hydraulic lift experiment pdf

Hydraulic Lift STEM Project

Going up? Learn the science and engineering behind hydraulic lifts, then start building as you construct a fully functional hydraulic scissor lift. Have students test to see how much weight it can lift and how high it can go, then explore design changes that make the lift stronger. This hydraulics STEM project is a fantastic project for learning engineering and physics.

HYDRAULIC LIFT ENGINEERING CHALLENGE

What you will discover in this article!

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Pascal’s Law

You brush your teeth every day, but have you ever wondered what the scientific process is to get the toothpaste out of the tube? Let’s take a closer look. Toothpaste is quite a thick substance that is incompressible and enclosed in a tube with a very small opening, so you must squeeze the tube with a bit of pressure to get it through this open end. Pressure is distributed equally through the toothpaste and forces the toothpaste out of the tube when it reaches the opening. This process is called Pascal’s Law which is the basics of Hydraulics.

In 1648, Blaise Pascal realized that fluids exerted an equal force in every direction.

Pascal’s Law states that: a pressure change at any point in a confined incompressible fluid is transmitted throughout the fluid such that the same change occurs everywhere .

He claimed that it would be one day possible to channel the forces of the liquid to our advantage. It would take about 200 years before this would happen, but we now see hydraulics used all around us.

What is a Hydraulic Lift?

There are six types of simple machines . Three of them, the lever, pulley, wheel, and axle, are very useful to engineers, as they make moving and lifting heavy objects easier, just like using a wheelbarrow to move heavy objects from one point to another. Lifting the wheelbarrow by its handles makes the job a breeze.

Hydraulic Lifts make it even easier to do the same task. A hydraulic lift is a machine that uses a force on either water or oil in a piston to make moving heavy objects effortless.

There are many examples of hydraulic lifts around us, like the elevator, the dentist’s chair, cranes, and the brakes in a vehicle.

A hydraulic system applies force to an incompressible liquid at one end of a pipe through a piston, which sends the fluid through the tube to another piston. The energy generated depends on the size of the pistons.

Build a Hydraulic Lift Model

In this project, you will build a hydraulic lift using two syringes, a length of medical tubing, and colored water to make the lift move up and down. As there are many types of hydraulic lifts, the one you are going to make is a Hydraulic Scissor Lift. It’s called a scissor lift because its legs are a crisscross design. The length of the legs determines the height that the platform on the top of the lift might reach. The legs pull together when lifting objects and extend further apart when returning to their starting position.

DIY Hydraulic Scissor Lift Activity Video

Check out the video tutorial to see us building this cool hydraulic’s project. If you can’t see the video, please turn off your adblockers as they also block our video feed. Alternatively, you can find this and other videos on the STEAM Powered Family YouTube Channel .

How to make a Hydraulic Scissor Lift

First we need to gather up some supplies and tools.

Materials & Tools

D ouble-wall cardboard 12 wooden tongue depressors or jumbo craft sticks 2 x 30cc/ml syringes 2 X 5cc/ml syringes 1m/39¼ inches of medical tubing Glue gun Super glue Ruler Scissors Pencil or marker Hobby knife Side-cutter pliers or wire cutters Paper straws Eight wooden skewers 12 pony beads Sanding block Food coloring (any color) Acrylic paint Paint brush Toys for testing the Hydraulic Lift

Access the Metal Plate Template Printable

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Hydraulic Scissors Lift DIY Directions

Start by getting the pieces ready.

Measure and cut the two pieces of double-wall cardboard you will need: 19cm (7½ inches) X 40cm (15¾ inches) 14cm (5½ inches) X 16cm (6¼ inches)

Paint the larger piece of cardboard black and use white stickers or white paper to make the lines on the road.

Cover one side of the smaller piece of cardboard with a metal plate image, or you can paint it as well.

Drill holes in the tongue depressors/lollipop sticks and paint them as indicated below:

PRO TIPS! Do not apply too much pressure when drilling, as the sticks snap easily.

Ensure you drill holes large enough for the wooden skewers to fit through easily but snugly. You may need an adult to help you drill the holes.

Mark & cut eight straws to a length of 11.5cm (4½ inches) each.

Glue the pony beads onto six wooden skewers’ flat sides with the glue gun.

Putting the Hydraulic Scissor Lift together

The first side: Push the wooden skewers with the pony beads on one end onto the tongue depressors and place the straws as indicated below:

The second side: Place the rest of the tongue depressors and pony beads onto the sticks as indicated below:

Once you are sure everything is in the correct place, cut the wooden skewers flush with the pony beads with the side-cutters and glue the pony beads in place.

PRO TIPS! Correcting the tongue depressors placement is vital to get the scissor lift to work smoothly. I chose to paint them different colors to see the order more clearly. Check that the straws turn quickly and that the scissor mechanism works smoothly before putting glue on the pony beads.

You will notice two wooden skewers left and four tongue depressors with empty holes. These are for the inner legs that help the scissor lift move up and down.

Make a mark on the pointed end just past the point and make them 11,5cm (4½ inches) in length.

Push the skewer through the holes on the yellow sticks and trim (flush with the tongue depressor) with the side cutters on the marks you just made. Don’t forget to put the straw onto the skewer before gluing.

You may need the sanding block to sand the edge flat. Glue the sticks on the outer side with Super Glue. You can put a little hot glue onto the outer sides if you want to.

Do the same on the other side of the blue tongue depressors.

The scissor lift mechanism is now ready!

Finishing the scissor lift

Get the “road” and “metal plate” pieces you prepared.

