Hydraulic & Pneumatic Systems – Understanding The Similarities & Differences

Hydraulic and pneumatic systems both use kinetic motion to move heavy loads. Hydraulics use confined water or oil, and pneumatics use a confined gas, typically air, to generate kinetic motion to drive cylinders and rams. Motion and pressure are converted and multiplied through confinement and precise direction into an intense push.

While the two processes may appear very similar, there are several important differences in how they operate in practice and the tasks they can be used for. Continue reading “Hydraulic & Pneumatic Systems – Understanding The Similarities & Differences”

How Do Hydraulics Work?

Hydraulics uses the movement of incompressible liquids in a confined space, to apply kinetic force to large objects. In practice, this means that a smaller, ‘trigger’ force can be converted via fluid motion into a larger ‘push’ force. The kinetic force is transferred from an initial pump into a confined chamber, amplifying the directional pressure by a factor of ten or more. Continue reading “How Do Hydraulics Work?”

What Can Hydraulics Be Used For?

Hydraulics is the art of using contained fluid to translate a small push into a big one. Through dissipating the force provided by a smaller ‘push’ cylinder through a pipe and reservoir network, trapped kinetic energy is transferred through oil or water to a larger one. Continue reading “What Can Hydraulics Be Used For?”

The 3 Main Types Of Hydraulic Couplings You Should Be Aware Of

Every hydraulic hose relies on a coupling to connect it to other hydraulic machinery. A coupling is any crafted piece of material that provides a secure and tight connection from one hydraulic component to another. Couplings can also be referred to as connectors. However, not all hydraulic couplings are the same. What type of coupling you’ll use depends on the connection size, pressure intensity, heat generation, and intended use of your hydraulics.

Here’s our quick guide to the three major groups of hydraulic couplings. Continue reading “The 3 Main Types Of Hydraulic Couplings You Should Be Aware Of”

How To Tell If Your Hydraulic Inline Flow Indicator Needs Replacing

If you run any kind of hydraulic system, the machinery will probably come with a hydraulic inline flow indicator attached. These simple devices measure the flow of hydraulic fluid through a chamber via a turbine or depressed piston, giving an analogue or digital readout in UK gallons per minute (UK GPM) alongside a standard centigrade temperature measurement. Litres per minute (LPM) is used on European devices. Continue reading “How To Tell If Your Hydraulic Inline Flow Indicator Needs Replacing”

Extreme Hydraulic Pressures? Try Extreme Health & Safety!

Hydraulic systems are incredibly useful for industrial, construction, and agricultural work. However, like any other machinery, they bring risks with their use. Working with or on a hydraulic system can be dangerous, particularly if you are inexperienced or are unaware of what could go wrong. Continue reading “Extreme Hydraulic Pressures? Try Extreme Health & Safety!”

4 Simple Steps To Fix A Broken Hydraulic Hose

4 Simple Steps to Fix a Broken Hydraulic Hose

The estimated lifespan of your typical hydraulic hose is around ten years. This may vary depending on the material used in construction, the intensity of use, where it’s used, and the stress it’s placed under. However, all hydraulic hoses run the risk of developing leaks, surface wear, and open splits given enough time. Any hydraulic system used outside or regularly exposed to the elements is at particular risk of critical failure. Continue reading “4 Simple Steps To Fix A Broken Hydraulic Hose”

A Quick Guide To Understanding Hydraulics

Hydraulics is the art of using Creating motion and force by compressing a dense fluid within a confined space. Modern hydraulic systems transfer kinetic energy through a liquid from a smaller trigger (or master) cylinder to another larger, moving cylinder, following the principles discovered by French mathematician Blaise Pascal in the 18th Century. Pascal’s Principle allows for a small but intense trigger force to translate into a heavy lift or push via a process called fluid transfer. Continue reading “A Quick Guide To Understanding Hydraulics”

Why We Prefer Festo Pneumatic Parts

If you follow this blog, you’ll have noticed us regularly discussing Festo. We’ve made no secret of the fact that we are ardent supporters. Festo offers the best choice, affordability, quality, and lightning-fast delivery times for pneumatic part requirements. Let’s take a closer look at what makes Festo stand out from the competition. Continue reading “Why We Prefer Festo Pneumatic Parts”

What Is A Pneumatic Silencer & Should You Invest?

Pneumatic silencers are also known as ‘mufflers’ and ‘pneumatic exhausts’. They reduce the noise of compressed air. However, there is a lot of confusion within the industry regarding the necessity of pneumatic silencers, what they do, and what to look for when making an investment. Continue reading “What Is A Pneumatic Silencer & Should You Invest?”