Eastern Kentucky University

Department of Applied Engineering & Technology

AEM 371 Hydraulics and Pneumatics

LAB 2
Submitted by
Matt Eades
Patric Bracco
Date Submitted: 11/4/15
Date Performed: 10/26/15

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Introduction
In this lab, students expanded further upon their hands-on, working knowledge of hydraulic
systems by setting up a flow control circuit using needle valves and flow control valves. Students
better learned the function of needle valves and flow control valves, and how they can be placed
in a hydraulic circuit to control cylinder actuator speeds.

Objectives
Set up and run the circuit shown in Appendix A and be able to adjust cylinder speed by
turning the needle valve.

Design and run an independent speed control circuit (Appendix B) using two flow control
valves.

Equipment and Applications Used

Hydraulic Training Unit

Lab Sheet (Identification Diagram)

Pencil

Lab Description
The first task in the lab required students to set up the circuit shown (Appendix A) and use the
needle valve to control the cylinder speed. The goal is to adjust the needle adjustment knob CW
until the cylinder takes approximately four seconds to extend.
The second task required students to design an independent speed control circuit. In this circuit,
students must place two flow control valves (meter-out) in order to be able to adjust the
extension/retraction speeds of the cylinder independently of each other. Once the circuit is
successfully designed, the 1st flow control valve (FC1) should control the cylinders retract
speed, while the 2nd control valve (FC2) should control the cylinders extend speed.

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Discussion of Questions

Appendix B shows the correct locations of the flow control valves FC1 and FC2, as well
as the direction that they should be placed.

FC1 controls retract speed

FC2 controls extend speed

Conclusions
This lab introduced students to the idea of controlling flow, how it affects actuator speeds, and
how it is accomplished within a hydraulic system. The students learned, in more detail, about
how needle valves and flow control valves work to control flow in hydraulic circuits. Hopefully,
students took the knowledge learned from this lab and imagined how it could be used in real-life
scenarios. There are many applications for hydraulics, and before these applications can be
explored, one must definitely learn the important principles of flow, and how to control it. This is
a quintessential part of hydraulic systems.

Appendix A: Flow Control Circuit (Needle Valve)(Schematic and Actual setup

photo

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Appendix B: Independent Speed Control Circuit (Picture of Schematic, Setup,

and Video)

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Video Link:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/u8vsamrg6obg4hf/VID_20151026_081442.mp4?dl=0

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