On the underside of the “metal plate,” make marks with a pencil and ruler, 1cm (approx. ¼ inch) from each edge of the longer sides, and draw a line.

Put a line of hot glue onto each side and stick the red tongue depressors of the mechanism down on either side.

Reinforce each side with a bit of hot glue along the outside of the red tongue depressors.

Turn the hydraulic mechanism right side up and place it onto the “road” on one end.

Make marks with a pencil and ruler, 3,5cm (approx. 1½ inches) from each edge of the longer sides, and draw a line. You can also put the mechanism in place and make lines along the outside of the red tongue depressors with a pencil for the placement of the mechanism.

Put a line of hot glue onto each side and stick the red tongue depressors of the mechanism and metal plate down on either side.

Test the movement of the mechanism. It should move smoothly.

Get ready for the magic of Hydraulics

Add a few drops of food coloring to a glass of water. Stir.

Get the two 30cc/ml syringes and fill both to the 30cc/ml mark with the colored water.

Attach the medical tubing to one of the syringes. (I had to use hot glue as the tube was slightly loose on the syringe tip).

Place the tube flat on a table and push the liquid slowly through the tube to just before the end, as shown below). Put this end onto the other syringe and gently push the fluid from one syringe into the other.

PRO TIPS! There must be no air bubbles in the syringes & tubing. If there are any air bubbles, remove the tube from one of the syringes and push some of the water out of the syringe and tube; place the end of the tube back into the glass and refill the syringe to the 30cc/ml mark and reattach to the other syringe.

Please ensure the mechanism is at its lowest position and hot glue the end of the syringe to the straw on the blue (or yellow, depending on which side is facing out on your mechanism) tongue depressor.

Hot glue the front end of the syringe to the “road.”

YOUR HYDRAULIC SCISSOR LIFT IS READY!

It’s time to put it into action to see how it works.

Now let’s chat more about the science!

HOW DO HYDRAULICS WORK?

The force generated in a hydraulic system depends on the size of the pistons. In this model you built, the pistons are the syringes .

If you attach a large syringe to the hydraulic lift and a small syringe to the other end, the smaller syringe, which is the input force, it will result in a greater output force, pushing the lift with greater force and less effort. This is because the force in the smaller syringe is applied onto a smaller area. The smaller area being the small plunger tip, thus creating more pressure in the smaller syringe. In a larger syringe, the same force would be exerted over a larger area, resulting in less pressure.

So go ahead, change the syringes around and test this theory!

Get a few toys with different weights, and place them on the “metal plate,” one at a time to see how high the lift can go.

Do the different weights of all the toys affect the heights the lift can reach?

You can also test it with either two smaller syringes or one small and one large syringe.

What difference do the different size syringes make?

This model can be used to demonstrate hydraulic lift at a science fair, or you can design your model. Use your imagination to create an incredible model showing a hydraulic lift.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF HYDRAULIC LIFTS

Hydraulic lifts have become a necessary part of many different industries, from helping patients in and out of bed to specially designed lifts to help the disabled get into a car. There have been many kinds of hydraulic lifts designed over the years.

Table and platform lifts help move items from the floor to a workable level. Transportation companies use them to lift materials onto a truck bed or warehouse floor.

Personnel lifts safely lift people to various heights for work or moving materials, such as to reach electrical lines for repair and to replace the stock on a shelf.

Forklifts help move materials at construction sites, warehouses, factories, and loading and unloading trucks and airplanes.

Medical lifts are lifting devices for surgical tables, hospital beds, and other hospital equipment. The height of hospital beds is easy to adjust and lift the back or front up and down to make it more comfortable for the patient or easier for hospital staff to do their jobs more efficiently.

Automotive lifts lift vehicles for repair and inspection, and are extremely strong.

The strongest hydraulic crane in the world belongs to China’s Yantai Raffles Shipyard. Known as Taisun, the fixed dual-beam gantry crane has hoisted a record-setting 20,133 metric tons. That’s more than 98 Statues of Liberty put together.

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Hydraulic lift: processes, methods, and practical implications for society

• Published: 20 March 2021
• Volume 95 , pages 641–657, ( 2021 )

Cite this article

• Salah M. Alagele   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-2963-5435 1 ,
• Shibu Jose 2 ,
• Stephen H. Anderson   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-5664-6121 2 &
• Ranjith P. Udawatta   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-2097-7922 2 , 3  

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Soil water is an essential factor in soil–water–plant studies and larger-scale hydrological investigations. It is considered more critical than other factors that limit plant growth and also affects many fundamental biophysical processes. New strategies are needed to overcome drought and to maintain environmental sustainability. Hydraulic lift (HL) or hydraulic redistribution (HR) processes are one of these strategies found in soil–plant systems, but their effects on crop production and the environment have not been well documented. This article reviews (1) the process of HL, (2) methods showing evidence of HL using soil water potential (Ψs) and sap flow techniques, (3) hydraulically-lifting plants, and (4) practical implications for society. The HL is whereby soil water may be transported upward by deep roots of trees and grasses from the moist region (subsurface) to dry region (surface) at night. Thus, HL provides water to areas planted to shallow rooted plants at the upper soil layers. The HL of water by roots from wet to dry soil layers is a potential approach for better use of water resources for crop/grass growth. Also, increases in soil water by HL improve root growth and function which include soil carbon decomposition or nutrient mineralization rates, and this can probably be associated in nutrient cycling. Another benefit is that mycorrhizal fungi play a relevant role in HL and in the redistribution of this water among plants. Thus, HL provides many soil, agricultural, and environmental benefits.

