What is power hydraulics and where is it used?

What is power hydraulics and where is it used?
Darrius Drew
Manufacturing and machinery/Other
It takes approx. 3 minutes to read this article

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As the world of automation grows in popularity, more and more industries are using hydraulic power to improve productivity in their endeavors. Fluid power systems are widely used and ideal when large amounts of force or torque are needed, such as crushing or pressing materials, digging, lifting and moving large amounts of earth. Although not as popular as electromechanical energy, fluid power has many undeniable advantages that make it excellent for many industries.

Current power vs. fluid power

For industries that haven’t taken the step to upgrade their manufacturing processes with hydraulics, there are several advantages to highlighting the implementation of hydraulic power to automate and speed up the entire operation. Instead of using electricity as a power source, companies are turning to hydraulics for a safer energy source. Despite being used all over the world, electricity can be extremely dangerous, especially in certain environments or conditions. In hazardous areas, such as those that deal with flammable vapors or liquids, it only takes one spark to set an entire factory on fire. Hydraulics reduce the risk of sparks leading to fires because the only element that generates energy is pressurized fluids.

Efficiency

Hydraulic systems are also much more efficient transmitters of power. Using simple levers and buttons makes it easier to start, stop, accelerate and decelerate hydraulic power, allowing for greater control. Using only hydraulic drive, these systems are free of the excessive gears, pulleys or levers that electric motors have. While hydraulic motors don’t have these components, that doesn’t mean they can’t handle the load that an electric motor can handle. In fact, they are almost identical.

Hydraulic motors are also much smaller than electric motors. With the high power-to-weight ratio of a hydraulic motor, you could probably hold a 5 hp hydraulic motor in your hand, but a 5 hp electric motor can weigh 18 pounds or more.

Energy savings

Hydraulic systems offset energy demands with batteries. These simple devices store energy as a pressurized fluid and release it at any speed when needed. This means that hydraulic power also saves energy when machines need to move slowly. Most electric motors have trouble operating efficiently at lower speeds. They can be inefficient in reduction.

For the most part, hydraulic systems are simple, safe, and efficient power sources because they use fewer moving parts with less dangerous components compared to electric systems. Hydraulic power units can also be custom built, making them versatile for use in many industries. Contact hydraulic experts to learn more about how your business can benefit from hydraulic power and a custom hydraulic power system. If you already have one, it’s helpful to know how hydraulic cylinder remanufacturing, etc.

Hydraulic pumps are still widely used in industrial environments. Injection molding machines, presses (shearing, stamping or bending, etc.), material handling, elevators, conveyors, mixers, forklifts, pallet jacks, foundries, steel mills, slicers, etc.

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