5 Hydraulic Reservoirs

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Hydraulic Power Pack

A hydraulic power pack transforms the power conveyed by its prime mover to hydraulic power, at pressures and
flow rates as required for all the system actuators. It is usually a compact, portable, and pre-configured assembly
that contains components required to store and condition a given quantity of fluid, and push part of the fluid into
the system. A typical power pack can be constructed in a modular fashion with some key and some optional
components. The key components are the reservoir, pump-motor unit, relief valve, pressure gauge, and level gauge.
The optional components are the filters and control valves. It may also include necessary instrumentation, and other
accessories, such as the accumulator, cooler, hoses, and quick-disconnect couplings.
Hydraulic Reservoirs
Any hydraulic system requires a sufficient amount of high-quality fluid at all times for its efficient operation. The
fluid is drawn and pushed by the pump, circulated continuously through various intermediate components to
system actuators, and then carried back to the reservoir. The circulating fluid is liable to accumulate contaminants
and absorb heat from the system. Therefore, the fluid must be serviced before it is pumped again into the system.
A well-designed reservoir:
 allows a reasonable dwell time for the fluid,
 allows most of the contaminants to drop out,
 assists in dissipating the heat,
 allows air bubbles to come to the surface and dissipate,
Constructional Features
 Baffle plate
 Suction line
 Return line
 Breather with air filters
 Suction strainer/filter
 Fluid-level sight-windows/indicators
 Pressure gauges
 Removable cover
 Drain plug
 Magnetic tank cleaners,
 Diffuser
A typical reservoir is provided with many  Thermometers
components, such as:
1
In order to get a better fluid cooling and eliminate corrosion, reservoirs are made of materials, such as mild steel or
stainless steel or anodized aluminium. Reservoir manufacturers also make them from durable polyethylene material
with no seams to leak, and no rust and no welding slag to breed contamination.
Baffle Plate
A baffle plate is fitted lengthwise through the middle of the reservoir. Its purpose is to separate the suction chamber
from the return chamber. It is usually sized to a height of about 70% of the maximum height of the fluid level in the
reservoir. The bottom corners are cut diagonally to provide openings for the fluid to equalize the fluid levels on
both sides. This ensures that the return fluid takes a circuitous path through the reservoir, avoiding the same part of
the fluid circulating continuously. This also provides more time for the contaminants to settle within the reservoir
and assists the reservoir in dissipating heat as quickly as possible. It also assists in de-aerating the fluid.
Suction Line
The suction line is used to carry the fluid to the inlet of the pump. Its bottom end should be located a distance
above the bottom floor, so as to prevent the settled contaminants from entering the pump again. A suction line is
usually fitted with a strainer and/or suction filter.
Return Line
The return line is used to carry the return fluid from the system back to the reservoir. Suction line and return line
may be located at the same side of the reservoir, but, on either side of the baffle plate. The return line must
terminate below the fluid level and up to a height two to four times the pipe diameter above the base plate to reduce
the turbulence and foaming.
Filler-Breather
The opening provides a path for filling the reservoir during the fluid replacement time. It also allows a passage for
the air to breathe in and out of the reservoir during the operating time to equalize the interior & exterior pressures.
An air filter of five microns (or better) prevents the ingress of airborne contaminants into the reservoir. The
breather may include a quantity of desiccant material (silica gel) for the dehumidification of the inflowing air.
Strainer/ Suction Filter

A strainer and/or suction filter are fitted to the suction line to prevent dirt, grit, sludge, rust, and other
contaminants from entering the pump. A suction filter must be fitted in a service-friendly manner so that it is easy
to maintain and replace the filter.
Fluid Level Indicators

