Components of Hydraulic Power Packs

Simply put, the function of hydraulic power is to simply convert a primary drive source into a hydraulic fluid flow. This article will look at the main components of hydraulic power packs and the elements needed for the control of these power packs.

What are the main components?

The components needed to convert the primary drive source into a hydraulic fluid flow are: AC or DC motor or internal combustion engine, the hydraulic pump, the oil tank or hydraulic reservoir for the hydraulic fluid, the filtration pump inlet for suction, the pressure filtration pump (outlet) and the return filters are the most common types.

The primary drive sources could be direct currents from a vehicle’s battery (DC), alternating current (AC) from 1- or 3-phase motor, internal combustion engine or an air motor. These direct the hydraulic power delivered to the oil and, thus control the flow and pressure limits.

Hydraulic pumps produce flow and are designed to do this at a pressure that the system limitations demand. Hydraulic pumps are typically selected based on their fittingness to produce flow, pressure rating, economy and noise.

Hydraulics reservoirs are the storage vessel for the oil required to operate the hydraulic system components, such as hydraulic actuators or hydraulic motor, and make certain that this oil is kept and maintained in the best possible condition.

The filtration is a vital part of a hydraulic power pack, guaranteeing that wear and tear is minimised, and efficiency is maintained. Fundamental suction strainers make sure that the very largest of pollutants don’t enter the pump. Pressure filters are normally calibrated to the pump outlet ensuring highly filtered oil enters the hydraulic system. Impurities within the hydraulic system is filtered out by the return filter before entering the hydraulic reservoir.

What are Control Elements?

Pressure control valves, these restrict or regulate the hydraulic pressure within the hydraulic system. Directional control hydraulic valves can be manual, electrical, pneumatic or hydraulic operated valves direct the oil flow around the system to operate actuators, motors or other functions. The equipment, oil level and temperature protection switch, pressure switches and filter blockage switches are also all common as well.

Cooling is another other central consideration, where efficiencies within a system or mechanism will generate heat in the oil, this must be cooled to ensure long life and high efficiency.

The simplest hydraulic power pack circuit is termed a “P&T pack” which is simply the running of a pressure outlet port and a Tank return port. Very few hydraulic valves on this particular type of power pack ought to be a maximum pressure relief valve and a check valve to protect the pump.

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