Hydraulics and Pneumatics

Course Description

ETS1700C is a 3-credit introductory course in the Engineering Technologies — Specialty Engineering Technology taxonomy of the Florida Statewide Course Numbering System (SCNS). The course provides an introduction to the theory and operation of hydraulic and pneumatic systems involving the principles, components, symbols, and applications from both a systems development and troubleshooting context. Special emphasis is placed on hydraulic and pneumatic components, flow diagrams for particular applications when used with computer integrated manufacturing techniques. Troubleshooting procedures for systems, system components, and manufacturing assemblies are taught in a systematic manner. The course typically meets for three lecture hours and one laboratory hour per week (four contact hours per week, 60 contact hours per term).

Learning Outcomes

Required Learning Outcomes

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

• Define and explain the fundamental principles of fluid power systems, including Pascal’s Law, Bernoulli’s principle, and basic laws of fluid mechanics.
• Identify and describe standard hydraulic and pneumatic component symbols using ISO/ANSI graphical standards.
• Read and interpret hydraulic and pneumatic schematics and flow diagrams for specific industrial applications.
• Identify the purpose and operation of major hydraulic system components including reservoirs, pumps, actuators, control valves, and conductors.
• Identify the purpose and operation of major pneumatic system components including compressors, FRL (filter-regulator-lubricator) units, actuators, and control valves.
• Build and test basic hydraulic and pneumatic circuits in a laboratory setting.
• Apply systematic troubleshooting strategies to identify, localize, and correct malfunctions in hydraulic and pneumatic circuits.
• Describe and apply preventative maintenance procedures and workplace safety practices for fluid power systems.

Optional Learning Outcomes

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

• Perform basic component sizing calculations (cylinder bore, rod force, flow rate, pressure drop) for hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
• Describe the integration of hydraulic and pneumatic systems within computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) and automated production environments.
• Explain the principles of electro-hydraulic and electro-pneumatic control, including solenoid-operated valves and basic PLC interfacing.
• Compare and contrast hydraulic, pneumatic, and electro-mechanical power transmission systems in terms of force, precision, cost, and safety.
• Prepare and revise hydraulic or pneumatic system schematics using industry-standard drafting conventions.

Major Topics

Required Topics

The following content areas are covered across Florida college offerings of this course:

• Fluid Power Fundamentals — Properties of fluids; viscosity; Pascal’s Law; Bernoulli’s equation; laminar vs. turbulent flow; pressure, flow, and power relationships; advantages and disadvantages of hydraulic vs. pneumatic vs. electro-mechanical systems.
• Graphical Symbols and Schematics — ISO/ANSI standard fluid power symbols; reading and drawing hydraulic and pneumatic circuit diagrams; line types and component representation.
• Hydraulic Power Sources and Reservoirs — Hydraulic fluid types and selection; reservoirs; strainers and filters; fixed and variable-displacement pumps (gear, vane, piston); pump performance and efficiency.
• Hydraulic Control Valves — Pressure control valves (relief, reducing, sequence, counterbalance, unloading); directional control valves (check, 2/2, 4/3, spool types); flow control valves (needle, pressure-compensated); valve actuation methods.
• Hydraulic Actuators — Linear cylinders (single-acting, double-acting, telescoping); hydraulic motors; cylinder force, speed, and flow calculations; seals and seal maintenance.
• Hydraulic Conductors and Accessories — Steel tubing, hydraulic hose, and fittings; accumulators; heat exchangers; pressure gauges and instrumentation.
• Pneumatic Power Sources — Air compressor types (reciprocating, rotary screw, diaphragm); receiver tanks; pressure ratings and safety; air dryers and moisture control.
• Air Preparation (FRL Units) — Filters, regulators, and lubricators; air quality standards; installation and adjustment.
• Pneumatic Control Valves and Actuators — Directional, flow, and pressure control valves for pneumatics; pneumatic cylinders and rotary actuators; vacuum components; switching and control devices.
• Circuit Design and Analysis — Series and parallel circuits; regenerative circuits; meter-in and meter-out speed control; sequencing circuits; pilot-operated circuits.
• Troubleshooting Methods — Systematic fault isolation techniques; use of diagnostic instruments (pressure gauges, flow meters); common failure modes; contamination control.
• Safety and Preventative Maintenance — Workplace safety for high-pressure systems; lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures; scheduled maintenance practices; fluid disposal and environmental compliance.

