WorldWide Drilling Resource

Hydraulic Training by J. Eric Freimuth Hydraulic Training Associates Cylinders Part 4 Flow to the cylinder relates directly to the speed in which it travels. In past articles, we have been dis- cussing the effects of flow and pressure in relation to cylinder bore and stroke. We will conclude this series with one more example: How much flow in gallons per minute must be produced by a hydraulic pump to move a 4-inch-diameter piston at a speed of 3 inches per second on the extension stroke? The solution to this question is first to calculate the cubic inches of oil need- ed to move the piston 3 inches. This is the cubic inch per second, the volume required from the pump. First, convert the cubic inches per minute, then gallons per minute. Cubic inches for 3 inches of travel would be as follows: 12.57 (which is the piston area) times 3 (because of our desired travel of 3 inches) which equals 37.71. Multiply this by 60 because there are 60 seconds in a minute. This equals 2262.6 cubic inches per minute. Now divide by 231 because there are 231 cubic inches in a gallon; 2262 divided by 231 equals 9.79 gallons per minute. The retraction stroke of the piston would move much faster with the same oil flow rate because of the smaller vol- ume to be filled. The increase of speed on the retraction, of course, is going to depend on the piston rod diameter. As you have seen, speed is relational to flow; and torque is relational to pres- sure. If you have a system that isn’t pro- ducing the speed in travel or doing the work you desired or expected, then a good starting point would be to examine the charts provided in this series and ver- ify you have the calculations correct. Because our desire is to assure your equipment is operating at capacity and in optimal condition, being able to trou- bleshoot your system is very important. Though I cannot address every problem suspected to be arising in your equip- ment, I will be beginning a discussion on troubleshooting tips which may guide you in a helpful di rect ion wi th problems encountered. Eric Eric Freimuth may be contacted via e-mail at admin@ worldwidedrillingresource.com 19 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® AUGUST 2013 Robert “Bob” Stichman Celebrates Retirement! by Veronica I. “Ronnie” Jones Managing Publisher Recently, I had the pleasure of attend- ing the South Atlantic Well Drillers Jubilee in Virginia Beach, Virginia, and during that event, it became known tome our friend Bob was soon to be retiring from his position as Vice President Marketing for Wyo-Ben, Inc. located in Billings, Montana. As I saw Bob coming across the trade show floor, I said, “Hey, are those rumors true?” He quickly and with that great big smile of his said, “They sure are!” And so, Bob confirmed he will be enjoying a long- deserved rest. Bob is a graduate of the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, having earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Forestry - Natural Resources. Since Wyo-Ben is environmentally conscientious, Bob was a perfect fit when he began his three- decade plus tenure in 1976. We will certainly miss seeing Bob at trade events and speaking with him on the phone. The entire WWDR Team wishes him all the best in his future endeavors. Let’s see how long he can really remain retired and “catching fish” as they all say! CONGRATS Bob! Bob Stichman at the 2011 NGWA Expo WWDR Photo