The fluid level monitoring is assisted by a sight window or a fluid level indicator or by using a level gauge. The sight
window/fluid level indicator is provided for a quick visual inspection. The transparent fluid level indicator is made
of materials, such as polyamide resin, and is protected with steel guard. Integrated level gauges, such as a dipstick,
can also be used to monitor the fluid level.
Pressure Gauge
The use of the pressure gauge is a safety measure as it monitors over-pressures and assists in troubleshooting.
Removable Covers
A reservoir must be designed for easy access to clean out all the residues and rust that may have accumulated in the
reservoir, and for flaking paint. The periodic servicing and cleaning activities can be carried out quickly if an
opening with a large removable cover is fitted as part of the reservoir.
Drain Plug
The bottom part of the reservoir is usually provided with a downward gradient and a drain plug at its lowest point
so that the system fluid can be drained completely without any difficulty.
2
Diffusers
It is used in combination with return-line filter to slow down the return fluid. The reduced velocity prevents
foaming and re-suspension of deposited dirt. It reduces turbulence/noise. A screen can also be installed at an angle
to collect bubbles that can go to the surface and get dissipated.
Magnetic Tank Cleaners

Tank cleaners with permanent magnets can be used for attracting and holding the abrasive ferrous particles.
Sizing of Reservoirs
The size of the reservoir must ensure that the fluid in circulation has a reasonable dwell time, dissipate heat quickly,
suppress turbulence in the fluid, and release any entrained air. An undersized reservoir is liable to produce higher
fluid temperatures. For a hydraulic system, where mineral fluids are used, and medium-to-high frequency demands
are expected, a reservoir with a capacity of three to five times the volume flow rate of the system fluid is adequate.
Reservoir size,m3 = (3 to 5)xQ m3/min

Reservoir size,litre = (3 to 5) Q lpm
Reservoir size,gallons = (3 to 5)xQ gpm
With this general rule, the fluid returned to the reservoir has three to five minutes of dwell time in the reservoir
before it circulates again.
Heat Exchangers
Heat is usually generated in a system due to its inefficiency or poor design. If the cooling effect from the reservoir is
insufficient, a heat exchanger (or cooler) must be fitted to increase the heat dissipation rate. Heat exchangers are
expensive, and maintenance of them can run high. Types: (1) air-cooled heat exchangers and (2) water-cooled heat
exchangers.
Air-cooled Heat Exchanger

When the heat to be removed is comparatively small, an air-cooled heat exchanger can be used. It consists of a
blower and a radiator. Airborne contaminants in the atmosphere surrounding the blower, such as heavy dust, water,
and coolant vapors can quickly reduce the efficiency of the air-cooled heat exchanger.
Water-cooled Heat Exchanger

When the heat to be removed is high or its surrounding atmosphere is liable to be very hot, a water-cooled heat
exchanger should be used. In a typical water-cooled heat exchanger, the fluid is passed through the tubes and cold
water is passed through the shell. The heat from the fluid is carried away by the relatively cold water.
Noise Reduction Techniques

It is necessary to design hydraulic systems especially the power units with appropriate noise reduction techniques to
reduce the damaging effects of noise. In general, noise can be controlled by (1) using quieter work processes, (2)
enclosing the machine to reduce the noise at source, and (3) using sound-absorbing materials. An integrated motor-
pump unit has very low sound levels. Many other factors, such as mounting, tank style, and plant layout, affect noise
levels.
Reference: JOJI PARAMBATH, Industrial Hydraulic Systems – Theory and Practice, Universal Publishers, Boca
Raton, USA, 2016. Please visit: http://www.universal-
publishers.com/book.php?method=ISBN&book=1627340580
Note: A comprehensive account of the topic is given in the textbook on ‘Industrial Hydraulic Systems-Theory and
Practice’ by Joji Parambath.

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Fluidsys Training Centre, Bangalore offers an

extensive range of skill-based and industry-relevant

Hydraulic Power Pack

Strainer/ Suction Filter

Fluid Level Indicators

Magnetic Tank Cleaners

Reservoir size,m3 = (3 to 5)xQ m3/min

Air-cooled Heat Exchanger

Water-cooled Heat Exchanger

Noise Reduction Techniques

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