MAPÚA UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF MECHANICAL AND MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING

CYLINDERS IN PARALLEL &

REGENERATIVE CIRCUITS
EXERCISE 3-3

TORRES, Rodolfo Rey M.

Student No.: 2014108805
ME155P – E02
Group No. 4

Date of Performance: September 21, 2019

Date of Submission: October 05, 2019 GRADE

F. T. GALERA
INSTRUCTOR
 Table of Contents

Cylinders in Parallel ...................................................................................................... 1

EXERCISE OBJECTIVE ................................................................................................. 1

DISCUSSION .................................................................................................................. 1
REFERENCE MATERIAL......................................................................................... 3
Procedure summary ................................................................................................. 4
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED ........................................................................................ 4
Refer to the Equipment Utilization Chart, in Appendix A of this manual, to
obtain the list of equipment require to perform this exercise .................................... 4

PROCEDURE ................................................................................................................. 5

CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................. 10

REGENERATIVE CIRCUITS ........................................................................................ 12

EXERCISE OBJECTIVE ............................................................................................... 12

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED ............................................................................................. 20

PROCEDURE......................................................................................................... 20

CONCLUSION .............................................................................................................. 32
REVIEW QUESTIONS ........................................................................................... 32
 Hydraulics Fundamentals
Exercise 3-3

Cylinders in Parallel

EXERCISE OBJECTIVE

 To describe the operation of a parallel circuit;

 To describe the extension sequence of parallel cylinders having
differing bore sizes;
 To synchronize the extension of parallel cylinders using a flow
control valve.

DISCUSSION

Cylinders in parallel

Figure 3-11 shows two cylinders connected in parallel. The rod and cap ends of one cylinder are
connected to the corresponding ends of the other cylinder. Since these cylinders are of the
same size, cylinder 1 will extend first because it requires the lowest pressure to move its
load. Once cylinder 1 is extended, the system pressure will climb to the level required for
cylinder 2 to extend. Once cylinder 2 is extended, the system pressure will climb to the setting of
the relief valve

1
Cylinders in Parallel

Synchronization of parallel cylinders

In theory, two cylinders connected in parallel should operate in synchronization if

they are of identical size and stroke and if they are evenly loaded, since they
both receive the same flow rate from the same power unit. In practice, however,
manufacturing any two cylinders or articles to be exactly identical is impossible.
There are always small differences in dimensions, internal friction, surface
texture, internal leakage, etc.

This does not mean that synchronization of parallel cylinders is impossible. One
popular method of synchronizing parallel cylinders, called mechanical yoke
method, is shown in Figure 3-12. In this method, a strong yoke connects the two-
cylinder rods together. The weight of the two loads is distributed evenly between
the two cylinders so that the cylinders extend at the same speed, even if the
loads are of different weight.

If mechanical synchronization is not possible or practical, parallel cylinders can

be approximately synchronized using the flow control valve method. In this
method, a flow control valve is connected in series with the cylinder requiring the
lowest pressure to move in order to increase the resistance of this line (circuit
path).

2
 Figure 3-13 shows an example. Cylinders 1 and 2 are of the same size, however
cylinder 1 requires 1400 kPa at its cap end to lift the light load, while cylinder 2
requires 3500 kPa at its cap end to lift the heavier load. A flow control valve,
connected in the line of cylinder 1, is adjusted so that it creates an additional
pressure drop of 2100 kPa in this line when cylinder 1 extends. Since equal
pressures of 3500 kPa (500 psi) are required in each cylinder line, the oil from
the pump will divide equally between the two lines, causing the cylinders to move
at the same time and speed. The cylinders will operate in unison for a limited
number of cycles. Eventually, they will drift out of synchronization, and the flow
control valve will have to be re-adjusted to synchronize them again. Also, load
variations will cause the cylinders to go out of synchronization if the flow control
valve is of non- compensated type, because this type of valve does not
compensate for pressure changes in the system.

