Engineering and Technology College

Department of MEng & MaEng

FP& EM Control Systems
CH-2:
Fluid Power System Components
Prepared by Hailemariam B. (MSc)
 Components of Fluid Power Systems
A Fluid power system (circuit) is a group of components
such as pumps, compressors, control valves, actuators, and
tanks that arranged so that to perform a specific useful task.

Fluid power system is a term describing hydraulic and

pneumatic technologies systems. Both technologies use a
fluid (liquid or gas) to transmit power from one location to
another. With hydraulics, the fluid is a liquid (usually oil),
whereas pneumatics uses a gas (usually compressed air)

Hydraulic and pneumatic circuits are developed using

graphic symbols for all components. ANSI(American
National Standards Institute) symbols will be used here.
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 A) Basic Components Hydraulic System
There are eight basic components required in a hydraulic system and their functions.
1. A reservoir /tank is used to hold the hydraulic oil.
2. An actuator to convert the fluid power into mechanical power to perform useful work.
3. A pump is used to force the fluid from the reservoir.
4. An electric motor/power source is required to drive the pump.
5. Valves are used to control the direction, pressure and flow rate of a fluid.
6. Piping system carries the hydraulic oil from one place to another.
7. Filters are used to remove any foreign particles so as keep the fluid system clean and
efficient.
8. Pressure regulator regulates (i.e. maintains) the required level of pressure in the hydraulic
fluid
 A) Components of Hydraulic Systems

Fig.1.5 Components of Hydraulic Systems (Construction

and Symbols) 4
Double Acting Cylinder Control Circuit

Hold Extend
Retract
the (Push the
(Pull the
Lever Lever)
Lever)
 Components of Hydraulic System
Hydraulic systems typically consist of the following components
1. Hydraulic Pump: The hydraulic pump is responsible for generating
the flow and pressure of the hydraulic fluid. It converts mechanical
energy, typically provided by an electric motor or an internal combustion
engine, into hydraulic energy.
 A pump is the heart of the hydraulic power transmission system
because it converts mechanical energy (Rotary or Reciprocating) into
hydraulic energy or pressure energy of fluid. It is driven by electricity
or combustion engines or other sources.
 A hydraulic pump is used to circulate a hydraulic fluid, usually oil
under high pressure through pipes to put hydraulic actuators in
motion.
 Classifications of Hydraulic Pumps
Pump can be classified as Static (positive displacement pump)
when the fluid flow is discontinuous flow and dynamic pump
(non-positive displacement pump) when the fluid flow is
continuous flow.
Transmission of Power at Static and Dynamic States
A hydrostatic system uses fluid pressure to transmit power.
Hydrostatics deals with the mechanics of fluids and uses the
theory of equilibrium conditions in fluid. The system creates
high pressure, and through a transmission line and a control
element, this pressured fluid drives an actuator (linear or
rotational).
The pump used in hydrostatic systems is a positive
displacement pump (Static pump). An example of pure
hydrostatics is the transfer of force in hydraulics. Here the
flow is discontinuous flow.
 Classifications of Hydraulic Pumps
Transmission of Power at Static and Dynamic States
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 (Dynamic pump). Here the flow is
continuous flow. 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.
Classifications of Hydraulic Pumps
Classifications of Hydraulic Pumps
Classifications of Hydraulic Pumps
Hand-Operated Hydraulic Jack

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 Performance Characteristics of Pumps
The following parameters describe a pump’s performance.
Pump Capacity (Q): It is the volume of water per unit time delivered by the
pump. It is usually expressed in liters per minute or, for larger pumps, cubic
meter per second (m3/s).
Head (H): It is a head against which a pump has to work; and it is also called
Manometric head (Hm). It is given by, H = pump outlet head – pump inlet head
Brake Power (BP): It is the shaft power input. The source of brake power is
usually electric motor.
Pump Efficiency (η): The percent of shaft power input (brake power)
transferred to the fluid power. In other words, it is the overall efficiency (η0) of
the pump which is discussed above in ‘the losses and efficiencies of pump’.
Pump Selection: Pumps are selected by taking into account a number of
considerations/calculations such as Flow rate requirements (m3/s), operating
pump speed (rpm), pump size (volumetric displacement), system pressure (Pa),
power required and pump performance, reliability, maintenance, wear, lose,
cost and noise.
 Cont…
Components Hydraulic systems
2. Hydraulic Actuators: Hydraulic actuators, such as hydraulic
cylinders and hydraulic motors, are devices that convert hydraulic energy
into mechanical work. Hydraulic cylinders generate linear motion, while
hydraulic motors produce rotary motion.
3. Hydraulic Control Valves: Control valves are used to regulate the
flow and pressure of the hydraulic fluid. They enable precise control of
the actuators by directing the flow of fluid to various components and
controlling the actuator's speed and direction.
4. Hydraulic Lines and Fittings: Hydraulic lines and fittings connect
the various components of the hydraulic system, allowing the hydraulic
fluid to flow between them. They need to be designed and installed to
handle the high pressures and ensure leak-free operation.
 B) Basic Components of Pneumatic Systems
 Pneumatic systems use pressurized gases to transmit and
control power. Typically air is used as the fluid medium
from safety, availability and low-cost as point of view.
 Also because of its low inertia as compared with liquids,
responses (acceleration & deceleration, opening and
closing of valves) are fast. Pneumatics systems exhaust
to the atmosphere.
 Generally, pneumatic systems are less expensive. But
because of compressibility precise controlled actuator
velocities is impossible.
 Pneumatics are limited to low pressure systems for safety
reasons (<250 psi [17 bar], tank explosions).
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 B) Components of a Pneumatic System
Pneumatic systems have components that are similar to those used in hydraulic systems.
There are eight basic components required in a hydraulic system and their functions.
1. Compressor is used to compress the fresh air drawn from the atmosphere.
2. External power supply (Motor) is used to drive the compressor.
3. Storage reservoir is used to store a given volume of compressed air.
4. Control valves are used to control the direction, flow rate and pressure of compressed air.
5. Pneumatic actuator converts the fluid power into mechanical power to perform useful work.
6. Piping system carries the pressurized air from one location to another.
7. Air filters are used to filter out the contaminants from the air.
8. Air cooler are used to reduce the temperature of the compressed air.
B) Components of Pneumatic Systems

