Construction, a principle of operation and applications of hydraulic feeders
Hydraulic feeders are very important units used with a large number of mobile and industrial machines and devices. Though their construction is rather simple, they are very useful especially in places with no electricity as well as they enable more precise operation. Due to modular construction they can be easily adjusted to requirements.
Construction, a principle of operation and some applications of hydraulic feeders are briefly presented below.
Construction of a hydraulic feeder
A typical hydraulic feeder usually consists of the following parts:
● mounting plate
● tank
● motor (very often it is a combustion engine)
● pump
● high-pressure filter
● selector valve
● throttle check valve
● contactor
● manometer
● pressure relays.
It is also equipped with an overflow valve and an oil filler. It can work with a hydraulic accumulator.
Hydraulic feeders are made of high quality materials guaranteeing durability and functioning without failure for a long period.
Principle of operation of a hydraulic feeder
A motor drives a pump which sucks working fluid (usually oil) and presses it to a high-pressure cable and then - through a nipple in a tank cap (cover) - to a hydraulic system of a machine cooperating with the feeder. Working fluid returns to the tank of the feeder through another nipple, which is also placed in a tank cover.
Applications of hydraulic feeders
Hydraulic feeders are widely used with devices and machines in e.g. metallurgy, mining, agriculture, timber and building industries. They very often cooperate e.g. with size-varied presses and machine tools.
Hydraulic feeders can work in unfriendly environments and extreme conditions e.g. temperatures as they can be additionally equipped with radiators or heaters. They are also easily configurable (compatible) with all elements of hydraulic systems and can be customised according to individual needs or requirements.
Summary
Using of hydraulic feeders is very advantageous. First of all, due to using combustion engines they can work in areas devoid of electricity. They are simple to use and maintain (a key issue is checking the oil level and supplying it if necessary), enable more precise operation, are energy-efficient, can be customised.