Hydraulic systems are used in many industries to provide power and control. They work by using high-pressure fluid to generate force, which can be used to move objects or operate machinery.
1. In the home
When we think of hydraulics, household items may not be the first things that spring to mind, but surprisingly most of us have some form of hydraulics around the home.
The office chair you have in front of your desk probably uses hydraulics to raise and lower it easily. The Dishwasher in the kitchen uses hydraulics to increase water pressure for more effective cleaning. If you live in a block of flats, there will almost certainly be a lift using hydraulic power too.
2. Transport
Road vehicles use hydraulics for both braking and steering, greatly increasing safety as well as ease of use. Trains also use hydraulics in order to maintain stability at high speeds. A modern airliner of course would not even get into the air without hydraulics raising and lowering its landing gear.
3. Plant and heavy equipment
The construction industry has greatly benefited from the use of hydraulics. For example, cranes, bulldozers, and forklift trucks all rely on hydraulic power.
4. Hydraulic jacks and hydraulic power packs
Hydraulic jacks are extensively used in such industries as agriculture, mining, construction, and marine.
A hydraulic power pack is a self-contained hydraulic unit. These are available in many different sizes from very large static ones which can lift huge weights to small and portable ones. A range of these can be viewed at specialist sites such as hydraproducts.co.uk/.
5. The entertainment industry
No theme park would be complete without hydraulically operated rides like Ferris wheels. The theatre also relies on hydraulics to move and change scenery as well as to achieve various special effects.
For a general look at how hydraulics work, check out:.
6. Shock Absorbers
Most things that need to control motion or impacts will be relying on hydraulic shock absorbers. These work without the need for external power and greatly help reduce structural fatigue.