Hydraulic Systems Flashcards

What is Pascal's Law as it applies to hydraulic systems?

Answer: Pressure applied to a confined fluid is transmitted equally in all directions throughout the fluid

Pascal's Law states that pressure applied to a confined fluid is transmitted undiminished and equally in all directions throughout the fluid and acts on every surface in contact with the fluid.

What is the function of a hydraulic relief valve?

Answer: To protect the system from excessive pressure by diverting flow back to the reservoir

A relief valve is a pressure-limiting safety device that opens when system pressure exceeds its set point, diverting excess flow back to the reservoir to prevent damage to pumps, cylinders, motors, and other system components.

What happens if air enters a hydraulic system?

Answer: The system becomes spongy and erratic, with potential for cavitation and component damage

Air in hydraulic fluid is compressible, causing spongy and erratic actuator movement, reduced efficiency, increased noise, elevated temperatures, and potential cavitation damage to pump components.

What is the purpose of a hydraulic accumulator?

Answer: To store pressurized fluid to supplement pump flow, absorb shocks, or maintain pressure

A hydraulic accumulator stores energy in the form of pressurized hydraulic fluid. It can supplement pump flow during peak demands, absorb pressure spikes and shocks, and maintain system pressure when the pump is off.

What does the ISO cleanliness code measure in hydraulic fluid?

Answer: The number and size distribution of solid contaminant particles per milliliter of fluid

The ISO cleanliness code (ISO 4406) quantifies fluid contamination by reporting the number of particles per milliliter at three size thresholds: 4 microns, 6 microns, and 14 microns, expressed as range codes (e.g., 18/16/13).

What is the function of a directional control valve in a hydraulic circuit?

Answer: To control the path of fluid flow to direct actuator movement

A directional control valve controls which path hydraulic fluid takes through the circuit, determining the direction of movement of cylinders and motors — extend/retract, clockwise/counterclockwise, or neutral (stopped).