Hydraulic cylinders use pressurized fluid to produce linear motion and force, powering heavy equipment like excavators. Control valves and hydraulic seals are critical for safe operation, and worn seals can be prevented with smooth internal surfaces. Water hydraulic systems are an alternative to oil, but require specific design.
A hydraulic cylinder produces linear motion and force using pressurized hydraulic fluid. Industrial machines powered by these cylinders are capable of forming metals or other materials at very high force with a relatively small supply of high pressure fluid.
Heavy equipment, such as an excavator, relies on the power of hydraulic fluid. The operator easily controls the pressurized hydraulic fluid with the use of a control valve connected to distributor hoses and tubes. A solenoid valve is the most commonly used type of valve with a hydraulic cylinder as it has a reputation for safety and reliability. Valves not only control the release of fluid into the cylinder, but often also mix gases and fluids.
A hydraulic cylinder in a car does not connect to a valve as a means of control, but instead relies on piston-actuated hydraulics. When the brake pedal is depressed, the pedal pushes on the piston in the master hydraulic cylinder and the slave pistons located on each wheel work together to stop the car.
Hydraulic seals are critical in relation to the safe operation of a hydraulic cylinder. Industries that use heavy equipment, such as automotive, aerospace, government, and oil and gas, rely on improved hydraulic seal technology. The explosion of the space shuttle Challenger in 1986 was primarily attributed to malfunctioning hydraulic seals caused by low temperatures which solidified the internal seal material, thus preventing proper sealing.
Worn hydraulic seals also have safety concerns, but can often be prevented by using a hydraulic cylinder with a smooth internal surface. The outer surface of the cylinder is usually made of aluminum, steel, cast iron or bronze. Cylinder covers hold the piston rod and can be square, round, or custom designed to fit each specific cylinder.
The simplest hydraulic systems consist of two pistons and a fluid-filled tube. The pistons used in hydraulic systems are made in one, two or three pieces depending on the speed and force required by the machine. One piece of heavy construction machinery uses up to eight hydraulic cylinders which could take up to 100 gallons of oil.
Water hydraulic systems use water as the fluid for the hydraulic cylinder rather than oil. While water is less expensive than oil, as well as non-polluting, water’s low viscosity and poor lubricating qualities require a system designed exclusively for water hydraulics.
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