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modified from Richards and Caldwell 1987 )

modified from Prieto et al. 2010a )

modified from Dawson 1993 )

modified from Wan et al. 2000 )

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Abbreviations

Hydraulic lift

Hydraulic redistribution

• Soil water content
• Soil water potential

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Alagele, S.M., Jose, S., Anderson, S.H. et al. Hydraulic lift: processes, methods, and practical implications for society. Agroforest Syst 95 , 641–657 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-021-00614-w

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/s10457-021-00614-w

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STEM Project- Build a Hydraulic Elevator

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I have been wanting to try a hydraulic elevator STEM project for a while now and finally found the perfect way to do it!  We first tried out hydraulics from one of our Tinker Crates when we made a hydraulic hand.  It was so much fun that the kids wanted to try more projects like it. (See more of my book activities for kids posts)

This hydraulic elevator project was made to pair with the book Elevator Magic by Stuart J. Murphy. It is a math picture book focused on subtraction.  This STEM project combines both math and Engineering.

How to Make the Hydraulic Elevator

Supplies for the Hydraulic Elevator:

Jumbo Popsicle Sticks (17) Wire Wooden Skewers (2) 2 – 10 ml Syringes Thin plastic tubing

Mark the center and two end points on each popsicle stick (about 1/2 inch in). You will be putting a hole through these points, and you want to them to match up with the other ones. Stack the sticks together and tape them together with some masking tape.

Use a small drill bit and drill through the tree spots.   However, it tends to split the stick on the ends a bit, so be careful!  Or just use a small screwdriver instead- it takes a little longer, though.

Once the sticks all have holes, connect the center point of two sticks with a small piece of wire. Do this three times. Then connect the two ends of each pair so you have a row of 3 pairs of overlapping sticks.

Repeat with the other half so you have two moving pieces with 6 sticks in each. On the bottom and top holes, combine the two sides together by putting a wooden skewer through the holes. I used 2 skewers cut in half for this step. I also ended up adding a dab of hot glue where each of the sticks were secured to keep them from slipping out.

As you can see in the photos, I had a few of my sticks split a bit and I taped them with some masking tape.

If you want to make a platform for the top of the hydraulic elevator, just tape together 5 more jumbo sticks.

Get your syringes ready now by cutting a small piece of tubing and attaching it to one tip. Fill the other with water and attach it to the other end of the tube.

Once the syringe is prepared, tape one end down to the table as well. The end that slide in and out should be taped to the front skewer. Now when  you push the syringe in and out it will lift and lower the hydraulic elevator.

How to turn this into a math activity?  In the Elevator Magic book, they are counting floors. Add a poster behind your hydraulic elevator mapping out which floors you are visiting from 1-10. Have toys ride up on the elevator and add or subtract toys at each floor!

Check out my Science Art book for more inspiring projects!

Today I am participating in the Storybook Science series hosted by Inspiration Laboratories . Make sure to stop by and visit to see all of the other fantastic Storybook Science activities!

Former school teacher turned homeschool mom of 4 kids. Loves creating awesome hands-on creative learning ideas to make learning engaging and memorable for all kids!

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18 comments.

This is really creative! I will have to save this project so I can try it with my kids on one of our STEM Fridays. Where did you find the syringes and tubing?

I got mine through Amazon- the links are there in the post! 🙂

Hi Karyn, Could I purchase this item of the HYDRAULIC ELEVATOR from you. My hands are not able to put this together. Thank you, Kathy Lincoln [email protected]

Kathy, I am so sorry, I am not able to do that right now.

Very creative Karyn, I’ll try it with my kids today! Thanks

how do you keep it from leaking? I tried duck tape

I didn’t really have leaking issues. I wonder if your tubing was too big?

Where did you get the tube? And the syringes?

Nice work!!!

Hi, Karyn, I was wondering if the wire is necessary to connect the popsicle sticks or if it could be substituted? I’m a librarian and sometimes I’m limited in what I can order and use so I’m trying to brainstorm how I could possibly alter this to do with my program kids. Many thanks!

You could maybe try metal brads or twisty ties perhaps?

I used paper clips.

The idea is very good, is there another example for biology. (form Indonesia)

If you had the popsicle sticks pre-drilled, how long do you think it would take you to build on with kids?

Hi, I don’t understand the last step where you attach the syringe to the wooden dowel. How does that raise the elevator?

When you move the dowel in front, it gets closer to the taped down dowel in the back. This is like closing a pair of scissors. The whole tower gets taller and narrower.

Ok, cool! How is this a science fair project though? In ISEF, you need an independent variable, and a dependent variable, this way you can run experiments and test. How do you test this and get data from it?

Level of Education

• Post Secondary

Recommended Age

Time Required

• ~10 minutes
• ~20 minutes
• ~30 minutes

~45 minutes

• 1 day or more

Number of people

• 100 – 200 €

Supervision

Simple Hydraulic Lifter  WIP

Meta Description

Learning Objectives

Understanding the relationship between pressure, area and force.

Observing that fluids transmit pressure.

Awareness of the importance of hydraulics to lift heavy loads.

Cross Sectional Area The area of the shape produced when an object is cut in half and it’s internal shape viewed.

Force A pull or a push which acts on an object.

Hydraulics The science associated with the flow of liquids and their use to produce forces.

Hydraulic Lifter A machine used to lift objects using liquids under pressure.

Pressure The force per unit area.

Pressure in Liquids Pressure is distributed equally throughout a trapped liquid.

