Eastern Kentucky University

Department of Applied Engineering & Technology

AEM 371 Hydraulics and Pneumatics

LAB 1
Submitted by
Matt Eades
Date Submitted: 10/28/15
Date Performed:10/19/15

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Introduction
In this lab, students were assigned a hydraulic trainer station in order to perform a few
introductory tasks that will greater familarize students with the concepts of hydraulic fluid power
units. These introductory tasks include : component identification to visually show students what
the parts of a hydraulic system look like, practice gauge reading of the different gauges located
on the trainer, and setup of a couple of basic dual cylinder hydraulic circuits. Essentially, the
purpose of this lab is to help connect students written knowledge of hydraulic systems learned
throughout the first 8 weeks of class with visual, hands-on knowledge on how to use them in
conventional applications.

Objectives

Be able to identify and locate the different components of a hydraulic fluid power system
on the hydraulic trainer unit.

Practice reading the different gauges (pressure gauges, liquid level gauge).

Operate a hydraulic power unit

Connect and operate a double-acting hydraulic cylinder using a 4/3 DCV.

Design a dual cylinder hydraulic circuit (one that will cause the cylinders to extend and
retract at the same time).

Equipment and Applications Used

Hydraulic Training Unit

Lab Sheet (Identification Diagram)

Pencil

Lab Description
The first task in Lab 1 asked students to identify the different components on the trainer unit. As
students found, the setup of the hydraulic training units is very user friendly. All of the
components are easily seen and clearly labeled. The hydraulic trainer is perfect for visually
connecting students working knowledge of hydraulic systems.

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The second task involved power unit operation and reading gauge pressures. Students turned
their hydraulic trainer systems on, and recorded the pressure gauge and liquid level gauge
readings. This task is to help students practice reading pressure on a pressure gauge dial, and
gain more familiarity with the operation of the trainer.
The third task involved connecting a working double-acting cylinder using a 4/3 DCV. The
circuit was printed in the text, so students could see how it is constructed. This task helps
students to understand how the schematics and real-life setup of a hydraulic circuit connect.
Through a little bit of trial and error, students quickly assembled a working double-acting
cylinder.
The final task was to design a hydraulic circuit that could extend and retract two cylinders using
a single 4/3 DCV. By using t-shaped valve connector, this could be easily constructed. For
example, after the supply line passes through Port A, insert the t-shaped valve, connecting each
end to the inlet/outlet of the cylinder. Do the same to Port B with the second cylinder, and throw
the DCV lever to each open position to see both cylinders extend/retract together (See Appendix
A for circuit diagram).

Discussion of Questions

Component Identification
Component

Number

Pressure Gauge

17

Hydraulic Motor

13

Cylinder

22;25

Directional Control Valve

12;14

Flow Control Valve

23

Check Valve

24

Needle Valve

20

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Gauge pressure and liquid level readings

-Full Scale Reading: 600 psi
-Major Graduation Unit: 50 psi
-Minor Graduation Unit: 10 psi
-Liquid Level Gauge (oil temp.): 67F
-Before power unit start/Pressure Gauge S reading (relief valve set at minimum): 115 psi
-After power unit start/Pressure Gauge S reading: 160 psi
-Gauge pressure in double-acting hydraulic cylinder circuit: 80 psi

Connect a double-acting hydraulic cylinder using a 4/3 DCV (See Appendix A)

Design a hydraulic circuit that will cause the cylinders to extend and retract using a single
4/3 DCV (See Appendix A)

Conclusions
Overall, this was a fantastic introductory lab for visually connecting students to the world of
hydraulics. It being the first time the students got to use the hydraulic training units, all of the
working knowledge of hydraulics learned throughout the semester can be applied in a physical,
hands-on, minds-on form of learning. It worked really well in connecting the concepts together
those students who have never worked with a hydraulic system before. In this lab, students
successfully learned how to identify the different components located on the hydraulic trainer,
read gauge pressures, and design/build hydraulic circuits with functioning double-acting
cylinders and 4/3 DCV.

Appendix A: (Photos of Hydraulic Trainer Identification sheet, Connected

Double-Acting Cylinder Using a 4/3 DCV, and a Hydraulic Circuit for the
Simultaneous Extension/Retraction)

Hydraulic Trainer Identification Sheet

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Connected Double-Acting Cylinder Using a 4/3 DCV

Hydraulic Circuit Diagram for the Simultaneous Extension/Retraction (And photo

of setup)

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