Contents

1.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................... 2

1.2 Fluid Power And It’s Scope .................................................................................................................. 2
1.3 Classification of Fluid Power Systems ............................................................................................... 5
1.4 Hydrostatic and Hydrodynamic Systems ........................................................................................... 6
1.5 Advantages of A Fluid Power System ................................................................................................. 6
1.6 General Layout of Hydraulic System ................................................................................................... 7
1.7 Advantages of Hydraulic System ........................................................................................................ 9
1.8 Disadvantages of Hydraulic System ................................................................................................. 10
1.9 Application of Hydraulic System ....................................................................................................... 10
1.10 Difference Between Hydraulic System and pneumatic System ...................................................... 11
1.11 Principles of Hydraulic Fluid Power .................................................................................................. 12
1.12 Basic Electrical Devices ..................................................................................................................... 13
1.13 References .......................................................................................................................................... 17
1.1 Introduction
In the industry, we use three methods for transmitting power from one point to another. Mechanical
transmission is through shafts, gears, chains, belts, etc. Electrical transmission is through wires, transformers,
etc. Fluid power is through liquids or gas in a confined space. In this chapter, we shall discuss the structure of
hydraulic systems and pneumatic systems. We will also discuss the advantages and disadvantages and
compare hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, and mechanical systems.

1.2 Fluid Power And It’s Scope

 Fluid power is the technology that deals with the generation, control, and transmission of forces and
movement of mechanical elements or systems with the use of pressurized fluids in a confined system.
Both liquids and gases are considered fluids. The fluid power system includes a hydraulic system
(hydra meaning water in Greek) and a pneumatic system (pneuma meaning air in Greek). Oil hydraulic
employs pressurized liquid petroleum oils and synthetic oils, and pneumatic employs compressed air
that is released to the atmosphere after performing the work.
 Perhaps it would be so that we clarify our thinking on one point. By the term “fluid” we refer to air or oil,
for it has been shown that water has certain drawbacks in the transmission of hydraulic power in
machine operation and control. Commercially, pure water contains various chemicals (some
deliberately included) and also foreign matter, and unless special precautions are taken when it is used,
it is nearly impossible to maintain valves and working surfaces in satisfactory condition. In the cases
where the hydraulic system is closed (i.e., the one with a self-contained unit that serves one machine or
one small group of machines), oil is commonly used, thus providing, in addition to power transmission,
benefits of lubrication not afforded by water as well as increased life and efficiency of packings and
valves. It should be mentioned that in some special cases, soluble oil diluted with water is used for
safety reasons. The application of fluid power is limited only by the ingenuity of the designer,
production engineer, or plant engineer. If the application pertains to lifting, pushing, pulling, clamping,
tilting, forcing, pressing or any other straight line (and many rotaries) motions, it is possible that fluid
power will meet the requirement.
 Fluid power applications can be classified into two major segments:
▪ Stationary hydraulics: Stationary hydraulic systems remain firmly fixed in one position. The
characteristic feature of stationary hydraulics is that valves are mainly solenoid operated. The
applications of stationary hydraulics are as follows:
• Machine tools and transfer lines.
• Lifting and conveying devices.
• Metal-forming presses.
• Plastic machinery such as injection-molding machines.
• Rolling machines.
• Lifts.
• Food processing machinery.
• Automatic handling of equipment and robots.
• Production and assembly of vehicles of all types.
▪ Mobile hydraulics: Mobile hydraulic systems move on wheels or tracks such as a tower crane
or excavator truck to operate in many different locations or while moving. A characteristic
feature of mobile hydraulics is that the valves are frequently manually operated. The
applications of mobile hydraulics are as follows:
• Automobiles, tractors, airplanes, missiles, boats, etc.
• Construction machinery.

Prof. Jigar J. Vaghela, Department of Mechanical Engineering

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 • Tippers, excavators, and elevating platforms.
• Lifting and conveying devices.
• Agricultural machinery.
 Hydraulics and pneumatics have almost unlimited applications in the production of goods and services
in nearly all sectors of the country. Several industries are dependent on the capabilities that fluid power
affords.