Weight The downward force on a mass due to the Earth’s gravitational pull.

Step 1 Pre-stretch the balloon by inflating and then deflating it.

Step 2 Insert the end of the tubing into the balloon and secure the joint with tape. Ensure that the joint is watertight by using the funnel to fill the balloon through the tube. Empty the balloon through the tube.

Step 3 Cut off the top of the bottle, so that it is slightly taller than the can.

Step 4 Use scissors and a pencil to make a hole in the side of the bottle, close to the bottom.

Step 5 Pass the free end of the tube through the hole in the bottle, from the inside of the bottle to the outside. Leave the balloon inside the bottle.

Step 6 Place the can on top of the balloon.

Step 7 Place the heavy book on top of the bottle.

Step 8 Fit the funnel at the free end of the tube and pour the water into the pipe. Holding the funnel high allows air bubbles to escape.

Step 9 As the balloon fills, what do you observe?

Step 10 Once the balloon is full, remove the book and can and use your hand to gently press down on the balloon – hold the tube facing upwards when doing this step. What do you notice?

• Ensure that the edges of the can are blunt and do not pose a cutting hazard.
• Use scissors responsibly. Do not place your hand in the way of the blade and place on a table when not in use.
• Protect any surfaces which could be damaged by the water.

When you’re swimming underwater, you can feel the pressure of the liquid on your skin. All liquids exert a pressure on their container and on objects submerged in them.

The water filling the balloon creates a pressure which causes the balloon to expand. This pressure acts on the can sitting on top of the balloon, pushing against it. This pushing effect is called a force. The can is moved upwards until it starts pushing against the book.

So the book has two forces acting on it. It’s weight, which acts downwards, and the force from the balloon, which pushes upwards. The book only moves when the upward force is greater than it’s own weight.

Why does the water not come out of the pipe? Due to the pressure of the water in the pipe and the angle of the pipe.

Why can the balloon move the book? Upward resultant force due to pressure in the water > weight of book.

Why does the balloon not burst? If stretched beyond the capabilities of the rubber it would burst.

Is the pressure even across the surface of the balloon? Yes.

Why do we have to hold the pipe in the air? To release air bubbles and give the fluid more potential energy, to create greater pressure at the outlet.

Hydraulic machines use liquids under pressure. They rely on two important characteristics of fluids: firstly that liquids are incompressible (you can’t squash them) and secondly that when pressure is applied to a trapped liquid, the pressure is transferred to all parts of the liquid.

In general, pressure can be expressed by a simple equation:

                                                                                 P = F/ A                                                                                           [1]

where P is the applied pressure (in Pa or N/m 2 ), F is the resulting force (in N) and A is the cross sectional area (in m 2 ). 

The water flowing into the balloon increases the volume of water in the balloon and contributes to the pressure (Video) transmitted through the can to the book. The pressure in the fluid is transmitted to the book via the can. The can has a fixed cross-sectional area. Thus, the pressure in the balloon exerts a pressure on the balloon via the can. When this force is large enough, it pushes the book upwards. This happens when the upward force due to the pressure in the balloon is greater than the weight of the book, which acts downwards.

This problem is more complicated than than a simple hydraulic jack problem. In a simple hydraulic jack pressure is transmitted through a trapped liquid. In this example, some of the fluid is not trapped, but flows into a reservoir (the balloon).

From the law of conservation of energy, the energy of the water at any point in the pipe in constant. Bernoulli’s equations were based on this concept (Video) and can be used to understand the energy of the water in the pipe:

Energy of water at the top of the pipe = Energy of the water exiting the pipe

Top pressure + Top kinetic energy density + Top potential energy = Outlet pressure + Outlet kinetic energy density + Outlet potential energy

Ρ top   + ½ v 2 top + ρgγ top = Ρ out + ½ρ v 2 out + ρgγ out

As the water flows down the pipe it’s kinetic energy can be expected to increase slightly (because of acceleration due to gravity), while it’s potential energy decreases appreciably (because of a decrease in height). Therefore, the pressure at the output of the pipe can be expected to be greater than the pressure at the top.

The water flowing into the balloon increases the volume of  water in the balloon and creates a pressure within the balloon. Recall that pressure  = Force/ Cross-sectional area . The pressure in the balloon acts on the book via the can, which has a fixed cross sectional area. Thus, the water pressure exerts a force on the book. When the force on the book exceeds the weight of the book, there is a resultant force upwards, which causes the book to be pushed higher. Since fluids are virtually incompressible, and the weight of the water in the pipe exerts enough pressure to prevent water being pushed back up the pipe, the balloon continues to grow as more water is added.

Applications Hydraulic lifts are used widely in industry to lift personnel and heavy loads, particularly in docks, construction sites, car repair, warehouses and factories. They can be used to raise heavy products, vehicles or machinery. In car repair mechanics use a hydraulic lift to raise vehicles. Many industries use  huge lifters to load and unload goods from vehicles or ships. They can be used to lift personnel to, for example, service street lights. Hydraulic systems are also used in lifts within buildings. Hydraulic lifts can be controlled remotely or manually.

Hydraulic lifts are very powerful: safety checks must be carried out to make sure they are stable and operators must adhere to various precautions.

Research Heavy hydraulic machines including lifters, diggers and bulldozers use oil-based hydraulic fluids. Over a machine’s lifetime, about 85% of these fluids leak away, posing an immediate fire risk and causing long-term harm to wildlife and the environment. Disposal of the fluid is also costly. Recent research has been focused on developing hydraulic systems which use water instead of oil. This makes them environmentally friendly. However, water creates problems of rusting and friction in the power transmission, which must be overcome.

