Lesson 1Pump types (gear, vane, piston): characteristics, efficiencies, and selection criteria for 5–25 l/min and up to 160 barThis lesson compares gear, vane, and piston pumps for small-medium flows. It covers efficiency, noise, suction limits, and selecting size and speed for 5–25 l/min at up to 160 bar with good lifespan.
External vs internal gear pump featuresVane pump efficiency and noise behaviorAxial piston pumps and control optionsSizing displacement for flow and speedNPSH, suction limits, and inlet conditionsLesson 2Seals, fittings, and connectors: selection for mineral oil, pressure ratings, and leak minimizationThis lesson focuses on seals, fittings, and connectors for mineral oil systems. It explains seal materials, pressure limits, thread standards, and fitting methods to cut leaks, drips, and damage.
Seal materials for mineral oil compatibilityStatic vs dynamic sealing arrangementsThread types: BSPP, NPT, and metricO-ring groove design and surface finishTorque, assembly, and leak testingLesson 3Directional control and flow control valves: solenoid vs manual valves, proportional considerations, and spool choicesThis lesson explains directional and flow valves, comparing manual, solenoid, and proportional types. Learn spool symbols, flow rates, pressure drops, and picking valve speed and control for circuits.
Manual vs solenoid operated valve choicesSpool symbols, center options, and leakageProportional valves and control electronicsFlow control valves: fixed vs adjustableValve sizing for flow, pressure, and dutyLesson 4Reservoir design: sizing rules, breathers, sight gauges, baffles, and settling time calculationThis lesson covers tank sizing, layout, and extras. Learn volume rules, baffles, settling time, and specifying breathers, sight glasses, and clean-outs for cooling, air removal, and upkeep.
Tank volume rules and return residence timeBaffle layout for de-aeration and coolingBreathers, filters, and moisture controlSight gauges, level switches, and alarmsDrain ports, clean-out covers, and slopesLesson 5Motor selection: matching electric motor power, starting torque, and service factor to pump loadThis lesson links pump needs to electric motor choice. Learn to calculate power, check starting torque, service factor, duty type, and start methods to avoid trips and overheating.
Calculating hydraulic power and motor kWStarting torque vs pump breakaway torqueService factor and duty cycle selectionStar-delta and soft starter implicationsMotor enclosure, cooling, and environmentLesson 6Pressure control elements: relief valves, sequence valves, pressure reducing valves — selection and setpoint approachesThis lesson explains pressure controls like relief, sequence, and reducing valves. Covers internals, stability, sizing, and setting methods for safe, consistent pressure limits.
Direct vs pilot operated relief valvesSetting main relief valves safelySequence valves for staged operationsPressure reducing valves and circuitsPressure override, stability, and chatterLesson 7Filtration strategy: return-line vs pressure-line vs tank suction filters; micron ratings and contamination codes (ISO 4406)This lesson compares return, pressure, and suction filters, where each fits, micron choices, and reading ISO 4406 codes to meet cleanliness and warranty standards.
Return-line vs pressure-line filter applicationsTank suction strainers and protection limitsMicron rating, beta ratio, and dirt holdingReading and applying ISO 4406 codesFilter sizing, pressure drop, and service lifeLesson 8Shut-off valves, non-return valves, and drain/check valves: types, materials, and placementThis lesson details shut-off, non-return, and drain/check valves. Explains types, materials, leak rates, crack pressure, and best spots for safe isolation, backflow stop, and draining.
Ball, gate, and needle shut-off valve usesCheck valve cracking pressure and sizingPilot-operated check valves for load holdingMaterial choices for corrosion and fluid typeDrain and bleed valves for safe maintenanceLesson 9Instrumentation: pressure gauges, temperature sensors, flow meters — selection and mounting pointsThis lesson covers picking and placing pressure, temp, and flow tools. Learn accuracy, damping, protection, and best spots for setup, fault-finding, and ongoing checks.
Pressure gauge types and accuracy classesGauge snubbers, isolators, and overpressure limitsTemperature sensor types and immersion rulesFlow meter technologies and selectionPermanent vs test-point instrumentation