Table 1.1 - More applications of fluid power

Agriculture Tractors; farm equipment such as

mowers, plows,
chemical and water sprayers,
fertilizer spreaders, harvesters
Automation Automated transfer lines, robotics
Automobiles Power steering, power brakes,
suspension systems,
hydrostatic transmission
Aviation Fluid power equipment such as
landing wheels in aircraft.
Helicopters, aircraft trolleys,
aircraft testbeds, luggage loading
and unloading systems, ailerons,
aircraft servicing, flight simulators
Construction For metering and mixing of
concrete rudders, excavators,
industry/equipment
lifts, bucket loaders, crawlers,
post-hole diggers, road graders,
road cleaners, road maintenance
vehicles, tippers
Defense Missile-launching systems,
navigation controls
Entertainment Amusement park entertainment
rides such as roller coasters
Fabrication industry Hand tools such as pneumatic
drills, grinders, borers,
riveting machines, nut runners
Food and beverage All types of food processing
equipment, wrapping, bottling,
Foundry Full and semi-automatic molding
machines, tilting of furnaces, die-
casting machines
Glass industry Vacuum suction cups for handling
Instrumentation Used to create/operate complex

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 instruments in space
rockets, gas turbines, nuclear
power plants, industrial labs
Jigs and fixtures Work holding devices, clamps,
stoppers, indexers
Machine tools Automated machine tools,
numerically controlled(NC)
machine tools
Materials handling Jacks, hoists, cranes, forklifts,
conveyor systems
Medical Medical equipment such as
breathing assistors, heart assist
devices, cardiac compression
machines, dental drives, and
human patient simulator
Movies Special-effect equipment use fluid
power; movies such as
Jurassic Park, Jaws, Anaconda,
Titanic
Mining Rock drills, excavating equipment,
ore conveyors, loaders
Newspapers and periodicals Edge trimming, stapling, pressing,
bundle wrapping
Oil industry Off-shore oil rigs
Paper and packaging Process control systems, special-
purpose machines for
rolling and packing
Pharmaceuticals Process control systems such as
bottle filling, tablet placement,
packaging
Plastic industry Automatic injection molding
machines, raw material
feeding, jaw closing, movement of
slides of blow molder
Press tools Heavy-duty presses for bulk metal
formation such as sheet
metal, forging, bending, punching,
etc.
Printing industry For paper feeding, packaging
Robots Fluid power operated robots,
pneumatic systems

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 Ships Stabilizing systems, unloading and
loading unit, gyroscopic
instruments, movement of
flatforms, lifters, subsea
inspection equipment
Textiles Web tensioning devices, trolleys,
process controllers
Transportation Hydraulic elevators, winches,
overhead trams
Undersea Submarines, undersea research
vehicles, marine drives, and
control of ships
Woodworking Tree shearers, handling huge logs,
feeding clamping and
saw operations

 The following are the two types of hydraulic systems:

Fluid transport systems: Their sole objective is the delivery of a fluid from one location to another to
accomplish some useful purpose. Examples include pumping stations for pumping water to homes,
cross-country gas lines, etc.
Fluid power systems: These are designed to perform work. In fluid power systems, work is obtained by
a pressurized fluid acting directly on a fluid cylinder or a fluid motor. A cylinder produces a force
resulting in linear motion, whereas a fluid motor produces a torque resulting in rotary motion.

1.3 Classification of Fluid Power Systems

The fluid power system can be categorized as follows:

1.3.1 Based on the control system

 Open-loop system: There is no feedback in the open system and performance is based on the
characteristics of the individual components of the system. The open-loop system is not accurate and
error can be reduced by proper calibration and control.
 Closed-loop system: This system uses feedback. The output of the system is fed back to a comparator
by a measuring element. The comparator compares the actual output to the desired output and gives
an error signal to the control element. The error is used to change the actual output and bring it closer
to the desired value. A simple closed-loop system uses servo valves and an advanced system uses
digital electronics.

1.3.2 Based on the type of control

 Fluid logic control: This type of system is controlled by hydraulic oil or air. The system employs fluid
logic devices such as AND, NAND, OR, NOR, etc. Two types of fluid logic systems are available:
▪ Moving part logic (MPL): These devices are miniature fluid elements using moving parts such
as diaphragms, disks, and poppets to implement various logic gates.
Prof. Jigar J. Vaghela, Department of Mechanical Engineering
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 ▪ Fluidics: Fluid devices contain no moving parts and depend solely on interacting fluid jets to
implement various logic gates.