• Add a smaller book on top of the first. This increases the downward force due to the weight of the books. How does this affect the system?
• Experiment with lifting the pipe to different heights and angles and observe how this affects the outcome.

Preparation: 15 minutes

Conducting: 15 minutes

Clean Up: 10 minutes

Number of People

1 participant

Large empty plastic bottle

Short piece of tubing

Contributors

Complete Physics, Stephen Pople, Pg 56-57; 60-61  (Book)

Force, Mass and Acceleration

Hands-On Hydraulics – Science Fun for Kids

More about Hydraulic Lifts

The Working of a Hydraulic Lift

Water-friendly Hydraulic Technology to make Heavy Machinery Greener

Additional Content

Applications of Hydraulics  (Beginner)

Easy Hydraulic Machine  (Beginner)

Rise of the Human Exoskeleton  (Beginner)

Archimedes (c.287 – 212 BC)  (Intermediate)

Easy Hydraulic Machines  (Intermediate)

Leaking Hydraulic Fluid could Damage Aircraft Rudders.  (Intermediate)

Fracking Can Contaminate Drinking Water  (Advanced)

Korean Shipbuilder Testing Industrial Exoskeleton for Future Cybernetic Workforce  (Advanced)

What’s the Difference Between Pneumatic, Hydraulic, and Electrical Actuators?  (Advanced)

Cite this Experiment

Padfield, N., & Fenech Salerno, B. (2017, September 29). Simple Hydraulic Lifter. Retrieved from http://steamexperiments.com/experiment/simple-hydraulic-lifter/

First published: September 29, 2017 Last modified: October 29, 2019

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Hydraulic Lifts

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Introduction.

Here is everything you want to know about hydraulic lifts.

You will learn:

• What is a Hydraulic Lift?
• How do Hydraulic Lifts Work?

Types of Hydraulic Lifts

• Hydraulic Lift Tables
• And much more…

Chapter One – What is a Hydraulic Lift?

A hydraulic lift is a device used to move objects by applying force created through pressure on a liquid within a cylinder, which in turn moves a piston upward. Incompressible oil is pumped into the cylinder, causing the piston to rise. When a valve opens to release the oil, the piston descends due to gravitational force.

The principle behind hydraulic lifts is based on Pascal’s Law, which states that any change in pressure applied to an incompressible liquid in a confined space is transmitted uniformly throughout the liquid in all directions.

Pascal’s Law and its application to hydraulics can be illustrated by the example below, where a small amount of force applied to an incompressible liquid on one side results in a larger force on the opposite side.

Hydraulic systems offer precise control for high-force applications, are cost-effective, and efficiently utilize energy resources.

Chapter Two – How do Hydraulic Lifts Work?

A hydraulic system operates by exerting force on an incompressible liquid at one point, which then transfers this force to a second point. The system consists of two pistons connected through a pipe filled with oil.

The image below illustrates the two pistons and their connection via a pipe.

The diagram below depicts a basic hydraulic device mechanism. The handle on the right pumps incompressible oil from the reservoir into the high-pressure chamber in the center. As the oil is pumped in, the ram rises.

Force Generated

The force produced in a hydraulic system is related to the size of the pistons. If the smaller piston measures two inches and the larger piston measures six inches, which is three times larger, the force generated will be nine times greater than that of the smaller piston. Therefore, a small piston applying 100 pounds of force can lift 900 pounds with the larger piston.

In this diagram, the piston on the left has a one-pound load and an area of one square inch. As it moves downward by ten inches, it is capable of lifting a ten-pound load on the piston on the right.

Parts of a Hydraulic System

Hydraulic systems serve a wide range of purposes, but their fundamental principles and components remain consistent across different applications. The most crucial element of a hydraulic system is the fluid or liquid. According to the laws of physics, the pressure applied to the fluid remains constant as it is transmitted throughout the system. Below is a detailed explanation of each component of a hydraulic system.

Hydraulic Circuits

Hydraulic circuits manage the flow and pressure of the liquid within the system. The image below illustrates the various components of a hydraulic circuit.

Hydraulic Pump

A hydraulic pump converts mechanical power into hydraulic energy. It creates a vacuum at the pump inlet, drawing liquid from the reservoir into the inlet line and then delivering it to the hydraulic system through the outlet.

Hydraulic Motor

A hydraulic motor is an actuator that converts hydraulic pressure into torque and rotational motion. It transforms the pressure and flow of hydraulic energy into rotational mechanical energy, much like a linear actuator converts hydraulic energy into linear movement. The pump delivers hydraulic energy to the motor, which then uses it to generate rotational force.

Hydraulic Cylinder

A hydraulic cylinder converts the energy from hydraulic fluid into force. It generates pressure within the fluid, which is regulated by the hydraulic motor.

Hydraulic Pistons

Hydraulic pistons move linearly due to fluid pressure. In axial designs, multiple pistons are arranged in a circular pattern within a rotating housing.

Hydraulic Fluids

Hydraulic fluids transfer power within a hydraulic system. While most hydraulic fluids are either mineral oil or water, water was the original hydraulic fluid before mineral oil was introduced in the twentieth century. For applications requiring high temperature resistance or fire safety, fluids such as glycol ether, organophosphate esters, polyalphaolefins, propylene glycol, and silicone oil are used.

Leading Manufacturers and Suppliers

Chapter three – what are the different types of hydraulic lifts.

