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.