Hydraulics Testing

Fluid power systems play a critical role in many industries, and are one of the three major forms of power transmission along with electrical and mechanical power systems. In many cases, however, mechanical and electrical methods cannot provide a practical power transmission solution. In these cases, fluid power (whether hydraulic or pneumatic) is often used because it can deliver linear and rotary motion with high force and torque within a smaller, lighter package than is possible with other forms of power transmission. Some of the most common applications of hydraulic systems are in heavy construction and off-highway equipment. Other applications can be seen in aircraft, mass transportation systems (such as trains), construction, mining, agriculture, waste reduction, and utility equipment. The various components (such as valves, actuators, cylinders, accumulators, etc.) that make up these systems must perform reliably and have a reasonable life span. Only a thorough test program carried out under simulated field use conditions can insure that any component part or assembly will meet its original design goals for performance, reliability and longevity. Many internationally recognized organizations have published test standards that apply to hydraulic/pneumatic and fluid power systems and components. Some of these organizations are:

American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA)
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)

Testing for hydraulic equipment is usually performed with the help of complex test systems or Test Stands. The test stand acts as a fluid supply source and can be adjusted to supply the required fluid at the flows, pressures, and temperatures necessary for the test. Testing may also be accomplished inside a temperature test chamber in order to control the ambient temperature surrounding the test article. In some cases, multiple environments can be combined such as temperature, humidity, pressure (altitude), and icing. Test durations may run into hundreds or even thousands of hours depending on the requirements for the unit under test (UUT). During the entire test period, test system integrity and safety must be maintained while collecting all of the necessary data necessary to validate the test results.

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Hydraulics Testing Capabilities

Hydraulics testing can be performed at multiple sites across the Element U.S. Space & Defense family of laboratories. Capabilities listed are for reference, there are many variables to consider. Please send a request for quotation with details about your equipment and test requirement specifics for a detailed evaluation.

Burst and Proof Pressure Testing to 60,000 psig
Continuous Flow
Cracking and Reseat Pressure Testing to 8,000 psig
Endurance Testing to 6,000 psig Hydrocarbon (red oil) and 7,500 psig Phosphate Ester (Skydrol)
Flow/Pressure Drop Testing
Functional Testing
Hydrostatic Pressure – Capability – Hydrocarbon (red oil)/water to 60,000 psig or Phosphate Ester (Skydrol)/water to 75,000 psig
Impulse Testing to 9,500 psig Hydrocarbon (red oil) and 7,500 psig Phosphate Ester (Skydrol)
Cold Start to 3,000 psig at 5 gpm
Leakage Testing
Pressure Cycling
Performance Verification
Fluid Immersion and Susceptibility
Servo controlled hydraulic load actuators
Max 200 ton compression, 100 ton tension
Multiple load frames capable of simultaneous, multi-directional load application
Servo-hydraulic systems for linear and rotary fatigue testing
High and Low Temperature Testing, fluid and/or environment
Combined environments, i.e. Hydraulic and temperature, humidity, and vibration
- Vibration – pressures to 5,000 psig at 45gpm Hydrocarbon (red oil), or 5,000 psig at 40 gpm Phosphate Ester (Skydrol)
- Temperature – 5,000 psig at 45 gpm Hydrocarbon (red oil), or 5,500 psig at 40 gpm Phosphate Ester (Skydrol)
High speed data acquisition and control using LabView software and National Instruments hardware
Custom Engineered Testing

Reference Standards Tested To:

ANSI T3.21.3
ANSI T3.5.28
ISO 10770
ISO 6404
ISO 6605
MIL-F-8615D
MIL-F-8815
RTCA DO160
SAE ARP-490
SAE ARP 4387
SAE ARP 4946
SAE ARP 1383
SAE ARP-24
SAE ARP-1383
NFTA T2.12.11
USCAR 24
Many more

Additional Phosphate Ester (Skydrol) Capabilities Include:

200 HP test stand capable of 8,500 psig and 40 GPM and 300°F
125 HP test stand capable of 6,000 psig and 125 GPM
Low flow mobile test stand for combined environments
75,000 psig Hydrostatic Capability

Products tested include valves, actuators, accumulators, pumps and motors, heat exchangers, hoses, filters, tubing and fittings. Element U.S. Space & Defense performs hydraulic testing at a number of our facilities. Contact us today for your testing needs.

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Hydraulics Testing

Hydraulics Testing

Hydraulics Testing Capabilities

A Reputation You Can Trust

Contact Element U.S. Space & Defense Today.