Hydraulic valve technology

Here's another Flint Hydraulics Tech Tip: Like most technologies, hydraulic valve technology has advanced far beyond what it was 45 years ago when automated grading was in its infancy. Modern valve systems incorporate capabilities that not only simplify the installation of an add-on valve system, they make it possible for the contractor to take full advantage of the capabilities of advanced control systems without compromising the integrity of his machine's hydraulic system.

Danfoss open circuit axial piston pumps

Danfoss open circuit axial piston pumps are efficient, reliable, and built to meet the demands of a highly responsive hydraulic system. Maximum torque meets superior work function. Call Flint Hydraulics, Inc. today at 901-794-4884, or email sales@flinthyd.com.

Advantages of mobile directional control valves

Here's another Flint Hydraulics Tech Tip: Mobile directional control valves are designed to avoid messy installations that industrial control valves require. Worse than the appearance of such an installation are the negative functional consequences: hydraulic system inefficiency (manifested in excessive heat, noise and fuel usage); system damage (shortened pump life, broken hydraulic lines, cracked cylinders, hydraulic oil degradation, etc.); inadequate control (slow blade response, jerky blade movement, inability to hold blade position, overshooting, etc.)

The Purpose of a Machine Control Valve System

Here's another Flint Hydraulic Tech Tip: The grade-cutting blade of a machine must be controlled in three ways: direction, speed and position. A hydraulic directional control valve, as the name implies, controls the direction of oil flow in a hydraulic system. Flow direction determines the direction of the hydraulic cylinder (extension/retraction) which, in turn, moves the machine's blade (up/down; tilt right/left; side shift right/left).

Hydraulic valve engineering

Here's another Flint Hydraulics Tech Tip: The hydraulic valve is the interface between the automatic machine control system and the machine's hydraulic system. It stands to reason, therefore, that the hydraulic valve and its related plumbing ought to be as carefully engineered as are the other two major systems in the application. 

Pressure inversely proportional to piston area

Here's another Flint Hydraulics Tech Tip: Two cylinders each independently lifting equal weight loads will not develop identical pressures unless the cylinders' piston areas are equal. For example, a 5-inch diameter cylinder raising a 50,000 pound load will develop 2,545.82 PSI, but a 2.5-inch bore diameter cylinder will have pressure of 10,187.44 PSI. Need help troubleshooting your hydraulic system? Call our team of certified fluid power specialists today at 901-794-4884 or email sales@flinthyd.com.

Resistance to flow causes pressure

Here’s another Flint Hydraulics Tech Tip: What causes pressure in a hydraulic system? This is one of the least understood facts about hydraulics. The answer to the question is simple – resistance to flow causes pressure in a hydraulic system. Hydraulic pumps do not “pump” pressure; they create flow. When the flow from the pump encounters resistance, pressure results. Need help troubleshooting? Call our team of experienced troubleshooters today at 901-794-4884 or email sales@flinthyd.com.   

Load resistance & pressure in a hydraulic system

Here’s another Flint Hydraulics Tech Tip: Load resistance is one of the main sources of pressure in a hydraulic system. How high will the pressure rise? Just as a horse will not pull any harder than required to move a load, similarly, hydraulic pressure will rise no higher than is necessary to move a load. Need help troubleshooting your system? Call our experienced team today at 901-794-4884 or email sales@flinthyd.com.   

Danfoss Plus+1 programmable displays

Monitoring vehicle performance has never been easier. Danfoss displays give a customized all-in-one overview of your vehicle's CAN-based network, providing just what operators need for continuous monitoring, control and diagnostics. Many options are available with Danfoss Plus+1 programmable displays - from plug and play to customized operator interfaces with optional external camera. All Danfoss displays provide an integrated operating network that brings together the entire hydraulic system on your vehicle. Whatever your needs, Danfoss displays can monitor every hydraulically-controlled detail, from oil pressure to machine angles. Call us today at 901-794-4884, or visit http://www.flinthyd.com/danfoss-electronic-controllers.html.

