How do high force air/hydraulic pumps work?

High-force air/hydraulic pumps, also known as air over hydraulic pumps or pneumatic hydraulic pumps, combine the principles of both compressed air and hydraulic systems to generate high-pressure hydraulic fluid for various applications. These pumps are commonly used in situations where a substantial amount of force is required, such as in industrial and automotive settings.

Here’s a simplified explanation of how they typically work:

  1. Compressed Air Source: High-force air/hydraulic pumps require a source of compressed air, which is typically supplied by an air compressor. Compressed air is used as the primary source of power to operate the pump.
  2. Pneumatic Cylinder: Inside the pump, there is a pneumatic cylinder or chamber connected to the compressed air source. This cylinder contains a piston that is typically driven by compressed air.
  3. Hydraulic Fluid Reservoir: Similar to hydraulic-only pumps, high-force air/hydraulic pumps have a hydraulic fluid reservoir that contains hydraulic oil or another suitable fluid. This fluid is used to transmit pressure to the hydraulic system.
  4. Air Control Valve: The pump includes an air control valve that allows the operator to regulate the flow of compressed air into the pneumatic cylinder. This valve can be manually operated or controlled automatically depending on the specific design of the pump.
  5. Piston Movement: When the operator activates the pump by opening the air control valve, compressed air enters the pneumatic cylinder and pushes the piston. As the piston moves, it pressurizes the hydraulic fluid in the reservoir.
  6. Hydraulic Output: The pressurized hydraulic fluid is then directed to the hydraulic system’s output port. This high-pressure hydraulic fluid can be used to operate hydraulic cylinders, tools, or other hydraulic components that require a substantial amount of force.
  7. Pressure Regulation: The operator can control the pressure of the hydraulic fluid by adjusting the flow of compressed air through the air control valve. Increasing the air pressure in the pneumatic cylinder leads to higher hydraulic pressure, while reducing the air pressure decreases the hydraulic pressure.
  8. Return Stroke: After the hydraulic fluid has been used in the hydraulic system, the operator can release the air control valve, allowing the compressed air to escape from the pneumatic cylinder. This action allows the piston to return to its original position, and it may also involve the release of hydraulic pressure.

High-force air/hydraulic pumps offer the advantage of combining the power of compressed air with the precision and force transmission capabilities of hydraulic systems. They are commonly used in applications where high force, precise control, and rapid operation are necessary, such as in hydraulic presses, automotive repair, metal fabrication, and other heavy-duty tasks.

OUR BOSS Hydraulics  range of hydraulic pumps includes regular and heavy duty hand pumps, large tank hand pumps, Air / Hydraulic pumps, aluminium pumps, electric and battery operated pumps and more….

Our range of pumps come in single and double acting models to suit a wide variiety of applications and are all designed to withstand a maximum working pressure of 10,000 psi / 700 bar.

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