Optional Topics

These topics may be included depending on available lab equipment, program pathway, and instructor emphasis:

• Electro-Hydraulic and Electro-Pneumatic Controls — Solenoid-operated valves; proportional and servo valves; basic PLC ladder logic interfacing with fluid power components.
• Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) Applications — Role of hydraulics and pneumatics in automated assembly, robotic end-effectors, and automated transfer machines.
• Mobile Hydraulics — Construction equipment (excavators, loaders, cranes); open-center vs. closed-center systems; load-sensing systems.
• Fluid Power System Design — Component sizing and selection; Bills of Materials; system specifications and documentation.
• Introduction to Vacuum Systems — Vacuum generation; suction cups and grippers; vacuum circuit symbols and applications.

Resources & Tools

• Textbook: Fluid Power with Applications by Anthony Esposito (Pearson) — widely used in Florida college fluid power courses.
• Lab Equipment: Hydraulic and pneumatic training workstations (e.g., Festo Didactic, Parker Hannifin training systems); pressure gauges; flow meters; solenoid valve trainers.
• Software/Simulation: Fluid power circuit simulation software (e.g., FluidSIM by Festo Didactic) for virtual circuit design and analysis.
• Standards References: ISO 1219 Fluid Power Symbols; ANSI/NFPA fluid power standards.
• IFPS Resources: International Fluid Power Society (IFPS) study manuals and online training modules for certification preparation.

Career Pathways

This course prepares students for entry-level and advancement roles in industries that rely on fluid power technology. Graduates may find employment in:

• Industrial Machinery Maintenance — Maintaining and repairing hydraulic and pneumatic systems on manufacturing equipment.
• Advanced Manufacturing and Automation — Supporting automated assembly lines, robotic systems, and CNC machine tools in high-tech production facilities.
• Construction Equipment Operation and Service — Servicing mobile hydraulic systems on earthmoving equipment, cranes, and loaders.
• Aerospace and Defense — Supporting fluid power systems in aircraft and military equipment manufacturing and maintenance.
• Plastics Manufacturing and Power Generation — Operating and maintaining fluid power systems in injection molding, extrusion, and power plant equipment.
• Engineering Research and Development — Supporting R&D teams in designing and testing fluid power systems.

This course is a core component of the Pneumatics, Hydraulics and Motors for Manufacturing Technical Certificate (T.C.) (6043) at FSCJ and similar programs at College of Central Florida and South Florida State College, and articulates into the Engineering Technology A.S. (Advanced Manufacturing, 2320) degree pathway.

Special Information

Certification Preparation

This course provides foundational preparation for industry credentials offered by the International Fluid Power Society (IFPS), the leading credentialing body for fluid power professionals. Relevant IFPS certifications include:

• Fluid Power Support Associate (SA) — Entry-level credential covering fluid power terminology, basic principles, component functions, fluid properties, and safety.
• 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) — Covers fabrication, assembly, testing, maintenance, and repair of pneumatic systems. Requires written and hands-on tests.
• Industrial Hydraulic Technician (IHT) — Prepares and revises industrial hydraulic schematics, performs component sizing calculations, and can supervise system installations.
• Pneumatic Technician (PT) — Prepares and revises pneumatic and vacuum system schematics and can supervise system commissioning.

IFPS certification tests provide an objective, third-party assessment of an individual's technical skill level and are recognized industry-wide. All mechanic and technician certifications require both a written examination and a hands-on job performance test. Students are encouraged to pursue IFPS membership for access to discounted study materials and certification fees.