A short history of hydraulics

Hydraulics is a branch of science concerned with the use of fluids, and how they can be used to generate and transmit force.

The first hydraulic systems were developed more than 4000 years ago by the Egyptians, who applied the principles in their canal and irrigation systems. The Greeks and the Romans also used similar principles to power water clocks and water wheels. The first known use of hydraulics to move machinery occurred in China circa 100 AD.

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Around the 17th Century, scientists and mathematicians started to look more in-depth at how the laws of physics applied to hydraulics, pressure, and fluid motion. Real-life applications that followed included the City of London’s hydraulic system which delivered pressurised water to drive machinery in factories, and the oil-based hydraulic system that was used to control the guns on the USS Virginia.

In the early 1900s, self-contained hydraulic units were developed for use in a wide range of applications.

Hydraulic power systems

There are five key elements in hydraulic power systems: the pump, the driver, the motor, the control valves, and the load.

Hydraulics are widely used in numerous industries. Modern aircraft use them to operate their landing gear and brakes, and most automobiles use hydraulic power in their braking and steering systems. Hydraulic fracturing (fracking) is used for the extraction of both natural gas and petroleum.

What is a hydraulic power pack?

A hydraulic power pack is a self-contained unit consisting of an engine or electric motor, a valve, a hydraulic pump, and a hydraulic tank reservoir. It is essentially a portable power-delivery system. These are particularly useful in locations where there is no easily-accessible power source.

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Possible solution

If you think that a hydraulic power pack could be the solution you are looking for, there are plenty of specialist companies with excellent online content that you can peruse to help you make a decision, such as the examples seen at https://www.hydraproducts.co.uk.

In conclusion, hydraulic systems are increasingly popular for a number of reasons. They are easy to control, accurate, powerful, and easy to maintain.