O-rings are used to seal all kinds of devices to keep them operating and safe. They do so by keeping necessary fluids in hydraulic systems and unwanted fluids and contaminants out.

The gauge isolator valve protects the pressure gauge from damage due to pressure surges, hydraulic shock and mechanical vibrations. The fluid is completely isolated from the gauge and connected directly to the gauge port as long as the knob is kept pressed thereby giving instant and accurate readings on the gauge.

A double-acting hydraulic cylinder has a port at each end, supplied with hydraulic fluid for both the retraction and extension of the piston. A double-acting cylinder is used where an external force is not available to retract the piston or it can be used where high force is required in both directions of travel.

The working principle of single-acting cylinders are to transfer hydraulic fluids or an output force in one direction only. Within the cylinder, the piston rod can push outwards but cannot pull back, therefore requiring a force in the opposite direction to return the rod back to its original position.

A hydraulic motor is a mechanical actuator that converts hydraulic pressure and flows into torque and angular displacement (rotation). The hydraulic motor is the rotary counterpart of the hydraulic system.

The purpose of a flow control valve is to regulate the flow rate in a specific portion of a hydraulic circuit. In hydraulic systems, they’re used to control the flow rate to motors and cylinders, thereby regulating the speed of those components.

Counterbalance valves are used in hydraulic systems working with an overriding (run-away) or suspended load. They are designed to create back pressure at the return line of the actuator to prevent losing control over the load.

The purpose of pressure-reducing values is to keep the secondary pressures correct in branches of hydraulic systems. Most pressure-reducing valves are open and 2 way this allows the pressure to flow freely until they reach further downstream where there is a set pressure.

Pressure relief valves are used in hydraulic systems to limit the system pressure to a specific set level. If this set level is reached, the pressure relief valve responds and feeds the excess flow from the system back to the tank. Note: the pressure relief valve is a normally closed pressure control valve