High-pressure pumps are used in various sectors. These can be commercial, industrial, and residential. From construction to installation of machinery in a building; from cleaning machines to medical equipment and even amusement rides; hydraulic systems are used in various settings.
Hydraulic systems work on the principle of pressurized liquids. This pressure is provided by hydraulic system components such as pumps. There are different kinds of hydraulic systems that provide different pressures for varying requirements. There are three factors that contribute into achieving the varying level of hydraulic pressure. These are by using different pumps such as centrifugal pumps, positive displacement pumps, reciprocating pumps, and rotary pumps; by manipulating the external power amount, and by properly sealing the pump.
Importance of hydraulic system components
Hydraulic systems work on the principle of Pascal’s law i-e force is directly proportional to pressure and inversely proportional to the area. Therefore, if you reduce the area by half, the pressure will be doubled. High-quality hydraulic system components can help make the system compact without affecting its performance.
Tips for Using Hydraulic System
1. Regular Maintenance
As you need a hydraulic system for higher pressure requirements, you have to take extra care of the components. Too much pressure can put excessive stress on the components. Therefore, regardless of the setting and environment, you are using a hydraulic system, it is important to monitor and maintain the hydraulic system regularly. Small negligence or failure can lead to dire consequences and loss of lives.
2. Adhere to Safety Guidelines
Other than regular maintenance, we strongly recommend adhering to the safety guidelines. While operating a hydraulic system, follow all the instructions. Don’t overlook measures such as wearing gloves, boots, safety glasses, or safety shoes. Get acquainted with the mechanics and functioning of the whole system before you start working on it.
3. Do not Exceed the Pressure Limit
The high pressure of the machine should not surprise you. Make sure that all hydraulic system components are in great working condition so that they remain compatible with the high pressures. If any part is weak, or cannot sustain high pressure, make sure to replace it or fix it. Under no circumstance, any component should be made subject to pressure that it exceeds its sustaining limit. If the pressure needs to change, make sure to change the whole hydraulic system. Otherwise, it will put the safety of people and the environment at risk.
With the last point in mind, let’s talk about the pressure limit and the consequences of violating it. In this section, we shall discuss the reasons and impacts of violating the pressure limit.
Reasons and Impacts of Over Pressurizing
Over-pressurization of any hydraulic system component can have grave consequences. Whether it is the motor that is subject to excessive pressure or pump, pressure must not exceed its upper limit. The basic function of a hydraulic pump is to create pressure of fluids and channel it to the required area for performing the required task. In case of excessive pressure, the components can get affected and even collapse, resulting in system malfunctioning. Over-pressurization can be a result of single component failure or multiple hydraulic system components.
The reason behind pump over-pressurization can be exceptional heat. Sometimes the pressure regulator can be out of order. This means the actual pressure cannot be measured which leads to excessive pressurization of hydraulic system components. Another reason is fluid hammer i-e when the fluid flow interrupts or stops that can lead to a shock wave. Its manifestation is visible in the form of excessive pressure.
Impacts of Over-pressurization
Excessive pressure produced by the hydraulic system is highly dangerous for the application, surrounding, and the people working in that setting. In this section of the blog, we have discussed some of the operational impacts of over-pressurization.
1. Loss of lubrication:
Lubrication is a preventive measure to protect components from undergoing excessive wear and tear. In a hydraulic system a cohesive film of lubricant i-e hydrodynamic acts as a protection for the two surfaces that come into contact with each other. Over-pressurizing wipes out the layer of hydrodynamics between two components, causing more friction between the contacting surfaces, and leading to heavy damages. It is important to exert pressure up to a limit. For calculating the pressure limit, multiply the pressure with the area. This is the maximum pressure capacity of the hydraulic system.
2. Hydraulic System Component separation
Hydraulic system component separation is also known as cylinder barrel or valve plate separation. It results from over-pressurization in the hydraulic system.
In a hydraulic pump, the cylinder barrel loads against the valve plate hydrostatically. Hydrostatic force is responsible for maintaining the hydrodynamic lubrication between components. The hydrostatic forces are effective under high pressure, however, if the pressure surpasses its defined range then the pump and cylinder barrel will separate from the valve, bringing the whole system down.
3. Mechanical damage
Pump over-pressurization can lead to grave mechanical damages such as failure of hose and seal. One small malfunctioning in one hydraulic system component can trigger operational damages across the system and can cause them to collapse. This includes impact on motors, cylinders, valves, and other metal parts. By buckling these parts, one event of over-pressurization can fail the whole system.
4. The Triggering Effect
This does not need much elaboration because once a small phenomenon of over-pressurizing takes place, not only does it delays the project but also can have dire consequences such as collateral damages and loss of lives. It is blatantly wrong to assume that one small malfunction will only create operational issues. It goes beyond that.
How to avoid over-pressurization?
With the help of regular inspection and maintenance, you can avoid over-pressurization in a hydraulic system. if you notice any kind of anomalies such as noise, temperature increase, slow functioning, and other such events, it is important to call a professional team for inspection. Overlooking such symptoms will only result in a catastrophe. You can monitor the pressure at the entrance and the exit point of the pump. Vigilant monitoring of pressure can help you address the issue of over-pressure.
SW Seal
SW Seal is a reputable brand that deals in the manufacturing of hydraulic system components, retractable coil tubings, seals, and other components used in mechanical setups. To know more about our products, visit our website.
