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What Is an Hydraulic Air Pump?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

A hydraulic air pump is a type of pump that makes use of air pressure as the means of efficiently pumping oil or some other type of hydraulic fluid. The pump can be utilized with a variety of hydraulic equipment, including motors, presses, pullers and rams. When calibrated to best advantage, the hydraulic air pump provides a means of conveying the fluids throughout the system in a timely manner and at a steady level of air pressure.

With most hydraulic air pump designs, the inclusion of a relief valve is common. As the name implies, the valve helps to regulate the air pressure that is maintained by the pump, preventing a system overload. In addition, the valve also serves the purpose of preventing the air pressure from increasing to a level that could cause damage to the motor or other equipment that is connected to the pump.

Man with a drill
Man with a drill

There are several benefits to using a hydraulic air pump, rather than utilizing a manual air pump. Hydraulic units can be set to maintain a consistent pressure and do not require constant manual pumping in order to provide a constant control of pressure. This in turn means that the overall process is more productive. In addition, a single operator can oversee the function of the pump without the need to utilize several operators to keep the pressure within a certain range. From this perspective, the hydraulic air pump serves to decrease the incidence of operator fatigue and also ensures that the pressure level is more constant than is usually possible with manual pumps.

Choosing the right hydraulic air pump typically involves determining the amount of air pressure that is desired to create the most beneficial flow of hydraulic fluid to the equipment. This is important, since motors and other equipment of different sizes will require different flows of fluids. Portability is often another key consideration, especially if the purpose for the pump is to provide air pressure for equipment used at construction sites. A hydraulic air pump that is relatively light and can be moved with relative ease is much easier to secure once the work day is over, and can also be transported from work site to the next without a great deal of effort. Making sure the pump is equipped with not only a valve release to control pressure buildup but also features that help to manage the level of air return will also help to reduce the potential for what is known as hydraulic shock, a phenomenon that could seriously damage the pump and any equipment currently attached to the device.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including AboutMechanics, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

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Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including AboutMechanics, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

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    • Man with a drill
      Man with a drill