ME 8694 - HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS
2 MARKS QUESTION AND ANSWER
UNIT – I
FLUID POWER SYSTEMS AND FUNDAMENTALS
PART – A (2 MARKS)
1. State any four desirable characteristics of hydraulic pumps. (Apr/May 2005)
a. Pumps should provide safe and maximum system working pressure
b. They should have high volumetric and overall efficiency
c. They should be compact and also have higher power-to-weight ratio.
d. They should possess the variable displacement control
2. Name any four drawbacks of fluid power systems. (Apr/May 2005)
a. Hydraulic fluid leakage poses many problems to the operations as well as
operators
b. Flammable hydraulic fluid may pose fire hazards thus limiting the upper level of
working temperature.
c. Hydraulic elements requires special against rust, corrosion, dirt etc. otherwise the
contaminated elements may impair the system operation.
d. Hydraulic fluid may pose problems if it disintegrates due to ageing and chemical
deterioration.
3. Define fluid power. (Nov/Dec 2005)
a. Fluid power is defined as the technology that deals with the generation, control,
and transmission of power using pressurized fluids.
4. How do you classify direction control valves? (Nov/Dec 2005)
Based on the number of ports present, the DCVs are classified as followed as:
a. Two way valve
b. Three way valve, and
c. Four way valves.
5. Define viscosity and bulk modulus of a hydraulic fluid (May/June 2006)
Viscosity may be defined as the shearing force required to move two plane surfaces
relative to one another with a film of fluid between them.
Bulk modulus is the measure of compressibility of a fluid. It is the reciprocal of
compressibility.
6. Give the expression used to determine the wall thickness and inside diameter of a
hydraulic conductor. (May/June 2006)
Do−Di
i. Wall thickness, t =
2
b. and inside diameter of a hydraulic conductor, Di =
√ 4A
π
1. where Do = conductor outside diameter,
and
a. A = required pipe flow area
7. What is meant by fluid power? (Nov/Dec 2006)
Fluid power is defined as the technology that deals with the generation, control, and
transmission of power using pressurized fluids.
8. Explain the term friction factor (Nov/Dec 2006)
Friction factor is a dimensionless number required to calculate the energy losses due to
friction in the pipe. For laminar flow, the friction factor ‘f’ is friction of Reynolds number
only where as for turbulent flow ‘f’ is a function of Reynolds number as well as the relative
roughness of the pipe.
9. Differentiate pressure compensated and non-pressure compensated pumps
(Nov/Dec 2006)
In pressure compensated pump, the pump flow can be made to zero. Such a pump has its
own protection against excessive pressure built up. Also there is no power waste and reduced
fluid heading. Whereas non-pressure compensated pumps are hydraulically unbalanced and
cause undesirable side load on the bearings of the pump.
10. Draw the hydraulic symbols for a pressure-temperature compensated flow control
valve and bidirectional motor. (Nov/Dec 2006)
11. State four advantages of fluid power (Nov/Dec 2007)
a. Ease and accuracy of control
b. Multiplication of torque
c. Constant force or torque.
d. Simplicity, safety, and economy
12. What is viscosity index? What do you infer from V.I. number of oil? (Apr/May
2008)
The viscosity index (V.I) of a liquid is a number indicating the effect of a change in
temperature on viscosity.
The rate of change in viscosity with changes in temperature is relatively less with high
V.I oils than the low V.I oils.
13. State the effect of temperature and pressure on viscosity of gases (Nov/Dec 2008)
The viscosity of gases increase with increase in temperature. Over the normal range of
pressure, the viscosity of gases is found to be independent of pressure.
14. For the following graphical symbols shown, identify their modes of operation
(Nov/Dec 2008)
(a) Pedal operation
(b) Solenoid actuation.
15. List out any four desirable properties of hydraulic fluids (May/June 2009)
a. Stable viscosity characteristics,
b. Good lubricity
c. Compability with system materials and
d. Good heat dissipation capability
16. Give the symbol of variable vane pump and pressure compensated flow control
valve. (May/June 2009)
17. Give any two differences between hydraulic power and pneumatic power
(April/May 2010)
Sl.N Hydraulic Pneumatic
Description
o System System
Pressurized Compressed
1 Medium
liquid air/gas
Energy
2 Accumulator Reservoir
storage
Source of
3 Hydraulic pump Compressor
power
18. Give expression used to determine friction factor for laminar flow through pipes
(April/May 2010)
For laminar flow, the friction factor (f) is function of Reynolds number only and is given
84
by f = ℜ
19. Why are hydraulic systems preferred for heavy work than the pneumatic systems?
(Nov/Dec 2010)
The hydraulic power systems can generate the transmit large torques and forces with high
pressures to any part of a machine. That’s why they are preferred for heavy work.
