Lesson 1Function and operation of hydraulic pumps (gear, vane, piston)This lesson introduces gear, vane, and piston pumps, detailing their working principles, efficiency levels, displacement control methods, and common failure patterns, with tips on spotting wear signs and scheduling preventive maintenance to keep systems running smoothly.
External and internal gear pumpsVane pump operation and featuresAxial and radial piston pumpsFixed versus variable displacementCommon pump wear and noise signsLesson 2Hydraulic filters: types, micron ratings, and installation locationsThis lesson explains types of hydraulic filters, their micron ratings, and beta ratios, showing how to choose and position filters in suction, pressure, and return lines to manage contamination and safeguard pumps, valves, and actuators in industrial applications.
Suction, pressure, and return filtersMicron rating and beta ratio basicsFilter media types and dirt holdingChoosing filter locations in circuitsMonitoring clogging and changeoutLesson 3Directional, pressure, and flow control valves: operation and common wear patternsThis lesson details directional, pressure, and flow control valves, including their internal workings, symbols, and typical wear issues, explaining how valve health influences motion control, energy consumption, and overall system stability in practical use.
Spool and poppet directional valvesRelief, reducing, and sequence valvesFlow control and throttle valvesValve symbols and port functionsErosion, sticking, and leakage wearLesson 4Auxiliary components: pressure gauges, coolers, accumulators, and valvesThis lesson covers supporting hydraulic parts like gauges, coolers, accumulators, and check valves, describing their roles, basic sizing, and contributions to safe operations, diagnostics, and energy savings in everyday industrial maintenance tasks.
Pressure and temperature gaugesAir and water oil coolersBladder and piston accumulatorsCheck and counterbalance valvesSafety devices and relief pathsLesson 5Hoses, fittings, and piping: materials, pressure classes, and failure modesThis lesson reviews hoses, fittings, and rigid piping in hydraulic setups, focusing on material options, pressure ratings, proper routing, and frequent failure types that affect safety, prevent leaks, and determine service schedules in real-world scenarios.
Hose constructions and standardsFitting types and sealing methodsPipe and tube materials and ratingsRouting, clamping, and bend radiusBurst, abrasion, and fatigue failuresLesson 6Reservoir design, breathers, and oil managementThis lesson discusses reservoir sizing, internal design, breather choices, oil level monitoring, contamination control, and heat management techniques that prolong fluid lifespan and shield delicate hydraulic parts from damage in operational environments.
Reservoir sizing and dwell timeInternal baffles and return arrangementsBreather types and filtration levelsOil level monitoring and alarmsMoisture and air ingress controlLesson 7Overview of closed-loop and open-loop hydraulic systemsThis lesson compares open-loop and closed-loop hydraulic systems, covering circuit designs, control responses, efficiency, and common uses, highlighting how each setup influences fault-finding and maintenance duties in industrial plants.
Basic open-loop circuit layoutBasic closed-loop circuit layoutEnergy efficiency and heat generationControl accuracy and responseMaintenance and failure tendenciesLesson 8Typical operating parameters: pressure ranges, temperatures, and flow rates for industrial presses (reference values and sources)This lesson outlines standard pressure, temperature, and flow ranges for hydraulic presses in industry, teaching how to read data sheets and apply reference standards to confirm safe and effective operating conditions in Botswana's manufacturing contexts.
Typical system and peak pressure rangesNormal and extreme oil temperature limitsCommon pump and actuator flow rangesReading OEM and ISO data sheetsUsing safety factors in sizingLesson 9Cylinders and actuators: rod, seals, cushions, and mounting considerationsThis lesson describes hydraulic cylinders and actuators, emphasising rod construction, sealing arrangements, cushions, and mounting options, and how these elements affect load handling, motion precision, leak prevention, and durability over time.
Cylinder types and basic constructionRod materials, coatings, and finishesSeal types, functions, and failure signsCushion design and adjustment methodsMounting styles and alignment issues
