What is a Hydraulic Cylinder?

A hydraulic cylinder is the component within a hydraulic system that produces the linear motion. Cylinders convert pressurised hydraulic fluid to linear motion and force. They can be used in a variety of mobile applications and in some cases industrial applications where power transfer is required.

What are the parts of a hydraulic cylinder?

The key components of a hydraulic cylinder include:

• The Cylinder barrel
• Cylinder cap
• Cylinder head
• A piston
• Piston rod
• Seal gland
• Seals

The cylinder barrel, cap and head all form the main body of the hydraulic cylinder. It is in the main body where the pressure is contained. The piston is attached to the piston rod which separates the high pressure and low-pressure areas. The piston is responsible for ensuring that the two pressure areas do not meet. Additionally, the piston rod connects the hydraulic cylinder to the machine. Finally, the seal glands and seals are responsible for ensuring that no hydraulic fluid leaks.

Types of hydraulic cylinders:

Regardless of the type of cylinder you require, all cylinders create linear movement. But, the different variances do have their own unique features.

Single Acting Cylinder

The simplest type of hydraulic cylinder is the single acting, as it only operates in one direction. A single port is located at one end of the cylinder and when fluid flows it pushes the rod triggering it to extend.

Double Acting Cylinder

The double acting cylinder can both push and pull due to having ports located at both ends of the cylinder. When oil flows through the port in the cylinder head the piston moves and extends the rod. However, when oil flows through the port in the cylinder cap it provides the opposite movement and the rod is retracted and the oil flow reversed.

Telescopic Cylinder

These are a ‘nest’ of ‘rams’ or ‘tubing’ that build up inside one another, this basically means that they can achieve a very long stroke when all the rams are extended to full length. Most of these type cylinders are single acting, however, there is double acting available.

Tandem Cylinder

These are cylinders made up of multiple pistons connected through the same rod in order to try generate high force without needing to increase fluid pressure or bore diameter.

Life-cycle of a hydraulic cylinder:

Cylinders are used in vigorous applications. Usually, if your cylinder is beginning to wear there are several warning signs you can spot to avoid costly downtime. These can include;

• External leakage of oil
• Loss of power
• Overheating
• Physical wear and tear to outer casing
• Noisy

Other components:

Not only can we supply a hydraulic cylinder for your application. We also stock a range of auxiliary equipment, including P.O check valves, overcentre valves and needle valves, to name just a few. All of which will work in conjunction with your hydraulic cylinder.

Hydraulic Cylinder Repairs:

Luckily, even if the worst was to happen to your hydraulic cylinder, BSP have an in-house repair and service facility for cylinders. Allowing us to repair all hydraulic components from any manufacturer.  If this is a service you require, then please do not hesitate to contact us today. Where one of our knowledgeable hydraulic engineers will be happy to assist.