This article aims to serve as a general guide on hydraulic filtration systems, especially for persons with limited expertise on the subject. The article will be published in ten parts. In this part, we will discuss the basics of hydraulics and hydraulic systems.
Hydraulics
Foundations of modern hydraulics were laid by Blaise Pascal and other scientists around the 17th century. However, those early principles could not be widely applied in practice until the advent of washers and proper sealing methods in the twentieth century. In the last fifty years, advances in technology and manufacturing have made possible more widespread use of hydraulic principles.
Hydraulic systems use water, oils or other fluids to transmit mechanical force. In addition to liquids, gasses can also be used in pressurized hydraulic systems such as presses and jacks. Hydraulic systems are used in a wide range of cases, from water canals to spaceships.
In general, Hydraulics is the study of the techniques concerning the transmission of mechanical force through liquids.
Hydraulic Systems
Hydraulic systems are systems designed and built based on the principles of Hydraulics and are used to transmit force through fluids. There are many known advantages to these systems, including:
- Possibility of transmitting large mechanical forces
- Possibility of constant and precise re-adjustments of rate and efficiency even during operation
- Unrestricted rotational speeds
- Easily achievable changes in directions of movement and rotation
- Possibility of rapid and precise change of velocity
- Steady and stable movement of equipment
- Protection against overload
However, there are some disadvantages to using hydraulic systems, including:
- Change of fluid properties when heating
- High accuracy manufacturing requirements
- Sensitive sealing
- Mechanical forces being transferred in unwanted directions due to fluid properties
Moreover, the effects of internal friction in hydraulic fluids is one of the most important disadvantages of using these fluids. This type of friction can alter a fluid’s physical and chemical properties and weaken sealing components.
Considering these points, it is very important to take special care and precaution in design, deployment and use of hydraulic systems.