Hydraulic Learning
Water Tower Sizing for a Pressurized Network
Water Tower Sizing Exercise Water Tower Sizing for a Pressurized Network Context: Pressurized Water DistributionA network of pipes, tanks, and pumps that delivers water to consumers under pressure.. This exercise involves the preliminary design of an elevated water...
Pump Station Bypass Line Design
Bypass Line Flow Calculation Pump Station Bypass Line Design Context: Hydraulic NetworksThe study of pressurized pipe systems used to move fluids, such as water distribution or collection networks.. A municipal pump station needs a bypass line to maintain service...
Hydraulic Pumping System Analysis
Hydraulic Pumping System Analysis Hydraulic Pumping System Analysis Context: Pressurized Pipe FlowThe study of a fluid (like water) moving through closed conduits (pipes) under pressure, where the flow is driven by a pump or gravity.. This exercise involves a common...
Frequently Asked Questions - Hydraulics
Find answers to the most common questions about hydraulic systems here.
Hydraulics is a branch of science and technology concerned with the mechanical properties of liquids in motion or under pressure. In an industrial context, it refers to the use of pressurized fluids (usually oil) to generate, control, and transmit power. It's an effective way to multiply force for applications like presses, heavy machinery, or braking systems.
The main difference lies in the fluid used. Hydraulic systems use liquids (like oil), which are virtually incompressible. This allows them to transmit very large forces and position actuators with high precision. Pneumatic systems use a compressible gas (usually air). They are faster, cheaper, and cleaner, but cannot handle such heavy loads and offer less precision due to the compressibility of air.
A basic hydraulic circuit typically includes:
- A reservoir: to store the hydraulic fluid.
- A pump: to pressurize the fluid and make it circulate.
- A motor (electric or internal combustion): to drive the pump.
- Valves: to control the direction, pressure, and flow rate of the fluid.
- An actuator (cylinder or hydraulic motor): to convert hydraulic energy into mechanical work.
- Hoses and pipes: to transport the fluid between components.
- A filter: to remove contaminants from the fluid.
Oil (mineral or synthetic) is preferred for several reasons: it is virtually incompressible, ensuring excellent power transmission. Additionally, it lubricates the system's moving parts (pump, cylinders), protects components from corrosion, and helps dissipate the heat generated by the system's operation.
Hydraulic Press Simulator
Use the slider to increase pressure and drag on the scene to rotate.
About Us
During our studies, we quickly realized it was difficult to find practice problems covering every field of hydraulics. We felt we needed to solve this problem to improve comprehension of the coursework, and that’s how Hydraulic Learning was born.
Hydraulic Learning
Fundamentals of Hydraulics
Pipe Flow (Circuits & Networks)
Oil Hydraulics (Hydraulic Power)
Practice Problems
Water Tower Sizing for a Pressurized Network
Water Tower Sizing Exercise Water Tower Sizing for a Pressurized Network Context: Pressurized Water DistributionA network of pipes, tanks, and pumps that delivers water to consumers under pressure.. This exercise involves the preliminary design of an elevated water...
Pump Station Bypass Line Design
Bypass Line Flow Calculation Pump Station Bypass Line Design Context: Hydraulic NetworksThe study of pressurized pipe systems used to move fluids, such as water distribution or collection networks.. A municipal pump station needs a bypass line to maintain service...
Hydraulic Pumping System Analysis
Hydraulic Pumping System Analysis Hydraulic Pumping System Analysis Context: Pressurized Pipe FlowThe study of a fluid (like water) moving through closed conduits (pipes) under pressure, where the flow is driven by a pump or gravity.. This exercise involves a common...
Overall Efficiency of a Hydrostatic Transmission
Exercise: Hydrostatic Transmission Efficiency Overall Efficiency of a Hydrostatic Transmission Context: Fluid PowerThe technology of transmitting and controlling forces and motion using a pressurized fluid (usually oil). (or Power Hydraulics). This exercise focuses on...
Water Age Calculation in a Distribution Network
Water Age Calculation in Pressurized Networks Water Age Calculation in a Distribution Network Context: Water AgeThe average time water takes to travel from its source (like a treatment plant) to a specific point in the network.. Water age is a critical metric in...
Calculating the Efficiency of a Hydraulic Motor
Exercise: Hydraulic Motor Efficiency Calculating the Efficiency of a Hydraulic Motor Context: Hydraulic PowerThe field of fluid power that uses mineral or synthetic oils as a fluid to transmit power.. Hydraulic motors are rotary actuators that convert hydraulic power...
Sizing a Pump for a Hydraulic Press
Fluid Power: Pump Sizing Exercise Sizing a Pump for a Hydraulic Press Context: Sizing a Hydraulic Power Unit (HPU)The component assembly that converts primary energy (usually electric or diesel) into hydraulic power. It consists of a motor, a pump, and a reservoir.....
Hydraulic Hose Pressure DropÂ
Interactive Exercise: Hydraulic Hose Pressure Drop Hydraulic Hose Pressure Drop (Power Hydraulics) Context: Understanding Pressure DropThe loss of pressure that occurs as fluid flows through a pipe, hose, or component due to friction. in Power Hydraulics. In any...
Hydraulic Glossary
Explore the principles and components of fluid mechanics.
Term Index
Select a Term
Click a word in the index to display its detailed definition here.