Cylinders in Parallel

REFERENCE MATERIAL

For detailed information on regeneration, refer to the chapter entitled

Check Valves, Accumulators and Cylinders in the Parker-Hannifin’s
manual Industrial Hydraulic Technology.

3
Procedure summary

In the first part of the exercise, you will connect two cylinders in parallel with each
other, with a loading device on the larger cylinder. The loading device will be a
flow control valve. You will determine which cylinder moves first when a heavy
load is placed on the large cylinder.

In the second part of the exercise, you will connect the flow control valve to the
smaller cylinder. You will determine which cylinder moves first when a heavy load
is placed on the small cylinder. Then you will synchronize the two cylinders and
vary the extension sequence by modifying the flow control valve setting.

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED

Refer to the Equipment Utilization Chart, in Appendix A of this manual, to obtain

the list of equipment require to perform this exercise

4
Cylinders in Parallel

PROCEDURE

Cylinders in parallel

O 1. Connect the circuit shown in Figure 3-14.

5
 O 2. Examine the circuit in Figure 3-14. The cylinders are in parallel with each
other. The Flow Control Valve acts as a loading device on the large cylinder
[3.81-cm (1.5-in) bore] only, so the cylinders are unevenly loaded. The Flow
Control Valve is partially closed to simulate a heavy load on the large cylinder.

When the directional valve is shifted to extend the cylinders, the oil from the
pump is directed to the cap side of both cylinders at the same time. The large
cylinder must counteract the high resistance offered by the Flow Control Valve
before it can extend. The small cylinder [2.54-cm (1-in) bore] must counteract the
resistance of the oil flowing back to the reservoir before it can extend. The
cylinder requiring the lowest pressure to move will extend first.

Predict which cylinder will extend first when the Flow Control Valve is partially
closed to simulate a heavy load on the large cylinder, and explain why.

Small cylinder because the large cylinder is connected to a flow control

valve
which is subjected to heavy load.

O 3. Before starting the Power Unit, perform the following start-up procedure:

a. Make sure the hoses are firmly connected.

b. Check the level of the oil in the reservoir. Add oil if required.
c. Put on safety glasses.
d. Make sure the power switch on the Power Unit is set to the OFF position.
e. Plug the Power Unit line cord into an ac outlet.
f. Open the Relief Valve completely (turn knob fully counterclockwise).

O 4. Close the Flow Control Valve completely (turn knob fully clockwise), then
open it 1/2 turn.

O 5. Turn on the Power Unit

G 6. Turn the relief valve adjustment knob clockwise until the circuit pressure at
gauge A is 2100 kPa (300 psi).

O 7. Move the lever of the directional valve toward the valve body to extend the
two cylinders and observe them as they extend. Which cylinder extended first?
Why?

Small cylinder because it is not subjected to a heavy load unlike the

large cylinder.

6
O 8. Retract the cylinders

O 9. Turn off the Power Unit. Open the Relief Valve completely (turn knob fully
counterclockwise).

7
Cylinders in Parallel

O 10. Modify your circuit connections in order to place the loading device (Flow
Control Valve) on the small cylinder [2.54-cm (1-in) bore], as Figure 3-15 shows.

O 11. Predict which cylinder will extend first when the Flow Control Valve is

8
partially closed to simulate a heavy load on the small cylinder.

Large cylinder because the flow control vale connects to the small
cylinder.
The small cylinder is subjected to heavy load.

O 12. Close the Flow Control Valve completely (turn knob fully clockwise), then
open it 1/4 turn.
O 13. Turn on the Power Unit

O 14. Turn the Relief Valve adjustment knob clockwise until the circuit
pressure at gauge A is 2100 kPa (300 psi).

O 15. Move the lever of the directional valve toward the valve body to extend
the two cylinders and observe them as they extend. Which cylinder extended
first? Why?

Large cylinder because the small cylinder is subjected to a heavy

load or it is connected to a flow control valve.

O 16. Retract the cylinders.

