Horsepower: Mathematically, hydraulic horsepower is expressed as follows:
horsepower equals flow, in gallons per minute (gpm), times pressure, inch-pounds
per square inch (psi), divided by 1714, a constant. In our illustration we are lifting
10,000 pounds (this is our force) a distance of 1 foot (this is the work to be
accomplished). If we lift our load in 2 seconds we have defined a power requirement.
This may be expressed as hydraulic horsepower. To lift our 10,000 pounds a
distance of one foot in 2 seconds we must have a required flow rate at a specific
pressure, based on cylinder size and the pump flow discharge. In this illustration a
10 gpm pump is required to extend the cylinder in 2 seconds. The pressure
requirement to lift the 10,000 pounds is 1500 psi. Based on our formula our
theoretical horsepower requirement would be 8.75.
Heat: The law of conservation of energy states that energy can neither be created nor
destroyed, although it can change its form. Energy in a hydraulic system that is not
used for work takes the form of heat. For example, if we have 10 gpm going through a
relief valve which has a pressure setting of 1500 psi, we can calculate the energy
being converted to heat.
[Return to Table of Contents] 5
NOTES
[Return to Table of Contents] 6
