MODULE 5: HYDRAULIC CIRCUITS

5.1
CONTROL OF A SINGLE-ACTING HYDRAULIC CYLINDER
Figure 1 shows how a two-position, three-way, manually actuated, spring-offset directional control valve (DCV)
can be used to control the operation of a single-acting cylinder. In the spring-offset mode, full pump flow goes to
the tank via the pressure relief valve. The spring in the rod end of the cylinder retracts the piston as oil from the
blank end drains back to the tank. When the valve is manually actuated into its left envelope flow path
configuration, pump flow extends the cylinder. At full extension, pump flow goes through the relief valve.
Deactivation of the DCV allows the cylinder to retract as the DCV shifts into its spring-offset mode.

Figure 1 : Control of single-acting hydraulic cylinder

CONTROL OF A DOUBLE-ACTING HYDRAULIC CYLINDER

Figure 2 gives a circuit used to control a double-acting hydraulic cylinder. The operation is described as follows:

1. When the four-way valve is in its spring-centered position (tandem design), the cylinder is hydraulically
locked. Also, the pump is unloaded back to the tank at essentially atmospheric pressure.
2. When the four-way valve is actuated into the flow path configuration of the left envelope, the cylinder is
extended against its load force Fload as oil flows from port P through port A. Also, oil in the rod end of the
cylinder is free to flow back to the tank via the four-way valve from port B through port T. Note that the
cylinder could not extend if this oil were not allowed to leave the rod end of the cylinder.
3. When the four-way valve is deactivated, the spring-centered envelope prevails, and the cylinder is once again
hydraulically locked.
4. When the four-way valve is actuated into the right envelope configuration, the cylinder retracts as oil flows
from port P through port B. Oil in the blank end is returned to the tank via the flow path from port A to port
T.

Figure 2 : Control of a double acting hydraulic cylinder

5. At the ends of the stroke, there is no system demand for oil. Thus, the pump flow goes through the relief valve
at its pressure-level setting unless the four-way valve is deactivated. In any event, the system is protected
from any cylinder overloads.

REGENERATIVE CYLINDER CIRCUIT

Operation
Figure 3(a) shows a regenerative circuit that is used to speed up the extending speed of a double-acting hydraulic
cylinder. Note that the pipelines to both ends of the hydraulic cylinder are connected in parallel and that one of
the ports of the four-way valve is blocked. A common method used to block a valve port is to simply screw a
threaded plug into the port opening. The operation of the cylinder during the retraction stroke is the same as that
of a regular double-acting cylinder. Fluid flows through the DCV via the right envelope during retraction. In this
mode, fluid from the pump bypasses the DCV and enters the rod end of the cylinder. Fluid in the blank end drains
back to the tank through the DCV as the cylinder retracts.

When the DCV is shifted into its left envelope configuration, the cylinder extends as shown in Figure
3(b). The speed of extension is greater than that for a regular double-acting cylinder because flow from the rod
end (QR) regenerates with the pump flow (QP) to provide a total flow rate (QT), which is greater than the pump
flow rate to the blank end of the cylinder.

Figure 3 : Regenerative cylinder circuit.

Cylinder Extending Speed
The equation for the extending speed can be obtained as follows, referring to Figure 3(b): The total flow rate (QT)
entering the blank end of the cylinder equals the pump flow rate (QP) plus the regenerative flow rate (QR) coming
from the rod end of the cylinder:

𝑄𝑇 = 𝑄𝑃 + 𝑄𝑅

Solving for the pump flow rate, we have

𝑄𝑃 = 𝑄𝑇 − 𝑄𝑅

We know that the total flow rate equals the piston area (AP) multiplied by the extending speed of the piston (vp-
ext). Similarly, the regenerative flow rate equals the difference of the piston and rod areas (AP - Ar) multiplied by
the extending speed of the piston. Substituting these two relationships into the preceding equation yields

𝑄𝑃 = 𝐴𝑝 𝑣𝑝−𝑒𝑥𝑡 − (𝐴𝑝 − 𝐴𝑟 )𝑣𝑝−𝑒𝑥𝑡

Solving for the extending speed of the piston, we have

𝑄𝑝
𝑣𝑝−𝑒𝑥𝑡 =
𝐴𝑟
(1)

From Eq. (1), we see that the extending speed equals the pump flow rate divided by the area of the rod. Thus, a
small rod area (which produces a large regenerative flow rate) provides a large extending speed. In fact the
extending speed can be greater than the retracting speed if the rod area is made small enough