20. What is neutralization number of hydraulic fluid? Give its significance. (Nov/Dec
2010)
The neutralization number is a measure of acidity or alkalinity of a hydraulic
fluid.
High acidity causes the oxidation rate in an oil to increase rapidly.
21. Define fluid power. (Coimbatore Nov/Dec 2010)
Fluid power may be defined as the technology that deals with the generations, control,
and transmission of power using pressurized fluids.
22. What is difference between hydraulics and pneumatics? (AU Coimbatore Nov/Dec
2010)
The hydraulic system employs pressurized liquid (such as oil ) as the fluid medium
whereas the pneumatic system employs compressed air.
23. List the advantages of fluid power systems. (AU Coimbatore Nov/Dec 2010)
1. Ease and accuracy of control
2. Multiplication of force
3. Constant force or torque
4. Simplicity, safety, and economy.
24. Name two undesirable results when oil with a viscosity that is too high. (AU
Coimbatore Nov/Dec 2010)
The undesirable effects are:
1. Increase in load and hence increased power loss.
2. High operating temperature because there will be internal friction
3. Excessive wear of parts
4. Reduced internal leakage.
25. Name two undesirable results when oil with a viscosity that is too high. (AU
Coimbatore April/May 2010)
UNIT II
HYDRAULIC SYSTEM AND COMPONENTS
UNIT III
DESIGN OF HYDRAULIC CIRCUITS
UNIT IV
PNEUMATIC SYSTEMS AND COMPONENTS
1. What is the function of bleed off circuits? (April/May 2005)
Bleed-off circuit is used to control the flow of fluid in both directions of flow or on a
specific line and limits speed in only one direction of the cylinder travel.
2. What is meant by Interlock contacts? (April/May 2005)
Interlock contact are nothing but relay contact. Relays are switches whose contacts open
or close when their corresponding coils are energized. The relay contacts provide
interlock capability, which prevent the accidental energizing of two solenoids at the
opposite ends of a valve spool. This safety feature can prevent the burn out of one or
both of these solenoid.
3. What is ladder diagram? (Nov/Dec 2005)
The ladder diagram is a representation of hardware connections between switches, relays,
and solenoids, etc. which constitute the basic components of an electrical control system.
The left leg of the ladder connected to the power and the right to the ground.
4. What is air-oil intensifier? (Nov/Dec 2005)
Air-over-oil intensifier is used for driving a cylinder over a large distance at a low
pressure and the n over a small distance at high (such as in punch press application).
5. What is “meter-in” circuit? What is their limitation? (April/May 2006)
In ‘meter-in’ circuit , the flow control valve is placed in the line leading to the inlet port
of the cylinder
Limitation: There will be a drop in oil pressure fed to the cylinder due to throttling effect
of the flow control valve. Hence for a low pressure system, meter-in circuit is not
preferred.
6. What is a relay? (April/May 2006)
Relay is nothing but electrically operated switches. It offers simple ON/OFF
switching action in response to a signal issued by a control system.
7. Give the standard graphical symbol for FRL unit. (April/May 2006)
8. What is the need of lubricator unit in the pneumatic system? (April/May 2006)
The function of the lubricator unit is to add a controlled amount of oil with air to
ensure proper lubrication of internal moving parts of pneumatic components.
9. Name the various types of filters used in the pneumatic system. (April/May 2006)
Dry filters (with replaceable cartridges), and
Wet filters (where the incoming air is bubbled through an oil bath then passed
through a wire mesh filter)
10. State the role of PLC in fluid power system (Nov/Dec 2006)
PLCs are designed as replacement for hard-wired electro-mechanical relays to control
fluid power systems.
11. Draw s circuit to automatically reciprocate a pneumatic cylinder using a pressure
switch (Nov/Dec 2006)
12. What is twin pressure valve? (Nov/Dec 2006)
Twin pressure valve, like counter balance valve , permits free flow in one direction
and restricted flow in the opposite direction.
13. What is an intensifier? (Nov/Dec 2007)
Intensifier, also known as pressure intensifier or pressure booster, is a device used
to compress the liquid in a hydraulic system to a value above the pump discharge
pressure. It is analogous to a step-up electrical transformer.
