Which type of hydraulic power pack do I need?
There are a huge variety of hydraulic power unit types and designs. What pump type is best?, what drive motor will I need? How big should my oil reservoir be? What valve technology is best? Narrowing this down to what is right for you, well that’s what we do best, ask the important questions.
So what should we consider together to get to the best solution?
1 – What will the power pack need to do?
So is the power pack driving a printing machine of operating a submarine hatch door? This sets the scene for a discussion about what kind of motive forces are going to be needed. The technical elements such as pressure requirements and flow rates can be analysed from there. This collaboration is core to a hydraulic power pack design, and works best when both parties have a shared understanding of how the machine is to operate and what you, the customer is expecting. All this analysis leads us closer to a solution.
2 – Where will the hydraulic power unit be installed?
Every environment is different and this is normally a big factor in selecting the type of hydraulic power pack that is best suited. Will it be getting wet?, will it be getting hot or cold extremes?, this is data that is crucial. Which country will it be in and what is the local electrical supply like? Power units can often emit undesirable noise levels particularly in the home or office building environment, so we they may installed a long distance from people, this must be considered.
3 – How long will it need to operate for?
Hydraulic power packs can be in operation 24/7 365 days of the year, but others only for a few seconds a year or less. So why over-engineer a design when it’s not appropriate. Or don’t cut corners when a full study of life-cycle wear and a full maintenance programme are essential to the package.
4 – What energy source do you have available?
Location and application generally lead to the answer here. Is there Electrical power available?, this is normally the most efficient and lowest cost solution. If not then can an Internal combustion engine operate in your environment? Or if the power required is low and intermittent often a battery supply is a good option. Others might be pneumatics, via an air motor or from a wind or water turbine.
5 – Can the power pack be serviced and maintained?
All hydraulic systems benefit from being well maintained, just like your car engine. But if this is not possible, then we need to acknowledge this and design accordingly. With sealed for life products, super high cleanliness levels and a clear brief as to what its life expectancy will be.