Ratio of Extending and Retracting Speeds

Let’s find the ratio of extending and retracting speeds to determine under what conditions the extending and
retracting speeds are equal. We know that the retracting speed equals the pump flow rate divided by the difference
of the piston and rod areas:
𝑄𝑝
𝑣𝑝−𝑟𝑒𝑡 =
(𝐴𝑝 − 𝐴𝑟 )

(2)

Dividing Eq. (1) by Eq. (2), we have

𝑄𝑝
𝑣𝑝−𝑒𝑥𝑡 ⁄𝐴 (𝐴𝑝 − 𝐴𝑟 )
𝑟
= =
𝑣𝑝−𝑟𝑒𝑡 𝑄𝑝 𝐴𝑟
⁄
(𝐴𝑝 − 𝐴𝑟 )

On further simplification we obtain the desired equation:

𝑣𝑝−𝑒𝑥𝑡 𝐴𝑝
= −1
𝑣𝑝−𝑟𝑒𝑡 𝐴𝑟

(3)

From Eq. (3), we see that when the piston area equals two times the rod area, the extension and retraction speeds
are equal. In general, the greater the ratio of piston area to rod area, the greater the ratio of extending speed to
retracting speed.

Load-Carrying Capacity during Extension

It should be kept in mind that the load-carrying capacity of a regenerative cylinder during extension is less than
that obtained from a regular double-acting cylinder. The load-carrying (Fload-ext) capacity for a regenerative
cylinder during extension equals the pressure times the piston rod area rather than the pressure times piston area.
This is because system pressure acts on both sides of the piston during the extending stroke of the regenerative
cylinder, as shown in Figure 3(b). This is in accordance with Pascal’s law, and thus we have
 𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑−𝑒𝑥𝑡 = 𝑝𝐴𝑟

Thus, we are not obtaining more power from the regenerative cylinder during extension because the extending
speed is increased at the expense of reduced load-carrying capacity.

5.2
PUMP-UNLOADING CIRCUIT
In Figure 4 we see a circuit using an unloading valve to unload a pump. The unloading valve opens when the
cylinder reaches the end of its extension stroke because the check valve keeps high-pressure oil in the pilot line
of the unloading valve. When the DCV is shifted to retract the cylinder, the motion of the piston reduces the
pressure in the pilot line of the unloading valve. This resets the unloading valve until the cylinder is fully retracted,
at which point the unloading valve unloads the pump. Thus, the unloading valve unloads the pump at the ends of
the extending and retraction strokes as well as in the spring-centered position of the DCV.

Figure 4 : Pump-unloading circuit.

DOUBLE-PUMP HYDRAULIC SYSTEM

Figure 5 shows a circuit that uses a high-pressure, low-flow pump in conjunction with a low-pressure, high-flow
pump. A typical application is a sheet metal punch press in which the hydraulic ram (cylinder) must extend rapidly
over a great distance with very low pressure but high flow-rate requirements. This rapid extension of the cylinder
occurs under no external load as the punching tool (connected to the end of the cylinder piston rod) approaches
the sheet metal strip to be punched.

Figure 5 : Double-pump hydraulic system.

However, during the short motion portion when the punching operation occurs, the pressure requirements are high
due to the punching load. During the punching operation, the cylinder travel is small and thus the flow-rate
requirements are low. The circuit shown eliminates the necessity of having a very expensive high-pressure, high-
flow pump. When the punching operation begins, the increased pressure opens the unloading valve to unload the
low-pressure pump. The purpose of the relief valve is to protect the high-pressure pump from overpressure at the
end of the cylinder stroke and when the DCV is in its spring-centered mode. The check valve protects the low-
pressure pump from high pressure, which occurs during the punching operation, at the ends of the cylinder stroke,
and when the DCV is in its spring-centered mode.

PRESSURE INTENSIFIER CIRCUIT

Figure 6 gives the circuit for a punch press application where a pressure intensifier is used to eliminate the need
for a high-pressure/low-flow pump. This circuit also includes a pilot check valve and sequence valve. The
operation is as follows: When the pressure in the cylinder reaches the sequence valve pressure setting, the
intensifier starts to operate. The high-pressure output of the intensifier closes the pilot check valve and pressurizes
the blank end of the cylinder to perform the punching operation. A pilot check valve is used instead of a regular
check valve to permit retraction of the cylinder. Very high pressures can be supplied by a pressure intensifier
operating on a low-pressure pump. The intensifier should be installed near the cylinder to keep the high-pressure
lines as short as possible.