 Electrical control: This type of system is controlled by electrical devices. Four basic electrical devices
are used for controlling the fluid power systems: switches, relays, timers, and solenoids. These devices
help to control the starting, stopping, sequencing, speed, positioning, timing, and reversing of actuating
cylinders and fluid motors. Electrical control and fluid power work well together where the remote
control is essential.
 Electronic control: This type of system is controlled by microelectronic devices. The electronic brain is
used to control the fluid power muscles for doing work. This system uses the most advanced type of
electronic hardware including programmable logic control (PLC) or microprocessor (P). In the electrical
control, a change in system operation results in a cumbersome process of redoing hardware
connections. The difficulty is overcome by programmable electronic control. The program can be
modified or a new program can be fed to meet the change of operations. Many such programs can be
stored in these devices, which makes the systems more flexible.

1.4 Hydrostatic and Hydrodynamic Systems

 A hydrostatic system uses fluid pressure to transmit power. Hydrostatics deals with the mechanics of
still fluids and uses the theory of equilibrium conditions in the fluid. The system creates high pressure,
and through a transmission line and a control element, this pressure drives an actuator (linear or
rotational).
 The pump used in hydrostatic systems is a positive displacement pump. The relative spatial position of
this pump is arbitrary but should not be very large due to losses (must be less than 50 m). An example
of pure hydrostatics is the transfer of force in hydraulics.
 Hydrodynamic systems use fluid motion to transmit power. Power is transmitted by the kinetic energy
of the fluid. Hydrodynamics deals with the mechanics of moving fluid and uses flow theory. The pump
used in hydrodynamic systems is a non-positive displacement pump.
 The relative spatial position of the prime mover (e.g., turbine) is fixed. An example of pure
hydrodynamics is the conversion of flow energy in turbines in hydroelectric power plants.
 In oil hydraulics, we deal mostly with the fluid working in a confined system, that is, a hydrostatic
system.

1.5 Advantages of A Fluid Power System

 Oil hydraulics stands out as the prime moving force in machinery and equipment designed to handle
medium to heavy loads. In the early stages of industrial development, mechanical linkages were used
along with prime movers such as electrical motors and engines for handling loads. But the mechanical
efficiency of linkages was very low and the linkages often failed under critical loading conditions. With
the advent of fluid power technology and associated electronics and control, it is used in every industry
now.
 The advantages of a fluid power system are as follows:

Prof. Jigar J. Vaghela, Department of Mechanical Engineering

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Oil Hydraulics and Pneumatics (3151913) | Unit-1 Introduction
 1. Fluid power systems are simple, easy to operate, and can be controlled accurately: Fluid power
gives flexibility to equipment without requiring a complex mechanism. Using fluid power, we can
start, stop, accelerate, decelerate, reverse, or position large forces/components with great accuracy
using simple levers and push-buttons. For example, in earth-moving equipment, a bucket carrying a
load can be raised or lowered by an operator using a lever. The landing gear of an aircraft can be
retrieved to the home position by the push button.
2. Multiplication and variation of forces: Linear or rotary force can be multiplied by a fraction of a
kilogram to several hundreds of tons.
3. Multifunction control: A single hydraulic pump or air compressor can provide power and control for
numerous machines using valve manifolds and distribution systems. The fluid power controls can
be placed at a central station so that the operator has, at all times, complete control of the entire
production line, whether it be a multiple operation machine or a group of machines. Such a setup is
more or less standard in the steel mill industry.
4. Low-speed torque: Unlike electric motors, air or hydraulic motors can produce a large amount of
torque while operating at low speeds. Some hydraulic and pneumatic motors can even maintain
torque at a very slow speed without overheating.
5. Constant force or torque: Fluid power systems can deliver constant torque or force regardless of
speed changes.
6. Economical: Not an only reduction in required manpower but also the production or elimination of
operator fatigue, as a production factor, is an important element in the use of fluid power.
7. Low weight to power ratio: The hydraulic system has a low weight to power ratio compared to
electromechanical systems. Fluid power systems are compact.
8. Fluid power systems can be used where safety is of vital importance: Safety is of vital importance
in air and space travel, in the production and operation of motor vehicles, in mining and
manufacture of delicate products. For example, hydraulic systems are responsible for the safety of
take-off, landing, and flight of airplanes and spacecraft. Rapid advances in mining and tunneling are
the results of the application of modern hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

