Hydraulics is a very useful physical principal. When you compress a liquid it generates a lot of power, as long as the system is closed and no air or contaminants can enter. Hydraulics makes it possible to build amazing structures and lift enormous objects. Without hydraulics, your car would not be able to stop very quickly or safely. Hydraulic systems require specially made cylinders and they can either be dual or single acting hydraulic cylinder design. Keep reading for a comprehensive comparison of the two different types.
What is a Hydraulic Cylinder?
Operation of a hydraulic cylinder system is not difficult to understand. In order to compress fluid and control its flow within a hydraulic system, a cylinder is used. Cylinders contain round and hollow chambers occupied by pistons, seals and hydraulic fluid. Cylinders work like hypodermic syringes. Like pulling back the plunger to draw in medication, cylinder pistons (and pumps) control the flow of hydraulic fluid in the system.
Single Acting Hydraulic Cylinder
With single action cylinders, fluid enters the blind side (as opposed to the piston rod side) of the chamber as the piston retracts. When the piston comes up, fluid is compressed and sent back out the same port it entered. Piston action is controlled by the pressure of the pump sending the fluid into the chamber. Once pressure is no longer applied, the piston returns to its original position with the help of a spring mechanism or flywheel.
Dual Action
A dual action cylinder is quite different in design. For example, fluid enters the chamber from the blind side and also the piston rod side, but not at the same time. As fluid comes into the blind side it is forced out of the rod side. Fluid flow is then reversed and so is the piston action. There is no spring needed to return the piston rod as it action is controlled by hydraulic fluid.
Uses
Double action cylinders are used when there is a “push-pull” requirement. This is common in lifting and excavating equipment.
The single acting hydraulic cylinder is very common when force in one direction is required. For example, you will see them in ejection and door opening equipment, jacks and other operations.
Benefits
Single action cylinders are capable of working on their own. This is perfect for areas where electricity is not available or one is interested in saving on energy. They are simple in design and when you choose a trusted manufacturer for your cylinders you will enjoy long service, little downtime and an excellent guarantee. The double action cylinder is needed when a motion meets resistance in two directions.
