Describe the differences between the following. Include diagrams.

a. Open center hydraulic circuit

Within an open center system, as the pump turns flow is generated and then directed back to the tank
through a central passage within the directional control valve. When one of the directional control valve’s
spools is stroked, the flow is focused toward a load and pressure is created. Once the pressure exceeds
the load, the load moves and the hydraulic work is executed.

b. Closed center hydraulic circuit

Flow within a closed center system is also created with the turning of the pump; however, only enough
flow is being produced to keep the pump lubricated and to achieve a standby pressure at the directional
control valve. In a closed center system, when a spool is stroked a passage is exposed for the flow to enter
while a pressure signal is sent from the directional control valve to the pump. This pressure signal informs
the pump to then produce the flow needed to complete the hydraulic work.
2) Where is an inline hydraulic pressure filter used?
1) Pressure Line Filter
In this case the filter provided in the pressure line or in other words the delivery line which is after the
pump. This allowes to trap any debris that might enter the system components however this does not
stop any debris from entering the pump. This debris over a time period might damage the pump and
might require the replacement.

Return Line

Delivery or
pressure Line
Suction Line

Where is a hydraulic return oil filter used?

As the name suggests the filter is provided in the return line combing back to the reservoir after the oil has passed
through the pump, directional control valve and the actuators (or any other system components depending on the
system). Much like the kidney loop, return-line filters are versatile. They can be positioned almost anywhere within
the return line circuit, either mounted inline or built into the reservoir. This filter clears off any impurities that
might be present in the system components itself and has now mixed in the oil when the system is running.

What are some characteristic differences between the following:

a. Inline hydraulic pressure filter
• High-pressure filters offer protection from catastrophic pump failure and are a worthwhile
investment for high-performance systems.
• One disadvantage of high-pressure filters is, ironically, the high pressure. Since the housing has
to withstand high pressure, they can be heavy and difficult to handle while carrying out filter
change.
b. Hydraulic return oil
• Usually have low-pressure housings, which are less expensive than their high-pressure
counterparts.
• Return-line filters can be sensitive to flow surges that can degrade their performance. These
surges can be caused by multiple valves shifting simultaneously or from flow intensification from
cylinders. This means it is important to size return-line filters for maximum anticipated flow.
• In order to regulate standard between manufacturers, this means that replacement cartridges
from sources other than the original may not be completely interchangeable
What are some characteristic differences between the following Hydraulic pump and
Hydraulic motor?
• From the definition of two kinds of hydraulic components, they are different. Hydraulic pumps are
components that absorb mechanical kinetic energy to produce hydraulic energy. Hydraulic motors are just
the opposite.
• Hydraulic pump is connected with the prime mover, and the pump shaft has no additional radial load;
while hydraulic motor is connected with the load, such as sprockets, pulleys, gears and so on, its main
shaft will bear a higher radial load.
• The low-pressure chamber of the hydraulic pump is usually vacuum. In order to improve the oil
absorption performance and anti-cavitation ability, the suction nozzle is usually larger than the high-
pressure nozzle; but the hydraulic motor has no such requirement.
• Hydraulic motors need positive and negative rotation, so the internal structure should be symmetrical;
and hydraulic pumps generally rotate in one direction, so there is no such requirement.
• The speed range of hydraulic motor is very wide, so it should be satisfied when choosing bearing form and
lubrication mode. For example, low-speed hydrodynamic bearings, because it is difficult to form oil film, it
is appropriate to choose rolling bearings or hydrostatic bearings; while hydraulic pumps, although high
speed but small change, do not have this harsh requirement.
• The minimum stable speed of hydraulic motor is low. Some hydraulic motors require variable speed and
brake.
• Hydraulic Motors should have large start-up torque to overcome static friction during start-up and
enough start-up torque when the minimum pressure fluctuation occurs. For example, in order to reduce
the internal friction of the hydraulic motor, the number of teeth of the gear motor is more; the
compression coefficient of the axial clearance compensation device is smaller than that of the pump.
• Hydraulic pumps must be structurally self-priming. The reason why point-contact axial plunger motors
(with no springs at the bottom of the plunger) cannot be used as pumps is that they have no self-priming
ability.
• The internal leakage of the same type of hydraulic motor is larger than that of the hydraulic pump. This is
because the leakage direction of the hydraulic motor is the same as that of the motion direction, resulting
in the motion speed involved. Hydraulic pumps are not.