O 17. Adjust the setting of the Flow Control Valve so that both cylinders
complete their full stroke at the same time during extension. Accurate
adjustment may require that the cylinders be extended and retracted several
times.

O 18. Extend and retract the cylinders several times with the new Flow Control
Valve setting. Do the cylinders remain synchronized?

❑ Yes ❑ No

O 19. Let the system run for about 15 minutes. Do not modify the Flow Control
Valve setting.

O 20. Extend and retract the cylinders several times. Did the cylinders stay in
synchronization?

❑ Yes ❑ No

O 21. Does the Flow Control Valve have to be readjusted when the cylinders

9
 are operated over an extended period of time? Explain why.

Yes because there are factors that affects the fluid over time. The factors that

can affect the cylinders are pressure drop, viscosity, and temperature difference.

O 22. Try to adjust the Flow Control Valve so that the small cylinder completes
its extension approximately 2 seconds after the large cylinder completes its
extension. Can the extension sequence of the cylinders be controlled in a
parallel circuit? Explain.
Yes because they are connected in parallel. If one part is constricted it can
affect the flow on both cylinders.

O 23. Make sure the cylinders are fully retracted, then turn off the Power Unit.
Open the Relief Valve completely (turn knob fully counterclockwise).

O 24. Disconnect the Power Unit line cord from the wall outlet, then disconnect
all hoses. Wipe off any hydraulic oil residue.

O 25. Remove all components from the work surface and wipe off any
hydraulic oil residue. Return all components to their storage location.

O 26. Clean up any hydraulic oil from the floor and from the trainer. Properly
dispose of any paper towels and rags used to clean up oil.

Cylinders in Parallel

CONCLUSION

This exercise showed some circuit principles which govern two cylinders
connected in parallel. You observed that the individual loads governed cylinder
movement, and the cylinder requiring the lowest pressure to move its load
always moved first. This is because oil always flows through the path requiring
the lowest pressure, and the pressure in a cylinder depends on the load.

10
 REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. In the circuit of Figure 3 – 16, which cylinder will move first if the flow control
valve is open completely? Why?
Cylinder 1 will move first because the load is smaller
compared to cylinder 2

2. In the circuit of Figure 3 – 16, which cylinder will move first if the flow control vale
is adjusted so that it creates a pressure drop of 2400 kPa (300 psi)? Explain.
Cylinder 2 will move first because the load is smaller compared to the
total load on cylinder 1.

3. Calculate the theoretical pressure drop, ΔP, required across the flow control
valve in Figure 3 – 16 to synchronize the extension of the two cylinders.
Pcylinder1 = Pcylinder2 Pd = 2800 kPa – 700 kPa
2800 kPa = 700 kPa + Pd Pd== 2100 kPa

4. Describe the extension sequence in the circuit of Figure 3 – 16 when the flow
control valve is open completely and the relief valve pressure setting is 2100 kPa
(200 psi).

Only cylinder 1 will move since its load is smaller compared to the pressure of
the fluid. On the other hand, cylinder 2 is completely stalled since its load is
greater compare to the pressure of the fluid.

11
 1-800-Lab-Volt Hydraulics Fundamentals
www.labvolt.com
Exercise 3-4

Regenerative Circuits

EXERCISE OBJECTIVE

 To describe the operation of a regenerative circuit;

 To describe the effect of regeneration on cylinder speed;
 To describe the effect of regeneration on cylinder force.

DISCUSSION

Principle of regeneration

The primary purpose of regenerative circuits is to provide rapid

extension speeds with a minimum pump output flow.
Regeneration is accomplished by sending the oil which flows out of
the rod end of a cylinder back into the cap end of this cylinder. Figure
3-17 shows a regenerative circuit.

