Hydraulics & Fluid Power

Cylinders, pumps, valves and the fluid, filtration and contamination control behind them.

Pipe Flange Types and ASME Pressure Classes

ASME B16.5 flanges come in seven classes, and a class is not a psi rating. Flange types, faces, how ratings fall with heat, and how to identify one.

October 21, 2026

Metric Hydraulic Fittings: DIN 24°, BSP and JIS

DIN 24° cone, BSP 60° cone and JIS 30° flare fittings look alike but do not mix. How to identify each by thread, pitch, seat angle and tube size.

October 19, 2026

Centrifugal vs Positive Displacement Pumps

Centrifugal and positive displacement pumps behave very differently. How each works, what viscosity does, and the data to collect before you choose.

October 9, 2026

What Is a Butterfly Valve? Types and Uses

A butterfly valve controls flow with a disc that turns a quarter turn in the pipe. How it works, the main types, and what to check before you choose one.

October 8, 2026

What Is a Hydraulic Accumulator and How It Works

A hydraulic accumulator stores fluid under pressure using a gas cushion. How bladder, piston and diaphragm types work, and how to stay safe.

October 7, 2026

Hydraulic Filters: Types and How to Choose One

A hydraulic filter removes particles from oil to protect pumps and valves. Pressure, return, suction and kidney-loop types, beta ratio and bypass.

October 7, 2026

What Is a Check Valve? Types and How They Work

A check valve lets fluid pass one way and blocks the return. Swing, lift, ball, spring-loaded, dual-plate and pilot-operated types compared.

October 7, 2026

NPT vs BSPP vs BSPT: Identifying Pipe Threads

NPT, BSPT and BSPP threads look alike but do not interchange. How tapered and parallel threads seal, how to tell them apart, and why fittings leak.

October 1, 2026

Ball vs Gate vs Globe Valves: How to Choose

Ball, gate, globe, butterfly and check valves each suit a different job. How on/off and throttling duties, media and materials guide the choice.

October 1, 2026

Instrument Tube Fittings: Materials, End Connections and Pressure Ratings

How twin-ferrule compression tube fittings seal, and how to choose body material, tube size, end connection and pressure rating without a leak.

September 19, 2026

What the ASME "UV" Stamp on a Safety Relief Valve Actually Certifies

The ASME UV stamp and National Board registration on a relief valve are specific, verifiable certifications — not generic quality marks.

September 13, 2026

Hydraulic Cylinder Types and Mounting Styles

A practical reference on hydraulic cylinder construction, differential area, cushioning, mounting styles, load-path consequences, rod buckling, and seal.

August 11, 2026

Hydraulic Fluid Cleanliness and ISO 4406 Codes

ISO 4406 codes dictate hydraulic reliability: each number doubles particle counts above 4, 6, and 14 microns. Learn how to match fluid cleanliness to component.

August 11, 2026

Hydraulic Pump Types: Gear, Vane and Piston

Compare gear, vane and piston hydraulic pumps – fixed vs variable displacement, pressure‑compensation, flow calculation, suction limits and drive.

August 11, 2026

Hydraulic Valve Types and Centre Conditions

A technical guide to directional, pressure, and flow control valves, centre conditions, and safety implications for hydraulic circuits.

August 11, 2026

Hydraulic Hose, Fittings and End Connections

A detailed guide on hydraulic hose construction, pressure ratings, temperature derating, bend radius, and the distinct families of end connections.

August 11, 2026