Hydraulic lifts, in their various forms, have become indispensable in numerous industries, from assisting patients with mobility to enabling accessibility for boarding buses. The applications of hydraulic lifts have expanded significantly in recent years.

Below are descriptions of several types of hydraulic lifts.

Table lifts

Table lifts are used to move items from the floor to a workable level. Transportation companies use them to lift materials onto a truck bed or warehouse floor.

Personnel lifts

Personnel lifts are designed to safely elevate individuals to various heights for tasks such as repairing electrical lines, placing inventory on shelves, or accessing control panels. They are commonly used in gyms, factories, and entertainment venues to lift staff for cleaning lights and ceilings.

Forklifts are employed to transport materials at construction sites, warehouses, and factories, as well as for loading and unloading trucks and airplanes. They are designed to efficiently move items from one location to another.

Medical lifts

Medical lifts are used to adjust surgical tables, hospital beds, and monitoring equipment. Hospital beds equipped with hydraulic systems facilitate patient transport from rooms to treatment areas, allowing staff to easily adjust the bed’s height for improved accessibility and comfort.

Automotive lifts

Automotive lifts are used to raise vehicles for repair and inspection. They are among the most robust types of hydraulic lifts, designed to handle the heavy weight of cars and trucks.

Post car lifts

Post car lifts are a variation of automotive lifts . The vehicle to be repaired is suspended between two posts with hydraulic drives that have four arms. They are designed to lift any type of vehicle.

Platform lifts

Platform lifts, or elevated work platforms, are larger versions of lift tables designed to support groups of workers. They provide a spacious and stable platform for various tasks at height.

Pallet lifts

Pallet lifts are used for material handling and shipping. They function like a forklift and are able to lift pallets from ground level to load trucks, place on shelves, or move supplies to production lines.

Hand pumped lifts

Hand-pumped lifts are operated with a manual hydraulic hand pump and feature a release lever for lowering the load. They are highly durable, require minimal maintenance, and can lift up to one ton to a height of over six feet.

Custom Hydraulic Lifts

Recognizing that each industrial application is unique and demands tailored engineering, hydraulic lift manufacturers provide custom-designed lifts to address specialized, unconventional, and innovative requirements. Every aspect of a hydraulic lift can be engineered, redesigned, and configured to suit specific conditions or environments. Adjustable factors include:

• Frame dimensions
• Lift strokes and speed
• Safety features such as explosion proof materials and lock up bars
• Custom materials such as laminates, ESD lining, and stainless steel
• Multi-axis rotation
• Adding various forms of height adjustments
• Additional components including forks, clamps, shelving, tables, and seats

Every hydraulic lift manufacturer employs a team of engineers skilled in adapting their lifts to meet diverse industrial and manufacturing requirements. As new innovations and conditions emerge, it is crucial for hydraulic lifts to be flexible, allowing for modifications, adjustments, and redesigns to accommodate evolving industrial needs.

Vertical Reciprocating Conveyor (VRC)

Vertical Reciprocating Conveyors (VRCs), also known as vertical material lifts, freight lifts, and conveyor lifts, are classified by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) as conveyors and related equipment, adhering to ASME B20.1 standards. Designed solely for moving materials, VRCs are not intended for carrying people. They can be installed in various locations both inside and outside buildings, efficiently transporting materials of all shapes, sizes, and weights between floors, mezzanines, balconies, basements, and different levels of multi-story buildings.

VRCs offer more placement options than elevators and do not require separate machine rooms or feet of pit depth, making them space efficient. They feature structural supports and enclosed carriages that keep loads from falling, offering a safer and more efficient alternative to forklifts or scissor lifts .

The primary components of a VRC include the guide column, carriage, and hydraulic actuating mechanism. VRCs can be either mechanical or hydraulic, with hydraulic versions capable of lifting loads between 3,000 and 6,000 pounds. Hydraulic VRCs are more cost-effective to install than mechanical ones and are ideal for applications involving two levels and a height of up to 25 feet, without the need for continuous cycle operation.

Configurations

• Straddle - The carriage is positioned between guide columns. Force is applied in a vertical direction along the length of the beams.
• Cantilever - The carriage is in front of the guide columns and can be accessed from three sides.

Chapter Four – What are hydraulic lift tables?

Lift tables have gained popularity as work surfaces that can be adjusted to the precise height needed for tasks such as packaging, assembly, organization, or positioning items. Unlike adjustable tables, lift tables are distinguished by their higher lifting capacities.

A standard lift table can handle loads ranging from 2,000 to 6,000 pounds and can be adjusted from as low as 7 inches to as high as 60 inches, with a workspace that typically ranges from 24 to 72 inches. Available in various shapes and sizes to suit different applications, lift tables offer versatile solutions for many industrial needs. Below is a description of some of the different types of lift tables.

Mobile lift tables, also known as lift carts, are a type of push cart that can be raised using a manual foot pump. They are commonly used for light assembly operations and offer the convenience of mobility.

Rotating Hydrualic Lift Tables

Rotating hydraulic lift tables are specialized lift tables featuring a turntable recessed into the surface, allowing access to a load from all four sides. The turntable operates on anti-friction bearings, enabling smooth and effortless rotation. When not in use, it can be locked in place. These lift tables often have a low profile, allowing them to be lowered to just a few inches off the floor for easy access with a pallet jack or forklift.

Like all hydraulic tables, rotating hydraulic lift tables are constructed from highly durable materials and are capable of lifting nearly a ton of products. They are designed to precisely position loads, reducing the need for manual lifting by workers and enhancing operational efficiency.

