Course Number and Title:
ELM 252 Fluid Power
Prerequisites
Prerequisite: ELC 243 or concurrent.
Course Credits and Hours
3 credit(s)
2 lecture hours/week
4 lab hours/week
Course Description
This course provides an introduction to hydraulic and pneumatic systems for the transfer and control of power. Reinforcement of fluid power management through the use of programmable logic controllers is provided.
Additional Materials
None
Disclaimer
This workforce solution was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The solution was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites, and including, but not limited to accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability or ownership.
Unless otherwise specified, this work by Delaware Technical Community College is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. 
Core Course Performance Objectives (CCPOs)
- Explain hydraulic/pneumatic fundamentals, and describe the purpose of hydraulic pumps, air compressors, actuators, and motors. (CCC 4, 6; PGC 2, 3, 4)
- Distinguish hydraulic control valves, electrical control valves, pneumatic control valves, and explain their use in controlling fluid-based systems. (CCC 4, 6; PGC 2, 3, 4)
- Discuss fluids and fluid conditioning and hydraulic and pneumatic power distribution. (CCC 4, 7; PGC 2, 3, 4)
- Assemble and troubleshoot hydraulic and pneumatic circuits. (CCC 1, 3, 4, 6; PGC 1, 2, 3, 4).
- Design a control system for fluid power circuits by combining programmable logic controllers with hydraulic and pneumatic devices. (CCC 1, 3, 4, 6; PGC 2, 3, 4, 5)
See Core Curriculum Competencies and Program Graduate Competencies at the end of the syllabus. CCPOs are linked to every competency they develop.
Measurable Performance Objectives (MPOs)
Upon completion of this course, the student will:
- Explain hydraulic/pneumatic fundamentals, and describe the purpose of hydraulic pumps, air compressors, actuators, and motors.
- Create a schematic drawing of a fluid power system in accordance with accepted standards given an actual fluid power system with its major components identified.
- Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
- Estimate the third variable when given the other two of the following three variables: force, pressure, and cylinder site.
- Recognize typical applications of fluid power systems.
- Describe the general components of both a hydraulic system and a pneumatic system.
- Differentiate, in terms of construction and application, between positive displacement pumps and non-positive displacement pumps.
- Differentiate, in terms of construction and application, among rotary, reciprocating, and centrifugal pumps.
- Differentiate, in terms of construction and application, among the following types of pumps:
- Generated rotor
- Radial reciprocating pump
- Sliding vane
- Distinguish hydraulic control valves, electrical control valves, pneumatic control valves, and explain their use in controlling fluid-based systems.
- Describe the construction and function of typical control valves.
- Describe the construction and function of directional control valves.
- Describe the function and operation of a solenoid.
- Describe the application of solenoids to hydraulics circuits.
- Describe the application of limit switches to hydraulic circuits.
- Differentiate among manual, hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical controls for hydraulic systems in terms of operation and application.
- Determine the hydraulic horsepower of a pump given a delivery pressure and low rate.
- Discuss fluids and fluid conditioning and hydraulic and pneumatic power distribution.
- Name six important properties of hydraulic fluids.
- Define viscosity.
- Define Saybolt universal second (SUS).
- Convert between SUS and centipoise.
- Define neutralization number.
- Define viscosity index.
- Name three types of fire resistant fluids.
- Define pour point.
- Define flash point.
- Describe four factors that affect selection of a seal.
- Differentiate among the six basic shapes of seals.
- Name the two basic seal materials.
- Describe three conditions that might require a heat exchanger to heat or cool the hydraulic fluid.
- Differentiate between air cooled heat exchanger and water cooled heat exchanger.
- Differentiate between a strainer and a filter.
- Size the system reservoir given general system parameters.
- Describe the contaminants normally found in a hydraulic system.
- Explain why a reservoir is either pressurized or has an air breather installed.
- Differentiate between depth type filters and edge type filters.