1.6 General Layout of Hydraulic System

Components of Hydraulic System

 A basic hydraulic system has the following components:

1. Oil reservoir 2. Rotary pump

3. Pressure relief valve 4. Direction control valve
5. Flow control valve 6. Double-acting cylinder
7. Pressure gauge 8. Filter

Oil Reservoir
 The main function of the "oil reservoir" is to store a sufficient amount of hydraulic oil in the system.

 Apart from this, it has other important functions such as:

(a) To cool the hot return oil.
(b) To settle down the contaminants.
(c) To remove air bubbles.
Prof. Jigar J. Vaghela, Department of Mechanical Engineering
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Oil Hydraulics and Pneumatics (3151913) | Unit-1 Introduction
 (d) To separate water from the oil.

Fig.1.1 - Layout of general hydraulic system

Rotary pump
 The function of the rotary pump is to pump hydraulic oil to the hydraulic circuit'.

 It converts the mechanical energy (rotation of shaft) into hydraulic energy.

 A rotary pump is a positive displacement pump. It can deliver constant flow even at high pressure.

Pressure relief valve

 It is an important component which is required for every positive displacement pump

 This valve is connected to the outlet of the pump. Its main function is to release the oil back tank when
the pressure increases beyond the pre-set value.

Direction control valve

 It controls the direction of the flow of oil, by which it performs extension and retraction of the actuator.

Flow control valve

 It Controls the rate of flow of oil by which the speed of extension or retraction of the actuator is
controlled.

Actuator
 The actuator produces work. There are two types, linear actuator, and rotary actuator.

Prof. Jigar J. Vaghela, Department of Mechanical Engineering

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Oil Hydraulics and Pneumatics (3151913) | Unit-1 Introduction
  The linear actuator is called a cylinder, the rotary actuator is called a motor.

 A double-acting cylinder develops force and motion. It converts hydraulic energy into mechanical
energy.
Force developed = Pressure of oil x Area of a piston

Pressure gauge
 It is an important component of the hydraulic system.

 It shows the pressure reading.

 Pressure settings are made by looking at the pressure gauge.

 Without a pressure gauge, it is not possible to make the pressure relief valve setting, unloading valve
settings, etc.

Filter
 Its main function is to remove suspended solid contaminants from the oil and to provide clean
hydraulic oil to the system.

1.7 Advantages of Hydraulic System

 Hydraulic power is easy to produce, transmit, store, regulate and control, maintain, and transform.

 The weight to power ratio of a hydraulic system is comparatively less than that for an electro-
mechanical system. (About 8.5 kg/kW for electrical motors and 0.g5 kg/kW for a hydro system).
 It is possible to generate a high gain in force and power amplification.

 Hydraulic systems are uniform and smooth, generate step-less motion and variable speed and force to
greater accuracy.
 The division and distribution of hydraulic power are simpler and easier than other forms of energy.

 Limiting and balancing of hydraulic forces are easily performed.

 Frictional resistance is much less in a hydraulic system as compared to a mechanical movement.

 Hydraulic elements can be located at any place and controlled reversely.

 The noise and vibration produced by hydraulic pumps are minimal.

 Hydraulic systems are cheaper if one considers the high efficiency -of power transmission.

 Easy maintenance of a hydraulic system is another advantage.

 Hydraulics is mechanically safe, compact, and is adaptable to other forms of power, and can be easily
controlled.
 Hydraulic output can be both linear, rotational, and angular. The use of flexible connections in the
hydraulic system permits the generation of compound motion without gears etc.
 Hydraulics is a better over-load safe power system. This can be easily achieved by using a pressure
relief valve.

Prof. Jigar J. Vaghela, Department of Mechanical Engineering

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Oil Hydraulics and Pneumatics (3151913) | Unit-1 Introduction
  Accurate feedback of load, position, etc. can be achieved in a hydraulic system as an electro-hydraulic
and digital electronic servo system. Because of high power and accurate control possibility, in modem
engineering language hydraulics is termed as the muscle of the system and electronics its nerves.