Low Profile Lift Tables

Low-profile lift tables have a collapsed height of just a few inches, allowing them to be loaded with a hand truck or forklift. Because they do not require a pit or floor indentation, they are suitable for use on upper floors as well as the main floor. The hydraulic lift is activated via a foot switch or push-button remote, enabling operators to raise or lower the table to an optimal working height.

Low-profile tables are designed to ergonomically position loads for easy handling or unloading, reducing worker fatigue, boosting productivity, and improving overall worker satisfaction. Their flexibility makes them adaptable to a wide range of applications.

Stainless steel

Stainless steel lift tables are commonly utilized in the food and pharmaceutical industries due to their adherence to strict hygiene and sanitary requirements. Their resistance to corrosion and rust allows for easy cleaning with solvents and water, making them ideal for maintaining high standards of cleanliness.

High Capacity Hydraulic Lift Tables

High-capacity hydraulic lift tables are heavy-duty tools capable of lifting loads up to 60 tons, with lifting heights ranging from 52 to 92 inches. They feature platforms varying from 4' by 6' to 10' by 22', with options for custom larger platforms. Equipped with scissor legs and torque tubes, these tables provide exceptional stability and support, minimizing load deflection and shifting.

The number of scissor legs and hydraulic cylinders can vary based on the table's design and manufacturer. Like other hydraulic tables, high-capacity models can be operated using a handheld pendant or foot switch, and often include an upper travel limit switch. Additional features may include tilt tops, powered turntables, V-cradles, and corrosion-resistant finishes, among others.

High-capacity hydraulic lift tables are built to endure the rigorous demands and continuous use of heavy-duty machinery, making them the robust workhorses of the lift table category.

Ground Entry Lift Tables

Ground entry lift tables are designed with ground-level access to the platform to address concerns about tripping hazards and space constraints. They feature a cut-out section in the shape of a "U" or "E," allowing for easy loading with open-bottom pallets or skids.

Tilting Lift Tables

Tilting lift tables are designed for handling containers with loose parts. They raise to an ergonomic height and tilt toward the operator, reducing the need for bending and stretching. These tables can be adjusted to tilt up to 90 degrees, enhancing accessibility and ease of use.

Tandem Lift Tables

Tandem lift tables integrate standard lifting functions with additional lifts to extend the length or width of the platform. This design provides the added benefit of increased platform size, allowing for the accommodation of larger loads and enhanced edge and side load capacity.

Multi-Stage Lift Tables

Multi-stage lift tables use stacked pairs of scissor arms, with one lift table mounted on top of another. This configuration allows for increased vertical travel while maintaining a compact platform size.

Chapter Five – What are the applications of hydraulic lifts?

Hydraulic lifts are built from steel and offer precise accuracy, making them both sturdy and durable. Their robust design has led to their widespread use across various industries. Below are a few industries that depend on hydraulic lifts for their efficiency and powerful performance.

Electro-hydraulics is a widely used application of hydraulic technology in various industrial settings. Key advantages of hydraulics include rapid response times and high precision. Hydraulic systems are employed in a range of industries, including plastic processing, metal extraction, automated production, machine tools, paper manufacturing, loaders, crushers, presses, and textiles. The image below showcases a hydraulic press used in the plastics industry.

Mobile Hydraulics

Mobile hydraulics offer the flexibility to adapt to various conditions and scenarios. They are particularly valuable in the construction and building industries, where they are utilized in cranes, excavators, backhoes, and earth-moving equipment. The image below shows a concrete boom truck equipped with a hydraulic arm for unloading concrete.

Automobiles

The automotive industry is the largest consumer of hydraulic technology. Hydraulics are extensively used in production, repair, and various internal components of vehicles. The image below illustrates the application of hydraulic automation in truck manufacturing.

Marine Applications

Marine hydraulics deliver linear and rotary force and torque rapidly and efficiently. The three types of marine hydraulic systems are open, closed, and semi-closed. They are used for cranes , mooring and anchor winches, stabilizers, steering, thrusters, propellers, and platforms.

Aerospace Applications

Aircraft components must adhere to stringent standards before they are approved for use. Hydraulic pumps and valves are crucial in meeting these regulations and play a vital role in aircraft design and production. Hydraulics are used for various functions, including wing adjustments, landing gear retraction and extension, door operations, brakes, and steering. The image below highlights some of the key applications of hydraulics in aircraft.

Hydraulics are well-suited for mining due to their power, controllability, reliability, and ease of maintenance—qualities that are essential in this high-risk environment. Mining operations, which involve large-scale equipment and operations, benefit from the significant power and force provided by hydraulic systems, making them an ideal choice for handling the demanding conditions of the industry.

Chapter Six – What are the safety regulations for hydraulic lifts?

Hydraulic lifts are robust pieces of equipment designed to exert significant force. Both the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) set stringent guidelines for their use. A fundamental requirement is that operators must be at least 18 years old and have undergone thorough training on the safe operation and potential risks associated with hydraulic lifts.

Below is a summary of the key regulations and safety tips for operating hydraulic lifts.

OSHA Regulations

OSHA regulations for lifts broadly apply to any work performed on elevated platforms.

Standard 1926.451 – Safety and Health Regulations for Construction – Although primarily focused on construction, this standard outlines requirements for guardrails and fall protection. Originally designed for scaffolds, it has been extended to include lift systems as well.

Standard 1910.29 – Walking-Working Surfaces – This standard addresses fall protection systems and measures to prevent falling objects, including specifications for guardrails and railings.

