Fluid Power: Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems

Course Description

ETM2315C — Fluid Power is a combined lecture and laboratory course (denoted by the "C" suffix in the Florida SCNS) that introduces students to the fundamental principles and laws governing fluid power systems. The course provides a practical approach to technical problems involving hydraulics and pneumatics, covering fluid mechanics, hydrostatic forces, pumps, actuators, valves, and the electrical circuitry needed to operate and control hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Students examine industrial measurement devices, system components, lubricants, and multiple hydraulic and pneumatic circuit configurations encountered in manufacturing and industrial environments. A lab fee is typically required.

This course is commonly offered as part of the Engineering Technology (Advanced Manufacturing) A.S. degree and the Pneumatics, Hydraulics and Motors for Manufacturing Technical Certificate (T.C.) at Florida colleges including FSCJ, Seminole State College, Daytona State College, Santa Fe College, and Polk State College.

Learning Outcomes

Required Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Explain the fundamental principles and physical laws governing fluid power, including Pascal's Law, Bernoulli's Principle, and continuity equations.
• Identify, describe, and differentiate the major components of hydraulic and pneumatic systems, including pumps, actuators, cylinders, motors, and control valves.
• Read, interpret, and draw fluid power schematic diagrams using standard ANSI/ISO fluid power symbols.
• Analyze hydraulic and pneumatic circuits, including pressure, flow, and directional control configurations.
• Describe the operating principles, construction, and selection criteria for hydraulic pumps and pneumatic compressors.
• Identify and explain the function of pressure control components, including relief valves, pressure-reducing valves, and sequence valves.
• Describe proper fluid selection, fluid conditioning, and the role of lubricants and seals in hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
• Apply safe work practices relevant to the operation and maintenance of fluid power equipment in an industrial environment.
• Assemble, operate, and test basic hydraulic and pneumatic circuits in a laboratory setting.

Optional Outcomes

Depending on institutional emphasis, students may also be expected to:

• Describe the electrical and electro-mechanical circuitry used to operate and control hydraulic and pneumatic systems, including relay logic and basic PLC integration.
• Perform basic component sizing calculations for cylinders, pumps, and valves.
• Analyze hydrostatic forces on submerged surfaces and apply principles of fluid statics to system design.
• Troubleshoot malfunctioning hydraulic and pneumatic circuits using systematic diagnostic procedures.
• Describe servo and proportional control concepts as applied to fluid power systems.
• Compare mobile hydraulic systems with industrial hydraulic systems in terms of design and application.

Major Topics

Required Topics

The following content areas are common across Florida college offerings of ETM2315C:

• Fluid Power Fundamentals — Pascal's Law, Bernoulli's Principle, fluid statics, hydrostatic forces, pressure, flow, and power relationships
• Hydraulic Fluids and Lubricants — fluid types, viscosity, contamination control, filtration, and fluid conditioning
• Pumps and Compressors — gear, vane, and piston pumps; compressor types; pump selection, ratings, and efficiency
• Actuators — linear cylinders (single-acting, double-acting), rotary hydraulic and pneumatic motors; actuator sizing and selection
• Directional Control Valves — 2-way, 3-way, and 4-way valves; spool valves; check valves; manual, mechanical, pilot, and solenoid actuation
• Pressure Control Components — relief valves, pressure-reducing valves, counterbalance valves, sequence valves, and unloading valves
• Flow Control Components — fixed and variable orifices, meter-in and meter-out circuits, flow dividers
• Fluid Power Symbols and Schematics — ANSI/ISO standard graphic symbols; reading and drawing hydraulic and pneumatic circuit diagrams
• Hydraulic Circuit Analysis — series and parallel circuits, regenerative circuits, pressure and flow analysis
• Pneumatic Systems — air supply and treatment (FRL units: filters, regulators, lubricators), pneumatic valves, actuators, and circuit design
• Measurement Devices — pressure gauges, flow meters, temperature sensors, and transducers used in industrial fluid power
• Seals, Conductors, and Fittings — hose, tubing, and pipe selection; fittings and connectors; seal materials and maintenance
• Safety Practices — hazard recognition, lockout/tagout procedures, safe handling of high-pressure systems
• Laboratory Applications — hands-on assembly, operation, and testing of hydraulic and pneumatic circuits on training rigs