Figure 6 : Pressure intensifier circuit.

COUNTERBALANCE VALVE APPLICATION

Figure 7 illustrates the use of a counterbalance or back-pressure valve to keep a vertically mounted hydraulic
cylinder in the upward position while the pump is idling. The counterbalance valve (CBV) is set to open at
somewhat above the pressure required to prevent the vertical cylinder from descending due to the weight of its
load. This permits the cylinder to be forced downward when pressure is applied on the top. The open-center
directional control valve unloads the pump. The DCV is a solenoid-actuated, spring-centered valve with an open-
center flow path configuration.

Figure 7 : Counterbalance valve application.

5.3
HYDRAULIC CYLINDER SEQUENCING CIRCUITS
As stated earlier, a sequence valve causes operations in a hydraulic circuit to behave sequentially. Figure 8 is an
example where two sequence valves are used to control the sequence of operations of two double-acting cylinders.
When the DCV is shifted into its left envelope mode, the left cylinder extends completely, and then the right
cylinder extends. If the DCV is then shifted into its right envelope mode, the right cylinder retracts fully, and then
the left cylinder retracts. This sequence of cylinder operation is controlled by the sequence valves. The spring-
centered position of the DCV locks both cylinders in place. One application of this circuit is a production
operation. For example, the left cylinder could extend and clamp a workpiece via a power vise jaw. Then the right
cylinder extends to drive a spindle to drill a hole in the workpiece. The right cylinder then retracts the drill spindle,
and then the left cylinder retracts to release the workpiece for removal. Obviously these machining operations
must occur in the proper sequence as established by the sequence valves in the circuit.

Figure 8 : Hydraulic cylinder sequence circuit.

AUTOMATIC CYLINDER RECIPROCATING SYSTEM

Figure 9 is a circuit that produces continuous reciprocation of a hydraulic cylinder. This is accomplished by using
two sequence valves, each of which senses a stroke completion by the corresponding build-up of pressure. Each
check valve and corresponding pilot line prevents shifting of the four-way valve until the particular stroke of the
cylinder has been completed. The check valves are needed to allow pilot oil to leave either end of the DCV while
pilot pressure is applied to the opposite end. This permits the spool of the DCV to shift as required.

Figure 9 : Automatic cylinder reciprocating system.

5.4
LOCKED CYLINDER USING PILOT CHECK VALVES
In many cylinder applications, it is necessary to lock the cylinder so that its piston cannot be moved due to an
external force acting on the piston rod. One method for locking a cylinder in this fashion is by using pilot check
valves, as shown in Figure 10. The cylinder can be extended and retracted as normally done by the action of the
directional control valve. If regular check valves were used, the cylinder could not be extended or retracted by the
action of the DCV. An external force, acting on the piston rod, will not move the piston in either direction because
reverse flow through either pilot check valve is not permitted under these conditions

Figure 10 : Locked cylinder using pilot check valves.

CYLINDER SYNCHRONIZING CIRCUITS

Cylinders Connected in Parallel
Figure 11 is a very interesting circuit, which seems to show how two identical cylinders can be synchronized by
piping them in parallel. However, even if the two cylinders are identical, it would be necessary for the loads on
the cylinders to be identical in order for them to extend in exact synchronization. If the loads are not exactly
identical (as is always the case), the cylinder with the smaller load would extend first because it would move at a
lower pressure level. After this cylinder has fully completed its stroke, the system pressure will increase to the
higher level required to extend the cylinder with the greater load. It should be pointed out that no two cylinders
are really identical. For example, differences in packing friction will vary from cylinder to cylinder. This alone
would prevent cylinder synchronization for the circuit of Figure 11.

Figure 11 : Cylinders hooked in parallel will not operate in synchronization.

Cylinders Connected in Series
The circuit of Figure 12 shows that hooking two cylinders in series is a simple way to synchronize the two
cylinders. For example, during the extending stroke of the cylinders, fluid from the pump is delivered to the blank
end of cylinder 1 via the flow path shown in the upper envelope of the DCV. As cylinder 1 extends, fluid from its
rod end is delivered to the blank end of cylinder 2. Note that both ends of cylinders and the entire pipeline between
the cylinders is filled with fluid. Fluid returns to the oil tank from the rod end of cylinder 2, as it extends, via the
DCV. For the two cylinders to be synchronized, the piston area of cylinder 2 must equal the difference between
the areas of the piston and rod for cylinder 1. This can be shown by applying the continuity equation which states
that the rate at which fluid leaves the rod end of cylinder 1 must equal the rate at which fluid enters cylinder 2.

