Hydraulic Symbols Tutorial

This is a good tutorial for people who would like to know more about hydraulics but have not been
able to find a good resource. If you would like to know an excellent resource for information on
hydraulics then purchase the Fluid Power Designer Lightning Reference Handbook by Paul
Munroe Hydraulics, it is highly recommended.

Fluid Power Symbols

Hydraulic Tank (fluid reservoir)

All hydraulic systems must have some form of a reservoir to hold the fluid in the system. Most
systems have vented tanks, however aircraft are one application where a closed tank is
appropriate. The symbol shown here is a vented tank, a box with the line in the center would
indicate a closed system. The line could also not go to the bottom of the tank, that would mean
that the line stops above the fluid level in the tank and the fluid falls in. It is better to stop the line
below the fluid level, otherwise the falling fluid may cause bubbles in the fluid.

Hydraulic Pump

A pump displaces fluid which creates flow. There are fixed displacement pumps and variable
displacement pumps. The pump symbol is very similar to a hydraulic motor symbol, the difference
is that the pump has the small triangle pointing out and a motor has the small triangle pointing in
to the center. An angled arrow typically indicates that a device is variable, thus this is a variable
volume pump. Fixed displacement pumps provide the same output volume with the same input
RPM. Variable displacement pumps can change the output volume while maintaining the same
input RPM. Hydraulic pumps are precision components and have very close tolerances, they
must be treated with care.

Hydraulic Line

Hydraulic lines carry the fluid from the pump throughout the system. There are two basic types,
rigid and flexible. Rigid lines are used to connect items that will not move in relation to each other.
Manifolds connected with rigid lines are the most reliable transfer method. The dots at the end of
the line show a connection point, if two lines cross and this dot isn't shown then the lines are not
connected.
 Hydraulic Hose (flexible line)

A flexible line is used to carry fluid to items that have a lot of vibration or movement in relation to
each other. Some examples where flexible lines are used, the pump unit (vibration) or blades on
a tractor, due to the movement.

Pressure Relief Valve

Hydraulic fluid is virtually non compressible, if the fluid can't go anywhere the pump will stall, and
damage to the pump and motor can result. All hydraulic systems must have a pressure relief
valve in line with the pump. The pressure relief will drain into the tank. The dashed line indicates a
pilot line, this is a small line that only flows enough fluid to control other valves. The pressure of
this pilot line acts against the spring on the other side of this valve. When the pilot pressure
exceeds the spring force then the valve spool shifts over and opens the valve, this allows flow to
the tank. This causes a drop in the pressure on the pump side, which also reduces the pilot
pressure. When the pilot pressure is less than the spring force the spring closes the valve. The
relief valve in the position described above will control the maximum pressure in the hydraulic
system.

Directional Valves

A directional valve will control which device the fluid will flow to. These valves are the primary
devices used to sequence the motion of equipment. There are many different types of directional
control valves. The valve is generally specified by number of positions and number of ways
(ports). The valve is made up of two parts, the body and the spool. When valves shift the spool is
moved in relation to the body, this opens and closes passages that the fluid flows through.
Remember that the valve actuator always pushes the spool, this will help you read the drawings.
You read the operation of a valve in a circuit in the following manner. The box(s) with arrows in it
show the flow of fluid when the valve is shifted. The box without arrows and/or away from the
actuator shows the flow, if any, in the neutral position. This is also the box you use to count the
number of ports the valve has.

Two(2) Position, Two(2) way

This valve has two positions (2 boxes) and 2 ways (ports); thus 2 position, 2 way. It is shown with
a manual actuator (on the right) and has a spring return to neutral. This valve is called normally
closed because both ports are blocked when in neutral. It could be used on a safety device like a
safety gate, if the gate isn't closed, actuating the valve, then the flow will be stopped, preventing
movement of the connected device.

