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• What are Hydraulic Powerpacks?

  Hydraulic Powerpacks 

  In this article we want to explain the ins and outs of hydraulic powerpacks. A vital piece of equipment that is used with so many machines we see every day. 
  
  In a nutshell, hydraulic powerpacks are self contained units that are used instead of a built in power supply for hydraulic machinery. Hydraulic power uses fluid to transmit power from one location to another in order to run a machine. It really is as simple as that.
  
  So what do they look like? 
  In order to recognise and better understand hydraulic powerpacks, it is a good idea to get to know the key components. Hydraulic powerpacks come in many different shapes and sizes, some are very large and stationary whereas others are much smaller and more compact. In fact, some hydraulic powerpacks are so compact that they can easily be transported in a small van or even an estate car. 
  
  The only real way to identify hydraulic powerpacks is through its main components. No matter the size of the unit, all power packs will have the following; a hydraulic reservoir, regulators, a pump, motor, pressure supply lines and relief lines.
  
  What do these components do?
  It may be obvious to some but in this post we wanted to explain every component as simply as possible. So here goes. 
  
  First up is the hydraulic reservoir which quite simply holds the fluid. Reservoirs will come in different sizes. 
  
  Then we have the regulators. Regulators are vital as they control and maintain the amount of pressure that the hydraulic powerpack delivers. 
  
  Thirdly we have the pressure supply lines and relief lines. The supply line simply supplies fluid under pressure to the pump and the relief lines relieve pressure between the pump and the valves. The relief lines also control the direction of flow through the system. 
  
  Finally we have the pump and a motor. We will begin with the simpler component of the two, the motor. The motor is simply there to power the pump. Easy as that. Now the pump generally performs two actions. Firstly, it operates as a vacuum at the pump inlet and through atmospheric pressure forces fluid from the reservoir into the inlet line and then to the pump. It then delivers the fluid to the pump outlet and pumps it into the hydraulic system. We did warn you that the second part would be slightly more confusing. 
  
  So what is the function of hydraulic powerpacks? 
  Hydraulic powerpacks deliver power through a control valve which in turn runs the machine it is connected to. Hydraulic powerpacks come with a variety of valve connections. This means that you can power a variety of machines by using the appropriate valves. 
  
  Hydraulic powerpacks are relied upon by a range of different machines that use hydraulic power to do its work. If a machine is required to carry out heavy or systematic lifting then its likely it would need help from a hydraulic powerpack. 
  
  To make it easier for you to understand, we have included a list of trades that regularly rely on our powerpacks. On a building site you will see machines like bulldozers and excavators, which both need hydraulic powerpacks. But, it is not just on building sites that you will find these types of machines. Fishermen and mechanics both need hydraulic powerpacks too. If we did not have them then how would fishermen lift their nets or how would mechanics lift our cars? 
  
  When picking a hydraulic powerpack there are a variety of pumps and options to pick from and it is important to pick the right pack to meet your machines needs. It is also important to consider a pack that will help maximise productivity and minimise cost. 
  
  Many people will overlook the necessity of hydraulic powerpacks, but they really are vital to ensuring our society runs efficiently. 
  
  Do you need to maintain hydraulic powerpacks? 
  Yes you do and this is hugely important! Hydraulic powerpacks require regular maintenance to ensure they are working properly and safely and to help extend their life. Maintaining hydraulic powerpacks is relatively simple and includes checking the tubing, this can be for any noticeable problems such as dents or cracks. It is also vital to regularly change the hydraulic fluid and look at the reservoir to check for any corrosion or rust. 
  
  What hydraulic powerpacks do we provide? 
  Generally we provide four different types of hydraulic powerpacks. You can pick from a standard powerpack, a mini powerpack, a micro powerpack or a bespoke powerpack. 
  
  The standard hydraulic powerpack uses a standard range of modular components and is ideal for the most demanding industrial applications. The mini powerpack is ideal for applications requiring up to 5.5kW. The micro hydraulic powerpacks were originally produced for mobility applications, so are great for when space is limited. Finally, if none of these seem to fit your needs then we offer bespoke hydraulic powerpacks ensuring your application gets the hydraulic powerpack it requires. 
  
  Finally, who is the genius behind hydraulic powerpacks? 
  The man behind hydraulics was Laissez Pascal. A French mathematician, physicist and religious philosopher who lived in the mid seventeenth century. Pascal made observations about fluid and pressure which led to Pascal’s law. Pascal's law states that when there is an increase in pressure at any point in a confined fluid, there is an equal increase at every other point in the container. Hydraulic powerpacks have been designed based on Pascal's law of physics, drawing their power from ratios of area and pressure.