Figure 12 : Cylinders hooked in series will operate in synchronization.

Thus, we have for a hydraulic fluid

𝑄𝑜𝑢𝑡(𝑐𝑦𝑙 1) = 𝑄𝑖𝑛(𝑐𝑦𝑙 2)

Since Q = Aυ where A is the effective area through which fluid flows, we have

(𝐴𝑒𝑓𝑓 𝑣) = (𝐴𝑒𝑓𝑓 𝑣)
𝑐𝑦𝑙 1 𝑐𝑦𝑙 2

thus

(𝐴𝑃1 − 𝐴𝑅1 )𝑣1 = 𝐴𝑝2 𝑣2

Since for synchronization υ1 = υ2, we have the desired result:

(𝐴𝑃1 − 𝐴𝑅1 ) = 𝐴𝑝2

It should be noted that the pump must be capable of delivering a pressure equal to that required for the piston of
cylinder 1 by itself to overcome the loads acting on both extending cylinders. This is shown as follows, noting
that the pressures are equal at the blank end of cylinder 2 and at the rod end of cylinder 1 per Pascal’s law (refer
to Figure 12 for area, load, and pressure identifications): Summing forces on cylinder 1 yields

𝑃1 𝐴𝑃1 − 𝑃2 (𝐴𝑃1 − 𝐴𝑅1 ) = 𝐹1

Repeating this force summation on cylinder 2, we have

𝑃2 𝐴𝑃2 − 𝑃3 (𝐴𝑃2 − 𝐴𝑅2 ) = 𝐹2

Adding the preceding two equations together and noting that AP2 = AP1 – AR1 and that P3 = 0 (due to the drain line
to the tank), we obtain the desired result:

𝑃1 𝐴𝑃1 = 𝐹1 + 𝐹2
5.5
SPEED CONTROL OF A HYDRAULIC CYLINDER
Operation
Figure 9-17 shows a circuit where speed control of a hydraulic cylinder is accomplished during the extension
stroke using a flow control valve. The operation is as follows:

1. When the directional control valve is actuated, oil flows through the flow control valve to extend the cylinder.
The extending speed of the cylinder depends on the setting (percent of full opening position) of the flow
control valve (FCV).
2. When the directional control valve is de-actuated into its spring-offset mode, the cylinder retracts as oil flows
from the cylinder to the oil tank through the check valve as well as the flow control valve.

Analysis of Extending Speed Control

During the extension stroke, if the flow control valve is fully open, all the flow from the pump goes to the cylinder
to produce maximum cylinder speed. As the flow control valve is partially closed its pressure drop increases. This
causes an increase in pressure p1. Continued closing of the flow control valve ultimately results in pressure p1
reaching and exceeding the cracking pressure of the pressure relief valve (PRV). The result is a slower cylinder
speed since part of the pump flow goes back to the oil tank through the PRV. For the desired cylinder speed,
pressure p1 approximately equals the PRV setting, and the amount of pump flow that is not desired by the cylinder
flows through the PRV. An analysis to determine the extending speed is given as follows:

The flow rate to the cylinder equals pump flow rate minus the flow rate through the PRV.

𝑄𝑐𝑦𝑙 = 𝑄𝑝𝑢𝑚𝑝 − 𝑄𝑃𝑅𝑉

The flow rate through the flow control valve (FCV) is governed by

∆𝑝 𝑝1 − 𝑝2
𝑄𝐹𝐶𝑉 = 𝐶𝑉 √ = 𝐶𝑉 √
𝑆𝐺 𝑆𝐺

(4)

where:

 Δp = pressure drop across FCV

 Cv = capacity coefficient of FCV
 SG = specific gravity of oil
 Pressure p1 = pPRV = PRV setting.

Also, pressure p3 = 0 (ignoring small frictional pressure drop in drain line from rod end of cylinder to oil tank).
Pressure p2 can be obtained by summing forces on the hydraulic cylinder.

𝑝2 𝐴𝑝𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑛 = 𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑

𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑
𝑝2 =
𝐴𝑝𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑛

(5)

Also, the extending speed of the cylinder can be represented as a function of the flow rate through the flow control
valve as follows:
𝑄𝑐𝑦𝑙 𝑄
𝑣𝑐𝑦𝑙 = ⁄𝐴 = 𝐹𝐶𝑉⁄𝐴
𝑝𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑛 𝑝𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑛

Combining the preceding equation with Eqs. (4) and (5) yields the final result.