Aerial lifts are classified as mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs). According to ANSI A92, these lifts must be equipped with two types of sensors: one that sounds an alarm and prevents operation when the load exceeds safety limits, and another that triggers an alarm and halts movement if the slope becomes too steep.

Gates on aerial lifts must be equipped with toe guards and cannot be chains. For outdoor use, wind speed sensors are mandatory. Platform railings must be at least 43.5 inches high. When operating on uneven ground, the tires must be solid or foam-filled. Additionally, ANSI A92 includes expanded training requirements for operators.

ANSI MH29.1 - 2012

MH29.1 provides updated guidelines for operating and using industrial-sized scissor lifts for personnel. It outlines the distinctions and similarities between dock lifts, access lifts, and lift tables. This standard includes comprehensive details on the responsibilities of manufacturers, users, owners, and operators, along with a clearer explanation of the requirements for scissor lifts.

ASME/ANSI B20.1

B20.1 sets the safety standards for conveyors and related equipment, including vertical reciprocating conveyors (VRCs), which function similarly to elevators for transporting large materials between floors in a building. These standards cover the design, construction, installation, maintenance, inspection, and operation of VRCs, addressing potential hazards and risks. Initially published in 1947, B20.1 has been updated several times to reflect advancements in technology, with the latest revisions in 2021 focusing on gates and enclosures.

Aerial Lift Certification

To be OSHA certified for operating aerial and scissor lift equipment, an operator must complete an OSHA-approved training course. This course is designed to teach workers how to safely operate lift equipment. Regulations mandate that employers must provide certification training to ensure legal compliance.

The training includes:

• OSHA Standards for Aerial and Scissor Lifts
• Definitions of Lift Related Terms
• Aerial & Scissor Lifts Accidents, Fatalities, and Causes
• Fall Protection
• Operating Instructions
• OSHA Safe Work Practices
• Scissor Lifts Operator Training
• Lift Operator Responsibilities

Safety Tips

• Understand and follow the manufacturer‘s instructions.
• The lift should be marked with the name of the manufacturer and date of installation.
• A repair log must be maintained.
• Workers should stand to one side as the lift operates.
• The load should rest squarely on the lift and not overload the lift‘s capacity.
• Lifts must be kept away from overhead and grade level obstacles.
• The floor under the lift should be free of oil or grease to prevent slipping hazards.
• Avoid holes, trenches, slopes, or uneven terrain.
• The lift must be at least10 feet away from electrical lines and power sources.
• Oil levels on hydraulic lifts should be checked periodically.
• Lifts should be removed from service if there are any indications of malfunctioning.

Here below is a sample daily checklist for hydraulic lifts.

• A hydraulic lift moves objects using the force created by pressure on a liquid inside a cylinder that moves a piston upward.
• The principle for hydraulic lifts is based on Pascal‘s law for generating force or motion, which states that pressure change on an incompressible liquid in a confined space is passed equally throughout the liquid in all directions.
• Hydraulic lifts provide controlled and precision force.
• The sturdy and durable design of hydraulic lifts has made them popular in a wide variety of industries.
• The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) have specific requirements regarding the operation of hydraulic lifts and training for operators.
• Lift tables have become popular as work surfaces that can be positioned at the exact height necessary to package, assemble, organize, or position items.

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An aircraft cable is a style of highly durable cable that is used for aircraft flight controls and other applications and is differentiated from normal cables by its diameter, stranding, and wires, which provide...

Electric Hoist

Electric hoists are material handling equipment used for lifting, lowering, and transporting materials and products. They are powered by an electric motor and have a controller to adjust the lifting parameters...

Gantry Crane

A gantry crane is an overhead crane that has an overhead beam supported by freestanding legs and moves on wheels, a track, or rail system carrying a bridge, trolley, and hoist. Workshops, warehouses, freight yards, railroads, and shipyards use gantry cranes as their lifting solution as a variation of overhead or bridge cranes...

Hydraulics and Pneumatics

When examining hydraulics and pneumatics, it is important to understand the mechanical differences between them. Both are essential parts of various industries and are critical to the performance of several types of tasks...

A jib crane is a lifting device with an arm or boom that extends off the main body of the crane to provide extra reach and has a lattice design to lower the weight added to a load. The design of jib cranes allows them to work...

Overhead Cranes

An overhead crane is a type of heavy duty machinery that is capable of moving extremely heavy loads and equipment from one location to another in a safe and precise manner using the overhead space of a manufacturing facility. Due to the nature of the work they perform...

Push Pull Cable Controls

A push pull cable control is used for the transmission of multi directional precision control of mechanical motion. The many varieties of push pull cables or controls are adaptable to a wide range of applications and...

Stranded Wire, Braided Wire, and Wire Strands

Stranded wire refers to thin bundled up wires that are compressed and covered up in insulating material. Stranded wires are more flexible thus making them very ideal for joining electronic circuit components in confined spaces where their bending...

Wire rope is a collection of metal strands that have been twisted and wound to form the shape of a helix with the purpose of supporting and lifting heavy loads and performing tasks that are too rigorous for standard wire...

Wire Rope Assemblies

A wire rope assembly is composed of wire rope and end fittings, terminals, or lanyards that are attached to various parts of the wire rope such that the assembly can be used to lift, hoist, and move loads. The various types of...

Wire Rope Slings

Wire rope is constructed of multiple strands of wire that are twisted and braided together to form a spiral design or helix. Once the separate wires are shaped into a solid form, they become a single wire with greater strength because...