What is power hydraulics and where is it used?

Hydraulic power is a kind of engine that sets in motion the majority of heavy construction, railway, or industrial machinery. Hydraulic systems enable the colossal work of excavators, loaders, tractors, and more. They are almost ubiquitous, powering virtually every sector of industry and services. We consulted experts from Banat, a company that operates a nationwide hydraulic power service, to understand where hydraulic power is used and what it entails.

What is hydraulic power?

For over a decade, Banat has been providing hydraulic power services, specializing in the repair and regeneration of hydraulic pumps, actuators, and other components used in hydraulic power systems. Experts at Banat, a well-known and highly regarded company throughout Poland, explain that hydraulic power is nothing more than a system of specialized parts that, when connected in a closed circuit, set a machine or its parts in motion. This is achieved through a fluid that circulates in the hydraulic system under high pressure. In simple terms, a hydraulic pump forces the mentioned fluid (oil) to move in the system, generating energy. This energy is then utilized by a hydraulic actuator to set the machine in motion by converting the fluid’s energy into linear or rotational movement.

Hydraulic power consists of various elements that must work together efficiently for a machine based on this technology to operate effectively, work continuously, and handle heavy loads. Any leakage or even minor contamination of the fluid in the system can disrupt the machine’s operation or render it completely inoperative. Hence, regular inspections and professional hydraulic power service are crucial for the performance and reliability of fluid-powered devices. The key components of hydraulic power include hydraulic pumps, valves, hoses and hydraulic distributors, actuators, hydraulic accumulators, and filters.

Where is hydraulic power used?

Hydraulic power is highly efficient and versatile. It is used in almost every industry – hydraulic presses are used in the production of various goods, hydraulic lifts operate in warehouses, hydraulic components are installed in waste compactors or garbage trucks removing pollutants from our environment. Such machines work in forests, wood processing plants, and fields across every corner of Poland. Hydraulic power is also one of the essential technologies for construction. Hydraulic systems drive excavators, loaders, rollers, and cranes. Machines powered by hydraulic systems can be found in railways, aviation, and the automotive industry. It’s impossible to imagine shipbuilding, metallurgy, or mining without hydraulic power.

The widespread use of hydraulic power results primarily from the high efficiency of hydraulic systems and, despite everything, their low failure rate. However, it’s essential to remember that hydraulic power systems can be quite complicated in practice, and their operation often occurs in challenging conditions, such as high temperatures or heavy dust. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain the technical condition of machines using hydraulic power, promptly respond to alarming symptoms accompanying the operation of hydraulic pumps, such as unusual sounds, and systematically commission hydraulic power service and machine inspections. Regular hydraulic power service reduces the risk of failures, thus avoiding significant costs associated with repairing relatively expensive hydraulic components.

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