𝐶𝑉 𝑝 − (𝐹𝑙𝑜𝑎𝑑 ⁄𝐴𝑝𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑛 )
𝑣𝑐𝑦𝑙 = √ 𝑃𝑅𝑉
𝐴𝑝𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑛 𝑆𝐺
As can be seen by the above equation, by varying the setting of the flow control valve, and thus the value of C v,
the desired extending speed of the cylinder can be achieved.

Meter-In Versus Meter-Out Flow Control Valve Systems

The circuit of Figure 13 depicts a meter-in flow control system, in which the flow control valve is placed in the
line leading to the inlet port of the cylinder. Hence a meter-in flow control system controls the oil flow rate into
the cylinder. Conversely, a meter-out flow control system is one in which the flow control valve is placed in the
outlet line of the hydraulic cylinder. As shown in Figure 14, a meter-out flow control system controls the oil flow
rate out of the cylinder. Meter-in systems are used primarily when the external load opposes the direction of
motion of the hydraulic cylinder. An example of the opposite situation is the case of a weight pulling downward
on the piston rod of a vertical cylinder. In this case the weight would suddenly drop by pulling the piston rod
down if a meter-in system is used even if the flow control valve is completely closed. Thus, the meter-out system
is generally preferred over the meter-in type. One drawback of a meter-out system is the possibility of excessive
pressure build-up in the rod end of the cylinder while it is extending. This is due to the magnitude of back pressure
that the flow control valve can create depending on its nearness to being fully closed as well as the size of the
external load and the piston-to-rod area ratio of the cylinder. In addition an excessive pressure build-up in the rod
end of the cylinder results in a large pressure drop across the flow control valve. This produces the undesirable
effect of a high heat generation rate with a resulting increase in oil temperature.

Figure 13 : Meter-in speed control of hydraulic cylinder during extending stroke using flow control valve. (DCV is in
manually actuated position.)

Figure 14 : Meter-out speed control of hydraulic cylinder during extending stroke using flow control valve. (DCV is in
manually actuated position.)
5.6
FAIL-SAFE CIRCUITS
Protection from Inadvertent Cylinder Extension
Fail-safe circuits are those designed to prevent injury to the operator or damage to equipment. In general they
prevent the system from accidentally falling on an operator, and they also prevent overloading of the system.
Figure 15 shows a fail-safe circuit that prevents the cylinder from accidentally falling in the event a hydraulic line
ruptures or a person inadvertently operates the manual override on the pilot-actuated directional control valve
when the pump is not operating. To lower the cylinder, pilot pressure from the blank end of the piston must pilot-
open the check valve at the rod end to allow oil to return through the DCV to the tank. This happens when the
push-button valve is actuated to permit pilot pressure actuation of the DCV or when the DCV is directly manually
actuated while the pump is operating. The pilot-operated DCV allows free flow in the opposite direction to retract
the cylinder when this DCV returns to its spring-offset mode.

Figure 15 : Fail-safe circuit.

Fail-Safe System with Overload Protection

Figure 16 shows a fail-safe circuit that provides overload protection for system components. Directional control
valve 1 is controlled by push-button, three-way valve 2. When overload valve 3 is in its spring-offset mode, it
drains the pilot line of valve 1. If the cylinder experiences excessive resistance during the extension stroke,
sequence valve 4 pilot-actuates overload valve 3. This drains the pilot line of valve 1, causing it to return to its
spring-offset mode. If a person then operates push-button valve 2, nothing will happen unless overload valve 3 is
manually shifted into its blocked port configuration. Thus, the system components are protected against excessive
pressure due to an excessive cylinder load during its extension stroke.

Figure 16 : Fail-safe circuit with overload protection.

5.7
HYDRAULIC MOTOR BRAKING SYSTEM
When using a hydraulic motor in a fluid power system, consideration should be given to the type of loading that
the motor will experience. A hydraulic motor may be driving a machine having a large inertia. This would create
a flywheel effect on the motor, and stopping the flow of fluid to the motor would cause it to act as a pump. In a
situation such as this, the circuit should be designed to provide fluid to the motor while it is pumping to prevent
it from pulling in air. In addition, provisions should be made for the discharge fluid from the motor to be returned
to the tank either unrestricted or through a relief valve. This would stop the motor rapidly but without damage to
the system. Figure 17 shows a hydraulic motor braking circuit that possesses these desirable features for either
direction of motor rotation.