 When the directional valve is shifted to extend the cylinder

(straight-through position), the pumped oil is directed to both sides
of the piston at the same time. This results in two opposite forces
simultaneously acting on each side of the piston. Since, however,
the cap end of the piston has a larger surface area exposed to oil
pressure than the rod end, a greater force is exerted on the full
piston area, causing the cylinder rod to extend. The oil forced out
from the rod end adds to that coming from the pump and enters
the cap end of the cylinder. This extra oil speeds up the cylinder
by increasing its flow rate.

 When the directional valve is shifted to retract the cylinder (cross-

connected position), the pumped oil is blocked at port B of the
directional valve, but is allowed to flow directly to the rod end of
the cylinder, causing the cylinder to retract.

12
Figure 3-17. Regenerative circuit.

13
Regeneration can only occur in extension. The reason for this is
that the force acting to extend the rod is greater than the force
acting to retract the rod for any given amount of pressure, because
the piston area at the rod end is less than that at the cap end.

Cylinder speed during regeneration

When a cylinder extends in regeneration, the oil flowing out of its rod
end helps the pump oil to fill its cap end. This reduces the volume of
oil required from the pump to completely extend the cylinder. The
required volume from the pump is equal to the volume of oil inside
the cylinder when it is extended minus the volume of oil inside the
cylinder when it is retracted. This is equal to the volume occupied of
the cylinder rod. The extension speed of a cylinder in regeneration,
then, is determined by how fast the pump can fill the volume of the
cylinder rod. In equation form:

S.I. units:

English units:

So we can see that connecting a cylinder in regeneration increases

the rod extension speed. In fact, this speed is increased by a factor
equal to the ratio of the full piston area to the rod area, Af / Arod. For
example, an Af / Arod ratio of 2 means that the full piston area is
twice that of the rod area. This also means that the extension speed
in regeneration will be twice as fast as the extension speed in
normal mode.

The formula for calculating the amount of time required for a cylinder
in regeneration to complete its stroke is the formula for extension
speed divided into the stroke length. The formula is as follows:

S.I. units:

14
English units:

So we can see that connecting a cylinder in regeneration reduces the

rod extension time. In fact, the extension time is reduced by a factor
equal to the ratio of the full piston area to the rod area, A f / Arod.
For example, an Af / Arod ratio of 2 means that the extension time
in regeneration will be only half the extension time in normal mode.

15
Cylinder force during regeneration

Regenerative circuits have a disadvantage: they reduce the force

generated by the cylinder during extension. This is because the
force generated in the direction of extension is diminished by the
opposite force generated in the direction of retraction—remember
that both sides of the piston are interconnected and experience the
same pressure. Therefore, the net (effective) area on which the force
is exerted is the rod area. This means that the force generated by the
cylinder during extension is equal to the circuit pressure multiplied by
the rod area. In equation form:

S.I. units:

English units:

So we see that connecting a cylinder in regeneration provides a

faster extension speed but reduces the generated force. In fact, the
cylinder force is sacrificed for rod speed.

Applications

When designing a regeneration circuit, the size of the cylinder rod

must be carefully selected as it determines both the cylinder speed
and force. The higher the Af / Arod ratio, the higher the extension
speed, but the lower the force output. An Af / Arod ratio of 2 is often
used since it provides approximately equal forces and speeds
during extension and retraction. Varying the Af / Arod ratio too far
from 2, however, will result in reduced force capabilities; the net
(effective) force generated may even not be sufficient for the
cylinder to extend.

Regeneration is often used to only extend the rod to the work load
at high speed. When the moment arrives for work to be done, the rod
end of the cylinder is drained back to the reservoir so that full force
is applied to the load. 4-position directional valves are used to
control these two stages of the extension cycle. Figure 3-18 shows
an example:

16
O In Figure 3-18 (a), the directional valve is in the center position,
and no oil flows to the cylinder.

O In Figure 3-18 (b), the valve is shifted to the regeneration position.

The cylinder rod extends rapidly to the work load.

O Once the rod reaches the load, the valve switches to the normal
extension position to increase the force to the load, as Figure 3-
18 (c) shows.

