EXPERIMENT 1-2

EQUIPMENT FAMILIARIZATION

( )

Figure 1. The Amatrol 850 Controls Technology Educational System is a modular educational system
teaching control of automated systems. Basic hydraulics is one of the primary modules included
in the system.
('> OBJECTIVES
After completing this experiment, you will be able to:
1. Identify each of the components in the 850 basic hydraulics system.
2. Set up the 850 basic hydraulics system in either the bench or satellite configuration.
3. Prepare a hydraulic power unit for use.
4. Operate a hydraulic power unit.
5. Set up and operate a basic hydraulic circuit on the 850 basic hydraulic system.

DIRECTIONS
D 1. Read the Background Information section of this experiment.
D 2. Perform the steps in the Experiment Procedures section using the equipment identified in the
Equipment List.
D 3. Answer the Checkout Activities at the end of this experiment.

Copyright© 1991 Amatrol, lnc. 1

L__ _
 EXPERIMENT 1-2 EOU/PMENT FAMILIARIZA TION

Hydraulic Power Unit

Toe hydraulic power unit illustrated in Figures 13 and 14 is the power unit used to supply hydraulic
power to the 850 controls technology system. As a future reference for other experiments in this manual,
the symbol diagram and specifications are also shown in Figure 14. Do not be concemed right now about
what these symbols and specifications mean. They will be explained in the experiments to follow.

Figure 13. The 850 Series Hydraulic Power Unit

9. SUPPLY
HANIFOLD
SPECIFICATIONS

r-----------:"
POWEA UNIT
Pump Flow Rate 2.5 gpm 1 9.46 1 pm

\ 6. RELIEF I 11. ISOLATION

Pump Theoretical
VAL VE
0.316 in 3 1 rev
VALYE
Displacement
1 7. GAGE S
1

1 ' : Maximum Operating

i1 & S.L:U�P ! Pressure 500 psi 1 3447 kPa

1 4. ELECTRIC 1
JI. RETIJRN
MANIFOLD
Electric Motor 1 hp, 115/ 120 vott,
' MOTOR
1
1 phase, 60 cycle,

! !
1725 rpm
1
8. SUCTION
STAAINEA
Reservoir Size 5 gallen / 18.9 liters
1
l_ ______1._ RESE_"VDJA____ '.j
•
Figure 14. Symbol Diagram of Circuit for 850 Series Hydraulic Power Unit

Copyright e 1991 Amatrot. lnc. 8

'�---
 EXPERIMENT 1-2 EOUIPMENT FAMILIARIZA TION

Power Unit Startup and Shutdown Procedures

For each of the experiments in this manual, you will need the hydraulic power unit to supply power to
your circuit. In order to safely use this power supply, there are very specific procedures that must be fol­
lowed. In fact, these procedures are basically the sarne ones you would use with an industrial machine.
They are as follows:

POWER UNIT STARTUP PROCEDURES

J. Set up the hydraulic circuit making the required hose connections between components. Check all
hose connections by pulling on each one to make sure the hose is secure.
2. Before starting the power unit, perfonn the following checkout procedures:
A. Check the oil leve! in the reservoir by looking at the liquid level sight glass (ltem 2 of Figure 13).
Toe oil leve! should be between the two marks on the gage. Toe low leve! mark is red and the high
leve! mark is black. If the oil is below the red mark, fill the reservoir with clean, filtered oil until
the oil leve! rises to the desired leve! between the two marks. Unscrew the filler breather cap in
(_ _} order to pour oil into the reservoir. Consult the Equipment Manual or your instructor for the
proper oil to use.
B. Push the red pushbutton labeled "Stop" on the power unit's motor starter to make sure the starter is
in the off position.
C. Plug the power cord of the power unit's electric motor into a 115VAC outlet as illustrated in
Figure 15.
D. Set the power unit's relief valve to minimurn starting pressure by tuming its knob
counterclockwise (CCW).

1
( ·

Figure 15. Preparing the Hydraulic Power Unit for Use

Copyright© 1991 Amatrol, lnc. 10

- - ----------
 EXPERIMENT 1-2 EOUIPMENT FAMILIARIZA T/ON

3. Make sure that all persons are standing clear of the actuators. In sorne of the circuits, actuators could
move immediately upon stanup.
4. Announce that you are going to tum on the power unit and wait for any response.
5. If there are no objections, start the power unit by pressing the green "Start" pushbutton on the motor
startcr.
Toe electric motor should start running. Toe pump will then be pumping oil. Since the relief valve is
tumed to its minimum pressure setting, you will nonnally observe a near zero pressure at gage S.
6. Follow the directions given in your experiment In most cases, the first step will be to raise the relief
valve setting to sorne maximum operating pressure. Toen you will operate the circuit using the
procedures listed in the experiment.

SHUTDOWN PROCEDURES
l. When you have completed the experiment and are ready to shut down the power unit, reset ali
actuators to their retracted position unless the experiment specifically says not to.
(_ 2. Reduce the relief valve's pressure setting to the minimum pressure unless the experiment specifically
says not to.
3. Press the red "Stop" pushbutton on the motor starter.

Connecting Circuits
The Amatrol 850 basic hydraulic system uses flexible hydraulic hoses to provide fluid connections be­
tween components. These hoses are made of rubber with an interna! wire braid for extra strength. They are
rated at 2250 psi / 15,513 kPa with a 4:1 safety factor.
Toe fittings used to connect the hoses to components are called QUICK CONNECT fittings. As the
name implies, this style of fitting allows fast and easy assembly and disassembly of circuits.
Quick connect fittings have "male" and "female" ends as illustrated in Figure 16. Toe ports on the
hydraulic components are equipped with male ends and the hoses are equipped with female ends. In order
to connect a hose to a componen!, grasp the female fitting on the hose and pull back on its collar as il­
lustrated in Figure 16. Toen push the female end firmly onto the male end and release the collar. To check
the firmness of the connection, pull on the hose. If it holds, you have made a good connection. In order to
release a connection, just pull back on the collar and pull on the hose. It should easily unlock.
(

Copyright© 1991 Amatrol, lnc. 11