Hydraulic Machine and its Key Components

When you need to give compressive force to lift heavy objects, the best device is the hydraulic machine. However, it is also used to cut and punch metal components in industries. As the name suggests, hydraulic machines are run by using liquid fluid power. The hydraulic fluid is diffused all across the parts of the machine into the motors and cylinders, which release pressure due to the resistance and hence the machine delivers huge amount of power. The control valves take care of the fluid / liquid and distribute it through hoses and tubes.

This article will discuss more about these machines and their main body parts.

• Hydraulic Pump: The pump is the prime component of these machines as they supply fluid to other parts in the system. The pumps have around ten times more power density than electric motors. These pumps derive power from electric motor / engine and are connected via gears. Some common types of hydraulic pumps are gear pump, axial piston pump, vane pump, radial piston pump etc. The pistons are expensive ones, but vows on durability and also deliver higher pressure and efficacy.
• Control Valves: The function of these hydraulic valves is to course the fluid to the actuator. The main job is conducted by a neutral spool that intersects the grooves and directs the fluid by sliding from one side to the other. The other parts include pressure relief valves, pressure regulators, sequence valve, shuttle valves, check valves, counterbalance valves, cartridge valves and so on.
• Filters: Filter is a very important component of a hydraulic machine as it removes the metal particles and other contaminants that are continually produced in the system by mechanical components. The filters can be located between the reservoir and pump, reservoir and return line, and pump and control valves.
• Reservoir: This is the place where the excess fluid / liquid is collected. It also separates air from the fluid and holds back heat to counter the losses when maximum power is used.

Other important parts of hydraulic machines include actuators, accumulators, hydraulic / tractor fluid, tubes, pipes and hoses. These machines are made of too many components; but the mechanism is as simple as providing power by using a fluid / liquid as the fuel.

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Benefits of Non Return Valves and Hydraulic Valves

Non-return valves or check valves are valves that are used to allow the flow of materials in one direction. It seldom allows the material to flow in the opposite direction. These valves are usually installed in the pipe lines and it senses the flow of materials in the opposite direction and plugs the pipe.

Benefits of Non-Return Valves

Non return valves are used in different types of devices as it helps to stop flooding in water heaters and sumps. It also prevents reverse flow of materials that can cause damage to the equipments. It is therefore widely used in flow meters, control valves and strainers. It also helps to save power as it stops materials from flowing backwards when a particular device is switched off. Non return valves or check valves also protect the parts of the devices with its unique features.

Different Types

There are various types of check valves or non-return valves such as the ball valves, swing check valves and split valves. All these valves function in a same way. The ball non-return valve includes a ball that is placed on the opening of the valve. The ball is pushed away from the mouth of the valve when the liquid flows through the pipe. However, when the liquid flows through the opposite direction, the ball fits over the valve opening tightly and therefore plugs the valve.

Another type of check valve is the swing check valve. It includes a swinging door on the hinges that helps to block the reverse flow of materials in the pipe.

The split disk is another non-return valve that stops reverse movement of materials. It includes a folded metal disk that opens when the material flows backwards.

Hydraulic Valves

Hydraulic valves are generally used to release the excess pressure in the hydraulic systems. There are basically three types of pressure relief valves in hydraulic systems. These pressure relief valves must be stronger than the relief pressure so that it can withstand the excessive pressure. When the relief pressure is high, the valves must be able to open slowly and close properly when the pressure falls.

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