Figure 17 : Hydraulic motor braking system.

APPLICATIONS OF ACCUMULATORS
Basic Applications
There are four basic applications where accumulators are used in hydraulic systems.

1. An auxiliary power source

2. A leakage compensator
3. An emergency power source
4. A hydraulic shock absorber

The following is a description and the accompanying circuit diagram of each of these four applications

Accumulator as an Auxiliary Power Source

One of the most common applications of accumulators is as an auxiliary power source. The purpose of the
accumulator in this application is to store oil delivered by the pump during a portion of the work cycle. The
accumulator then releases this stored oil on demand to complete the cycle, thereby serving as a secondary power
source to assist the pump. In such a system where intermittent operations are performed, the use of an accumulator
results in being able to use a smaller-sized pump.

This application is depicted in Figure 18 in which a four-way valve is used in conjunction with an accumulator.
When the four-way valve is manually actuated, oil flows from the accumulator to the blank end of the cylinder.
This extends the piston until it reaches the end of its stroke. While the desired operation is occurring (the cylinder
is in the fully extended position), the accumulator is being charged by the pump. The four-way valve is then
deactivated for the retraction of the cylinder. Oil flows from the pump and accumulator to retract the cylinder
rapidly. The accumulator size is selected to supply adequate oil during the retraction stroke.
 Figure 18 : Accumulator as an auxiliary power source.

Accumulator as a Leakage Compensator

A second application for accumulators is as a compensator for internal or external leakage during an extended
period of time during which the system is pressurized but not in operation. As shown in Figure 19, for this
application the pump charges the accumulator and system until the maximum pressure setting on the pressure
switch is obtained. The contacts on the pressure switch then open to automatically stop the electric motor that
drives the pump. The accumulator then supplies leakage oil to the system during a long period. Finally, when
system pressure drops to the minimum pressure setting of the pressure switch, it closes the electrical circuit of the
pump motor (not shown) until the system has been recharged. The use of an accumulator as a leakage compensator
saves electrical power and reduces heat in the system.

Figure 19 : Accumulator as a leakage compensator.

Accumulator as an Emergency Power Source

In some hydraulic systems, safety dictates that a cylinder be retracted even though the normal supply of oil
pressure is lost due to a pump or electrical power failure. Such an application requires the use of an accumulator
as an emergency power source, as depicted in Figure 20. In this circuit, a solenoid-actuated, three-way valve is
used in conjunction with the accumulator. When the three-way valve is energized, oil flows to the blank end of
the cylinder and also through the check valve into the accumulator and rod end of the cylinder. The accumulator
charges as the cylinder extends. If the pump fails due to an electrical failure, the solenoid will de-energize, shifting
the valve to its spring-offset mode. Then the oil stored under pressure is forced from the accumulator to the rod
end of the cylinder. This retracts the cylinder to its starting position. Figure 21 shows an accumulator application
involving a machine that transports and handles huge logs. The circuit for the hydraulic breaking system of this
machine is given in Figure 22. This circuit shows that in case of low oil pressure, as sensed by a low-pressure
warning switch, to gas-charged accumulators ensure that adequate pressurized oil can be sent to the hydraulic
brake valves. This would allow for adequate hydraulic braking action to take place on the wheels to stop any travel
motion of the machine. Braking occurs if the operator pushes on the pedal of the pedal-actuated hydraulic power
brake valve.
 Figure 20 : Accumulator as an emergency power source.

Figure 21 : Log transport/handling machine.

Accumulator as a Hydraulic Shock Absorber

One of the most important industrial applications of accumulators is the elimination or reduction of high-pressure
pulsations or hydraulic shock. Hydraulic shock (or water hammer, as it is frequently called) is caused by the
sudden stoppage or deceleration of a hydraulic fluid flowing at relatively high velocity in a pipeline. One example
where this occurs is in the case of a rapidly closing valve. This creates a compression wave where the rapidly
closing valve is located. This compression wave travels at the speed of sound upstream to the end of the pipe and
back again to the closed valve, causing an increase in the line pressure. This wave travels back and forth along
the entire pipe length until its energy is finally dissipated by friction. The resulting rapid pressure pulsations or
high-pressure surges may cause damage to the hydraulic system components. If an accumulator is installed near
the rapidly closing valve, as shown in Figure 23, the pressure pulsations or high-pressure surges are suppressed
Figure 22 : Hydraulic braking system for log transport/handling machine of Figure 21.

Figure 23 : Accumulator as a hydraulic shock absorber