Engineering Institute of Technology
Unit Name | HYDRAULICS AND PNEUMATICS |
Unit Code | BME 106S |
Unit Duration | Term |
Award | Bachelor of Science (Engineering)
Duration 3 years |
Year Level | One |
Unit Creator/Reviewer |
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Core/Sub-discipline | Sub-discipline |
Pre/Co-requisites | BSC101C |
Credit Points | 3
Total Program Credit Points 81 (27 x 3) |
Mode of Delivery | Online or on-campus. |
Unit Workload | (Total student workload including “contact hours” = 10 hours per week) Pre-recordings / Lecture – 1.5 hours Tutorial – 1.5 hours Guided labs / Group work / Assessments – 2 hours Personal Study recommended - 5 hours |
The objective in presenting this unit is to provide students with a comprehensive overview of all aspects related to the construction, design, operation, and maintenance of hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
The subject matter covered in this unit will include: the concepts related to pressure and flow; the operation of hydraulic and pneumatic system components – such as actuators and control valves; simple circuits for hydraulic and pneumatic applications; the characteristics of hydraulic oil and air; proportional and servo technology in regard to electro-hydraulic systems; and, troubleshooting procedures.
At the conclusion of this unit, students will have been imparted with the requisite knowledge and skills to design simple hydraulic and pneumatic circuits, and to systematically troubleshoot system faults and undertake corrective measures.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this Unit, students are expected to be able to:
Explain the concepts related to pressure and flow.
Describe the operation of hydraulic and pneumatic system components such as actuators and control valves.
Develop simple circuits for hydraulic and pneumatic applications.
Examine in detail, the characteristics of hydraulic oil and air.
Compare proportional and servo technology in regard to electro-hydraulic systems.
Design and troubleshoot hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
Completing this unit may add to students professional development/competencies by:
Fostering personal and professional skills and attributes in order to:
Conduct work in a professionally diligent, accountable and ethical manner.
Effectively use oral and written communication in personal and professional domains.
Foster applicable creative thinking, critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Develop initiative and engagement in lifelong learning and professional development.
Enhance collaboration outcomes and performance in dynamic team roles.
Effectively plan, organise, self-manage and manage others.
Professionally utilise and manage information.
Enhance technologist literacy and apply contextualised technologist skills.
Enhance investigatory and research capabilities in order to:
Develop an understanding of systematic, fundamental scientific, mathematic principles, numerical analysis techniques and statistics applicable to technologists.
Access, evaluate and analyse information on technologist processes, procedures, investigations and the discernment of technologist knowledge development.
Foster an in-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge, computer science, engineering design practice and contextual factors applicable to technologists.
Solve basic and open-ended engineering technologist problems.
Understand the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds associated with sustainable engineering practice.
Develop engineering application abilities in order to:
Apply established engineering methods to broadly-defined technologist problem solving.
Apply engineering technologist techniques, tool and resources.
Apply systematic technologist synthesis and design processes.
Systematically conduct and manage technologist projects, work assignments, testing and experimentation.
The Australian Engineering Stage 1 Competency Standards for Engineering Technologists, approved as of 2013. This table is referenced in the mapping of graduate attributes to learning outcomes and via the learning outcomes to student assessment.
Stage 1 Competencies and Elements of Competency | |
1. | Knowledge and Skill Base |
1.1 | Systematic, theory based understanding of the underpinning natural and physical sciences and the engineering fundamentals applicable to the technology domain. |
1.2 | Conceptual understanding of the, mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics, and computer and information sciences which underpin the technology domain. |
1.3 | In-depth understanding of specialist bodies of knowledge within the technology domain. |
1.4 | Discernment of knowledge development within the technology domain. |
1.5 | Knowledge of engineering design practice and contextual factors impacting the technology domain. |
1.6 | Understanding of the scope, principles, norms, accountabilities and bounds of sustainable engineering practice in the technology domain. |
2. | Engineering Application Ability |
2.1 | Application of established engineering methods to broadly-defined problem solving within the technology domain. |
2.2 | Application of engineering techniques, tools and resources within the technology domain. |
2.3 | Application of systematic synthesis and design processes within the technology domain. |
2.4 | Application of systematic approaches to the conduct and management of projects within the technology domain. |
3. | Professional and Personal Attributes |
3.1 | Ethical conduct and professional accountability. |
3.2 | Effective oral and written communication in professional and lay domains. |
