the tank when actuated. T
circuit can be located anywhere along the main line.

Booster

A hydraulic component that converts low pressure from a large area of the booster into hi
of the booster. Also called an intensifier, a booster is usually two different-sized cylinders
piston.

Cam-Operated

Actuated by the distinct physical geometry of a cam, or a circular shape that converts rota
movement. As the cam rotates, its shape actuates the valving mechanism of the valve.

Double-Acting Cylinder

A fluid power actuator that directs energy in two directions.

Extension

The movement of a single-acting cylinder characterized by fluid pushing on the piston and
the cylinder housing. In a double-acting cylinder, extension occurs on each stroke and alt
cylinder.

Filter

A screen used for limiting contamination by trapping very fine and fine particulate matter.

Flow Control Valve

A fluid component that controls the rate of fluid flow. Flow control valves make it possible
variables like the speed of an actuator.

High-Low Circuit

A hydraulic circuit powered at different times by a high-pressure, low-flow pump and a low
This two-pump circuit configuration eliminates the need for a relatively expensive high-pre
also saves energy.

Hydraulic Intensifier

A hydraulic component that converts low pressure from a large area of the intensifier into
area of the intensifier. Also called boosters, intensifiers are usually two different-sized cyli
common piston.

In Parallel

A circuit configuration in which fluid flows into the cap end of two or more side-by-side cyl
at the same time. Although the cylinders will move, it is impossible to synchronize them.

In Series

A circuit configuration in which cylinders are connected end-to-end. In this configuration, a

synchronized regardless of the load on any individual cylinder.

Independent Filter Circuit

A secondary fluid circuit intended solely for filtering the fluid for another circuit.

Kidney Loop Filter

A filter located on an independent circuit intended only for filtration. The kidney loop filter s
with the main circuit.

Logic

The unique configuration of a hydraulic circuit that involves placing components to perform

Lunging

A situation in which the actuator and the load are moving in the same direction. Lunging,
the actuator to jump.

Meter-In Circuit

A flow control configuration in which the valve is located downstream of the pump and up

Meter-Out Circuit

A flow control configuration in which the valve is located downstream of the actuator.

Pilot Check Valve

A check valve that is direct-operated under normal circumstances and actuated by a pilot
that call for a valve override.

Position

The number of physical settings on a directional control valve. A three-position valve can
physical settings with a control such as a lever.

Pressure Drop

The difference between two pressure levels in a hydraulic circuit.

Pressure Line Bleed-Off Filter

A filter located on a secondary line connected to the main line at the outlet of the pump.

Vocabulary Term

Definition

Pressure Line Filter

A filter located at the outlet of the pump.

Reciprocation

The back-and-forth extension and retraction of a hydraulic cylinder.

Retraction

The movement of a single-acting cylinder characterized by fluid exiting the cylinder and th
cylinder housing. In a double-acting cylinder, retraction occurs on each stroke and alterna
cylinder.

Return Line Filter

A filter located on the return line just before the line enters the reservoir.

Rod End

The side of the piston that is attached to the rod.

Sequence Valve

A pressure control valve that allows hydraulic fluid to flow into a secondary system after a

Single-Acting Cylinder

A fluid power actuator that directs energy in one direction.

Spring-Centered

Situated by a mechanism that keeps a directional control valve in the center locked positi
actuated into the first or third position.

Suction Line Filter

A filter located between the reservoir and the pump.

Unloading Valve

A pressure relief valve located near a pump in order to depressurize the pump when a cri
has been reached.

Variable Feed Circuit

A flow control configuration in which a cam-operated two-way valve and a meter-out flow
parallel. This results in varying speeds at different parts of the circuit.

Water Hammer

Shock in a hydraulic system that can cause damage to components if not addressed.

Way

A characteristic of a valve that indicates how a fluid can flow through it.

Describe essential components of a basic hydraulic circuit.

Describe a basic High-Low circuit.

Describe the basic unloading circuit.

Describe the basic cylinder sequencing circuit.

Describe the basic reciprocating cylinder circuit.

Explain how to lock an actuator using pilot check valves.

Distinguish between a meter-in and meter-out circuit.

Distinguish between a bleed-off and a variable feed circuit.

Identify different types of filter circuits.

Describe a basic single-acting cylinder circuit.

Describe a basic double-acting cylinder circuit.

Describe a basic synchronizing circuit.

Describe a basic intensifier circuit.

Describe the uses of an accumulator as backup power.

Describe accumulator circuits for leakage and shock.

Describe the considerations for building a basic circuit.

Hydraulic Meter-out Circuit

{0 Comments}
Posted by and on January 6, 2011
in Fluid Flow

In the meter-out operation shown in Figure 6.39, the direction of the flow through the circuit is
simply changed as can be made out from the diagram. It is the opposite of a meter-in operation as
this change in direction will cause the fluid leaving the actuator to be metered. The advantage with
the meter-out operation is that unlike in the case of meter-in operation, the cylinder here is
prevented from overrunning and consequent cavitating.

One major problem confronting the meter-out operation is the intensification of pressure in the
circuit which can in turn occur on account of a substantial differential area ratio between the piston
and the rods. Pressure intensification occurs on the rod side when the meter-out operation is
carried out without a load on the rod side of the cylinder and can result in failure of the rod seals. It
is therefore seen that both the meter-in and meter-out operations have their
relative advantagesand disadvantages and only the application determines the type and nature of
flow valve placement.

Hydraulic Meter-in Circuit

{0 Comments}
Posted by and on January 6, 2011
in Fluid Flow

Meter-in is a method by which a flow control valve is placed in a hydraulic circuit in such a manner
that there is a restriction in the amount of fluid flowing to the actuator. Figure 6.38(a) shows a
meter-in operation in a hydraulic system.
If the flow control valve were not to be located, the extension and retraction of the actuator which in
this case is a cylinder, would have proceeded at an unrestricted rate. The presence of the
flowcontrol valve enables restriction in the fluid flow to the cylinder and thereby slowing down its
extension. In the event of the flow direction being reversed, the check valve ensures that the return

flow bypasses the flow control valve.

For the same meter-in operation, Figure 6.38(b) shows shifting of the flow control to the other line.
This enables the actuator to extend at an unrestricted rate but conversely the flow to the actuator
during the retracting operation can be restricted so that the operation takes place at a reduced
rate. The meter-in operation is quite accurate with a positive load. But with an overrunning load
over which the actuator has no control, the cylinder begins to cavitate.