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Hydraulics Training System: How Could Your Workers Benefit from an Additional Course?

Hydraulics is the core technology in most industrial applications. It involves the mechanical properties and use of liquids. A hydraulic system is similar to pneumatics in function, only that it uses liquids instead of gases. Hydraulics are used for the generation, transmission, and control of power by utilizing pressurized liquids. Hydraulics are a component of mechatronics, which combines software, electrical, and electronics engineering in designing and manufacturing processes and products. When maintained in the right manner, hydraulic power systems can be very reliable.

Mechanical movement in hydraulic-based systems is produced by liquid pumped through cylinders moving pistons. The liquids are used to create pressure, and since liquid particles exist closely together making the liquid incompressible. When movement occurs, the particles strike each other as they bump against the container walls. Since the pressure that is applied is transferred all through the liquid in equal measure and in all directions, any force that the liquid is subjected to at a single point reaches all other points. This results in greater power transfer with increased energy efficiency since compression does not result in energy loss, except in cases where air gets into the system. For this reason, hydraulics systems are capable of greater pressure than pneumatics.

The Advantages of Hydraulic Systems in Industrial Settings

There are many reasons why a hydraulic system is described as an efficient power transmitter. To begin with, the push buttons and the simple levers make it very easy to control. One can easily start, accelerate, decelerate, or stop the system depending on the process. The ease of control makes it easy to achieve accuracy. In addition, hydraulics effortlessly handles a huge weight range due to its fluid system that doesn’t utilize cumbersome pulleys, gears, and levers. Even when there are changes in the speed of operation, it is still able to provide a constant force. Therefore, hydraulic systems are safe, simple and very economical when compared to electrical and mechanical systems, which utilize more moving parts. The few moving parts also make them easier to maintain. Furthermore, hydraulics does not cause sparks and are therefore safer to use in mines and chemical plants.

The four major benefits that make hydraulics efficient in transmitting power include:

• Easy Accuracy Control: It is easy to control the system with simple push buttons and levers.
• Constant Torque and Force: Due to the use of liquid, hydraulics systems have the ability to provide constant torque and force even when there are changes in speed.
• Multiplication of Force: The fluid power system has power multiplication capabilities that are easily achieved since there are no pulley, gears, and levers. The system can multiply force output from a mere fraction pound to several hundred tons.
• Economical, Simple, and Safe: Hydraulic systems have fewer parts when compared to other electrical and mechanical systems, making them easier to operate and maintain.

The Importance of Being Able to Effectively Troubleshoot Hydraulics

To ensure high reliability and prolonged lifespan of the system, it has to be properly maintained. Depending on the particular application, improper maintenance is bound to lead to excessive costs in repairs and may result in the need to replace specific components or the whole system. The hydraulic pump is the main component of the system and the most expensive to repair or replace. For this reason, workers who troubleshoot and work with the system should know what they are doing to avoid further damage.

How to Make Sure Your Workers Know How to Properly Troubleshoot a Hydraulics System

Formal training is the best way to equip your employees with knowledge in troubleshooting techniques. It’s therefore important to enroll them in different programs through which they can grasp basic skills for diagnosing a wide array of hydraulic system-related problems and malfunctions. With formal training, employees will also be in a position to identify minor problems that can lead to major breakdowns. Your team will be able to accurately and efficiently diagnose problems and effect repairs when they have received training in principles of hydraulics and the topics below:

• Leakage control
• Pressure problems
• Accumulators
• Hydraulic conductors and fluids
• Basic troubleshooting procedures
• Hydraulic motors, cylinders, and pumps
• Pressure, flow, and directional flow valves
• Circuit problems
• Solenoid failure
• Reservoirs, filters, and heat exchangers
• Aeration, noisy pumps and cavitation

In addition, formal training should provide the student with practical laboratory exercises as well as theoretical knowledge on various topics. Investing in employee training will increase their satisfaction and loyalty to your business.

Training your crew in hydraulics troubleshooting basics helps reduce accidents and injuries, making your facility safer. If you’re interested in having your workers learn more about hydraulics, consider enrolling them in the Hydraulic Training and System Troubleshooting seminars at NTT Training. Connect with a friendly representative today for more information about the program.