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ENGINEERING ESSENTIALS: DOUBLE ACTING HYDRAULIC CYLINDER

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Bishop Lifting Services
ENGINEERING ESSENTIALS: DOUBLE ACTING HYDRAULIC CYLINDER

When pneumatic or Hydraulic systems produce linear motion, the cylinder becomes an essential component to convert the fluid flow and pressure to velocity and force, respectively. These days a double-acting hydraulic cylinder is most commonly used.

The high force and linear motion that are produced by the cylinders are some of the big reasons why designers specify the pneumatic and hydraulic systems in the very first place. One of the basic power components of fluids, the cylinders got to evolve into an endless array of sizes, distinctive designs, and configurations. This versatility doe not only makes a design more-innovative but also makes many application the reality that won’t be practical or possible without any cylinders such as a double-acting hydraulic cylinder.

Basics of cylinder

The most common configuration is a double-acting cylinder. If you check the image below, you will notice a pressurized routing fluid is flown into the rod end of the double-acting hydraulic cylinder. This causes the piston rod to retract. If we check it conversely, the routing pressurized fluid is flown into the cap end that causes the rod to extend. Simultaneously, the fluid from the opposite side is flown back into the hydraulic reservoir.

Note:- If the fluid medium is air, then it is usually vented into the atmosphere.

Since the rod-end area of the piston is smaller than the area of the cap-end, the extension force will be much higher than the retraction force (assuming the pressures of equal fluid). Because the volume of the total cylinder will be less with the fully retracted cylinder ( because of the volume of the rod) than when the cylinder would be fully extended, a cylinder will retract much faster than it is extended (assuming the rates of equal flow).

Maintenance of the double-acting hydraulic cylinder 

You must always make sure to clean the cylinders after every operation. Also, make sure that you store the double-acting hydraulic cylinder in a dry place for the prevention of corrosion and rust. It is not just limited to a double-acting hydraulic cylinder. You must do the maintenance of every lifting equipment such as electric trolley, travel trolley, etc. 

Inspection 

Make sure that you inspect the double-acting hydraulic cylinder at regular intervals. Also, make sure that you hire certified and trained professionals to check the working of the cylinder. They will be trained and thus will provide you with deep insight into the applications. Like maintenance, the same is the case with the inspection; you must always take special measures to check the lifting equipment such as fall arrest harness, travel trolley, etc. 

Wrapping it up!!

To conclude, it is always good to purchase a double-acting hydraulic cylinder or any other lifting equipment from a well-established brand. The tiger products are the most selling brand because of its reliability and durability. Always ensure that you do your homework prior to making any purchase of the lifting equipment. As mentioned-above you must do regular maintenance and inspection of lifting equipment.

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