Professional Certificate of Competency in Hydraulics and Pneumatics

Module 1: Pressure and Flow Concepts

1. Definition and units of pressure measurement
2. Pascal’s law and applications
3. Pressure/force relationship
4. Fluid flow/discharge
5. Steady and unsteady flows
6. Bernoulli’s principle
7. Laminar and turbulent flows
8. Pressure/flow relationship

Module 2: Hydraulic Cylinders

1. Classification (single vs. double acting)
2. Cylinder construction and mounting
3. Cylinder cushioning
4. Seals
5. Cylinder design checklist
6. Common cylinder problems

Module 3: Hydraulic Directional Control Valves

1. Classification and symbols
1. Poppet, Check and Spool valves
2. Directly and indirectly, operated valves
3. Valve actuation methods
4. 2, 3, and 4-way direction control valves
5. Positive and negative overlapping
6. Center conditions

Module 4: Hydraulic Pressure and Flow Control Valves

1. Relief valve
2. Surge pressure
3. Sequence valves
4. Counterbalance valves
5. Pressure reducing valves
6. Brake valves
7. Unloading valves
8. Flow control valve function and types

Module 5: Hydraulic Accessories, Hydraulic Fluids

1. Introduction to oil reservoirs, filters, heat exchangers, pipes, hoses
2. Hydraulic fluid characteristics
3. Oil groups, Neutralization number
4. Oil contamination, cleanliness and storage
5. Oil additives
6. Common problems associated with hydraulic oil

Module 6 & 7: Basic Hydraulic Circuits and Applications

1. Symbols of hydraulic components
2. Basic understanding of hydraulic circuits
3. Types of hydraulic circuits and their illustration
4. Design and application of hydraulic circuits
5. Advantages of hydraulic systems
6. Simulation of hydraulic circuits using FLUIDSIM software.

Assessment 1

Module 8: Electro-Hydraulic Systems

1. Proportional solenoid
2. Proportional valve
3. Servo valve
4. Comparison of proportional and servo technology
5. Use of transducers in hydraulic systems

Module 9: Maintenance and Troubleshooting of Hydraulic Systems

1. Safety and cleanliness in hydraulic systems
2. Preventive maintenance
3. Commissioning procedures and pre-commissioning checks
4. Troubleshooting hydraulic system faults/failures
5. Prevention of pre-mature hydraulic component failures

Module 10: Pneumatic System Fundamentals

1. Characteristics of air
2. Air generation, preparation, and distribution
3. Characteristics of pneumatic systems
4. Pneumatic symbols
5. Components of pneumatic systems
6. Pneumatic elements – control valves, actuators

Module 11: Pneumatic Circuit Design, Maintenance and Troubleshooting

1. Pneumatic circuit design
2. Troubleshooting: flow chart analysis of pneumatic circuits
3. Maintenance of pneumatic systems

Module 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 or some case studies if applicable to that cohort.

Assessment 2

Graduates of the Professional Certificate of Competency in Hydraulics and Pneumatics will be able to:

• Explain the concepts related to pressure and flow.
• Describe the construction and 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.
• Troubleshoot hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

To obtain a certificate of completion for EIT’s Professional Certificate of Competency course, students must achieve a 65% attendance rate at the live, online weekly webinars.  Detailed summaries or notes can be submitted in lieu of attendance.  In addition, students must obtain an overall 50% marks in the set assessments which are a practical assessment and a proctored exam. Students must obtain a minimum 40% marks in proctored exam to pass this course. Students must also obtain a mark of 100% in weekly quizzes. If a student does not achieve the required score, resubmission/re-attempt opportunity is given only in the practical assessment and the weekly quizzes, not in the exam.

Additional Credit

If you apply and are accepted into the EIT Bachelor of Science (Mechanical Engineering) you will obtain a credit for the BME106S Hydraulics and Pneumatics upon successful completion of this Professional Certificate of Competency. 

Furthermore, if you opt to enroll in the EIT Bachelor of Science (Mechanical Engineering), two modules from the abovementioned course will also grant you credits towards the EIT Advanced Diploma of Mechanical Engineering Technology course. 

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Payment Methods

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You are expected to spend approximately 5-8 hours per week learning the course content. This includes attending a weekly webinar that runs for about 90 minutes to facilitate class discussion and allow you to ask questions. This professional development program is delivered online and has been designed to fit around full-time work. It will take three months to complete.

Registrations are open for our upcoming intakes. Please ensure you book your place at least one week before the start date of the program.