Proportional Hydraulics
Course Overview
Hydraulic systems are widely used across industry where higher loads and forces are required than pneumatic systems can provide. While hydraulics and pneumatics share many fundamental principles, hydraulic systems have their own specific operating characteristics, components, circuit designs, safety considerations, and maintenance requirements.
This 3-day Proportional Hydraulics course provides delegates with a practical understanding of how proportional hydraulic systems operate and are applied within an industrial environment.
The course combines essential theory with extensive practical application. Delegates will use proportional hydraulic equipment to build, test and evaluate a range of hydraulic circuits, developing practical skills in component identification, circuit design, system operation, testing and systematic fault-finding.
The course is designed for maintenance personnel and individuals who work with or around hydraulic systems, particularly those with some previous experience of hydraulic equipment. However, previous experience is beneficial rather than essential.
Course Content
During the course, delegates will cover:
- Fundamental hydraulic principles
- Hydraulic health and safety
- Hydraulic symbols and circuit diagrams
- Electronic set-point and amplifier control
- Pressure control valves
- Flow control valves
- Directional control valves
- Hydraulic actuators
- Contamination control
- Hydraulic maintenance procedures
- Testing and measurement
- Systematic hydraulic fault-finding
Practical Application
A strong practical focus allows delegates to apply their knowledge in a controlled training environment. Using proportional hydraulic equipment, delegates will build and test circuits, identify components, assess system operation and develop a structured approach to diagnosing faults.
Course Outcomes
By the end of the course, delegates will be able to:
- Identify common proportional hydraulic components and understand their functions.
- Interpret hydraulic symbols and circuit diagrams.
- Explain the principles of proportional hydraulic control.
- Understand the operation of pressure, flow and directional control valves.
- Build and test basic proportional hydraulic circuits.
- Apply appropriate testing and measurement techniques.
- Follow good hydraulic maintenance and contamination-control practices.
- Apply systematic techniques to identify and diagnose hydraulic system faults.
- Recognise key health and safety considerations when working with hydraulic systems.
Prerequisites
There are no formal prerequisites for this course.
Some previous experience of working with or around fluid power systems would be beneficial, but it is not essential.