Three(3) Position, Four(4) way

This valve has three positions (3 boxes) and 4 ways (ports); thus 3 position, 4 way. It is shown
with a closed center, when the valve is neutral all ports are blocked. The small boxes on each end
with diagonal lines through them, C1 and C2, are electrical coils, this is an electrically actuated
valve. The port marked P is Pressure and the port marked T drains to tank. The ports marked A
and B connect to an external device, like a cylinder. When C1 is energized the valve will shift,
putting pressure to the B port and draining the A port to the tank. Likewise when C2 is energized
the pressure port connects to the A port and the B port drains to the tank.

Three(3) Position, Four(4) Way

This valve has three positions (3 boxes) and 4 ways (ports); thus 3 position, 4 way. It also is
electrically actuated. The jagged lines next to the coil indicates springs, when the coil is de-
energized the opposite spring will force the spool back to the center position. This valve also
drains to tank when in neutral, this is a standard valve on molding machines. They drain to tank
when de-energized for safety.

Cylinder

A cylinder is one of the devices that creates movement. When pressure is applied to a port it
causes that side of the cylinder to fill with fluid. If the fluid pressure and area of the cylinder are
greater than the load that is attached then the load will move. Cylinders are generally specified by
bore and stroke, they can also have options like cushions installed. Cushions slow down the
cylinder at the end of the stroke to prevent slamming. If the pressure remains constant a larger
diameter cylinder will provide more force because it has more surface area for the pressure to act
on.
A Complete Circuit

Some Basic Hydraulic Formulas

If you use formulas occasionally a handy trick is to set up a spreadsheet that has the formulas
built in, then all you need to do is enter the numbers.

Pump Outlet Flow

The outlet flow of a pump in GPM is:

Flow (GPM) = RPM * Pump Displacement(Cu.in./Rev)

____________________________________
231

Area of a Cylinder

Both the force and speed of a cylinder are dependent on knowing the area of the cylinder.
Remember that the area on the rod end of a cylinder is different than that of the non rod
end. You must subtract the area of the rod itself from the overall area of the cylinder. The same
formula can be used to determine the area of the rod. As you will see when pressure is applied to
the rod end of the cylinder (pump pressure and volume constant), it will move faster and have
less force.

Area (Sq.In.) = Pi * Diameter^2

_________________
4

Area (rod end) = Area - area of the rod itself

Force of a cylinder
A cylinder usually has two forces, the force when applying pressure to side with the rod, and the
side without the rod. An exception can be a double ended cylinder, it has a rod end sticking out of
each cylinder end. This can also be applied to pneumatics.

Force = Pressure (PSI) * Net Area (Sq. In.)

Speed of a cylinder

Note - Inaccuracies have been discovered in the following equation and are
being evaluated.

The speed of a cylinder is dependent on the flow rate to the cylinder and the area of the cylinder.
This formula assumes no loss of fluid over a relief valve.

Velocity (Ft./Sec.) = 231 * Flow Rate (GPM)

___________________________
12 * 60 * Net Area (Sq.In.)
Basic Symbols
Line

Continuous line (flow line)

Long dashes (flow line)

Short dashes (flow line)

Double mechanical connections(shafts,levers,piston-rods)

Long chain thin Enclosure for several components assembled in on

Circle,semi-circle

Circle As a rule, energy conversion units(pump, compressor, motor)

Circle Measuring instruments

Circle Non-return link, roller etc.
Circle Mechanical link, roller etc.

Circle Semi-rotary actuator

Square, Rectangle
 Squares As a rule, control valves (valve) except for non-return valve

Diamond

Diamond Conditioning apparatus(filter, separator, lubricator, heat exch

Miscellaneous Symbols

Flow line connection

Spring
Restriction (affected by viscosity)
Restriction (unaffected by viscosity)

Functional Symbols

Triangle
Solid Direction of Hydraulic Fluid
In outline only Direction of Pnematic flow or exhaust to atmosphere

Arrow

Line Indication of direction

Curve Indication of rotation

Other lines -path and direction of flow through valves(as a

general rule the line perpendicular to the head of the arrow
indicates
that when the arrow moves, the interior pathe always remains
connected to the corresponding exterior path.)
Sloping arrow -indication of the possibility of the regulation
or a progressive(proportional)variability.

