Chapter 1 - Introduction to Fluid Power

Chapter 1Chapter 1

The Fluid Power FieldThe Fluid Power Field

Introduction to Fluid Introduction to Fluid PowerPower

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ObjectivesObjectives

Define the terms fluid power, hydraulic system, and pneumatic system.

Explain the extent of fluid power use in current society and provide several specific examples.

List the advantages and disadvantages of fluid power systems.

Discuss scientific discoveries and applications important to the historical development of the fluid power industry.


Definition of Fluid Definition of Fluid PowerPower

A fluid power system consists of a prime mover turning a pump to pressurize a fluid, which is transmitted through lines to an actuator that performs work.


Definition of Fluid Definition of Fluid PowerPower

Fluid power systems are generally grouped under two broad classifications:– Hydraulics– Pneumatics

Hydraulic systems generally use oil as the system fluid, while pneumatic systems use air.


Fluid Power SystemsFluid Power Systems

Comparisons of hydraulic and pneumatic systems may be done by analyzing:– Operating pressure– Accuracy of actuator movement– Actuator speed– Component weight– System cost



Hydraulic systems are accurate, operate at high pressures, are slow, and have strong components.

(Brand X)



Compared to hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems:– Are less accurate– Are faster– Have components that are lighter in weight



Advantages of both hydraulic and pneumatic systems include easy control of:– Force– Torque– Speed– Direction of actuators


History of Fluid PowerHistory of Fluid Power

The natural movement of air and water was used in the earliest applications of fluid power.

Some industries still use this natural movement.

Glowimages



Wind and watermills were used as prime movers to provide power until well into the Industrial Revolution, which occurred in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries.



Early wind and watermills had very low power outputs. The output was usually in the 3 to 5 horsepower range, with an output of 15 horsepower considered high.

Historians feel that many early machines/devices were developed and operated using empirical knowledge, rather than scientific theory.



Archimedes is credited with the discovery in the third century BC of the principle of buoyancy. This is one of the earliest recorded scientific theories.

Scientists such as Pascal, Boyle, Charles, Reynolds, and others provided information that served as a theoretical base for the use of fluids in scientific and industrial applications.



James Watt perfected the steam engine, which influenced many aspects of the Industrial Revolution including fluid power components and systems.

Comstock



Accurate machining and the development of effective sealing devices had a positive effect on the early development of hydraulic presses.

Photo courtesy of Apple Rubber Products, Inc.



Compact, self-contained power units, which contained the prime mover, pump, and reservoir, were developed in the early 1900s.

These units had considerable influence on the development of fluid power as we know it today.



Self-contained power units

Continental Hydraulics


Fluid Power TodayFluid Power Today

Fluid power systems are used extensively throughout business and industry today.

Glowimages



Few products are not influenced in some way by fluid power systems.



Fluid power in various forms is widely used in everyday life.

PhotoDisc


Review QuestionReview Question

The physical components in a fluid power system are used to _____, _____, and _____ power to produce the desired results in an application.

generate; transmit; control



Name six industries in which fluid power applications contribute to daily operations and long-term business success.

Manufacturing, transportation, mining, agriculture, construction, and recreation. (other answers are possible)



The pneumatic fluid power system is generally considered to be the most expensive to operate because of the cost of _____, _____, and _____ the air.

compressing; conditioning; distributing



It is generally believed by historians that much of the early development of fluid power was based on _____, rather than on an understanding of scientific principles.

practical experimentation, or tinkering

Chapter 1 - Introduction to Fluid Power

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