Linn-Benton Community College
Mechatronics
Course Syllabus
Course Name: Industrial Hydraulics I
Course Number: APR 252
CRN 24252 Days, Hours: Wednesday, 6:00 pm to 8:50 pm
Credits: 4
Prerequisite: None
Required Text: Hydraulic Systems Maintenance
Location: IC-119
Instructor: Rick Bahr
Office & Office Hours: IB 201, By Appointment
Phone # and E mail Address: 541-917-4886,
Course Description:
This course provides a study of the basics of hydraulics used in the industrial manufacturing setting. Emphasis is on the components, circuit construction and the mathematical calculations used to compute pressure and force as it pertains to hydraulic equipment. Safety is stressed in each lesson.
Course Objectives:
The purpose of this course is to orient students to the Basics of Industrial Hydraulics. Students successfully completing this course will have accomplished the skills required to Identify the components of hydraulic equipment used in manufacturing, Identify symbols used in hydraulic system drawings, Describe the basic hydraulic principles to include: pressure, flow and series and parallel circuits, Identify various components and their uses associated with hydraulic systems and Evaluate a hydraulic system and describe various troubleshooting techniques.
Methods of Instruction:
A combination of lectures, demonstrations and exercises are used to guide students to a series of competencies. Specific skills are gained and measured, by the completion of the exercises.
Method of Evaluation: Class Participation 25%, Lab Exercises 50%, Final Exam 25%.
Attendance is Mandatory. Unexcused absences will drastically affect your grade.
A: 100~90%
B: 89~80%
C: 79~70%
D: 69~60%
F: 59% or below
IN: By signed agreement, Student Requested. All Coursework must be
Completed within the Next Term or a failing Grade is issued.
Y: Not enough Coursework completed to Warrant Grading.
Course Content:
Week 1
Lecture and discussion topics: Introductions, objectives, Course Syllabus, Principles of Hydraulics.
Lab: Getting Started, Exercise 1 – Fluid Power and Hydraulics, Exercise 2 – Force, Weight and Mass, Exercise 3 – Pressure, Exercise 4- Work, Power and Energy.
Week 2
Lecture and discussion topics: Tracing Hydraulic Systems, System components; Hydraulic fluids; Tracing the system; Schematics; Cutaway drawings; Mechanical setup.
Lab: Components, Exercise 1 –Six basic elements of a hydraulic system, Exercise 2 – Explain the functions of hydraulic pumps, actuators, control valves, conductors and connectors, hydraulic fluid, and fluid storage and conditioning equipment, Exercise 3 – How to trace a system.
Week 3
Lecture and discussion topics: Hydraulic Diagrams, Definition, kinds, and characteristics of schematics; Lines; Symbols; Flow patterns; Tracing a circuit; Sequence valve circuit.
Lab: Diagrams and Schematics, Exercise 1 – Three basic types of hydraulic diagrams, and explain the purposes of each, Exercise 2 – How a valve symbol is constructed, Exercise 3 – List the steps to follow when reading a schematic diagram, Exercise 4- Identify common hydraulic symbols.
Week 4
Lecture and discussion topics: Installing Hydraulic Components, Piping and Tubing.
Lab: Safety; Cleanliness; Pump, drive, control valves, and mechanical valve installations; Pump start-up; Valve port identification, General installation procedures. Exercise 1 – the correct method for checking direction of pump rotation, Exercise 2 – six important rules for good piping installation, Exercise 3 – Key points for correctly installing hydraulic hoses, seals, reservoirs, filters, and actuators.
Week 5
Lecture and discussion topics: Selecting Hydraulic Fluids, Viscosity; Resistance to chemical and physical changes; Low-temperature properties; Demulsibility; Antirust properties; Compatibility.
Lab: Hydraulic fluids, Exercise 1 – Ten important properties of hydraulic fluids, Exercise 2 – Difference between hydrodynamic and boundary lubrication, Exercise 3 – Explain what a fluid's viscosity index means, Exercise 4- Define demulsibility and emulsibility, Exercise 5- How to read a viscosity-temperature chart.
Week 6
Lecture and discussion topics: Maintaining Hydraulic Systems, Inspections; Maintenance requirements; Fluid level; External leaks; Operating pressure; Fluid quality; Filter maintenance; Reconditioning.
Lab: Maintaining Hydraulic Systems, Exercise 1 – major categories of hydraulic system maintenance, Exercise 2 – Name and describe the six essential items in a maintenance file, Exercise 3 – Explain how to set up a maintenance plan for a typical hydraulic system.
Week 7
Lecture and discussion topics: System Troubleshooting, Diagnosis and symptoms; Evaluating machine history; Determining the cause; Providing the solution; Tools and gauges; Troubleshooting charts.
Lab: Troubleshooting, Exercise 1 – The troubleshooting process, Exercise 2 – How to evaluate recent maintenance history, Exercise 3 – List typical symptoms of common hydraulic system problems, Exercise 4 – Explain how to determine the cause of and provide a solution to a problem, Exercise 5- How to keep and use troubleshooting charts.
Week 8
Lecture and discussion topics: Valve Troubleshooting, Valve problems and test procedures; Disassembly, cleaning, and inspection; Repair and replacement; Solenoid problems; Reassembly and testing.
Lab: Valve Troubleshooting, Exercise 1 – Five common valve problems and explain the sequence of steps to be followed in troubleshooting them, Exercise 2 – Proper procedures for valve disassembly, cleaning, and inspection, Exercise 3 – Determine whether to repair or replace a malfunctioning valve, Exercise 4 – Procedures for reassembling, reinstalling, and testing valves.
Week 9
Lecture and discussion topics: Cylinder Troubleshooting, Cylinder descriptions; Troubleshooting procedures; Cylinder testing, repair, and installation; Shock absorbers.
Lab: Cylinder Troubleshooting Techniques, Exercise 1 – Common types of hydraulic cylinders and identify their major parts, Exercise 2 – List the symptoms of internal and external cylinder misalignment, Exercise 3 – Cylinder components most frequently replaced.
Week 10
Lecture and discussion topics: Pump and Motor Troubleshooting, Gear and vane pump problems; Vane motors; Axial- and radial-piston pump problems; Pump and motor repair; Pump maintenance checks, Review progress and difficulties, applications, what you need to know to pass the Final Exam. Lab: Pump and Motor Troubleshooting Techniques, Exercise 1- Proper procedures for troubleshooting pumps and motors, Exercise 2- Common causes of pump failure, Exercise 3- typical causes of cavitation, Exercise 4- Problems in gear pumps and vane pumps, Exercise 5- The effects of contaminants in axial-piston and radial-piston pumps. All exercises are due by the end of class today. Study and practice for Final Exam.
Week 11
Final Exam
Disabilities Services and Emergency Planning – Meet with Instructor Week One
If you have emergency medical information for your instructor, need special arrangements to evacuate campus, or have a documented disability, please meet with your instructor, by appointment, no later than the first week of the term, to discuss your needs. If you have a documented disability that will impact you at college and you seek accommodations, contact the Office of Disability Services (ODS) for intake and to document your disability with LBCC. Then, each term, at least two to three weeks prior to the start of classes, submit your “Request for Accommodations” form to ODS and pickup instructor letters. ODS may be reached from any LBCC campus/center by email to or by calling 917-4789. Letter pickup is available at each LBCC campus/center.
The LBCC community is enriched by diversity. Each individual has worth and makes contributions to create that diversity at the college. Everyone has the right to think, learn, and work together in an environment of respect, tolerance, and goodwill. (Related to Board Policy #1015)