1.8 Disadvantages of Hydraulic System

 Hydraulic elements have to be machined to a high degree of precision which increases the
manufacturing cost of the system.
 Certain hydraulic systems are exposed to unfriendly climate and dirty atmosphere as the in case of
mobile hydraulics like dumpers, loaders, etc.
 The leakage of hydraulic oil poses a problem for hydraulic users.

 Hydraulic elements have to be specially treated to protect them against rust, corrosion, dirt, etc.

 Hydraulic oil may pose problems if it disintegrates due to aging and chemical deterioration.

 Petroleum-based hydraulic oil may pose fire hazards thus limiting the upper level of working
temperature. However, due to the availability of synthetic fire-resistant oils, this problem is of academic
interest nowadays. To combat the environmental effects of petroleum and chemical-based oils, efforts
are on to use biodegradable oils now.

1.9 Application of Hydraulic System

 Machine tools: CNC (computerized numerical control) machines, hydraulic presses, hydraulic shapers,
etc.
 Material handling equipment: Elevators, forklifts, cranes, lifts, and hoists, etc.

 Construction field: Earthmoving machines such as excavators, cranes, dozers, loaders, dumpers,
tippers, trucks, tractors, etc.
 Automobiles: Hydraulic brakes, hydraulic steering, hydraulic suspension, hydraulic clutch, hydraulic
power transmission, hydraulic coupling,
 Material testing laboratory: UTM (universal testing machine) and other destructive testing Machines,
BP (burst pressure) testing machine, etc.
 Aerospace: Landing gear, brakes, flight controls (such as), cargo loading door, rudder, elevator, flap,
aileron, etc.
 Railways: Hydraulic brakes, hydraulic steering, hydraulic suspension, hydraulic clutch, hydraulic power
transmission, hydraulic coupling hydraulic torque converter, etc.
 Marine field: Ship steering system, shipyards, shipbuilding.

 Medical equipment: Medical chairs and operating tables.

 Agricultural equipment: Harvesters, tractors, field sprayers, seeding machines, fertilizer, machines, etc.

Prof. Jigar J. Vaghela, Department of Mechanical Engineering

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Oil Hydraulics and Pneumatics (3151913) | Unit-1 Introduction
1.10 Difference Between Hydraulic System and pneumatic System
Table 1.2 - Difference between Hydraulic System and pneumatic System
No. Hydraulic system Pneumatic system

1 The working fluid is hydraulic oil. Working fluid is compressed air

As oil is incompressible, oil can be Air is compressible; hence air can

2 pressurized to very high pressure. (500 be pressurized to lesser pressure.
bar or even more) (Only up to 10 bar approx.)
Since pressure is high, the force Since pressure is very less, the
3 developed is also very high (thousands force developed is very less (up to I
of tones). ton)
Since pressure is high, components Components of the pneumatic
4 are very strong, made of steel, and are system are lighter in weight, are
heavy. made of aluminum.
As oil has more viscosity, it cannot Air has very less viscosity, it can
5 flow fast. Hence hydraulic systems are flow fast. Hence pneumatic
slower in operation. systems are quicker in operation.
The harder it runs, the cooler it
6 Due to continuous recirculation, the works. Free expansion of air in
temperature of oil increases. cylinders and motors causes a
chilling effect.
Hydraulic oils are petroleum-based No chance of fire hazard. Hence
7 oils; they are inflammable and there is pneumatic tools are preferably used
every chance of fire hazard if inside mines, where flammable
neglected. gasses may present.
leakage of oil results in dirty and
8 The very clean and dry surrounding
slippery Surroundings may lead to
is maintained.
accidents.
The pump used is a positive
9 displacement pump, So a pressure No need for a pressure relief valve.
relief valve is necessary.
A lubricator is necessary. Oil is
There is no need for a separable
10 mixed with the compressed air in
lubrication System, because, hydraulic
the lubricator and then supplied to
oil itself is a lubricant.
the system.
Applications: CNC. Machine tools, Applications: Material handling
11 earth moving machines, automobiles. systems, hand tools mining works,
aviation etc. automation, automobiles, etc.

