Component Related Documentation

The main function of the hydraulic reservoir is to store and supply hydraulic fluid for use by the system. In addition to holding the fluid, the reservoir serves as a heat exchanger, providing a small amount of cooling by transferring excess heat through its walls. As a de-aerator, the reservoir allows entrained air to rise and escape, while solid contaminants settle to the bottom of the tank, making the reservoir a fluid conditioner. The fluid flows from the reservoir into the inlet port of the pump by several possible forces that act on the fluid. One force can be the weight of the fluid when the fluid level is higher than the inlet port of the pump (this is termed “flooded suction” – when L-shaped or overhead reservoirs are used). A second means can be the weight of the atmosphere acting on the surface of the fluid (this is true for both flooded and non-flooded (pump inlet above the fluid level) applications. A third means of providing force can be the use of a pressurized reservoir.

Safety Related Notes

Before working on this machine, perform lockout-tagout procedures per the rules of your plant. Determine the sources of energy on this machine – electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic – and release or vent sources of stored energy – electrical capacitors, air receivers, and hydraulic accumulators. Shut off sources of power – electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic. Safely block mechanical sources of energy such as loaded springs and loaded machine members, or safely position the machine members so they are unloaded and springs are not under tension. Beware of hot hydraulic fluid and hot surfaces which can cause burns. Never “crack a hydraulic or pneumatic fitting” to check for the presence of stored energy. Hydraulic fluid injection injuries, as well as injection injuries from many other fluids, are extremely serious and must be treated immediately by medical personnel familiar with this type of injury. Loss of body parts or death may result from improperly treated fluid injection injuries! Never use your hands to feel for a hydraulic leak! Review the schematics and think before proceeding to work on the machine to ensure you have made the machine safe to work on.