What are the components of a hydraulic system?

What are the components of a hydraulic system?

A complete hydraulic system consists of five components, namely, power element, actuating element, control element, auxiliary element (accessory) and hydraulic fluid.

Power element

The role of the power element is to convert the mechanical energy of the prime mover into the pressure energy of the liquid, referring to the hydraulic system of the oil pump, which provides power to the entire hydraulic system. The structure of the hydraulic pump is generally in the form of gear pumps, vane pumps, piston pumps and screw pumps.

Execution element

The role of the executive element (such as hydraulic cylinders and hydraulic motors) is to convert the pressure energy of the liquid into mechanical energy, drive the load for linear reciprocating or rotary motion.

Control element

Control components (i.e., a variety of hydraulic valves) in the hydraulic system to control and regulate the pressure, flow and direction of the liquid. According to the different control functions, hydraulic valves can be divided into pressure control valves, flow control valves and directional control valves. Pressure control valves, including relief valves (safety valves), pressure reducing valves, sequence valves, pressure relays, etc.; flow control valves, including throttle valves, adjustment valves, shunt collector valves, etc.; directional control valves, including check valves, liquid-controlled check valves, shuttle valves, directional valves. According to different control methods, hydraulic valves can be divided into switching control valves, fixed value control valves and proportional control valves.

Auxiliary components

Auxiliary components include oil tanks, oil filters, coolers, heaters, accumulators, tubes and pipe fittings, seals, quick-change fittings, high-pressure ball valves, hose assemblies, pressure measurement fittings, pressure gauges, oil level gauges, oil temperature gauges and so on.

Hydraulic oil

Hydraulic oil is the working medium for transferring energy in the hydraulic system, and there are various mineral oils, emulsions and synthetic hydraulic oils and other major categories.