CarlDyke.com

Compression I

Carl Dyke — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 18:39:09 +0000

Can hydraulic fluid be compressed? In this edition of Newsletters that Teach, we're going to have a look at unique issues around large volumes of fluid under pressure. Hydraulic circuits are often used in applications with a press function. These circuits typically feature a large hydraulic ram that compacts or reshapes material in some way, [...]

Function Block Diagrams

Carl Dyke — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 21:44:58 +0000

We've been busy with PLC training all fall. This edition of Newsletters that Teach is for the E and I gang, and anyone working with PLCs. Function block diagrams (FBDs) in Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) are an alternative to ladder logic programming. When they are well designed, a FBD may be more readable than ladder logic, [...]

Parallel Flow Paths, Part III

Carl Dyke — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 16:37:17 +0000

In this edition of Newsletters that Teach we will finish up the series on parallel flow paths by looking at load sense circuits.

Parallel Flow Paths, Part II

Carl Dyke — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:12:51 +0000

In this edition of Newsletters that Teach let's continue on with parallel flows. Understanding these concepts helps a lot when you're troubleshooting any hydraulic system.

Parallel Flow Paths, Part I

Carl Dyke — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 15:30:00 +0000

It is quite challenging to become an expert troubleshooter on a hydraulic system without first mastering some of its most basic design parameters. So this month let's start to think about how fluid can be made to flow through more than one parallel path at a time. Most every industrial hydraulic system has more then one [...]

Counterbalance Valves, Part II

Carl Dyke — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 14:30:54 +0000

This edition of Newsletters That Teach compares the motion control function of a counterbalance valve to that of a pilot operated check valve when used as a load lock.

Counterbalance Valves Part I

Carl Dyke — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:00:59 +0000

In this edition of Newsletters that Teach we will cover the basic function of a counterbalance valve. Counterbalance valves are also often referred to as motion control valves and over-center valves. All three names address the important function of these valves.They are deployed in applications where hydraulic cylinders or motors are working against gravity in one direction, and with gravity (sometimes called a negative load) in the other direction.

Hydraulic Solenoid Valve Failure

Carl Dyke — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 17:47:22 +0000

You know the story. The operator has reported that a hydraulic solenoid valve is not operating. Whose problem is it - the electrician’s or the millwright’s?

In this edition of Newsletters that Teach we'll discuss how a maintenance team can take a few extra steps to determine whether the problem is electrical or mechanical.

Balanced/Pilot Relief Valves

Carl Dyke — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 17:55:56 +0000

This edition of Newsletters That Teach covers the balanced type of relief valve.

Direct Acting Relief Valves

Carl Dyke — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 18:55:52 +0000

Happy New Year, and welcome to our next newsletter installment! The topic in the next few editions of Newsletters That Teach is pressure valves. We'll show you how to identify them correctly on your schematics and understand the valve's basic functioning.