Optional Topics

The following topics may be included depending on program focus and available laboratory equipment:

• Electro-Hydraulic and Electro-Pneumatic Control — relay ladder logic, solenoid control circuits, integration of electrical and fluid power systems
• PLC Control of Fluid Power Systems — introduction to programmable logic controllers (Allen-Bradley, Siemens) applied to hydraulic and pneumatic circuit automation
• Proportional and Servo Control — proportional valves, servo valves, closed-loop control basics
• Mobile Hydraulic Systems — open-center vs. closed-center systems, load-sensing circuits, mobile equipment applications
• Troubleshooting Methodology — systematic fault diagnosis, use of diagnostic instruments, common failure modes and corrective actions
• Energy Efficiency in Fluid Power — variable displacement pumps, pressure-compensated systems, energy recovery strategies

Resources & Tools

• Textbook: Industrial Hydraulics Manual (Eaton/Vickers) or Fluid Power with Applications (Anthony Esposito) — commonly adopted at Florida colleges
• IFPS Study Manuals: Available in print, PDF, and interactive online formats for Hydraulic Specialist, Pneumatic Specialist, and Technician certification preparation
• Laboratory Equipment: Hydraulic and pneumatic training benches/rigs; pressure gauges, flow meters, and electrical control panels
• Software/Simulation: Fluid power circuit simulation software (e.g., Automation Studio, FluidSIM) for schematic drawing and circuit analysis
• Standards References: ANSI/ISO fluid power graphic symbol standards; NFPA (National Fluid Power Association) technical documents
• IFPS Online Training Modules: Self-paced modules covering hydraulic and pneumatic fundamentals, troubleshooting, and certification preparation (ifps.org)

Career Pathways

Completion of ETM2315C supports employment and advancement in industries that rely on fluid power technology, including manufacturing, construction, aerospace, agriculture, and material handling. Typical roles include:

• Fluid Power Technician — installs, maintains, and troubleshoots hydraulic and pneumatic systems in industrial settings
• Maintenance Technician / Electro-Mechanical Technician — supports automated manufacturing equipment incorporating fluid power components
• Hydraulic Systems Mechanic — fabricates, assembles, tests, and repairs hydraulic systems and components
• Pneumatic Systems Specialist — designs and maintains pneumatic control systems in high-tech production environments
• Engineering Technology Technician — supports engineers in design, testing, and documentation of fluid power systems

This course also articulates toward the Engineering Technology (Advanced Manufacturing) A.S. degree at multiple Florida State College System institutions.

Special Information

Certification Preparation

This course provides foundational preparation for professional certifications offered by the International Fluid Power Society (IFPS), the only organization providing comprehensive technical certification for all fluid power professionals. Relevant IFPS credentials include:

• Fluid Power Support Associate (SA) — covers industry terminology, basic fluid power principles, component functions, and safety; ideal for students entering the field
• Industrial Hydraulic Mechanic (IHM) — for those who fabricate, assemble, test, maintain, and repair hydraulic systems and components; requires written and hands-on job performance tests
• Pneumatic Mechanic (PM) — for those who fabricate, assemble, test, maintain, and repair pneumatic systems; requires written and hands-on job performance tests
• Industrial Hydraulic Technician (IHT) — prepares and revises hydraulic schematics, performs component sizing calculations, and can supervise system installations and commissioning
• Pneumatic Technician (PT) — prepares and revises pneumatic and vacuum system schematics, performs sizing calculations, and can supervise system installations
• Hydraulic Specialist (HS) — designs, writes specifications, sizes, and selects components for hydraulic systems (advanced credential)

All IFPS Mechanic and Technician certifications require a three-hour written test and a three-hour hands-on job performance test with a minimum passing score of 70%. IFPS certifications are valid for five years and are recognized industry-wide as an objective, third-party assessment of technical skill.

Lab Fee

A laboratory fee is typically assessed for this course to cover consumables and equipment maintenance associated with hands-on hydraulic and pneumatic training activities.