(convert mechanical energy into hydraulic or pneumatic

Pumps and Compressors
energy.)

Fixed Capacity hydraulic pump

One direction of flow
 Two directions of flow
Variable displacement hydraulic pump
One direction of flow (uses sloping arrow symbol)

Two directions of flow (uses sloping arrow symbol)

Fixed capacity compressor
Always one direction of flow

(convert hydraulic or pneumatic energy into rotary mechanical

Motors
energy.)

Fixed Capacity hydraulic motor

One direction of flow

Two directions of flow

Variable displacement hydraulic motor
One direction of flow (uses sloping arrow symbol)

Two directions of flow (uses sloping arrow symbol)

Fixed displacement pneumatic motor

One direction of flow

Two directions of flow

Variable displacement pneumatic motor

One direction of flow (uses sloping arrow symbol)

Two directions of flow (uses sloping arrow symbol)

Oscillating motor
Hydraulic

Pneumatic

Pump/Motor Units (unit with two functions,either as a pump or as a rotary motor.)

Fixed displacement pump/motor unit

Reversal of direction of flow functions as pump or motor
according to direction of flow
Single direction of flow functions as pump or motor without
change of direction of flow
 Two directions of flow functions as pump or motor with either
direction of flow
Variable displacement pump/motor unit

Reversal of direction of flow (uses sloping arrow symbol)

Single direction of flow (uses sloping arrow symbol)

Two directions of flow (uses sloping arrow symbol)

Variable Speed Drive Units

Torque converter Pump and/or motor are variable capacity. (relate to remote
drive)

Cylinders (equipment to convert hydraulic or pneumatic energy into linear energy.)

Single acting cylinder

Returned by unspecified force cylinder in which the fluid pressure always
acts in one and the same direction on the extension stroke.
Returned by spring cylinder in which the fluid pressure always acts in one
and the same direction on the extension stroke.(uses spring symbol)
Double acting cylinder
Single piston rod cylinder in which the pressure fluid operates alternately in
both directions(extend and retract strokes)
Double ended piston rod cylinder in which the pressure fluid operates
alternately in both directions(extend and retract strokes)
Differential cylinder
The action is dependent between the effective areas on each side of the
piston.
Cylinder with cushion
Single fixed cushonCylinder incorporating fixed cushion acting in one
direction only

Double fixed cushionCylinder with fixed cushion acting in both directions

Single adjustable cushion(uses slope arrow symbol)Cylinder incorporating

adjustable cushion acting in one direction only
Double adjustable cushion(uses slope arrow symbol)Cylinder incorporating
adjustable cushions acting in both directions
Telescopic cylinder

Single actingfluid pressure always acts in one direction(on extend stroke)

Double acting fluid pressure operates alternately in both directions(on

extend and retract strokes)

Pressure
(equipment transforming a pressure x into a higher pressure y.)
Intensifiers
 One type of fluid ex.- a pneumatic pressure x is transformed into a
higher pneumatic pressure y.

Two types of fluid ex.- a pneumatic pressure x is transformed into a

higher hydraulic pressure y.

Air-Oil Actuator
Equal Power tranferer equipment to transform a pnuematic pressure into
a equal hydraulic pressure (or vice versa).

Control Valves

General Representation
Single square indicates a unit that controls flow or pressure (having an infinite
number of possible positions that would vary the conditions of flow across one or
more of its ports, ensuring the chosen pressure and/or flow depending on the
operating conditions of the circuit)
Two squares indicates a directional control valve with two positions (would show
flow paths through ports in actual application)
Three squares indicates a directional control valve with three positions (would
show flow paths through ports in actual application)
Simplified symbol for valves in repetitionwould refer to a note on the diagram
where symbol in full is shown

Directional Units that provide full or restricted flow by opening or closing of one or
Control Valves more paths(one or several squares)

Flow Paths
One flow path

Two closed ports

Two flow paths

Two flow paths and one closed port

Two flow paths with cross connection

One flow path in a bypass position, two closed ports

Non-throttling directional control valve
Two position would have distinct circuit conditions shown in each square

Three position would have distinct circuit conditions shown in each square
Transitory position significant position passed through while switching
positions optionally shown by dashed lines
Directional control valve 2/2
 Manual control directional control valve with 2 ports and 2 distinct postions.