  So, interested in our Power Packs? Come on over to the main website and see what we can do for your Hydraulic Power Pack Needs .

• Why Should I Choose a Hydraulic Power Pack?

  

  Why should you opt for a hydraulic power pack over the competition, including pneumatics?

  There have been many comparisons between hydraulics and pneumatics in the past with each having their own benefits.

  
  The key decision maker in using hydraulics over its rivals is the type of application you need powered as hydraulics and its equivalent pneumatics work in different ways as described below:
  
  Hydraulic systems are confined pressurised systems that use and store liquids and this is an advantage over pneumatic units as the hydraulic fluid itself is not very compressible so doesn’t suffer from delays in movement, unlike a gas based pneumatic system which needs a compressor to compensate for this task.
  
  Hydraulics operate with pistons which act like a plunger in a cylinder and pushes the hydraulic fluid where it is needed with hydraulic valves controlling this movement, reversing if necessary. Pumps also work to pump hydraulic fluid around a system.
  
  We commonly see hydraulics in large applications such as lifts, commercial vehicles, construction equipment and mechanical processing machinery as the level of control a good hydraulic setup offers as well as the pressures it works with, are ideal for use in these types of larger application. The equivalent, pneumatics, is more likely to be found powering smaller applications, such as gas powered dentists chairs and small precision drills.
  
  Hydraulics also has a firm base in the marine industry with larger hydraulic power units helping to power LARS (Launch Recovery Systems) systems and lifts on boats and yachts. They are built to withstand extreme weathers and temperatures and marine based units often come painted in a special corrosion resistant weatherproof paint which increases their longevity.
  
  Hydraulics has the advantage of being able to deal with higher load ratings than pneumatics, lifting more load and doing it in a smooth manner as fluid is used which, as we touched on at the start of the article isn’t compressible. It is also safer to use as if a hydraulic tank burst at 3,000psi only a small amount of fluid would be released thus the situation would be easily containable while if the same happened with a pneumatic powered gas tank a large amount of damage and injury could occur as the tank could be hurled around the workspace by the resultant leak.
  
  As well as understanding why you should use hydraulics for your application you should also know learn about maintenance measures and how long system components and hydraulic fluid will last before they need to be replaced as this will ensure your hydraulic power pack will last long into the future and remain efficient.
  
  Like Pneumatics, hydraulic power packs come in a range of sizes so whether you want a space saving Hydraulic Micro Pack, a larger Mini Pack or a larger HPS or Bespoke unit, there is a solution for almost every application.
  
  Here at Hydraproducts we offer a wide range of hydraulic power packs which are fully customisable with a range of off-the shelf components that we have in stock. Please visit our Hydraulic Power Pack Knowledge Hub for further information about Hydraulic Power Packs and their functions.

• 12v DC hydraulic power packs – good things in small packages

  As designers and manufacturers of the highest quality hydraulic parts we are very proud of our mini hydraulic power packs, which can be driven from 12 or 24-volt direct current (DC) supplies.  Our OEM customers rely on our consistency and quality to build functional and reliable equipment, including tail lifts, tipper trucks and trailers. Typically, our 3kW output motor, which relies on a 24v DC supply, is used to raise and lower the ramps of trailers used to transport heavy equipment.  The nature of the equipment using the ramp, means that the ramp itself must be sturdy in construction and therefore, quite heavy to lift.  The 3kW mini power pack does this with ease, and is fan cooled to guard against overheating.

   

  For more lightweight applications, such as tailgate lifts on commercial passenger vehicles, a smaller output is needed.  For these uses a 12v mini hydraulic power pack is used, as the 12v motor can be wired into standard vehicle electrical circuits for tailgate lift functions.  The 12v model is available with a 500W or 800W output, so the choice depends on the amount of power that is needed to drive the hydraulic pump in the system.

   

  We manufacture our products to be compatible with all major brands of pumps and valves, so they can be used in any system where a new component is needed, or the system needs to be upgraded to handle a larger capacity.  Our valves and other components we manufacture, are also designed to be used in a wide variety of systems, and with a global distribution network we can serve your DC hydraulic motor needs wherever you are.

   

  Our mini hydraulic power packs may be small (around 16 inches long) but they are capable of packing a mighty punch; the model with most capacity is the 3kW, 24v model, but the 12v and 24v models have outputs between 0.5kW and 2kW.  This is a wide range of strengths, allowing our customers to use the most efficient and appropriate motor for their needs.  This range also means systems can be designed with the lowest possible power consumption across all parts, but with the most efficient hydraulic output of that power. System designers do not have to compromise on power because the ideal output size is not available.  We do make bespoke components, so even if we don't have the exact off-the-shelf DC power pack you need, we can still make it happen for you.

