The term pilot ratio refers to the ratio of two, discrete areas of a piston, spool or poppet on which opposing pressures act. The pilot area, on which pilot-pressure acts, is always the larger of the two areas. Working or system pressure acts on the smaller, opposing area. This means a relatively small pilot-pressure can overcome a much larger working … Read more

A webinar presented by the International Fluid Power Society on the prevention and management of fluid injection injuries cites a study by Snarski and Birkhahn, two emergency department doctors at the New York Methodist Hospital. And it contains some sobering statistics:

Fluid injection injuries are relatively rare with around 600 incidences in North America per year. That’s the good news. … Read more

The other day while doing some fact checking for a consulting job, I had cause to review Australian Standard AS 2671-2002; Hydraulic Fluid Power-General Requirements for Systems. This Australian Standard is basically the International Standard, ISO 4413 with some amendments based on the local advisory committee’s input.

One of these amendments has to do with suction strainers. Section 8.3.3 of … Read more