Connected pipes that convey pressurised liquid make up the backbone of hydraulic power systems. The transmission of the liquid takes power from a source and uses it to activate hydraulic equipment. This actual type of power system was very popular in the 19th century for factory use, particularly with central steam engines or water-driven system.
The tale of the hydraulic power system begins with a locksmith by the name of Joseph Bramah. In 1812 he registered a patent for a water supply network. While meant for public use, there was an allotment for high pressure water transport especially aimed at providing power to machines. The system he designed included pressure valves that controlled and defended 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 checking out a variety of water machines especially with the intention of representing the Whittle Dene Water Company. As the appointed secretary, Armstrong pointed out that dock cranes could run on hydraulic power if converted correctly. He paid for that conversion personally utilising 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 reduced the quantity of workers required for operation. It's a win-win.
By 1876 the Hull Hydraulic Power company started supplying power in England. They laid over 2 miles of 6 ' pipe along a stream connected to a pumping station. A nearby bridge received hydraulic power from this system as were many cranes and dock gates - ideal for ship building. That system remained a firm presence till bombs damaged the infrastructure beyond fix in the 2nd World War.
In 1883 the London Hydraulic Power Company started making 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 above 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 due to the war and eventually closed its doors in 1977.
That certainly did not end the story of hydraulics but it is a blast from the past that gives us a better feel for how assorted systems developed and why they were important to business progress.
The tale of the hydraulic power system begins with a locksmith by the name of Joseph Bramah. In 1812 he registered a patent for a water supply network. While meant for public use, there was an allotment for high pressure water transport especially aimed at providing power to machines. The system he designed included pressure valves that controlled and defended 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 checking out a variety of water machines especially with the intention of representing the Whittle Dene Water Company. As the appointed secretary, Armstrong pointed out that dock cranes could run on hydraulic power if converted correctly. He paid for that conversion personally utilising 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 reduced the quantity of workers required for operation. It's a win-win.
By 1876 the Hull Hydraulic Power company started supplying power in England. They laid over 2 miles of 6 ' pipe along a stream connected to a pumping station. A nearby bridge received hydraulic power from this system as were many cranes and dock gates - ideal for ship building. That system remained a firm presence till bombs damaged the infrastructure beyond fix in the 2nd World War.
In 1883 the London Hydraulic Power Company started making 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 above 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 due to the war and eventually closed its doors in 1977.
That certainly did not end the story of hydraulics but it is a blast from the past that gives us a better feel for how assorted systems developed and why they were important to business progress.
About the Author:
Todd Smith is the owner of Power Systems Inc of Florida, an organization that works with motion control and hydraulic power units in it's Florida location.
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