3.3 | Creative, innovative and pro-active demeanour. |
3.4 | Professional use and management of information. |
3.5 | Orderly management of self and professional conduct. |
3.6 | Effective team membership and team leadership. |
Successfully completing this Unit will contribute to the recognition of attainment of the following graduate attributes aligned to the AQF Level 7 criteria, Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standards for Engineering Technologists and the Sydney Accord:
Graduate Attributes (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Professional and Personal Development) | EA Stage 1 Competencies | Learning Outcomes |
A. Knowledge of Science and Engineering Fundamentals | ||
A1. Breadth of knowledge of engineering and systematic, theory-based understanding of underlying principles, and depth of knowledge across one or more engineering sub- disciplines |
1.1, 1.3 |
1, 2, 4 |
A2. Knowledge of mathematical, statistical and computer sciences appropriate for engineering technology |
1.2 |
1, 6 |
A3. Discernment of knowledge development within the technology domain | 1.4 | 2, 3 |
A4. Knowledge of engineering design practice and contextual factors impacting the technology domain |
1.5 |
6 |
B. Problem Solving, Critical Analysis and Judgement | ||
B1. Ability to research, synthesise, evaluate and innovatively apply theoretical concepts, knowledge and approaches across diverse engineering technology contexts to effectively solve engineering problems |
1.4, 2.1, 2.3 |
3, 6 |
B2. Technical and project management skills to design complex systems and solutions in line with developments in engineering technology professional practice |
2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 3.2 |
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C. Effective Communication | ||
C1. Cognitive and technical skills to investigate, analyse and organise information and ideas and to communicate those ideas clearly and fluently, in both written and spoken forms appropriate to the audience |
3.2 |
1, 2 |
C2. Ability to engage effectively and appropriately across a diverse range of cultures | 3.2 | 3, 6 |
D. Design and Project Management | ||
D1. Apply systematic synthesis and design processes within the technology domain | 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 | 6 |
D2. Apply systematic approaches to the conduct and management of projects within the technology domain |
2.4 |
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E. Accountability, Professional and Ethical Conduct | ||
E1. Innovation in applying engineering technology, having regard to ethics and impacts including economic; social; environmental and sustainability |
1.6, 3.1, 3.4 |
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E2. Professional conduct, understanding and accountability in professional practice across diverse circumstances including team work, leadership and independent work |
3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6 |
6 |
Unit Competency and Learning Outcome Map
This table details the mapping of the unit graduate attributes to the unit learning outcomes and the Australian Engineering Stage 1 Competency Standards for the Engineering Technologist.
| Graduate Attributes | ||||||||||||
A1 | A2 | A3 | A4 | B1 | B2 | C1 | C2 | D1 | D2 | E1 | E2 | ||
Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standards for Engineering Technologist | 1.1 | |
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Unit Learning Outcomes | LO1 | | |
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Graduate Attributes
Successfully completing this Unit will contribute to the recognition of attainment of the following graduate attributes.
Graduate Attribute | Professional Development | Learning Outcomes |
A. Knowledge of Science and Engineering Fundamentals | ||
A1. Breadth of knowledge of engineering and systematic, theory-based understanding of underlying principles, and depth of knowledge across one or more engineering sub-disciplines. (EA1.1, 1.3) |
B |
1, 2, 4 |
A2. Knowledge of mathematical, statistical and computer sciences appropriate for engineering technology. (EA1.2) |
B |
1, 6 |
A3. Discernment of knowledge development within the technology domain (EA1.4) |
B |
2, 3 |
A4. Knowledge of engineering design practice and contextual factors impacting the technology domain (EA1.5) |
B |
6 |
B. Problem Solving, Critical Analysis and Judgement | ||
B1. Ability to research, synthesise, evaluate and innovatively apply theoretical concepts, knowledge and approaches across diverse engineering technology contexts to effectively solve engineering problems. (EA1.4, 2.1, 2.3) |
B, C |
3, 6 |
B2. Technical and project management skills to design complex systems and solutions in line with developments in engineering technology professional practice. (MIA) (EA2.3, 3.2, 2.1, 2.2) |
A, C |
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C. Effective Communication | ||
C1. Cognitive and technical skills to investigate, analyse and organise information and ideas and to communicate those ideas clearly and fluently, in both written and spoken forms appropriate to the audience. (EA3.2) |
A |
1, 2 |
C2. Ability to engage effectively and appropriately across a diverse range of cultures. (EA3.2) |
A |
3, 6 |
D. Design and Project Management | ||
D1. Apply systematic synthesis and design processes within the technology domain (EA2.1, 2.2, 2.3) |
C |
6 |
D2. Apply systematic approaches to the conduct and management of projects within the technology domain (EA2.4) |
C |
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E. Accountability, Professional and Ethical Conduct | ||