O When the rod is fully extended, the valve switches to the retraction
position, as Figure 3-18 (d) shows. The cylinder rod retracts at
normal speed.

17
 Figure 3-18. Simple regeneration circuit using a four-position
directional valve.

REFERENCE MATERIAL

For detailed information on regeneration, refer to the chapter entitled

Check Valves, Accumulators and Cylinders in the Parker-Hannifin’s
manual Industrial Hydraulic Technology.

18
Procedure summary

In the first part of the exercise, you will determine the effect of
regeneration on the extension time of a cylinder. To do so, you will
measure the time required for a cylinder to extend in both
regenerative and normal modes of operation. You will then compare
the results obtained in each mode.

In the second part of the exercise, you will determine the effect of
regeneration on the force output of a cylinder. To do so, you will
measure the force output of a cylinder in both regenerative and
normal modes of operation. You will then compare the results
obtained in each mode.

19
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED

Refer to the Equipment Utilization Chart, in Appendix A of this

manual, to obtain the list of equipment required to perform this
exercise.

PROCEDURE

Effect of regeneration on cylinder extension time

O 1. Connect the circuit shown in Figure 3-19. In this circuit, the

Flow Control Valve will be used to reduce the flow into the
circuit so the cylinder speed is easier to time. The valve
would not be used in industrial regenerative circuits of this
design.

Note: Do not connect the Loading Device to the

cylinder yet. The Loading Device will be used
later in the exercise.

O 2. Before starting the Power Unit, perform the following start-up procedure:

a. Make sure the hoses are firmly connected.

b. Check the level of the oil in the reservoir. Add oil if required.
c. Put on safety glasses.
d. Make sure the power switch on the Power Unit is set to
the OFF position.
e. Plug the Power Unit line cord into an ac outlet.
f. Open the Relief Valve completely (turn knob fully counterclockwise).

O 3. Open the Flow Control Valve completely (turn knob fully counterclockwise).

O 4. Turn on the Power Unit.

O 5. With the directional valve lever in the center position, the pump
flow is blocked at the rod end of the cylinder, and gauge B
indicates the Relief Valve pressure setting. Turn the Relief
Valve adjustment knob clockwise until the circuit pressure at
gauge B is 2100 kPa (300 psi).
20
O 6. Move the lever of the directional valve toward the valve body
to extend the cylinder and adjust the Flow Control Valve so
that the Flowmeter reads
1.5 l/min [0.4 gal(US)/min] during cylinder extension, then
retract the cylinder. Accurate adjustment may require that the
cylinder be extended and retracted several times.

21
 Figure 3-19. Cylinder in a regenerative circuit.

O 7. Extend the cylinder and note the extension time and the
pressure readings at gauges A and B as the cylinder
extends. Record these in the “REGENERATIVE” row of
Table 3-8.

EXTENSION
CIRCUIT EXTENSION PRESSURES
CONDITION TIME
GAUGE A GAUGE B
REGENERATIVE 0.79 sec 230 psi 300 psi

NORMAL 0.85 sec 290 psi 90 psi

Table 3-8. Cylinder data in regenerative and normal modes.

O 8. Retract the cylinder.

O 9. Turn off the Power Unit. Open the Relief Valve completely

22
 (turn knob fully counterclockwise).

O 10. Change your regenerative circuit into a normal (non-

regenerative) circuit. To do so, disconnect the rod end of the
cylinder from the 4-port manifold installed on port P of the
directional valve, then connect the rod end to port B of the
directional valve, as Figure 3-20 shows.

23
 Figure 3-20. Cylinder in a normal (non-regenerative) circuit.

Note: Do not connect the Loading Device to the

cylinder yet. The Loading Device will be used
later in the exercise.

O 11. Turn on the Power Unit.

O 12. Move the lever of the directional valve toward the valve body
to extend the cylinder fully. While keeping the valve lever
shifted, turn the Relief Valve adjustment knob clockwise until
the circuit pressure at gauge A is 2100 kPa (300 psi). Retract
the cylinder by moving the lever of the directional valve
outward from the valve body.

