Connected pipes that convey pressurised liquid make up the spine of hydraulic power systems. The transmission of the liquid takes power from a source and uses it to turn on hydraulic kit. This particular sort of power system was very popular in the 19th century for factory use, especially with central steam engines or water-driven system.
The tale of the hydraulic power system begins with a locksmith called Joseph Bramah. In 1812 he registered a patent for a water supply network. While meant for public use, there had been an allotment for high pressure water transport specifically aimed at providing power to machines. The system he designed included pressure valves that regulated and shielded the system. In effect this is exactly how a finished hydraulic power system worked, once completed.
Next in our cast of characters is William Armstrong who was testing a spread of water machines specifically with the objective of representing the Whittle Dene Water Company. As the elected secretary, Armstrong indicated that dock cranes could run on hydraulic power if converted correctly. He paid for that conversion personally using the public water supply. Once successful in making a steam-powered crane, the company gave him more orders for which he was paid. From here cranes were developed with accumulator that reduced water volumes, operating times and lessened the amount of employees required for operation. It was a win-win.
By 1876 the Hull Hydraulic Power company commenced supplying power in Britain. They laid over 2 miles of 6 ' pipe along a stream connected to a pumping station. A bridge received hydraulic power from this system as were countless cranes and dock gates - perfect for ship-building. That system stayed a firm presence till bombs damaged the infrastructure beyond fix in the 2nd World War.
In 1883 the London Hydraulic Power Company started creating a city-wide network for public hydraulic power. The River Thames provided water for the heavy machines, gates and cranes. By the late 1920s this system powered north of 8,000 machines. This system used steam until the 1950s when stations slowly commenced changing to electricity. As with Hull, the London company fell on tough times because of the war and ultimately closed its doors in 1977.
That actually did not end the story of hydraulics but it is a blast from history that gives us a better feel for how numerous systems developed and the reason why they were necessary to industrial progress.
The tale of the hydraulic power system begins with a locksmith called Joseph Bramah. In 1812 he registered a patent for a water supply network. While meant for public use, there had been an allotment for high pressure water transport specifically aimed at providing power to machines. The system he designed included pressure valves that regulated and shielded the system. In effect this is exactly how a finished hydraulic power system worked, once completed.
Next in our cast of characters is William Armstrong who was testing a spread of water machines specifically with the objective of representing the Whittle Dene Water Company. As the elected secretary, Armstrong indicated that dock cranes could run on hydraulic power if converted correctly. He paid for that conversion personally using the public water supply. Once successful in making a steam-powered crane, the company gave him more orders for which he was paid. From here cranes were developed with accumulator that reduced water volumes, operating times and lessened the amount of employees required for operation. It was a win-win.
By 1876 the Hull Hydraulic Power company commenced supplying power in Britain. They laid over 2 miles of 6 ' pipe along a stream connected to a pumping station. A bridge received hydraulic power from this system as were countless cranes and dock gates - perfect for ship-building. That system stayed a firm presence till bombs damaged the infrastructure beyond fix in the 2nd World War.
In 1883 the London Hydraulic Power Company started creating a city-wide network for public hydraulic power. The River Thames provided water for the heavy machines, gates and cranes. By the late 1920s this system powered north of 8,000 machines. This system used steam until the 1950s when stations slowly commenced changing to electricity. As with Hull, the London company fell on tough times because of the war and ultimately closed its doors in 1977.
That actually did not end the story of hydraulics but it is a blast from history that gives us a better feel for how numerous systems developed and the reason why they were necessary to industrial progress.
About the Author:
Todd Smith is the owner of Power Systems Inc of Florida, a body that works with motion control and hydraulic power units in it's Florida location.
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