Operate the hydraulic circuit components
Suggested exercises and observations
Experiment 1: Operate the directional valve to observe how the cylinder moves up and down
Question 1: What does a hydraulic directional valve do?
The directional valves switch the flow between one supply line and the other.
Experiment 2: Observe where the flow goes when the valve is shut or cylinder at maximum stroke
Question 2: Where does the fluid go when the valve is shut?
When the directional valve is closed or cylinder at full extension or retraction, the relief valve opens to allow the flow to release. Fixed displacement pumps always produce flow
Experiment 3: Change the load mass on the cylinder and observe what happens to the pressure
Question 3: Does the pump set the pressure?
No. The pressure changes with load changes. Watch the pressure gauges to observe how pressure is set by the load or relief valve, not the pump.
Experiment 4: Change the load mass on the cylinder and observe what happens to the flow
Question 4: Does the speed change when the load pressure changes?
No. The speed depends on the volume of flow that comes from the pump. Flow is measured in L/min or cuin/min.