   

  Our micro hydraulic power packs are also a great option for when one of our mini power packs are too large for the space available.  They are only 89mm square and can be discreetly installed in the moving arm of a security barrier or automatic gate system.  The 0.5kW mini motor with 12v DC supply is often used for step lifts and other applications where the load to be moved is not too heavy, so step lifts and passenger lifts on small vans or taxis that will not be taking huge equipment, can be driven by one of these smaller motors.  Running on a 12v DC supply means that the tail lift system can be seamlessly integrated into the electrical systems of the vehicle, and operated from the standard dashboard.  The driver can raise or lower the lift from the comfort of the driver’s seat and not worry about having to use separate controls for this action.

   

  If you are reading this as an OEM then please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.  If we haven't got your ideal component listed on our website, then we will be delighted to create a bespoke product that answers your problems, all manufactured on site in the UK.  Call us today on 01452 523352

• Hydraulic power packs at work in construction

  Hydraulic power packs, such as the ones supplied by Hydraproducts, are a vital part of the construction industry.  With a huge push on new home building across the country, it is a daily occurrence to see heavy plant equipment moving earth and preparing groundworks for construction.  All of these ‘earth moving’ machines use hydraulic power to effect motion in the moving parts, with hydraulic rams serving as the muscles of the machine to raise and lower a digging arm, or to move large pipes into place for infrastructure development.

   

  Hydraulic power packs allow the machinery to generate more power in the moving parts than if just the engine power alone was directly driving the hydraulics, so they mean a smaller excavator can move as much as a larger one without the need for that extra space.  On new build sites, there is a lot of space to start with, so there is no issue with the largest machinery manoeuvring around the site.  When houses start to go up and roads are installed, there is less machinery space and it makes sense to use a smaller version of a particular machine that has the same power capabilities.

   

  A hydraulic power pack can also reduce the amount of fuel used to drive the hydraulic components, as most heavy earth moving equipment has a range of modes that can be selected to give the right amount of power while remaining economical.  Digging out large amounts of earth will use a lot of power, and this can be increased above the machinery capacity by using a hydraulic power pack.  Fine grading of embankments, or excavating over mains power, gas or sewage pipes requires a fine degree of control that is best achieved at a lower power.  Hydraulic power packs can help to control this when used in combination with the modes available on the machinery itself.  The effect is a reduction in fuel used to generate the hydraulic power and a considerable cost saving over the lifespan of a project.

   

  Because the earth moving equipment uses hydraulics there is no need to employ a separate engineer to maintain and repair the hydraulic power packs as they use the same technology, so there is no extra cost in maintenance terms, just the cost of the power pack.  When considering this investment, it is important to understand that the better control leads to improved productivity and workforce morale, as well as a lower outlay on fuel.

   

  Hydraulic power packs are not confined to use in the preparatory stages of a large building project, however, they are also used to work cranes, that lift roof struts into place; in forklifts, that move materials around the site and even in concrete pumping machines, that are used to lay floors and external hard standing surfaces.  Hydraproducts are very happy to work with equipment manufacturers to find or design the perfect hydraulic power pack for the construction industry.

• Hydraulic Powerpacks That Help Society!

  Machines Powered by Hydraulic Powerpacks That Help Society 

  As you are aware we love hydraulic power, we wouldn’t do what we do if we didn’t. But, today we wanted to write an article on some of our favourite machines that are powered by hydraulic powerpacks. We have told you before that the world is a better place because of hydraulic powerpacks, and today we are going to prove it. 
  
  Firstly we have chosen to look at how hydraulic powerpacks help the everyday mechanic. 
  
  In the UK, there are as many as 36 million cars registered on the roads. At many points during a cars life, they will need to visit a garage. Hydraulic lifts are vital for mechanics to see and get under your car and our hydraulic powerpacks can easily connect to your mechanics lift, providing all the power it needs to lift up your car. This in turn not only makes a mechanics job much easier, but it also means your car has been thoroughly checked over. Thanks to hydraulic power your car will spend a minimal amount of time out of action. 
  
  

  Did you know that hydraulic power is helping firemen across the globe?

  Cherry pickers were first used in orchards to help fruit pickers reach the fruit high up in trees. They were then used by electricians to service our telephone lines and now they are being used on fire trucks to help reach people in burning buildings. 
  
  The cherry picker is a great example of how machines powered by hydraulic powerpacks allow our society to run smoothly. Not only does it provide fruit for us to eat, it also helps us communicate on our telephones and be saved if we are ever in that unimaginable circumstance. 
  
  Finally we will look at how hydraulic power is being used for our entertainment needs. 
  