O 13. Move the lever of the directional valve toward the valve body
to extend the cylinder and adjust the Flow Control Valve so
that the Flowmeter reads
1.5 l/min [0.4 gal(US)/min] during cylinder extension, then
retract the cylinder. Accurate adjustment may require that the
cylinder be extended and retracted several times.

24
O 14. Extend the cylinder and note the extension time and the
pressure readings at gauges A and B as the cylinder extends.
Record these in the “NORMAL” row of Table 3-8.

O 15. Retract the cylinder.

25
O 16. Turn off the Power Unit. Open the Relief Valve completely (turn knob
fully counterclockwise).

O 17. According to Table 3-8, is the extension time observed in

regenerative mode shorter than that observed in normal
mode? Why?

The reason is the pressure drop. Based from the table the gauges in
the
In the regenerative are 230 psi and 300 psi. On the other hand, the
gauges
on the normal are 290 psi and 90 psi but the set gauge pressure is
300 psi.

O 18. Calculate the theoretical extension time of the 2.54-cm (1-in)

bore x 1.59-cm (0.625-in) rod x 10.16-cm (4-in) stroke
cylinder in regeneration when the flow rate is 1.5 l/min [0.4
gal(US)/min]. Then, compare your result with the actual
extension time recorded in Table 3-8. Are these values
approximately equal?

𝑉 𝐴∗𝐿 𝜋⁄ (1.59 𝑐𝑚)2 (10.16 𝑐𝑚)

4
t=𝑄= = 100 𝑐𝑚3 1 𝑚𝑖𝑛
t = 0.8069 s
𝑄 1500 𝐿/ min( )( )
1𝐿 60 𝑠

Yes, because the actual value is 0.79 and the theoretical value is
0.8069 s.

O 19. Why did the cylinder extend when both sides of the piston
were pressurized in regenerative mode?

The reason is that the force exerted at the inlet is greater than the
outlet.

O 20. Explain the reason for the very low pressure required to
extend the cylinder in normal mode.

During extension, the flow of the fluid on the outlet is directed to the supply
tank. Therefore there is a small resistance in the fluid resulting in low

26
 pressure requirement.

Effect of regeneration on cylinder force output

O 21. Change your circuit into a regenerative circuit. To do so,

disconnect the rod end of the cylinder from port B of the
directional valve, then connect the rod end to the 4-port
manifold installed on port P of the directional valve, as
shown in Figure 3-19.

27
O 22. Disconnect the 2.54-cm (1-in) bore cylinder from the circuit.
Remove the cylinder from its adapter by unscrewing its
retaining ring. Make sure the cylinder tip (bullet) is removed
from the cylinder rod end. Screw the cylinder into the Loading
Device. Then, reconnect the cylinder into the circuit as
shown in Figure 3-19.

O 23. Clip the NEWTON/LBF-graduated ruler to the Loading Device,

and align the “0” mark with the colored line on the load
piston.

O 24. Open the Flow Control Valve completely (turn knob fully counterclockwise).

O 25. Turn on the Power Unit.

O 26. Move the lever of the directional valve toward the valve body
and turn the Relief Valve adjustment knob clockwise until the
circuit pressure at gauge A is 4200 kPa (600 psi), then turn the
knob counterclockwise to decrease the circuit pressure until
gauge A reads 3500 kPa (500 psi). Release the valve lever.

O 27. Note and record the force reading on the Loading Device in
the “REGENERATIVE” row of Table 3-9.

CIRCUIT CYLINDER FORCE

CONDITION OUTPUT
REGENERATIV 375 N
E
NORMAL 800 N

Table 3-9. Effect of regeneration on cylinder force.

O 28. Retract the cylinder, then turn off the Power Unit. Open the
Relief Valve completely (turn knob fully counterclockwise).

