Hydraulic Tanks
A hydraulic tank is part of the hydraulic systemalso known as the hydraulic reservoir. It holds the hydraulic fluids used in the system for different applications.
This type of tank is usually made from different materials such as steel, stainless steel, and polyethylene depending on the applications.
Parts of Hydraulics Tank System
The baffle plate is used to divide the section chambers from the return chambers to ensure the fluids following back take the right chamber.
The filler cap is at the top of the tank to help fill in the hydraulic fluids into the tank.
Level indicators are a type of stick designed or glass made to check the level of hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic tank.
Returning line is mostly used to move the returning fluids from the system back to the tank.
A drain plug is located at the bottom of the tank to help drain out the fluids completely.
The thermometer is used to check the temperature of the hydraulic fluids.
Some hydraulic tanks are designed with mounting brackets for securing equipment for safety.
Function of Hydraulic Tanks
Dissipation of Heat
There are several ways in which the hydraulic tank helps to dissipate heat as discussed below.
- It has a cooling surface. Many hydraulic tanks are made with a cooling surface to help multiply the surface area for heat dissipation.
- Heat absorption. The hydraulic fluids move from system to system absorbing heat from various parts such as pumps, valves, and actuators that are moved to the fluids increasing their temperature.
Helps to Maintain Fluid Conditioning
Hydraulic tank helps to maintain the fluid condition by monitoring the fluid level using its indicators. This allows for easy monitoring of the fluids to ensure it is the best for the system.
The tank is designed in such a way that it has filters to remove all contaminants present in the fluids to maintain the condition of the fluid.
Storage of Fluids
Tank provides enough space to hold and store the hydraulic fluids used in the system.
Benefits of Tanks in Hydraulic Systems
- Control Heat Generation: The hydraulic tank size provides enough surface area for heat dissipation allowing better management of heat produced during the operation. Additionally, the hydraulic tank permits the separation of air from the hydraulic fluids and helps to lessen aeration and overheating.
- Lessen Contamination: Hydraulic tanks are made with slope bottoms, some are designed with filters that help to remove or prevent any contaminants such as dirt or debris from destroying the entire system.
- Air Removal: Breathe cap in the hydraulic tank helps to separate or free air from the hydraulic fluids since excess air can damage the entire system.
- Store Fluids: A hydraulic reservoir provides enough space to store the hydraulic fluids for the supply of the system.
- Sound Diminishing: Sound is usually produced during the operation which can be irritating or even cause noise pollution. The hydraulic tank is made with material that can absorb sounds thus lessening noise produced by the system. Additionally, the tank reduces the transmission of sound waves created by the vibration from the system contributing to noise.
- Regulate Pressure: Hydraulic tank acts as a pressure reservoir thus helping to stabilize the pressure in the system.
Types of Hydraulic Reservoir Tanks
An atmospheric tank is a type of hydraulic reservoir tank that is usually opened at the top and uses atmospheric pressure to operate. The tank is made to hold a certain level of volume.
A pressurized tank is used in various applications and holds liquids and gases under certain pressure. These types of tanks are made in such a way that they can withstand internal pressure created by the content.
Best Materials for Making Tanks in Hydraulic Systems
Steel is majorly known for its strength and durability making it a better choice for building a hydraulic tank. It can also be wired and can dissipate heat making it easier to help regulate hydraulic fluids’ temperature.
Stainless steel is usually more expensive than steel and it is resistant to corrosion, durable, and does provide a good appearance for the tank. Additionally, stainless steel dissipates heat, and it’s easy to maintain it.
This type of material is usually used to make hydraulic tanks where weight is a major concern. Aluminum is good for heat dissipation and resistance to corrosion.
Polythene material is poor for heat dissipation and not durable compared to other materials such as steel, stainless steel, and aluminum. Although polythene is lightweight and cheap they are poor heat dissipator.
How to Size Hydraulic Tanks
For proper functioning of the hydraulic system, we should consider selecting the best tank size. To find the right size tank for your hydraulic tank, calculate the required volume by using the rule of thumb.
The rule of thumb shows that the volume of the tank should be three times more than the rated output of the system-fixed displacement pump. It usually differs according to the size of the tank.
There are several factors to consider before buying or purchasing the size of your tank such as thermal expansion. The fluids usually do expand when there is a temperature change thus requiring a spacious tank to allow for expansion.
Additionally, you should also consider extra features such as system efficiency and duty cycle to enable the smooth running of the system.