Define fluid power.

Fluid power technology is a means to convert, transmit, control and apply fluid energy to perform
useful work. Fluid power includes hydraulics and pneumatics.

Differentiate oil hydraulics and pneumatics.

Oil hydraulics employs pressurized liquid and pneumatics employs compressed air.

What is the basic law that is important in applying fluid power?

Pascal law is the basic law used in fluid power.

It state that “a change in the pressure of an enclosed incompressible fluid is conveyed undiminished to
every part of the fluid and to the surface of its container

List five fields of applications of fluid power.

Agriculture, Aviation, Fabrication industry, Machine tools, Oil industry and Pharmaceuticals.

Why is hydraulic power especially useful with heavy work?

Hydraulic systems generally operate at high pressures and provide high forces. So they are useful with
heavy work.

Where are pneumatic systems preferred?

Pneumatic systems are preferred where low or medium size forces are required and velocities are high.
Because of their low cost, they are preferred in industrial automation.

What are the primary functions of hydraulic fluid?

(i) Transfer fluid power efficiently.

ii) Lubricate the moving parts.

(iii) Absorb, carry and transfer the heat generated within the system.
Name few properties of a hydraulic fluid.

(i) Viscosity

(ii) Viscosity Index

(iii) Oxidation stability

(v) Lubricity

(vi) Rust prevention

Why should a hydraulic fluid have good lubricating ability?

If the hydraulic fluid does not have good lubricating ability it will not lubricate moving parts properly,
causing wear. Wear results in increased clearance, which leads to all sorts of operational difficulties
including fall of efficiency.

UNIT II HYDRAULIC SYSTEM AND COMPONENTS PART –A

positive displacement pump Centrifugal pump

there is a physical displacement of the boundary In this there is a relative motion between the
of fluid mass. fluid and rotor.

outlet flow is independent of system pressure outlet flow is dependent on system pressure. So
when pressure increases, the flow reduces
What is the function of pump in a hydraulic system?

In a hydraulic system, a pump converts mechanical energy into hydraulic energy. Mechanical energy is
given to the pump via a prime mover such as an electric motor.

Name the three popular construction types of positive displacement pumps.

(i) Gear pumps

(ii) Vane pumps

(iii) Piston pumps.

Name the different designs of gear pump.

(i) External gear pump

(ii) Internal gear pump

(iii) Lobe pump

(iv) Screw pump.

Name the different designs of vane pump.

(i) Unbalanced vane pump

(ii) Balanced vane pump.

What is the difference between fixed displacement and variable displacement pump?

In the fixed displacement pump, the pump displacement cannot be varied by any means.

But in the variable displacement pump, the pump displacement can be varied by any arrangement.

Why gear pump cannot be used as a variable displacement pump?

In the gear pump, the displacement depends on the design parameters of gears and they cannot be
changed. So the displacement cannot be varied in gear pumps.

How can the unbalanced vane pump be used as a variable displacement pump?

In unbalanced vane pump, the displacement depends on eccentricity between rotor and cam ring. By
mechanically varying the eccentricity, the pump delivery is varied.
What is a pressure compensated vane pump and how does it work?

In the unbalanced vane pump, the displacement can be varied by varying the eccentricity. By a
compensator piston arrangement, the eccentricity is varied depending on the system pressure thereby
pump delivery is varied. This pump is called pressure compensated vane pump.

What is meant by a balanced design vane pump?

In balanced vane pump, there are two inlet and outlet ports which are diametrically opposite to each
other. Because the pressure ports are opposite to each other, a complete hydraulic balance is achieved.

What is a hydraulic actuator?

The actuator is a hydraulic element which converts the pressure energy of the fluid into mechanical
energy.
What is the purpose of hydraulic motor and how does it differ from the hydraulic pump.

The motors are actuated by the fluid. The fluid forces the motor to create the rotary motion. The motor
is mechanically linked to the load and develops torque. So a hydraulic motor converts hydraulic energy
into mechanical energy. But a pump converts the mechanical energy into hydraulic energy.

Name the construction types of hydraulic motors available.

(i) Gear type hydraulic motors

(ii) Vane type hydraulic motors

(iii) Piston type hydraulic motors.

