Shabby Chic Boho Ensuring optimal performance for any hydraulic machinery is a matter of selecting the correct hydraulic reservoir for your specific equipment. The size of the reservoir has a major impact on the speed, efficiency, and reliability of the technology, meaning that it’s critical for operators to choose one that is suitable during the initial installation process. Failure to do so will not only hamper the output of the system, but it may eventually lead to damage that can necessitate costly repairs.
Below, we’ll discuss the key principles behind sizing a hydraulic reservoir so that you can ensure your machinery reaches its maximum operating potential while also avoiding many of the common problems that plague equipment with improperly sized components.
What Type of System Do You Have?
Before you can make any determinations as to the size of your hydraulic reservoir, you need to know as much as possible about the system you are using. What is the size of the machinery? What type of fluid is used, and what is its viscosity? What is the flow rate of the hydraulic pump? Is it an open or a closed hydraulic system? Does your equipment utilize a fixed or variable displacement pump? What type of work will the machinery be expected to perform? How often will it be used? Where will the machine be used? Will there be enough room for a larger reservoir, or is the space limited? Try to have an answer for each of these questions before you consider the size of your pump.
If you aren’t sure about something, most of the information you need can be found in the machine’s operating manual. If you don’t have access to the manual, it’s likely available online. As long as you know the make and model of the equipment, you will probably be able to find it with a quick Google search. You can also search for them on websites like industrialmanuals.com or manuallib.com. If the information you need isn’t in the manual, you can often get it by contacting the manufacturer directly.
Calculating Capacity
If you have the budget and space for it, there’s really no reason not to install the biggest hydraulic reservoir you can for your system. However, this just isn’t practical for most businesses. You’ll likely need to strike a balance between finding a reservoir large enough to do the job and choosing a system that will fit in the physical space you have available. There may be other factors to consider as well.
For instance, the required capacity will be different if your machinery has an open versus a closed hydraulic system. Since an open system continuously circulates hydraulic oil, a larger reservoir is needed. A closed system, on the other hand, recirculates fluid and only activates the pump when necessary. As a result, you can get away with a much smaller reservoir. One and a half times the flow rate of the pump is often adequate for a closed system.
Although it’s a good idea to choose a slightly larger reservoir in case of unexpected increases in system workload, these sizing recommendations serve as general guidelines. The ideal reservoir size may vary depending on factors such as operating conditions, fluid type, system demands, and specific applications.
For an open system, a common rule of thumb is to size the reservoir at least double the flow rate of your hydraulic pump. For example, a pump with a rate of 25 gallons per minute will require a reservoir that is at least 50 gallons. Ideally, however, it should be larger, since a larger reservoir allows for a longer dwell time for removing impurities from the fluid. Aim for around two and a half to three times the flow rate for these types of systems, provided your jobsite has the necessary space for it.
Heat Dissipation
One of the key purposes of a hydraulic reservoir is to enable the dissipation of heat within the system. As hydraulic fluid circulates, the friction and pressure cause it to heat up; the reservoir provides a large open area for the fluid to properly cool down. Without this extra space, the machinery will be extremely vulnerable to overheating, which can interfere with performance and ultimately lead to costly breakdowns. Choosing a larger reservoir can allow for more heat to bleed away from the fluid before overheating can occur.
Choosing size isn’t just about the capacity of the reservoir, however. To effectively dissipate heat, your reservoir needs to have a buffer of air surrounding it on the outside as well. If the reservoir is contacting a floor, a wall, or other material, heat energy won’t pass into it as easily, and the hydraulic fluid won’t cool down effectively. The hydraulic reservoir must be small enough to allow for at least six inches of empty space between it and the nearest surface.
The viscosity of the hydraulic fluid will also impact heat dissipation. Higher viscosity fluids create more internal friction and heat, possibly requiring a larger reservoir or additional cooling measures.
Design Considerations
The design of the reservoir is also a major consideration when determining the right size. For example, if you are going to mount the reservoir to a wall, you’ll need to choose a reservoir that the walls of your jobsite can handle. If you’re using heavy-duty bolts in concrete, you can afford to invest in a larger and heavier reservoir. If your reservoir will be bolted into the stud in a less sturdy wall, however, you’ll need to opt for a smaller one.
One way to ensure the capacity of your hydraulic reservoir allows for proper filtration and greater heat dissipation is to opt for one that is custom-designed for your specific space and equipment. Businesses such as Aberdeen Dynamics specialize in custom motion control systems, which include specialized reservoirs that can be optimized for the needs of a particular workspace and purpose. Consider a custom order that will allow you to implement a reservoir with a greater capacity to ensure maximum productivity for your equipment.
