Hydraulic power has increased in popularity over the past few decades due to its unmatched ability to transmit power through a given system, simple maintenance, and fire safety properties. Implemented in aircraft control systems, elevators, and construction machines, hydraulics have found their way into several essential industries. One such use of hydraulics comes in the form of the hydraulic air compressor, which has found use in handheld tools and industrial vehicles alike. In this blog, we will discuss the function and applications of the hydraulic air compressor.
Hydraulic air compressors convert hydraulic power into mechanical power, and eventually, pneumatic power. The first step in this process involves using a hydraulic pump to force air or hydraulic fluid through a pipe which ultimately spins a motor. This motor attaches to an air compressor system using a belt and powers it using its spinning action. The pneumatic power created from the air compressor can then be used to power several different tools, including impact wrenches, jackhammers, air chucks, moles, and more.
Hydraulic air compressors are preferred over other power sources for several reasons. First, due to the fact that the system can create pneumatic power in a closed system without any external moving parts, hydraulic air compressors are much more reliable and have low maintenance costs compared to other power sources. They are also much more compact than traditional air compressor systems, which generally need to be towed behind a vehicle due to their size.
Although they are usually sold and installed as standalone units, smaller hydraulic air compressors have also been implemented in existing equipment from various industries to increase efficiency and lower costs. For example, in agriculture, compressors can be used to power milking machines, tractors, or seeders and have proven to improve crop yields while reducing energy costs. Hydraulic air compressors have also found use more recently in medicine to power various pieces of handheld equipment and aid in sterilization. Such systems are preferred over traditional air compressors because the hydraulic fluid is kept separate from the compressor, thus lowering the chance of contamination.
Like any important equipment, hydraulic air compressors should be regularly inspected and maintained. Some maintenance items, such as checking the hydraulic fluid level, examining the system for leaks, and ensuring no damage to the pressure relief valve, should be completed daily. Additionally, tasks like changing the compressor oil and replacing the air filter should occur after 500 hours of use.