Where are external gear motors used?

External gear motors are used when relatively high speed and low torque is needed.

UNITIII DESIGN OFHYDRAULIC CIRCUITS PART –A

What are the three important things that are controlled in a hydraulic system?

In a hydraulic system, the pressure, direction and volume of flow are controlled.

The pressure is controlled to control the force.

Flow is controlled to control the velocity.

Direction is controlled to obtain actuator motion in both directions.

What is the function of relief valve in a hydraulic system?

The function of a relief valve is to limit the system pressure to a specified maximum value by diverting
the pump flow back to the tank.

What is the function of a sequence valve?

When the operation of two cylinders is required to be performed in sequence, the sequence valve is
used.
When is the pressure reducing valve used in a hydraulic system?

Pressure reducing valve is used to maintain reduced pressure in specified locations of hydraulic system.

Draw the symbols for a pressure relief valve and pressure reducing valve.

Name one application of a counterbalance valve.

The counterbalance valve is used to maintain back pressure on a vertical cylinder to prevent it from
falling due to gravity.

What is a check valve?

The check valve is a one way valve, which allows flow in one direction, on the other direction the flow is
not permitted.

How does a pilot operated check valve differ from a simple check valve?

Pilot operated check valve is a two way valve. This type of check valve allows free flow in one direction;
it allows flow in other direction also, when a pilot pressure is applied. But simple check valve always
allows flow in only one direction.

What is meant by actuation of valve?

List the various actuating devices of direction control valves. Actuation is a method of moving valve
element from one position to another. The various actuating devices are: Manually operated,
mechanically operated, Solenoid operated and Pilot operated.
Give the hydraulic symbol for 3 position-4 way closed center solenoid operated direction control
valve?

What is meant when a flow control valve is said to be 'pressure compensated'?

The flow through the flow control valve varies as the square root of the pressure drop across it. So any
change in pressure at the outlet and inlet changes the flow through the valve. Pressure compensated
flow control adjusts automatically to pressure changes and maintains a constant pressure drop from
inlet to outlet, thus provides constant flow.

What is the need for temperature compensation in flow control valves?

As the viscosity of oil varies with temperature, the oil becomes less viscous when temperature
increases. As the less viscous fluid flow more readily through an orifice, the increase in temperature
causes increase in flow for a valve setting. So temperature compensation is needed to offset the effect
of such temperature variations

What is an accumulator?

An accumulator is a device that stores potential energy of an incompressible fluid held under pressure
by an external source against some dynamic force. The dynamic force can come from source Like
gravity, mechanical or compressed gas.

What is the difference between open-loop and closed-loop hydrostatic Transmission?

In open-loop transmission, all the fluid discharged by the motor returns to the oil reservoir. In closed-
loop transmission the fluid flows in a continuous path from the pump outlet port to the hydraulic motor
inlet port and then directly back to the inlet of the pump.
What are the main criteria in the design of hydraulic system?

(i) Simplicity

(ii) Reliability

(iii) Efficiency

(iv) Cost effectiveness

(v) Maintainability (vi) Safety.

Which type of flow control valve is preferable, if load on the actuator undergo changes?

Pressure compensated flow control valve is selected, if load on the actuator undergo changes.

List the parameters affecting the selection of a pump.

Maximum operating pressure,

maximum delivery,

pump drive speed,

type of fluid,

fluid contamination,

pump pulsation,

pump noise,

size and weight of pump,

efficiency and cost.

Draw the graphic symbol and label the ports for a pneumatic

(i) Four-way, two position DCV

(ii) Five-way, two position DCV.

What is the purpose of a shuttle valve?

The shuttle valve delivers an output when one input is present or when both are present.

Difference between pressure relief valve and pressure reducing valve.

PRESSURE RELIEF VALVE PRESSURE REDUCING VALVE

Outlet is connected to the tank. Outlet is connected with system.
Closed type valve Open type valve.

Factors that determine the flow rate (flow control valve)

• Cross-sectional area of orifice

• Shape of the orifice

• Length of the restriction

• Pressure difference across the orifice

• Viscosity of fluid.