14. What are the reasons for pressure drop in pneumatic lines? (Nov/Dec 2007)
The reasons include sudden change in volume, leakage exist in the circuit line,
change in temperature, bends, and restrictions presents in the pipe line.
15. How are the air compressors classified? (Nov/Dec 2007)
Reciprocating types – Piston type and diaphragm type compressors.
Rotary types – Screw type, flow type and vane type compressors.
16. What is the use of a temperature switch? (April/May 2008)
A temperature switch is an instrument that automatically senses a change in
temperature and opens or closes an electrical switching element when a predetermined
temperature point is reached.
17. How can you specify an air compressor? (April/May 2008)
Air compressors are generally rated by the following:
Outlet pressure of air that can be delivered by the compressor,
Capacity or volume of air that can be delivered by the compressor, and
Compressor configuration and cylinder geometry.
18. What is meant by an air-over-oil system? (April/May 2008)
The air-over-oil system was both air and oil to obtain the advantages of each medium.
By the use of these two media, the quick action of air and the smooth high-pressure
action of oil can be blended.
19. How can you specify an air compressor? (April/May 2008)
Air compressors are generally rated by the following:
UNIT V
DESIGN OF PNEUMATIC CIRCUITS
1. Mention any two roles of pneumatic systems in low cost automation. (April/May
2005)
Pneumatic systems are popularly used for low cost automation (LCA) application
due to their low cost, ease of fabrication, and safe operation.
2. What do you understand by single shot sequencing? (April/May 2005)
By sequencing a number of cylinders, various machining and tooling operation
may easily be obtained in a machine. By using sequencing, the cylinders can be actuated
one after another in sequence like clamping, drilling, unclamping, etc.
3. What is a power pack? (Nov/Dec 2005)
Power pack consists of pump, electric motor, reservoir and associated valving
assembled to one unit to supply pressurized fluid. They are relatively small in size and
provide function of pressure, directions and flow control within the basic package.
4. How do microprocessors differs from PLCs? (Nov/Dec 2005)
The advantages of PLCs over microprocessors are given below:
PLCs are rugged and designed to withstand vibrations, temperature, humidity and
noise.
The interfacing for input output in inside the controller.
They are easily programmed and have an easily understood programming
language.
5. Give the Harris formula used to determine the pressure drop in pipes for pneumatic
circuits. (April/May 2006)
2
0.1025 LQ
20. Pf = 5.31
3600 ( CR ) X d
1. Where Pf = Pressure loss (psi),
a. L= Length of pipe (ft)
b. Q = Flow rate (scfm),
c. CR = Compression ratio = Pressure in pipe /atm pressure,
and
d. d = Inside diameter of pipe(in)
6. What is a microprocessor? (April/May 2006)
Microprocessor is the central processing unit (CPU) of a micro-computer. It is the
heart of the microcomputer. It is a semiconductor device. It includes arithmetic and logic
unit, register arrays, and control circuits on a single chip.
7. What is servo valve? How does it work? (April/May 2006)
Servo valves are nothing but DC valves having infinitely variables positioning capability
A servo system is one in which the comparatively large amount of power is controlled by
small impulse or command signals and any errors are corrected by feedback signals.
8. Define Coanda effect. (April/May 2006)
“When a stream of fluid meets other stream, the effect is to change its direction of flow
and effect is the fluid sticks to the wall”
9. How do you rate a compressor? (Nov/Dec 2006)
Air compressors are generally rated by the following:
Outlet pressure of air that can be delivered by the compressor,
Capacity or volume of air that can be delivered by the compressor, and
Compressor configuration and cylinder geometry.
10. What are the important components of a hydraulic power pack? (Nov/Dec 2006)
Hydraulic power pack consist of the pump, drive motor, mechanical coupling, oil
reservoir, strainers, filters, coolers etc.
11. Define fluidics (Nov/Dec 2007)
Fluidics is the technology that utilizes fluid flow phenomena in components and
circuits to perform a wide variety of control functions (such as sensing , memory, timing
and interfacing).
12. What is a regenerative system in a pneumatic circuit? (Nov/Dec 2007)
Regenerative circuits is used to speed up the extending speed of a double-acting
cylinder in such a way that the pipelines to both ends of the cylinder are connected in
parallel and that on the ports of four way valve blocked.