O 29. Change your regenerative circuit into a normal circuit. To do

28
 so, disconnect the rod end of the cylinder from the 4-port
manifold installed on port P of the directional valve, then
connect the rod end to port B of the directional valve, as
shown in Figure 3-20.

O 30. Turn on the Power Unit.

29
O 31. Move the lever of the directional valve toward the valve body
and turn the Relief Valve adjustment knob clockwise until the
circuit pressure at gauge A is 4200 kPa (600 psi), then turn the
knob counterclockwise to decrease the circuit pressure until
gauge A reads 3500 kPa (500 psi). Release the valve lever.

O 32. Note and record the force reading on the Loading Device in
the “NORMAL” row of Table 3-9.

O 33. Retract the cylinder, then turn off the Power Unit. Open the
Relief Valve completely (turn knob fully counterclockwise).

O 34. According to Table 3-9, is the force observed in regeneration

mode reduced from that observed in normal mode? Explain
why.

Yes, because the pressure in the regenerative has a small amount of

pressure drop. Unlike in normal mode it has a large pressure drop. If
there is pressure drop there is an exerted force.

O 35. Calculate the theoretical force output of the 2.54-cm (1-in)

bore x 1.59-cm (0.625-in) rod x 10.16-cm (4-in) stroke
cylinder in regeneration. Then, compare your result with the
actual force output recorded in Table 3-9. Are these values
approximately equal?
1𝑚
F = PA = 2100 kN/m2[(𝜋⁄4 (1.59 𝑐𝑚)2)( 100 𝑐𝑚)2]

1000 𝑁
F = 0.4170 kN ( ) F = 416.976 N
1 𝑘𝑁

Based on the table and solving, yes they are approximately equal.

O 36. Disconnect the Power Unit line cord from the wall outlet, then
disconnect all hoses. Wipe off any hydraulic oil residue.

O 37. Remove all components from the work surface and wipe off
any hydraulic oil residue. Return all components to their
30
 storage location.

O 38. Clean up any hydraulic oil from the floor and from the trainer.
Properly dispose of any paper towels and rags used to clean
up oil

31
CONCLUSION

In this exercise, you learned that a regenerative circuit increases

the extension speed of a cylinder. You caused a cylinder to extend
more rapidly by applying equal pressures to both sides of the piston.
The extension time was reduced by a factor equal to the ratio of the
full piston area to the rod area, Af / Arod. You also learned that
regenerative circuits decrease the force generated during extension
because force is sacrificed for cylinder speed.

Regenerative circuits offer a solution to a serious problem in

hydraulics: slow extension under no load. With regenerative
extension, the cylinder rod can extend rapidly until the low force
generated by the cylinder is no longer enough for the application. At
this point, a directional valve can be automatically shifted to allow
normal extension with increased force. Four-position directional valve
are often used to control these two stages of the extension cycle.

REVIEW QUESTIONS

1. What is a regenerative circuit?

A regeneration circuit is a circuit that speeds up the extension of a cylinder by

redirecting the flow of a fluid that is exiting the piston to the inlet. Thus, adding
extra fluid flow in the inlet but the cost is that the force induced by the
cylinder is reduced.

2. Would a cylinder generate more force in a normal circuit or in a

regenerative circuit?

It will generate more force in the normal circuit since there will be no force
acting to counter the force applied on the inlet of the cylinder
3. Would a cylinder extend more rapidly in a normal circuit or a
regenerative circuit?

Regenerative Circuit because the outgoing flow is interconnected to the inlet

flow thus increasing the speed of the fluid.
4. What happens to the extension speed and force generated in a
regenerative circuit when the piston rod diameter is decreased?

The extension speed and force applied in the cylinder will also decrease as
both of them are directly proportional to the area of the rod which is also
dependent on the rod diameter.

32
5. By which amount is the cylinder force output reduced in a
regenerative circuit giving double the normal extension speed?

By reducing the force of the cylinder to half of the force in normal speed will the

regenerative circuit double the normal extension speed of the cylinder

33
1