Glossary

Welcome to our comprehensive Hydraulic Glossary, an invaluable resource for hydraulic enthusiasts, engineers, and professionals in the hydraulic manufacturing industry.

We’ve compiled a list of hydraulic parts terms that should help you out whether you are looking for information on hydraulic pumps,hydraulic valves,hydraulic cylinders,hydraulic motors.This glossary to help you navigate the world of hydraulics, offering clear and concise explanations of essential terms and concepts.

HYDRAULIC TERMS: A-C
A
- What is a Actuator: An actuator is a device that converts hydraulic pressure into mechanical motion. It is commonly used to move valves, arms, or machinery components in hydraulic systems.

B
- What is a Burst Pressure: Burst pressure is the maximum pressure a hydraulic component or system can withstand before failure.
- What is a Ball Valve: A ball valve is a type of valve that uses a ball with a hole to control the flow of hydraulic fluid. Turning the ball allows for opening or closing the passage.
- What is a Bleeding: Bleeding is the process of removing air or gas from a hydraulic system to ensure proper functioning and prevent cavitation.
- What is a Backpressure: Backpressure is the resistance or force exerted against the flow of hydraulic fluid in a system, often regulated by relief valves.
- What is a Brake Valve: A brake valve is a hydraulic valve used in braking systems to control the application of hydraulic pressure to brakes or clutches.
- What is a Bulkhead Fitting: A bulkhead fitting is a hydraulic connector that allows for a secure connection to be made through a panel or wall.
- What is a Butterfly Valve: A butterfly valve is a type of valve with a rotating disc that controls the flow of hydraulic fluid. Rotating the disc adjusts the flow passage. - What is a Bypass Valve: A bypass valve is a valve used to divert hydraulic fluid away from a component or system for maintenance or safety purposes.
- What is a Bore Diameter: Bore diameter is the inside diameter of a hydraulic cylinder or component, often a critical specification for sizing and performance.
- What is a Baseplate: A baseplate is a flat surface or foundation upon which hydraulic components, such as pumps and motors, are mounted.
- What is a Bleed Screw: A bleed screw is a small screw or valve used to release trapped air or gas from a hydraulic component or system.
- What is a Breakaway Coupling: A breakaway coupling is a safety device used in hydraulic hose assemblies that disconnects in case of excessive force to prevent damage or spills.
- What is a Balanced Valve: A balanced valve is a type of hydraulic valve that ensures consistent performance even with variations in pressure.
- What is a Bypass Filtration: Bypass filtration is a filtration technique that diverts a portion of hydraulic fluid through a separate, finer filter to improve cleanliness.
- What is a Bulkhead Connector: A bulkhead connector is a hydraulic fitting used to connect hydraulic lines through a panel, wall, or bulkhead.
- What is a Bulk Modulus: Bulk modulus is a measure of a fluid's resistance to compression, an important property in hydraulic systems.
- What is a Booster Pump: A booster pump is a hydraulic pump used to increase the pressure of hydraulic fluid in a system.
- What is a Backhoe Attachment: A backhoe attachment is a hydraulic tool used in construction machinery to dig, excavate, and handle materials.
- What is a Barrel Length: Barrel length refers to the length of the cylindrical portion of a hydraulic cylinder, often specified for sizing and performance.
- What is a Blade Control Valve: A blade control valve is a hydraulic valve used in machinery like bulldozers and graders to control blade movement.
- What is a Blowdown Valve: A blowdown valve is a valve used to rapidly release pressure from a hydraulic system for safety or maintenance purposes.
- What is a Bolted Joint: A bolted joint is a connection method used to secure hydraulic components together using bolts, nuts, and washers.

C
- What is a Check Valve: A check valve is a one-way valve that allows hydraulic fluid to flow in one direction only, preventing reverse flow.
- What is a Counterbalance Valve: A counterbalance valve is a type of hydraulic valve used to control the motion of loads in hydraulic systems, preventing them from dropping or running away.

HYDRAULIC TERMS: D-F
D
- What is a Directional Control Valve: A directional control valve is a key component in hydraulic systems, managing the direction of hydraulic fluid flow and enabling precise control.

E
- What is an Elastomer: An elastomer is a flexible, rubber-like material used in hydraulic seals and components for sealing and damping purposes.

F
- What is a Flow Control Valve: A flow control valve is a valve that regulates the speed or flow rate of hydraulic fluid in a system.

G
- What is a Gear Pump: A gear pump is a type of hydraulic pump that uses meshing gears to move hydraulic fluid.

