Hydraulic Machine: Learn its Working, Types and Advantages
A hydraulic machine works on the principle of fluid power and Pascal’s law as its main working principle. It says that whenever pressure is applied on any part of the liquid in a vessel it is transmitted equally throughout that liquid in all directions eventually distributing equal pressure on the liquid.
In this article, we will learn about the basic concept of hydraulic machines, its principle along with different advantages and applications.
Hydraulic Machine
Hydraulic machines are formed on the basis of Pascal’s law. It uses pressurized incompressible fluid to perform different operations. The fluid is sent through hydraulic tubes which use the pressure of the fluid to perform that particular task. Hydraulic machines are comparable to pneumatic machines, which also follow Pascal’s law. However, the latter uses a compressible gas instead of a fluid.
Working Principle of Hydraulic Machine
Pascal’s law is the working principle for any kind of hydraulic machine. According to Pascal’s law in a hydraulic machine, the pressure applied on a piston is equal to the pressure exerted on the other piston, as it produces an equal increase in the pressure applied to the other piston. Although the pressure is the same, but for the other piston, if its area is larger then the force acting on the other piston is also larger. This is also the working of a hydraulic press.
Where the pressure is applied on the small piston area and the same force acts upon the large piston area. The pressure and force acting on fluid due to force acting on area (A) for both the cylinders would be given as
\(P=\dfrac{F_1}{A_1}\)for the smaller piston on which the pressure would be applied upon.
The resulting force \(F_2\) acting on the bigger piston would be given as
\(F_2=PA_2\)for the area of the bigger piston.
Therefore, taking ratios of both the forces would be,
\(\dfrac{F_2}{F_1}=\dfrac{A_2}{A_1}\)
Types of Hydraulic Machines
There are different types of hydraulic machines based on their applications. Some of them are discussed below.
- Hydraulic press – Commonly used to mold, punch, crush different types of objects and also form metals.
- Hydraulic lift – It is the type of machine which lifts or moves objects due to the pressure of fluid acting on it. For example – hydraulic cranes.
- Hydraulic brakes – It is the type of system which uses brake fluid either alcohol or ether which converts the pressure to the braking systems of that machine.
- Hydraulic pumps – In this machine, mechanical energy is converted into fluid pressure via a motor attached to the pump which is necessary for a hydraulic drive. For example – power steering, gear pumps etc.
Advantages of Hydraulic Machine
Different advantages of hydraulic machines are given as
- Hydraulic systems are more accurate and conserve energy.
- They are easier to maintain and are cost-effective.
- Easier to control despite working with high power conditions.
- Easy to repair.
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