Hydraulic technology is by no means new. In fact, the technology stretches back for centuries and generally encompasses engineering that uses the flowing and compression of fluids as a source of kinetic energy. The Ancient Greeks studied the flows and pressures of fluids in different circumstances to harness its power for engineering projects. Following many years of development under the Greeks, Romans and modern Europeans, the technology has become a driving force for industry.
It wasn’t until 1795 that English inventor Joseph Bramah invented and patented the hydraulic press, which was largely used to operate cranes and similar types of machinery across Britain in place of using steam which was less effective. This same technology was also used to operate canal locks, lifts and bridges. Hydraulic engineering became so popular because it allowed a huge amount of power to be transferred between small pipes.
Hydraulics have been such an engineering marvel that they’re still widely used today in an array of industries, from the military to construction and the public sector. Without machines and equipment operated by hydraulic technology, much of the industrial progression we have enjoyed since the Industrial Revolution would simply not have occurred. The speed with which we can now build houses, businesses, transportation and other types of machinery would be far removed from life without hydraulic machinery.
That’s why it’s important for engineers to always keep their hydraulic equipment in the best possible condition; something that’s possible with the help of a firm like HP Hydraulics.
Hydraulic Repair Services Can Save You Money in The Long Term
If you own and operate a fleet of hydraulic vehicles or machinery, then it’s likely that they’re totally essential for the smooth running of your organisation. Even a day of downtime can cost you huge amounts of money, depending on the size of the project you’re working on.
Especially if you’re working on a large government contract, with the added pressure of meeting strict deadlines and the potential of reputational damage if they are not met, the extended ceasing of work due to breakages could be the death knell for a string of lucrative jobs.
With of this all in mind, having a reliable hydraulic manufacturer on hand and available to provide quick services for your system is imperative to the success of your organisation. Experienced and professional manufacturers will be able to promptly arrive on your site, inspect the broken down piece of machinery, identify the issue and solve the problem as quickly as possible to get you back on track.
A professional hydraulic repair service will have the facilities to fix any issues, no matter how significant they are and will be able to consult you on any necessary following steps. Furthermore, a warranty will be put in place to provide you with peace of mind that, if the worst should happen and there’s another breakdown, this will be covered.
To ensure that you reduce the need for ongoing repairs, it’s also worth considering servicing your machinery regularly – a provision that can be provided by hydraulic manufacturers. Having your system regularly serviced means that any problems can be spotted before they become unruly and can further reduce any downtime that could spell huge losses in time and money.
Hydraulic Engineering Services Can Help You With a Hydraulic System Design
Depending on the kind of work that your hydraulic machinery or vehicles will be doing, you’ll need a different type of hydraulic system. Depending on the loads the machinery needs to move, the efficiency you need to get from the system and the power capabilities, you will require different types of hydraulic systems.
A hydraulic system is made up of cylinders, pumps, hoses and fluids; all of these components work together and there are different types of each element to achieve a range of results. To give you a flavour, we’ve collated a bit of information on the different types of hydraulic cylinder.
Single-Acting Cylinder
A single-acting cylinder is operated in only one direction hydraulically. Oil is pumped into an entrance, which then causes the ram and rod end to extend through the pressure exerted. The rod retracts as a reaction to the oil being drained from the cylinder.
Double-Acting Cylinder
A double-acting cylinder has two ports for fluid to be pumped into. This type of cylinder works in the same way as a single-acting cylinder, however, the double ports facilitate a greater level of control over the movement of the ram.
Nondifferential Cylinder
Differing from the above two cylinders, nondifferential cylinders have pistons which extend from both ends of the cylinder.
Telescoping Cylinder
A telescoping, or ram-type, cylinder is a far more complex type of cylinder. These cylinders have a number of rams which are housed within a telescopic assembly. These cylinders only require a small amount of space when all of the rams are retracted within the housing, but also allow for a long extension of the piston.
Piston Cylinder
Piston cylinders are another example of a double-acting cylinder which are largely used on industrial vehicles to assist in moving large loads.
Cushioned Cylinder
Cushioned cylinders are manufactured to slow down the action of the cylinder in order to prevent shocks at the end of a piston stroke. This is achieved by installing a device which meters the cylinder and can reduce the flow of fluid.
Single-Acting, Spring Loaded Cylinder
Finally, a spring-loaded cylinder is used for applications when both a push and pull function is required. The fluid in this system pushes a piston in one direction and the spring provides the return force.
As part of hydraulic design service, a hydraulic manufacturer will be able to offer insight on which cylinder, pumps and hoses would be most suitable for the specific applications and work with you from start to finish.
Hydraulic Oil Sampling and Flushing
Not only are the solid parts of your system crucial to its operation, but so are the fluids that pump through it. In fact, it’s thought that as much as 80% of all hydraulic system failures are due to contaminations in the hydraulic fluid. With that in mind, it’s as important to have the fluids in your system checked as it is to have your cylinders and pumps regularly checked.
Contaminated fluid can drastically decrease the efficiency of a system and shorten the lifespan of machinery. Fluids need to be regularly checked and cleaned to ensure that the system is working at optimum efficiency.
Oil can degrade in no matter of time at all so, to prevent this, hydraulic manufacturers can be on hand to sample the oil and flush it. This means that your system can stay working at its best for longer.
Expert and Professional Hydraulic System Services Across Hampshire
At HP Hydraulics, we have over three decades’ worth of experience in the hydraulic industry. During this period, we’ve been providing high-quality hydraulic services to the industrial organisations of Hampshire. Our speciality is the manufacturing and repair of hydraulic systems and our work has been used from the marine and military sectors to the industrial sector.
We understand that hydraulic systems can be extremely complicated and that means that, over time, they will begin to need repairs and services. That’s why we provide hydraulic pump repair and hydraulic ram repair services, amongst others, to our clients. In an attempt to stem the need for an expensive replacement, we can schedule regular services and repairs to ensure your system doesn’t go past the point of no return.
To find out more, you can contact us today. Find us at our head office, located at Unit 2, Davis Way, Newgate Lane Industrial Estate, Fareham, Hants, PO14 1JF. Alternatively, you can call us on 01329 828 877 or 07802 774 205 and email us at nigel@hphydraulics.uk.net.