Hydraulic Symbols

Lecture Outline
Introduction Representation of hydraulic components

Introduction
Symbols are used to represent a hydraulic system on paper or on a computer. It becomes necessary to give unique representation of various components in the system considering their operation and specific location. Every symbol uses elementary forms (such as circle, arc, square, arrow, dot, triangle, cross etc.) to logically represent their contribution in the hydraulic circuit.
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Introduction contd..
Purposes of using symbols are as follows:
Requirement for technical communication among different stakeholders. Language independence as the symbols are recognized worldwide. Unique symbols are used to represent different components. Symbols emphasize the function of the hydraulic component.
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Representation of Components
Flow lines Reservoirs Pumps Valves
Directional Control Valves Pressure Control Valves Flow Control Valves Check Valves

Actuators (Cylinders and Motors) Filters Heat Exchangers

Flow Lines
Tubes, pipes or flexible hoses in hydraulic circuits are shown as either continuous or dashed lines as shown below. Straight or curved to represent degree of flexibility.

Reservoirs
Reservoirs are used to store hydraulic fluid and based on the shape of the reservoir container and position in the circuit, categorized as follows:

Pumps
Pumps are represented by a circle and a filled triangle which is directed towards the discharge.

Directional Control Valves

Directional Control two main notations: Way Position Valve terminology include

Way refers to the number of hydraulic ports through which fluid can travel in a DCV. 2 - way 3 - way 4 - way 5 - way
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Directional Control Valves contd..

Position refers to the number of switching positions a DCV can take in controlling the direction of flow. A single Position corresponds to an envelope/square in the schematic terminology.

DCVs have at least two envelopes which corresponds with a 2-position valve. A 3-position valve will have three envelopes and so on. 10

Directional Control Valves contd..

Arrows are added to indicate a direction that fluid can travel through the valve at that point when the valve is in that position. Each arrow crossing represents two ports.

Above symbol indicates four ports.

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Directional Control Valves contd..

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Directional Control Valves contd..

Two Way, Two Position (2/2) Valve

Three Way, Two Position (3/2) Valve

Four Way, Two Position (4/2) Valve

13 Four Way, Three Position (4/3) Valve

Directional Control Valves contd..

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Directional Control Valves contd..

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Directional Control Valves contd..

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Directional Control Valves contd..

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Directional Control Valves contd..

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Centre Conditions of DCV

Three position, Blocked Centre, Four way valve, Direct solenoid operation and spring centered

Three position, Tandem Centre, Four way valve, Direct solenoid operation and spring centered 19

Centre Conditions of DCV

Three position, Open Centre, Four way valve, Direct solenoid operation and spring centered

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Pressure Control Valves

Valve closed through spring force

An arrow through the spring indicates an adjustable spring force

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Flow Control Valves

Either pressure compensated or non-pressure compensated.

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Check Valves

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Hydraulic Cylinders

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Hydraulic Motors

entry

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Filters

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Heat Exchangers

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Symbol Rules
Symbols show connections, flow paths and functions of components represented. They can indicate conditions occurring during transition from one flow path arrangement to another. Symbols do not indicate construction or values such as pressure, flow rate and other component settings. Symbols do not indicate location of ports, direction of shifting of spools or positions of controls on actual components.
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Symbol Rules contd..

Symbols may be rotated or reversed without altering their meaning except in cases of lines to reservoir.
Line width does not alter meaning of symbols. Basic symbols may be shown in any suitable size. Size may be varied for emphasis or clarity. Relative sizes should be maintained.
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Symbol Rules contd..

Letter combinations used as parts of graphic symbols are not necessarily abbreviations.
Each symbol is drawn to show normal, at-rest, or neutral condition of component, unless multiple diagrams are furnished showing various phases of circuit operation. An arrow through a symbol at approximately 450 indicates that the component can be adjusted or varied. 30

Symbol Rules contd..

External ports are located where flow lines connect to basic symbols, except where the component enclosure symbol is used.
External ports are located at intersections of flow lines and at component enclosure symbols when enclosure is used.

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