What is the difference between the following?

a. Fixed displacement hydraulic pump
A fixed-displacement pump has a set flow rate — every stroke of the motor moves the same amount of
fluid. Fixed-displacement pumps are
• Simple
• Relatively inexpensive
• Easier to maintain
The simplest type of fixed-displacement pump is the gear pump, in which the hydraulic fluid is pushed by
rotating gears. In some models, the gears are sequential; in the quieter and more efficient version, the
gears are interlocking. Another common variation is the screw pump, which uses the classic Archimedes
screw, which looks much like a drill bit, to move the fluid. They have the advantage of providing a high
rate of flow at relatively low pressures.

b. Variable displacement pump.

In a variable-displacement pump, the flow rate and outlet pressure can be changed as the pump operates.
This results in pumps that are
• More complex
• More expensive
• Capable of doing a wider variety of jobs
The most common type of variable-displacement pump is the rotary vane pump, which is a variation of
the gear pump in which the ‘gear’ is offset and the ‘cogs’ aren’t fixed, but rather extend and retract as the
gear turns, allowing the pump to increase the pressure of the fluid by compacting it as it pushes the fluid
through. The top-tier pumps, however, are bent-axis piston-and-cylinder pumps, much like the ones that
are used in an internal combustion engine.
 Simple, fixed-displacement pumps are perfect for single jobs that need to be repeated indefinitely over
long periods of time; variable-displacement pumps can be used to power a wider variety of tools, but
require more expense and more attention.

What is a counterbalance valve and name one application where this is used in a hydraulic
system?
Counterbalance valves are used with cylinders to safely hold suspended loads and deal with over-running loads.
This valve can also be used with hydraulic motors and is then commonly called a brake valve. Whenever
uncontrolled movement can occur from an overrunning load, a counterbalance valve should be used. Example of
the equipment’s where it is used are forklifts, cranes

External Pilot
Line

Counter-balance
valve
Internal Pilot line

Reverse flow check

valve

Referring to the above figure, when no pressure is applied to the cap end of a cylinder, the counterbalance valve
maintains fluid pressure in the rod-end volume. The two pilot lines shown act on different surface areas inside the
counterbalance valve. The ratio of these areas is usually 3:1 or 4:1. We’ll assume the 3:1 ratio. The line connected
between the counterbalance valve and cylinder’s rod-end port acts on a small piston area (1 in.2) inside the valve.
To overcome a spring force of 1,800lb, the pressure would have to build to 1,800 psi as this pressure has moved
the orifice in closed position preventing a motion runaway.

Because the load in our example exerts a force producing only 1,500 psi, the valve remains closed. To lower the
load, the cap-end volume of the cylinder must be pressurized. The external pilot line will then be pressurized to
open the counterbalance valve. This is because the external pilot line acts on a surface area three times (3 in.2)
that which the internal pilot pressure acts on.
Actually, 1,500lb of force is already being exerted by the load on the spring. Therefore, the external pilot pressure
only has to develop 300lb of additional force to open the valve. Pressure only has to build to 100 psi on the 3 in.2
surface to develop the necessary 300 lb. of force (Fig. 2). The pressure and the weight of the load will cause the
valve to open, allowing the load to lower. The load dropping too fast would cause a pressure drop in the external
pilot line. The counterbalance valve’s spool would then partially close, preventing an uncontrolled drop of the load.

Similarly when a load is been lifted the counter balance valave remains in closed state. The fluid passes through
the reverse flow valve towards the rod-end generating enough force to lift the load and also making sure
counterbalance valve remains closed.
What is a pressure relief valve (PRV) and name one application where this is used in a
hydraulic system?
A relief valve or pressure relief valve (PRV) is a type of safety valve used to control or limit the pressure in a
system; pressure might otherwise build up and create a process upset, instrument or equipment failure, or fire.
The pressure is relieved by allowing the pressurized fluid to flow from an auxiliary passage out of the system. The
relief valve is designed or set to open at a predetermined set pressure to protect pressure vessels and other
equipment from being subjected to pressures that exceed their design limits.
Lets see the example below where fixed displacement pump is sending a flow of 10gpm through the system, in this
case the directional control valves energized in a cylinder extend position (i.e. the cylinder is been lifted). Looking
at the pressure gauge we see that the system pressure is 200psi, in order to maintain this pressure the relief valve
is set a higher pressure of 300psi. Hence this allows the fluid to flow in the required auxiliary passage and causing
no drop in pressure. For increase in the loads being lifted the pressure relief valve also needs to be adjusted in
order to make sure no loss in fluid pressure occurs

Fixed Displacement
Pump

For any increase in the loads being lifted, the pressure relief valve also needs to be adjusted in order to make sure
no loss in fluid pressure occurs. When the set pressure is exceeded, the relief valve becomes the "path of least
resistance" as the valve is forced open and a portion of the fluid is diverted through the auxiliary route. The
diverted fluid (liquid, gas or liquid-gas mixture) is usually routed through a piping system known as a flare header
or relief header to a central.