Controlled by pressure operating against a spring (ex. air unloading

valve)directional control valve with 2 ports and 2 distinct postions.
Directional control valve 3/2
Controlled by pressure in both directions directional control valve with 3
ports and 2 distinct postions.

Controlled by solenoid with spring return (showing transitory

position)directional control valve with 3 ports and 2 distinct postions.
Directional control valve 4/2

Detailed Pic- directional control valve with 4 ports and 2 distinct postions
controlled by pressure in both directions by means of pilot valve (with single
solenoid and spring return)

Simplified Pic- directional control valve with 4 ports and 2 distinct postions
controlled by pressure in both directions by means of pilot valve (with single
solenoid and spring return)
Directional control valve 5/2
Controlled by pressure in both directions- directional control valve with 5
ports and 2 distinct postions
Throttling directional control
Two extreme positions- unit has 2 extreme positions and an infinite number
of intermediate conditions with varying degrees of throttle)

Shows the extreme positions and a central(neutral) position-

Two ports(one throttling orifice) ex. -tracer valve plunger operated against a
return spring
Three ports(two throttling orifices) ex. -directional control valve controlled
by pressure against a spring return

Four ports(four throttling orifices)- ex. --tracer valve plunger operated

against a return spring
Electro-hydraulic servo valve

Single-stage direct operation unit which accepts an analog signal and

provides a similar analog fluid power output

Two-stage with mechnical feedback indirect pilot operation unit which

accepts an analog signal and provides a similar analog fluid power output

Two-stage with hydraulic feedback indirect pilot operation unit which

accepts an analog signal and provides a similar analog fluid power output

Non-Return valves, Shuttle valves, Rapid Exhaust valves

 Non-return valve

Free opens if the inlet pressure is higher than the outlet pressure

Spring loaded opens if the inlet pressure is greater than the outlet
pressure plus the spring pressure

Pilot signal closes the valve

Pilot signal opens the valve

With restriction unit allowing free flow in one direction but restricted flow
in the other
Shuttle valve
The inlet port connected to the higher pressure is automatically connected
to the outlet port while the other inlet port is closed.
Rapid exhaust valve

When the inlet port is unloaded the outlet port is freely exhausted

Pressure Control Valves

Pressure Control Valve

One normally closed throttling orifice (general symbol)

One normally open throttling orifice (general symbol)

Two normally closed throttling orifices (general symbol)

Pressure Relief Valve(safety valve)

Inlet pressure is controlled by opening the exhaust port to the reservoir or

to atmosphere against an opposing force (for example a spring).

With remote pilot control the pressure at the inlet port is limited to the
setting of a pilot control

Proportional Pressure Relief

Inlet pressure is limited to a value proportional to the pilot pressure

Sequence Valve
 When the inlet pressure overcomes the opposing force of the spring, the
valve opens permitting flow from the outlet port

Pressure
A unit which , with a pressure variable inlet pressure, gives substantially
regulator or
constant output pressure provided that the inlet pressure remains higher
Reducing
than the required outlet pressure
valve

Without relief port

Without relief port with remote control but the outlet pressure is dependent
on the pressure control

With relief port

With relief port with remote control but the outlet pressure is dependent on
the pressure control
Differential pressure regulator

The outlet pressure is reduced by a fixed amount with respect to the inlet
pressure

Proportional pressure regulator

The outlet pressure is reduced by a fixed ratio with respect to the inlet
pressure

Flow Control Valves

Throttle valve
Simplified symbol (doesn't show the control method or state of valve)

With manual control detailed(shows control method)

With mechanical control against a spring return detailed(shows control

method) ex.-(braking valve)
Flow Control valve

With fixed output (variations in inlet pressure do not affect rate of flow)