How hydraulics affect machine performance

Here's another Flint Hydraulics Tech Tip: The engineering of an add-on valve system can affect machine performance. A machine control system sales representative/installer who understands the effect of everything he adds to a hydraulic system is able to offer his customer top value for his money. An installer who does not understand the relationship among all the components of a hydraulic system is likely to leave his customer with unsatisfactory system performance and possibly with a damaged hydraulic system. Call our team of experienced hydraulic system installers at 901-794-4884 today, or visit http://www.flinthyd.com/engineering_design_services.html.

Output power from a hydraulic system

Here's another Flint Hydraulics Tech Tip: The output power from a hydraulic system cannot increase if the input power to the hydraulic system does not increase. In other words, the power capability of any hydraulic system is limited by the available power from the engine or electric motor that drives the pump. Additionally, although the engine may have power to spare, an increase in hydraulic system output power depends not only on engine power capability but also on the ability of the hydraulic system to transmit power from the engine. Need help troubleshooting? Call our team of certified fluid power specialists today at 901-794-4884, or visit us online at http://www.flinthyd.com/engineering_design_services.html.

Force and Speed in Hydraulic System

Here's another Flint Hydraulics Tech Tip: The relationship between force and speed applies to all motion, no matter the means of transmitting power. When power is transmitted through a hydraulic system, speed is measured as flow rate - usually gallons per minute - and force is measured as pressure - usually pounds per square inch. An increase in speed or force means the power requirement goes up. If the flow rate (speed) of a hydraulic system doubles, the power from the system doubles. If the pressure (force) doubles, the power output of the system doubles. If both flow rate and pressure double, the output power of the system quadruples. Want to maximize your system's efficiency? Call our troubleshooters today at 901-794-4884 or email sales@flinthyd.com.

Hydraulic transmission system

If a hydraulic system is not a source of power, what is it? Hydraulics is defined as: The means of transmitting power through pressure applied on a confined liquid. The key word here is transmitting. A hydraulic system is a transmission system; its function is the same as that of the transmission in a car – to transmit the power output of the prime mover so the power can be used to do work.  It is important to note that it is not only the hydraulic pump that is the “transmission;” every component of the hydraulic system is part of a transmission system. A hydraulic system can deliver to the machine no more power than the amount of power put into the hydraulic pump by the engine, and an improperly designed hydraulic system can significantly reduce the power delivered to the working parts of a machine. Need help troubleshooting your hydraulic system? Call us today at 901-794-4884 or email sales@flinthyd.com.

Prime Movers in Hydraulic Systems

Here's another Flint Hydraulics Tech Tip: A hydraulic system is not a source of power. In a hydraulic system, the engine or electric motor that drives the pump, called the prime mover, is the source of power. The typical prime movers of hydraulic systems in mobile equipment applications are diesel or gasoline engines; in industrial hydraulic applications electric motors are more common. Regardless of the type of prime mover, however, the principles of hydraulic power are the same.

Flow rate vs. flow velocity

Here's another Flint Hydraulics Tech Tip: Most hydraulic system users are familiar with the term "flow rate," but "flow velocity" is just as important. Flow rate is the volume per unit of time, whereas flow velocity is the distance per unit of time. Excessive flow velocity can cause oil aeration, power loss, system overheating and other problems. As a rule, undersized hydraulic plumbing causes excessive velocity. Need help troubleshooting? Call our team of Certified Fluid Power Specialists today at 901-794-4884 or email sales@flinthyd.com.

Pressure in a Hydraulic System

Here's another Flint Hydraulics Tech Tip: Fluids always follow the path of least resistance. If your hydraulic system cannot develop sufficient pressure to operate your machine, and if you're sure the pump is sound, there is a defect in your system flow path. Troubleshooting can be time-consuming and frustrating, but it's more effective than replacing expensive parts that aren't causing the problem. Call our team of Certified Fluid Power Specialists today at 901-794-4884, or email sales@flinthyd.com.

Hydraulic Fluid

Here's another Flint Hydraulics Tech Tip: What is the most important part of a hydraulic system? The fluid. Hydraulic fluids are not created equal; they do not all have the same capabilities. Every hydraulic component manufacturer specifies fluid parameters that MUST be adhered to if the component is to work properly and last a long time. Need help troubleshooting your system? Call our team of certified fluid power specialists today: 901-794-4884. Or email us at sales@flinthyd.com.