  Today hydraulic power is used at many entertainment venues including fairgrounds and theatres. Hydraulic machinery and their power packs ensure our favourite ride; the Ferris wheel has the power to go round. Hydraulic power is also frequently used in theatres in order for some stages to rise up and then be lowered down again. 
  
  Hydraulic power really does deserve more credit! Don’t you agree? 

• The Evolution of Hydraulic Power

  Hydraulics has been around for a very long time. But are you aware of how far it has actually come? You wouldn’t be alone if you responded with no. It is a very technical subject that can be quite difficult to understand, but in this article we want to tell you the story of hydraulics! We want to share with you who discovered hydraulics, what it was originally used for and how hydraulic power got to where it is today. 
  
  So why don’t we start at the beginning! Where does the word hydraulic come from? 
  
  The word hydraulic originates from the Greek word ‘Hydros’ which means water. Why water? Well, this is because water was the first liquid to be used in the hydraulic system. Today, hydraulics includes the physical behaviour of all liquids, not just water. 
  
  

  What Exactly are Hydraulics? 

  
  The evolution of hydraulics would be pointless unless you are actually aware of what hydraulics and hydraulic power is. In a nutshell, hydraulics is an incredible scientific method of providing power and force to make peoples work more efficient and easier. 
  
  That sounds like a nice theory, but how does it actually work? Well, it works by compressing fluids that are locked inside a confined compartment. This compression produces a force that can be applied to power machines or systems to help workmen and women across the globe, in a variety of industries with their workloads. Therefore, the power of hydraulics quite simply makes our workloads easier. Today it is used in so many machines that we would see every day, these machines are fundamental in helping our society run a lot more smoothly and efficiently. 
  
  

  Who Came up with the Theory of Hydraulics?

  
  With any theory or method, there is a lot of debate about who the genius is behind it. But today we are going to talk to you about Blaise Pascal. Pascal can be credited as the brains behind hydraulics as he came up with a famous theory that is now the principle of hydraulics. Pascal’s law as it is commonly known, states that a change in pressure at any point in an enclosed fluid at rest is transmitted undiminished to all points in the fluid. This means if you apply a little pressure to fluid in a confined structure it is capable of releasing a force much greater than the pressure that was originally used. 
  
  The first person to then take Pascal’s law and use it was a man called Joseph Bramah in the seventeenth century. Bramah, an Englishman built an apparatus based on Pascal’s law, known as Bramah’s press. One of the common uses of the Bramah press back then was to use the apparatus and hydraulic power to pump beer from the cellars into the taps at public houses. 
  
  After Bramah’s breakthrough, hydraulic power was used to supply power to operate cranes and other machinery that were found across ports in Britain and Europe. 
  
  However, even though hydraulic power was used in the seventeenth century, it was not until early in the twentieth century that we started to see hydraulic power replacing traditional electrical systems. Replacing electrical systems was a huge milestone for hydraulic power and some see it as the rebirth of the hydraulics system. 
  
  It is important to note that since Pascal and Bramah’s discovery, several other inventors and engineers have contributed to the theory of hydraulics and have helped improve hydraulics to get it to where it is today. 
  
  Hydraulic power took off in a massive way in 1945, when the Second World War was over. This is when we could really start to see machines taking full use of the power hydraulics could offer. 
  
  

  So How do we use Hydraulic Power now?

  
  Hydraulic power is used in many applications that we see every day. We’re sure you would be hugely surprised if we wrote a list. However, hydraulic power is commonly used in the automotive, construction, manufacturing and entertainment industries. 4 incredibly different industries but their common trait is that they all rely on hydraulics. 
  
  Thanks to hydraulic power construction workers can now move huge amounts of ground that would previously not have been possible. For example if we take a look at an excavator, it has the ability to easily move and manoeuvre mud weighing around two tonnes. Pretty impressive considering it used to pump beer?
  
  But as we mentioned above, it is not just in the construction industry that make use of this impressive science, we can give you an example of how hydraulic power helps us manage waste in our homes. On a weekly or biweekly basis people around the nation will be taking out their rubbish for bin men to collect. The bin trucks that they then deposit our rubbish into make good use of hydraulic power. 
  
  By this point you may be thinking that only huge machines use hydraulic power, but do not be fooled. It’s not only great big machines like bulldozers that use hydraulic power, but mobility scooters and our braking systems in our cars use hydraulics too. Taking a closer look at the mobility scooter, how do you think it moves? Yes you guessed it, hydraulic power is the reason a mobility scooter will move forward. 
  
  ,h3>So what do we seen in the future when it comes to hydraulic power?
  Unfortunately, we don’t have the answer to that question at the moment. Technology has already improved the control, techniques and design of hydraulic power systems and we are sure that new technologies will only advance hydraulics even further.
  
  We are excited to wait and see what happens and hopefully you are too now.