Hydraulic Powerpacks

A hydraulic pump unit is an essential part in most hydraulic systems and it is a collection of integrated components. A hydraulic system essentially generates pressure or force based on Pascal’s Law which states that “in a fluid at rest in a closed container, a pressure change in one part is transmitted without loss to every portion of the fluid and to the walls of the container.”

Hydraulic pump units, hydraulic power units or hydraulic power packs all refer to the same thing and they are used to convert, distribute and control energy. Hydraulic power units are either single acting or double acting and this refers to the cylinder configuration. A single-acting hydraulic cylinder has the fluid enter in one direction and it is then pushed out of the opposite side. A double-acting hydraulic cylinder is a system in which the hydraulic fluid acts interchangeably on both ends of the piston.

Hydraulic power packs can be classified by the size of the unit and its specifications, such as flow rate, working pressure, tank volume, electric motor power and fluid type.Micro power packs are the smallest and most mobile of units, slightly larger is the mini power pack and standard power packs are designed for in-plant applications. Hydraulic power unit stations are built to specific requirements and are used for large scale operations.

There are a number of considerations to take into account when deciding on the specification for you power unit, as there are many types and designs. We can help you understand which pump and drive motor is best suited for the job, the volume of the oil reservoir, which valve technology works best in which application, among many other variables. A few of the things we’ll iron out to ensure the design is as robust as possible is:

• What do you want your hydraulic power unit to do?
• Where is the power pack going to be installed?
• What is the operation regime in terms of life-cycle?
• Which energy sources do you have available?
• Are you able to service and maintain the power unit?

There are some loads that are impossible to lift or move without the assistance of a machine. This is where a hydraulic system becomes the ideal solution for these tasks. The power and control for these systems is the work of hydraulic power packs. There are currently no alternatives that outperform the simple, centuries-old hydraulic system. Whether your application is in farming, construction or a simple hydraulic lift the most cost-effective and efficient solution is the use of a hydraulic system that includes the use of a hydraulic power unit.

The main reason to want to upgrade a hydraulic power pack would be to improve its efficiency if it is still doing the job it is required to do. A Hydrastore engineer has the required experience to run the checks and provide the key recommendations to optimise its efficiency.

If the power pack is not doing the task it was initially required to do then we are able to discuss potential re-designs to increase its functions or speed up the operation. There is a possibility of disruption to the current design if there needs to be remodeling taking place to achieve the desired outcome.

Yes, there are a number of standards to that need to be applied by the manufacturers and suppliers.

ISO 4413:2010 takes into account assembly, installation, adjustment, uninterrupted system operation, ease and economy of maintenance and cleaning, reliable operation in all intended uses, energy efficiency and environment.

ISO 1219-1:2012 specifies rules for devising fluid power symbols for use in circuit diagrams and on components.

In Great Britain, under the Pressure Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016, the maximum allowable pressure is determined based on various factors and calculations specific to the design, materials, and intended use of the pressure equipment.

Pressure Equipment Regulations (PER) SI 1999/2001 regulates the design, manufacture and conformity of pressure equipment and assemblies of the pressure equipment with a maximum allowable pressure of >0.5bar.

Regular servicing and maintenance of a hydraulic system is directly linked to the lifespan of your power pack and is often dictated by the component supplier and service manual. Commissioning of the system often leads to hydraulic contaminants in the early stages which cannot be guaranteed to be flushed out. If you think of it in terms of preventing failure rather than curing it is almost always cheaper then the cost of a filtration service makes more sense than having to replace a hydraulic pump that can easily get into four figures!