Hydraulic engineering sounds like an extremely technical and niche topic, whilst that’s the case in some situations (such as hydraulics being used in marine vessels), you probably don’t realise that you see some form of hydraulic engineering every day.
What Hydraulic Engineering is
First off, let’s understand a bit about hydraulic engineering before we get into where it’s used – it’s a branch of civil engineering that addresses the control of flowing water and management of water resources. It’s related to the design of bridges, canals, channels, dams and levees. It deals with all things to do with water including the collection, storage, regulation, measurement and transport of it.
What Hydraulic Engineers do
Who’s behind hydraulic engineering? Hydraulic engineers are the people who design, build and test hydraulic machines and components which manage fluid pressure and flow for heavy-duty applications. They study the effect of water and provide advice on projects to do with drainage systems and flooding, they also get sent out to hydraulic factories give advice on how they can work more effectively.
Hydraulic Systems in Everyday Life
Automobiles
Hydraulic brakes are used in cars, vans and almost anything else that you can drive. They use brake fluid and pressure to stop the vehicle from moving. When you press down on your brake, a rod applies pressure on pistols and this pressure triggers the brake fluid to flow into a chamber which goes through to the calliper pistons that apply force onto the brake pads. The brake pads are pressed on the brake disc and this is how the car slows down. So, the next time you’re not rear ending someone, you can thank hydraulic engineering!
Hydraulics are also used in power steering, have you ever driven an older car without this? A car without power steering feels like you’re straining to turn the wheel, whereas it’s smooth and easy on modern cars. A vane pump supplies hydraulic power, the pump and hydraulic cylinder operate with the steering wheel to manage the flow of hydraulic fluid using valves. As you turn the steering wheel, the fluid is allowed through the cylinder and more force is applied.
Gas Pumps
When you turn into a petrol station, you’re using hydraulics. When you stop and brake beside the pump, you’re using hydraulics. And when you pump petrol, guess what? You’re using hydraulics! The entire pump is powered by hydraulic engineering, when you’re pumping and reach the maximum amount of fuel, a computer makes the fuel stop.
Garage Repairs
So, your car needs hydraulics to function and to take in petrol, that must be it right? Nope, when your car needs a repair, you’re also relying on hydraulics! When you visit a garage, it has a hydraulic system in place to help lift your car so the mechanics can complete work on it.
Airplanes
This example might be one that you’d be able to guess a bit more easily. Next time you go on holiday abroad, you’ve got hydraulic engineering to thank for getting you in the air safe, it plays a crucial role in planes and airports. A hydraulic system is used when the wings need adjusting and on the landing gear to slow the plane down on the runway when it’s landing. Airplanes require a massive amount of force to move, which hydraulic engineering provides.
Elevators
This one might surprise you – there are some lifts that use hydraulic engineering to function. Some elevators don’t, but the ones that do operate in a fascinating way. The hydraulic system that moves the lift consists of an electric motor pumping oil into the cylinder, it moves the piston and lifts the cab. When the lift needs to be lowered, an electrical valve releases hydraulic oil.
Dishwashers
Throwing in a bit of a strange one here, but some dishwashers were designed with a hydraulic system that increases the water pressure, making them a lot more efficient when cleaning your dishes.
Theme Parks
Hydraulic engineering is even used in the entertainment & leisure industry! To make sure they’re going as fast as possible whilst being completely safe, rollercoasters are designed with hydraulic cylinders and hydraulic pumps – the hydraulics help with braking, aligning the cars and switching the tracks.
Waste Compactors
Hydraulic engineering is even used by your binmen! Their truck has compactors inside, powered by hydraulics, to compress your rubbish so that it occupies less space and they can collect as much rubbish as possible.
Construction
Cranes, pumps, forklifts, and jacks – everything used in construction, hydraulics powers all of these, making it a lot easier and providing the ability to lift exceptionally heavy objects from a controls cab.
Farming & Agriculture Equipment
Tractors use hydraulics for steering, braking, lifting and digging. Sprayers also use it to distribute fertiliser and pesticide, and it’s present in harvesters for harvesting crops.
The importance of a hydraulic engineering company is clear to see. One such company with many years of experience and expertise delivering hydraulic solutions to a range of clients all over the world is Antech.
Content provided by Piranha Solutions