H
- What is a Hydraulic Actuator: A hydraulic actuator is a device used to control the movement of valves, arms, or machinery components by converting hydraulic pressure into mechanical motion.
- What is a Hydraulic Circuit: A hydraulic circuit is a network of interconnected components and lines that transmit hydraulic power and control to machinery and equipment.
- What is a Hydraulic Cylinder: A hydraulic cylinder is a mechanical device that generates linear motion, used to push or pull loads in various hydraulic applications.
- What is a Hydraulic Filter: A hydraulic filter is an essential component that removes contaminants, particles, and impurities from hydraulic fluid to maintain system cleanliness and efficiency.
- What is a Hydraulic Hose: A hydraulic hose is a flexible tube used to transport hydraulic fluid between components, ensuring fluid transmission within a hydraulic system.
- What is a Hydraulic Motor: A hydraulic motor is a device that converts hydraulic pressure into rotational mechanical motion, used in various machinery and equipment.
- What is a Hydraulic Pump: A hydraulic pump is a mechanical device that generates hydraulic power by converting mechanical energy into hydraulic energy, providing the force required to operate hydraulic systems.
- What is a Hydraulic Reservoir: A hydraulic reservoir is a critical container that stores hydraulic fluid for a hydraulic system, ensuring an adequate supply of fluid for operation.
- What is a Hydraulic Seal: A hydraulic seal is a vital component used to prevent hydraulic fluid leakage between moving parts and ensure the integrity of hydraulic systems.
- What is a Hydraulic Schematic: A hydraulic schematic is a visual representation of the layout and connections of hydraulic components within a hydraulic system, aiding in system design and troubleshooting.
- What is a Hydraulic System: A hydraulic system is a mechanical system that uses pressurized hydraulic fluid to transmit power, control machinery, and perform various tasks in industries and applications.
- What is a Hydraulic Valve: A hydraulic valve is a critical component that regulates the flow, direction, and pressure of hydraulic fluid within a system, enabling precise control and functionality.
-What is a Hydraulic Valve Actuator: A hydraulic valve actuator is a component that controls the movement of hydraulic valves within a hydraulic system, facilitating precise control and automation.
-What is a Hydraulic Valve Body: A hydraulic valve body is the main housing of a hydraulic valve, containing the valve's internal components and facilitating fluid flow and control.
- What is a Hydraulic Valve Cartridge: A hydraulic valve cartridge is a self-contained valve unit with all necessary components, designed for easy installation and replacement.
- What is a Hydraulic Valve Solenoid: A hydraulic valve solenoid is an electromechanical device used to control the operation of hydraulic valves, providing automation and remote control capabilities.
- What is a Hydraulic Valve Spool: A hydraulic valve spool is a key internal component of directional control valves, responsible for regulating hydraulic fluid flow and direction.
- What is a Hydraulic Valve Spring: A hydraulic valve spring is a component that assists in returning hydraulic valves to their default positions when the controlling force is removed.

I
- What is an Inlet Port: The inlet port is the entry point for hydraulic fluid into a component or system.

J
- What is a Joystick Control: A joystick control is a manual control mechanism used to operate hydraulic equipment, often found in construction machinery.

K
- What is a Kilopascal (kPa): A kilopascal is a unit of pressure measurement in the metric system, often used in hydraulic systems.

HYDRAULIC TERMS: L-P

L
- What is Load Holding Valve: A load holding valve is a valve that maintains hydraulic pressure to hold a load in position.

M
- What is a Meter-Out Circuit: A meter-out circuit is a hydraulic circuit where flow control occurs at the outlet or actuator side, regulating fluid exiting the component.


N
- What is a Needle Valve: A needle valve is a type of valve with a tapered, needle-like plunger used for precise flow control.

O
- What is an Orifice: An orifice is an opening or aperture used in flow control components to regulate hydraulic flow.

P
- What is a Pilot Control: A pilot control is a secondary control system used to activate hydraulic valves or components.

Q
- What is a Quick Release Valve: A quick release valve is a valve that allows for the rapid release of hydraulic pressure, often used in emergency situations.

- What is a Quick Disconnect Coupling: A quick disconnect coupling is a device used for the rapid connection and disconnection of hydraulic hoses and components, facilitating maintenance and system flexibility.

HYDRAULIC TERMS: R-W

R
- What is a Relief Valve: A relief valve is a safety valve used in hydraulic systems to limit the maximum pressure, preventing damage or over-pressurization.

S
- What is a Shuttle Valve: A shuttle valve is a hydraulic component that directs fluid flow based on pressure, often used in system redundancy and safety applications.

T
- What is a Throttle Valve: A throttle valve, also known as a flow control valve, regulates the speed or flow rate of hydraulic fluid in a system.

What is a Thermal Expansion: Thermal expansion is the increase in volume and pressure of hydraulic fluid as it heats up, which can affect system performance.
- What is a Transfer Function: A transfer function is a mathematical representation used to describe the relationship between input and output variables in hydraulic control systems.

U
- What is Uptime: Uptime is the duration during which a hydraulic system or machinery is operational and productive.

V
- What is a Vane Pump: A vane pump is a type of hydraulic pump that uses rotating vanes to move hydraulic fluid.

W
- What is Water Hammer: Water hammer is a hydraulic shockwave caused by rapid fluid flow changes in a hydraulic system, potentially damaging pipes and components.