With fixed output and relief port to reservoir with relief for excess flow
(variations in inlet pressure do not affect rate of flow)

With variable output

 With variable output and relief port to reservoir

Flow dividing valve

The flow is divided into two flow in a fixed ratio substanially independent
or pressure variations

Shut-Off Valve
Simplified symbol

Energy Transmission and Conditioning

Sources of Energy
Pressure source Simplified general symbol
Hydraulic pressure source Simplified general symbol (to be used when
the nature of the source should be indicated)
Pneumatic pressure source Simplified general symbol (to be used when
the nature of the source should be indicated)
Electric motor

Heat Engine

Flow Lines and Connections

Flow lines and connections

Working line, return line and feed line
Pilot control line
Drain or bleed line
Flexible pipe flexible hose,usually connecting moving parts
Electric line
Pipeline Junction
Connected
Crossed Piplines
Not connected
Air Bleed

Exhaust Port
Plain with no provision for connection

Threaded for connection

Power take-off
 Plugged on equipment or lines, for energy take-off or
measurement
With take-off line on equipment or lines, for energy take-off or
measurement
Quick-acting Coupling
Connected, without mechanically opened non-return valve
Connected, with mechanically opened non-return valve

Uncoupled, with open end

Uncoupled, closed by free non-return valve

Rotary connection
One way line junction allowing angular movement in service

Three way line junction allowing angular movement in service

Silencer

Reservoirs

Reservoir open to atmosphere

General symbol
With inlet pipe above fluid level
With inlet pipe below fluid level
With a header line
Pressurized reservoir

Accumulators
The fluid is maintained under pressure by a spring, weight or
compressed gas (air, nitrogen, etc.)

Filters, Water Traps, Lubricators and Miscellaneous Apparatus

Filter or Strainer

Water Trap

With manual control drain

Automatically drained

Filter with water trap

 With manual control drain

Automatically drained

Air Dryer
A unit drying air(for example by chemical means)
Lubricator
Lubricates equipmentsmall quantities of oil are added to the air passing
through the unit, in order to lubricate equipment receiving the air
Conditioning unit

Detailed consisting of filter, pressure regulator gage and lubricator

Simplified consisting of filter, pressure regulator gage and lubricator

Heat Exchangers

Temperature Controller
Maintains temperature the fluid temperature is maintained between two
predetermined values. The arrows indicate that heat may be introduced or
dissipated.
Cooler

Not showing coolant flow the arrows indicate the extraction of heat

Showing coolant flow lines the arrows indicate the extraction of heat

Heater

Arrow in diamond indicate the introduction of heat

Control Mechanisms

Mechanical Components
Detent a device for maintaining a given postion

Locking Device (*) is the symbol for unlocking control

Over-center device prevents the mechanism for stopping in the

dead center position
Rotating Shaft
In one direction(arrows indicate direction)
 In either direction(arrows indicate direction)
Pivoting devices

Simple

With traversing lever

With fixed fulcrum

Control Methods

Muscular control
General symbol (without showing the control type)

Controlled by pushbutton

Controlled by lever

Controlled by pedal
Mechanical Control
Controlled by plunger or tracer

Controlled by spring

Controlled by roller

Controlled by roller(one direction only)

Electrical Control

Controlled by Solenoid (the one winding)

Controlled by Solenoid (the two winding operating in opposite directions)

Controlled by Solenoid (the two winding operating in a variable way
progressively, operating in opposite direction)

Controlled by Electric Motor

Direct Acting Control

Controlled by application of pressure

Controlled by release of pressure

Controlled by different control areas (Larger rectangle represents the
larger control area)
Indirect Control, pilot actuated

Controlled by application of pressure

 Controlled by release of pressure

Controlled by Interior control path (control paths are inside unit)

Combined Control
Controlled by solenoid and pilot directional valve pilot directional valve is
actuated by solenoid
Controlled by solenoid or pilot directional valve either may actuate the
control independently