Lesson 1Function and operation of hydraulic pumps (gear, vane, piston)Introduces gear, vane, and piston pumps, explaining their operating principles, efficiency, displacement control, and common failure modes, with tips on spotting wear signs and scheduling preventive maintenance.
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 locationsExplains types of hydraulic filters, micron ratings, and beta ratios, and demonstrates how to choose and position filters in suction, pressure, and return lines to manage contamination and safeguard pumps, valves, and actuators.
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 patternsDetails directional, pressure, and flow control valves, including internal operation, symbols, and typical wear patterns, and explains how valve condition influences motion control, energy consumption, and system stability.
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 valvesCovers auxiliary hydraulic components like gauges, coolers, accumulators, and check valves, explaining their roles, basic sizing, and contributions to safe operation, diagnostics, and energy efficiency.
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 modesReviews hoses, fittings, and rigid piping in hydraulic systems, emphasising material selection, pressure ratings, routing methods, and common failure modes that affect safety, leaks, and service intervals.
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 managementCovers reservoir sizing, internal design, and breather selection, plus oil level control, contamination prevention, and thermal management practices that prolong fluid life and protect sensitive hydraulic parts.
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 systemsCompares open-loop and closed-loop hydraulic systems, explaining circuit designs, control behaviour, efficiency, and common uses, highlighting how each setup affects troubleshooting and maintenance.
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)Defines typical pressure, temperature, and flow ranges for industrial hydraulic presses, explains how to read data sheets, and shows how to apply reference standards to confirm safe, efficient operating conditions.
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 considerationsDescribes hydraulic cylinders and actuators, focusing on rod design, sealing systems, cushions, and mounting options, and explains how these elements affect load capacity, motion control, leak risks, and lifespan.
Cylinder types and basic constructionRod materials, coatings, and finishesSeal types, functions, and failure signsCushion design and adjustment methodsMounting styles and alignment issues
