What is a Hydraulic System? And How Does It Work?

What is a hydraulic system? What are its functions? Find the answer only at dimulti.id!

With the ever growing technological advancement era like now, the hydraulic system is so reliable to make every task easier in a variety of industries.

Transportation, household, manufacturing, construction, medical and even agricultural industries are rely on this system.

So, what is a hydraulic system exactly? And why is this system used in many industries? Check the information down below!

What is a Hydraulic System?

A hydraulic system is a mechanism that uses a liquid as a medium to transmit power or energy from one point to another. 

The system is based on Pascal’s law which states that the pressure applied to a liquid inside a closed container will be transmitted evenly in all directions. 

Hydraulic systems are widely used in various industrial sectors, such as heavy machinery, heavy equipment, and lifting or pressing systems that require high power with precise control. 

The advantages of a hydraulic system lie in its reliability, ability to transfer power efficiently, as well as its ability to produce large strengths even with simple devices.

Also Read: “Pros and Cons of Using Hydraulic System in Heavy Machinery“

How Does The Hydraulic System Work?

Like we stated before, the hydraulic system operates according to Pascal’s law, which states that the pressure applied to a fluid inside a closed container moves evenly in all directions.

Initially, the hydraulic pump component will be activated to pump the fluid into the cylinder.

When fluid pressure is applied to one side of the piston, the pressure energy is transformed into a mechanical energy that moves the pistons to the opposite direction.

In more complex hydraulic systems, control valves and manifolds are used to regulate fluid flow to allow precise motion control.

In a variety of applications, such as industrial engines, heavy equipment, and car braking systems, hydraulic systems convert fluid pressure into powerful, high-precision mechanical movements.

Of course you don’t need to be surprised why such heavy loads can be moved easily because of this hydraulic system.

The Uses of Hydraulic System

1. Lifting Heavy Weight

One of the most striking and main functions of the hydraulic system is to help us lift heavy weights.

The presence of the hydraulic system in heavy machinery such as a crane, excavator, forklift or even a car jack for your personal ride really make it easier for us to lift the weight that is impossible to lift.

2. Vehicle

Aside from the car jack that we used to lift our car and perform many tasks, the hydraulic system also can be present in our car/vehicle’s components.

The braking system, power steering up to your car’s transmission uses a hydraulic system to operate optimally.

On the braking system, hydraulic pressure is used to force the braking pads to move and clamp the braking disc thus stopping your car.

The power steering also uses a hydraulic system to make it easier for you to steer your car.

Last but definitely not least, the transmission system on your car relies on the hydraulic system to move the gear on your car.

3. Industrial Machinery

The manufacturing industry uses a lot of hydraulic systems in production machines. For example, in the process of manufacturing and assembling products. 

The hydraulic system in the process helps move devices and tools so that the final product can be produced with good quality.

Also Read: “How Does the Hydraulic Pump Work?“

4. Airplane

The hydraulic system is also used in various airplane’s components such as to move its wing and landing wheels.

The presence of a hydraulic system in the airplane is to help to move the airplane’s components so it can maneuver, land, and take off safely.

5. Medical

In the medical world, hydraulic systems are used in a variety of devices, such as adjustable hospital beds, liftable and foldable wheelchairs, and patient transportation devices.

6. Construction

In the construction industry, hydraulic systems are often used in heavy equipment such as excavators, loaders, and bulldozers. 

Hydraulic systems allow such tools to lift and move heavy materials easily and with high precision. 

In large and complex construction projects, hydraulic systems even become one of the major technologies that enables work to run efficiently.

7. Ship

On ships, hydraulic systems are used for a variety of purposes, such as operating landing legs, raising and dropping anchors, and setting up mechanisms on ports.

So there you go the answer to “what is a hydraulic system” along with its uses over a variety of industries and settings.