Prof. Jigar J. Vaghela, Department of Mechanical Engineering

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1.11 Principles of Hydraulic Fluid Power
 In the language of physical science, anything that can flow is a fluid. Per the definition of fluid, air, oil,
and water are nothing but fluids since all of them can flow. In our discussion here, we will concentrate
only on oil as the present-day hydraulic system uses oil. The operation of a fluid power system, i.e. a
hydraulic system using oil is governed by the basic physical laws of fluid flow as developed by a great-
scientist Blaise Pascal (1648). This law is known as "Pascal's law".

Fig.1.2 - Potential head is independent of shape and size

Law of Hydrostatics
 The law of hydrostatics states that the pressure p of a fluid at rest increases on increasing the depth.
This means that,
p = Pressure = wh where,
w = specific weight of the liquid
h = depth or 'head' of the fluid
 It refers to a specific datum, the head defined by position L is called the potential head, hand the total
head represented by (h + z) is the piezometric head.

𝒑
𝒉+𝒁= +𝒁
𝒘
 From the above, we understand that every liquid exerts pressure on its base area by its weight. The
pressure is dependent on the height of the liquid column and its density irrespective of the shape or
geometry of the container.
 Mathematically Hydrostatic Pressure is equal to

𝒑=𝒉∗𝛒∗𝐠

h = height of fluid column

ρ = density of liquid
g = acceleration of free fall.

Prof. Jigar J. Vaghela, Department of Mechanical Engineering

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Oil Hydraulics and Pneumatics (3151913) | Unit-1 Introduction
1.12 Basic Electrical Devices
 Seven basic electrical devices commonly used in the control of fluid power systems are:

1. Manually actuated push button switches

2. Limit switches
3. Pressure switches
4. Solenoids
5. Relays
6. Timers
7. Temperature switches

 Other devices used in electro pneumatics are

1. Proximity sensors
2. Electric counters

1.12.1 Push-button switches

 A push-button is a switch used to close or open an electric control circuit. They are primarily used for
starting and stopping of operation of machinery.
 They also provide manual override when the emergency arises. Push-button switches are actuated by
pushing the actuator into the housing. This causes a set of contacts to open or close.
 Push buttons are of two types

i) Momentary push button

ii) Maintained contact or detent push button
 Momentary push buttons return to their un-actuated position when they are released. Maintained (or
mechanically latched) pushbuttons have a latching mechanism to hold it in the selected position.
 The contact of the pushbuttons distinguished according to their functions,

i) Normally open (NO) type

ii) Normally closed (NC) type
iii) Change over (CO) type

1.12.2 Limit switches

 Any switch that is actuated due to the position of a fluid power component (usually a piston rod or
hydraulic motor shaft or the position of load is termed as a limit switch. The actuation of a limit switch
provides an electrical signal that causes an appropriate system response.
 Limit switches perform the same function as push button switches. Push buttons are manually
actuated whereas limit switches are mechanically actuated.
 There are two types of classification of Limit switches depending upon the method of actuation of
contacts
i) Lever actuated contacts
ii) Spring-loaded contacts

 In lever type limit switches, the contacts are operated slowly. In spring-type limit switches, the contacts
are operated rapidly.

Prof. Jigar J. Vaghela, Department of Mechanical Engineering

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Oil Hydraulics and Pneumatics (3151913) | Unit-1 Introduction
  Figure 1.3 shows a simplified cross-sectional view of a limit switch and its symbol.

Figure 1.3 - Cross-sectional view of a limit switch

1.12.3 Pressure switches

 A pressure switch is a pneumatic-electric signal converter. Pressure switches are used to sense a
change in pressure and opens or closes an electrical switch when a predetermined pressure is reached.
Bellow or diaphragm is used to sense the change of pressure.
 Figure 1.4 shows a diaphragm type of pressure switch. When the pressure is applied at the inlet and
when the pre-set pressure is reached, the diaphragm expands and pushes the spring-loaded plunger to
make/break contact.

