Hydraulic Circuit Elements

Hydraulic circuit components are the fundamental parts used in hydraulic systems where fluids are pressurized and converted into mechanical energy. These components ensure the effective and safe utilization of hydraulic power. In a hydraulic system, there are many different components that direct fluid flow, control pressure levels, transmit power, and perform mechanical operations. In this article, we will examine hydraulic circuit components and how they work in detail.

1. Hydraulic Pumps

Hydraulic pumps are the main components that move fluid under pressure in hydraulic circuits. The pump converts mechanical energy to fluid, initiating fluid flow and operating the system.

• Applications: Construction machinery, industrial automation systems, mobile machinery.

• Material Properties: High durability, wear resistance, and usually made of steel materials.

• Working Principle: The hydraulic pump sucks in fluid from a rotor or piston driven by a shaft and delivers it to the outlet.

2. Hydraulic Valves

Hydraulic valves are components that direct and control fluid flow. These valves regulate the direction, speed, and pressure of fluid flow, ensuring the correct operation of functions in the system.

• Applications: Automotive sector, production machinery, construction equipment.

• Material Properties: Steel, aluminum, and stainless steel materials are preferred.

• Types:

  • Directional Control Valves: Change the flow direction.

  • Pressure Control Valves: Control the pressure in the system.

  • Flow Control Valves: Adjust the flow rate.

3. Hydraulic Cylinders

Hydraulic cylinders are used to convert hydraulic fluid into linear motion. Using pistons, the pressure of the fluid is converted into mechanical motion.

• Applications: Automotive, robotic systems, heavy-duty machinery.

• Material Properties: High-pressure resistant steel alloys, stainless steel, and durable sealing elements are used.

• Working Principle: The fluid moves the cylinder piston, creating a linear force.

4. Hydraulic Hoses and Pipes

Hydraulic hoses and pipes allow the transportation of fluids within the hydraulic circuit. Hoses are used for flexibility while pipes are used for more rigid and fixed connections.

• Applications: All hydraulic systems, especially applications requiring high flexibility.

• Material Properties: High-pressure resistant materials such as stainless steel, rubber, and polyurethane.

• Working Principle: Fluid is transported from one component to another through hoses or pipes.

5. Hydraulic Reservoirs

Hydraulic reservoirs store hydraulic fluids. These reservoirs maintain the necessary fluid level for the system to function properly.

• Applications: Industrial machinery, automotive, construction machinery.

• Material Properties: Mostly made of stainless steel or aluminum.

• Working Principle: Fluid is accumulated in the reservoir and is delivered to the system through pumps when needed.

6. Hydraulic Filters

Hydraulic filters clean hydraulic fluids from dirt and foreign particles. Filtration extends the life of components and increases efficiency.

• Applications: All hydraulic systems, especially in heavy-duty operating conditions.

• Material Properties: Metal and high-quality synthetic materials are used.

• Working Principle: Dirty fluid passes through filter elements and is cleaned.

7. Hydraulic Seals

Hydraulic seals are used to provide leak-free operations. These elements ensure proper flow of fluid without leakage.

• Applications: All hydraulic systems, especially in systems with high pressure requirements.

• Material Properties: Flexible and durable materials like rubber, PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) are used.

• Working Principle: Seals prevent fluid leakage at connection points or moving parts.

8. Hydraulic Auxiliary Components

These components ensure the more efficient operation of hydraulic circuits. They include pressure regulators, timers, and converters.

• Applications: Automation systems, industrial machinery, robotic applications.

• Material Properties: Steel and aluminum alloys.

• Working Principle: These components provide auxiliary functions to other components in the system, such as stabilizing pressure or regulating fluid flow.

9. Hydraulic Connection Components

Connection components ensure the safe assembly of all components in the hydraulic system. These can be flanges, fittings, and connection parts.

• Applications: All hydraulic systems, especially in cases where secure connections between components are required.

• Material Properties: Steel, stainless steel, and aluminum.

• Working Principle: These components ensure the leak-free flow of hydraulic fluids.

10. Hydraulic Power Units (Motors)

Hydraulic motors convert the fluid from hydraulic systems into mechanical energy. These motors enable machine operation by generating rotary motion.

• Applications: Various industrial machinery, vehicles, equipment.

• Material Properties: Made of steel and cast iron with high durability and low wear properties.

• Working Principle: Fluid is converted into rotary motion in the motor.