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 Pneumatic System Components
Pneumatic systems typically consist of the following components
Compressor: A compressor is used to compress atmospheric air and
supply compressed air to the pneumatic system. The compressed air is
stored in a receiver or reservoir for immediate use.
Actuators: Pneumatic actuators, such as pneumatic cylinders, are
devices that convert the energy stored in compressed air into mechanical
motion. Pneumatic cylinders generate linear motion when the
compressed air is applied to the cylinder, causing a piston or rod to
move.
Control Valves: Control valves are used to regulate the flow of
compressed air to the pneumatic actuators. They control the direction,
speed, and force of the actuator's motion by opening or closing specific
pathways for the compressed air.
Air Treatment Components: Pneumatic systems often include
components for air treatment, such as filters, regulators, and lubricators
(FRL). Filters remove contaminants from the compressed air, regulators
control the air pressure, and lubricators provide lubrication to the moving
 Pneumatic System Components
Pneumatic systems typically consist of the following components
Lines and Fittings: Pneumatic lines and fittings connect the
various components of the pneumatic system, allowing the
compressed air to flow between them.
Pneumatic systems are widely used in various industries and
applications due to their advantages, such as simplicity, low cost,
clean operation, and quick response time. Common applications of
pneumatic systems include industrial automation, robotics,
packaging machinery, material handling, automotive systems, and
HVAC systems.
However, pneumatic systems also have some limitations, including
limited power capacity compared to hydraulic systems, lower
precision, and sensitivity to changes in ambient conditions. These
factors need to be considered when selecting and designing
pneumatic systems for specific applications.
Difference b/n Hydraulic System and Pneumatic System

Pneumatic system is a power transmission

system.

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 Hydraulic and Pneumatic Accessories
1. Filters, Regulators, and Lubricators (FRL): FRL units are used to
ensure the quality and proper functioning of the fluid or air supply to the
actuators. They typically consist of three components:
•Filters: Filters remove contaminants such as dirt, debris, and
moisture from the fluid or air supply, preventing them from entering
the actuators and causing damage or reduced performance.
•Regulators: Regulators control and maintain the desired pressure
level in the system. They ensure that the actuators operate within the
specified pressure range.
•Lubricators: Lubricators introduce a controlled amount of
lubricating oil into the compressed air supply to minimize friction
and wear in the pneumatic system. They help ensure smooth
operation and extend the life of pneumatic components.
2. Pressure Gauges: Pressure gauges are used to measure and monitor the
pressure levels in hydraulic and pneumatic systems. They provide visual
feedback on the system's operating pressure, allowing operators to ensure
that the system is functioning within the desired range.
 Hydraulic and Pneumatic Accessories
3. Accumulators: Accumulators are energy storage devices used in
hydraulic systems to store pressurized fluid. They can absorb and release
energy when needed, providing a source of power for peak demands or
emergency situations. Accumulators help improve system efficiency,
reduce pressure fluctuations, and act as a safety mechanism in case of
power loss.
4. Pressure Relief Valves: Pressure relief valves are safety devices used
to protect hydraulic and pneumatic systems from overpressure. They
automatically release excess pressure in the system, preventing damage
to the actuators or other components.
5. Hoses, Fittings, and Tubing: These components are used to connect
the actuators, control valves, and other system elements. They provide a
pathway for the fluid or compressed air to flow through the system.
Hoses, fittings, and tubing come in various sizes, materials, and
configurations to suit different system requirements.
 Exercise
1. Sketch and explain the structure and ANSI graphic symbol
of hydraulic control system
2. 2. Sketch and explain the structure and ANSI graphic
symbol of pneumatic control system
 THANK YOU
FOR YOUR
ATTENTION!!!