Figure 1.4 - Cross-sectional view of a pressure switch

Prof. Jigar J. Vaghela, Department of Mechanical Engineering

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Oil Hydraulics and Pneumatics (3151913) | Unit-1 Introduction
1.12.4 Solenoids
 Electrically actuated directional control valves form the interface between the two parts of an electro-
pneumatic control. The most important tasks of electrically actuated DCVs include.
i) Switching supply air on or off
ii) Extension and retraction of cylinder drives
 Electrically actuated directional control valves are switched with the aid of solenoids. They can be
divided into two groups:
i) Spring return valves only remain in the actuated position as long as current flows through
the solenoid
ii) In the initial position, all solenoids of an electrically actuated DCVs are de-energized and
the solenoids are inactive. A double valve has no clear initial position, as it does not have a
return spring. Double solenoid valves retain the last switched position even when no
current flows through the solenoid.
 The possible voltage levels for solenoids are 12 V DC, 12V AC, 12 V 50/60 Hz, 24V 50/60 Hz, 110/120V
50/60 Hz, 220/230V 50/60 Hz.

1.12.5 Relays
 A relay is an electromagnetically actuated switch. It is a simple electrical device used for signal
processing. Relays are designed to withstand heavy power surges and harsh environmental conditions.
When a voltage is applied to the solenoid coil, an electromagnet field results. This causes the armature
to be attracted to the coil core.
 The armature actuates the relay contacts, either closing or opening them, depending on the design. A
return spring returns the armature to its initial position when the current to the coil is interrupted. A
cross-sectional view of a relay is shown in Figure 1.5.
 A large number of control contacts can be incorporated in relays in contrast to the case of a push-
button station. Relays are usually designated as K1, K2, and K3, etc. Relays also possess the
interlocking capability that is an important safety feature in control circuits. Interlocking avoids the
simultaneous switching of certain coils.

1.12.6 Timer or Time delay relays

 Timers are required in control systems to effect time delay between work operations. This is possible
by delaying the operation of the associated control element through a timer. Most of the timers we use
are Electronic timers.

Figure 1.5 - Cross-sectional view of a relay

Prof. Jigar J. Vaghela, Department of Mechanical Engineering
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Oil Hydraulics and Pneumatics (3151913) | Unit-1 Introduction
  There are two types of time relay

i) Pull in delay (on –delay timer)

ii) Drop – out delay (off delay timer)

 In the on-delay timer, shown in Figure cc, when push button PB is pressed (ON), capacitor C is charged
through potentiometer R1 as diode D is reverse –biased. The time taken to charge the capacitor
depends on the resistance of the potentiometer (R1) and the capacitance(C) of the capacitor. By
adjusting the resistance of the potentiometer, the required time delay can be set. When the capacitor is
charged sufficiently, coil K is energized, and its contacts are operated after the set time delay. When the
push button is released (OFF), the capacitor discharges quickly through a small resistance (R2) as the
diode bypasses resistor R1, and the contacts of relay (K) return to their normal position without any
delay.
 In the off - delay timer, the contacts are operated without any delay when the push button is pressed
(ON). The contacts return to the normal position after the set delay when the push button is released
(OFF).
 The construction and symbols of the on-delay and off-relay timers are given in Figure1.6.

Figure 1.6 - Construction features of the timer and its symbols

1.12.7 Timer or Time delay relays

 Temperature switches automatically sense a temperature change and open or close an electrical
switch when a predetermined temperature is reached. This switch can be wired either normally open or
normally closed.
 Temperature switches can be used to protect a fluid power system from serious damage when a
component such as a pump or a strainer or cooler begins to malfunction.

Prof. Jigar J. Vaghela, Department of Mechanical Engineering

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Oil Hydraulics and Pneumatics (3151913) | Unit-1 Introduction
1.13 References
1. Industrial Hydraulics by John Pippenger and Tyler Hicks, McGraw Hill.
2. Oil Hydraulic Systems, Principle and Maintenance by SR Majumdar, McGraw-Hill.
3. Fluid Power with Applications by Anthony Esposito, Pearson.
4. Hydraulic and Pneumatic Controls: Understanding made Easy, K.ShanmugaSundaram, S.Chand& Co
Book publishers.

Prof. Jigar J. Vaghela, Department of Mechanical Engineering

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Oil Hydraulics and Pneumatics (3151913) | Unit-1 Introduction