- Name the four types of conductors used for hydraulic systems.
- Explain the significance of pipe schedule numbers.
- Describe the three factors that govern connector selection.
- Size the inlet and outlet lines given the volume flow rate for a pump.
- Determine the minimum wall thickness for the line given maximum pressure, line size, and line material.
- Design and layout a pneumatic logic control circuit, and describe how it works.
- Identify when cavitation is taking place, and explain the difference between cavitation and pseudo-cavitation.
- Use flow meters and cylinders.
- Explain where pressure compensated flow control valves are used.
- Discuss the uses of an accumulator.
- Explain the uses of a pilot operated check valve and how it works.
- Plumb a flow divider and combiner circuit.
- Apply pressure and flow measurements in pneumatic circuits.
- Use switches, valves, regulators, and compressors in pneumatic situations.
- Explain the operating principles of pneumatic actuators, cylinders, and motors.
- Use control valves in pneumatic circuits.
- Assemble and troubleshoot hydraulic and pneumatic circuits.
- Assemble and troubleshoot hydraulic and pneumatic circuits.
- Design a control system for fluid power circuits by combining programmable logic controllers with hydraulic and pneumatic devices.
- Explain the benefits of controlling fluid power circuits using external programmable logic controllers (PLCs).
- Design hydraulic and pneumatic circuits that rely on PLC control of fluid power devices.
- Assemble fluid power circuits that provide PLC control of fluid power devices.
Evaluation Criteria/Policies
The grade will be determined using the Delaware Tech grading system:
| 90-100 |
= |
A |
| 80-89 |
= |
B |
| 70-79 |
= |
C |
| 0-69 |
= |
F |
Students should refer to the
Catalog/Student Handbook for information on the Academic Standing Policy, the Academic Integrity Policy, Student Rights and Responsibilities, and other policies relevant to their academic progress.
Final Course Grade
Calculated using the following weighted average
|
Evaluation Measure
|
Percentage of final grade
|
|
Summative: 4 Exams (equally weighted)
|
30%
|
|
Summative: 20 Quizzes (equally weighted)
|
2%
|
|
Summative: 24 Laboratory (equally weighted)
|
32%
|
|
Formative: 19 Reading Assignments / short answers (equally weighted)
|
9.5%
|
|
Formative: Research Paper
|
20%
|
|
Formative: Class Participation
|
6.5%
|
|
TOTAL
|
100%
|
Program Graduate Competencies (PGCs are the competencies every graduate will develop specific to his or her major)
- Under engineers' direction, design basic circuitry and draft sketches to clarify details of design documentation.
- Build, modify, and test circuitry or electronic components according to engineering instructions, technical manuals, and knowledge of electrical or electronic systems.
- Install, maintain, adjust, and calibrate electrical or electronic equipment.
- Identify and resolve equipment malfunctions.
- Read blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematic drawings, and engineering instructions for assembling, maintaining, or repairing equipment.
- Employ ethical standards, sound leadership and management principles, and participate in lifelong learning.
Core Curriculum Competencies (CCCs are the competencies every graduate will develop)
- Apply clear and effective communication skills.
- Use critical thinking to solve problems.
- Collaborate to achieve a common goal.
- Demonstrate professional and ethical conduct.
- Use information literacy for effective vocational and/or academic research.
- Apply quantitative reasoning and/or scientific inquiry to solve practical problems.
Students in Need of Accommodations Due to a Disability
We value all individuals and provide an inclusive environment that fosters equity and student success. The College is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for students with disabilities. Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment with the campus Disabilities Support Counselor to request an accommodation needed due to a disability. The College's policy on accommodations for persons with disabilities can be found in the College's Guide to Requesting Academic Accommodations and/or Auxiliary Aids Students may also access the Guide and contact information for Disabilities Support Counselors through the Student Resources web page under Disabilities Support Services, or visit the campus Advising Center.