E1. Innovation in applying engineering technology, having regard to ethics and impacts including economic; social; environmental and sustainability. (EA1.6, 3.1, 3.4) |
A |
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E2. Professional conduct, understanding and accountability in professional practice across diverse circumstances including team work, leadership and independent work. (EA 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6) |
A |
6 |
Student assessment
Assessment Type | When assessed | Weighting
(% of total unit marks) | Learning Outcomes Assessed |
Assessment 1 Type: Multi-choice test / Group work / Short answer questions / Practical / Remote Lab / Simulation Example Topic: Pressure and flow concepts, Pascal’s law, Bernoulli’s Principle, hydraulic cylinders. Students may complete a quiz with MCQ type answers and solve some simple equations to demonstrate a good understanding of the fundamental concepts. |
Week 3 |
15% |
1, 2 |
Assessment 2 Type: Multi-choice test / Group work / Short answer questions / Practical / Remote Lab / Simulation Example Topic: Control valves, hydraulic accessories, fluids, control valve types and their characteristics, hydraulic accessories such as reservoirs, filters, accumulators, heat-exchangers, pipes, and hoses Students may provide solutions to simple problems on the listed topics. |
Week 6 |
20% |
2, 4 |
Assessment 3 Type: Multi-choice test / Group work / Short answer questions / Practical / Remote Lab / Simulation / Project / Report Example Topic: Electro-hydraulic systems, maintenance and troubleshooting of hydraulic systems, Project work: design and develop circuits/systems for hydraulic applications Students may complete a quiz with MCQ type answers or solve some simple problems or using software to complete a practical. |
Week 9 |
20% |
5, 6 |
Assessment 4 Type: Examination Example Topic: All topics An examination with a mix of detailed report type questions and/or simple numerical problems to be completed in 3 hours |
Final Week |
40% |
1 to 6 |
Attendance / Tutorial Participation Example: Presentation, discussion, group work, exercises, self-assessment/reflection, case study analysis, application. |
Continuous |
5% |
1 to 6 |
Prescribed and Recommended readings
Suggested Textbook
Practical Hydraulic & Pneumatic Systems: Operations and Troubleshooting, IDC Technologies, Perth
To be confirmed by lecturer.
Reference Materials
Parr, A 2011, Hydraulics and Pneumatics: A Technician’s and Engineer’s Guide, 3rd edn, Butterworth-Heinemann, ISBN-13: 978-0080966748. Online version available at: https://app.knovel.com/web/toc.v/cid:kpHPATEG01/viewerType:toc/root_slug:hydraulic s-pneumatics-2
Peer reviewed Journals
IDC Technologies
Other material advised during the lectures
hydraulicspneumatics.com/
Unit Content
One topic is delivered per contact week, with the exception of part-time 24-week units, where one topic is delivered every two weeks.
Topic 1
Pressure and Flow Concepts
Definition and units of pressure measurement
Pascal's law and applications
Pressure/force relationship
Fluid flow/discharge
Steady and unsteady flows
Bernoulli's principle
Laminar and turbulent flows
Pressure/flow relationship
Topic 2
Hydraulic Cylinders
Classification (single vs. double acting)
Cylinder construction and mounting
Cylinder cushioning
Seals
Cylinder design checklist
Common cylinder problems
Topic 3
Hydraulic Directional Control Valves
1. Classification and symbols
Poppet, Check and Spool valves
Directly and indirectly operated valves
Valve actuation methods
2, 3, and 4-way direction control valves
Positive and negative overlapping
Center conditions
Topic 4
Hydraulic Pressure and Flow Control Valves
Relief valve
Surge pressure
Sequence valves
Counterbalance valves
Pressure reducing valves
Brake valves
Unloading valves
Flow control valve function and types
Topic 5
Hydraulic Accessories, Hydraulic Fluids
Introduction to oil reservoirs, filters, heat-exchangers, pipes, hoses
Hydraulic fluid characteristics
Oil groups, Neutralization number
Oil contamination, cleanliness and storage
Oil additives
Common problems associated with hydraulic oil
Topics 6 and 7
Basic Hydraulic Circuits and Applications
Symbols of hydraulic components
Basic understanding of hydraulic circuits
Types of hydraulic circuits and their illustration
Design and application of hydraulic circuits
Advantages of hydraulic systems
Simulation of hydraulic circuits using FLUIDSIM software.
Topic 8
Electro-Hydraulic Systems
Proportional solenoid
Proportional valve
Servo valve
Comparison of proportional and servo technology
Use of transducers in hydraulic systems
Topic 9
Maintenance and Troubleshooting of Hydraulic Systems
Safety and cleanliness in hydraulic systems
Preventive maintenance
Commissioning procedures and pre-commissioning checks
Troubleshooting hydraulic system faults/failures
Prevention of pre-mature hydraulic component failures
Topic 10
Pneumatic System Fundamentals
Characteristics of air
Air generation, preparation, and distribution
Characteristics of pneumatic systems
Pneumatic symbols
Components of pneumatic systems
Pneumatic elements – control valves, actuators
Topic 11
Pneumatic Circuit Design, Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Pneumatic circuit design
Troubleshooting: flow chart analysis of pneumatic circuits
Maintenance of pneumatic systems
Topic 12
Unit Review
In the final week students will have an opportunity to review the contents covered so far. Opportunity will be provided for a review of student work and to clarify any outstanding issues. Instructors/facilitators may choose to cover a specialized topic if applicable to that cohort.
