Eastern Kentucky University

Department of Applied Engineering & Technology

AEM 371 Hydraulics and Pneumatics

LAB 3
Submitted by
Matt Eades
Jeremy Meece
Julius Greene
Date Submitted: 11/18/15
Date Performed: 11/9/15 & 11/16/15

Introduction
In this lab, students expanded further upon their hands-on, working knowledge of hydraulic
systems by setting up a clamp circuit. The clamp circuit contains a Pressure Reducing Valve
(PRV), which provides a way to reduce system pressure at the cap end of the cylinder only
during extension and when the extension is held. This lab demonstrates the importance of the
PRV to a clamp circuit, as well as the importance of the other valves and units involved in a
clamp circuit.

Objectives
Set up and run the circuit shown in Appendix A.
Be able to reduce pressure at the cap end of the cylinder during extension.
Observe the importance of the different parts of the clamping circuit, and how they
function to make an efficient system.

Equipment and Applications Used

Hydraulic Training Unit

Allan Key Wrench

Lab Sheet (Identification Diagram)

Pencil

Lab Description
The first step of this lab was to setup the clamp circuit shown in Appendix A. The circuit
contains a PRV, which is the focus of this particular lab; reducing downstream pressure on the
cylinder's extension. To do this, first the needle valve must be opened a 1/4 turn to put back
pressure on the cylinder during movement; this is essentially what allows the PRV to be adjusted
to reduce the downstream pressure. Next, some substeps were followed to set the clamp pressure
on the PRV to 100 psi.
First, the PRV's adjustment knob must be turned fully CCW to its minimum adjustment
setting. Following that, one must go ahead and shift the DCV for cylinder extension. Once the

cylinder halts in full extension, one must leave the DCV lever shifted and turn the PRV
adjustment knob CW until pressure gage B reads 100 psi. Following that, retract the cylinder.
Several observations were made from repeatedly shifting the DCV to extend/retract the cylinder.
In the lab, students were asked to readjust the PRV to where gage B reads 200 psi, as well as 150
psi. Also, the needle valve was opened fully to observe the change in operation due to less back
pressure. These observations of pressure were recorded into charts in the "Discussion of
Questions" section.
Lastly, the lab had two other alternate setups, still involving the function of the PRV. The
first setup demonstrates the need for a bypass check valve. Using the original clamp circuit setup
from Appendix A, with a the relief valve pressure at 300 psi and the PRV setting (still read at
gage B) to 100 psi, the students were asked to remove the bypass check valve. The observation
for this was that the cylinder did not operate properly. It seemed blocked.
The second alternate setup involved excluding the drain from the circuit. This caused the
cylinder to move noticeably slower and rougher in function.

Discussion of Questions
Gage pressures (Gage B set to 100 psi)
Circuit Condition

Pressure Gage A (psi)

Gage B (psi)

Clamp cylinder extending

160

85-90

Clamp cylinder extended

150

100

Clamp cylinder retracting

100

Clamp cylinder retracted

Gage Pressures (Gage B set at 200 psi; needle valve open fully)
Circuit condition

Pressure gage B (psi)

Cylinder extending

70

Cylinder extended

200

With the bypass check valve disconnected from the clamp circuit, how did it
affect the operation of the cylinder?

o The cylinder did not operate correctly. It seemed block, which must have
been due to a fluid build-up somewhere around the PRV.

By disconnecting the PRV from the return drain, what occurred?

o The cylinder operation certainly seemed to slow down somewhat. Without
an external drain, it's hard for the fluid to get through without reducing
speed and functionality of the system. There must be a drain to allow fuid
to pass easily through the PRV.

Conclusions
This lab taught students how to setup a functioning clamp circuit, utilizing the PRV to control
extension speed and downstream pressure. It's easy to see that the PRV is a very important part
of any hydraulic system, especially if used in coordination with a needle valve implementing
back pressure. In most industrial settings where hydraulic systems are present, there are
protocols that must be set forth to improve functionality, efficiency, and safety. The PRV in this
particular clamp circuit demonstrates some of these qualities by allowing one to control
downstream pressure and to adjust cylinder extension (or "clamping" hence the name). Also, the
bypass check valve and drain were exploited in this lab to also help reinforce the importance of
these key elements in a hydraulic clamping circuit.

Appendix A: Clamp Circuit Setup

Appendix B: Actual Setups-Bypass Check Valve removed

Drain removed