Most of you are aware that pumps deliver energy to a hydraulic system by converting mechanical energy into hydraulic energy. But once the pump delivers that energy, do you know how it is utilized in the hydraulic system? Well, the answer to that is the motion of the components. The energy from the hydraulic fluid is used to move the components. This movement is achieved by using actuators in a hydraulic system.

A hydraulic system can use various types of actuators that convert hydraulic energy into mechanical motion. Linear actuators convert the energy into linear mechanical motion, while rotary actuators convert the energy into rotational motion. A hydraulic cylinder is a type of linear actuator that converts fluid power into linear motion. This linear motion is achieved by extending and retracting a piston rod by applying pressure through the hydraulic fluid or oil.

Generally, there are two types of hydraulic cylinders based on their functions. The simplest type is called a single acting cylinder. Just as the name suggests, in a single acting cylinder, the pressure from hydraulic fluid can only actuate the cylinder in one direction, either in extension or retraction. To return to the normal position, such cylinders use a spring. A single acting cylinder has a port at one end of the cylinder for the entry and exit of the hydraulic fluid. The cylinder housing, also called a barrel, has a piston inside that is connected with a rod. As the fluid enters the blank end, the rod is extended outside the cylinder from the other end, called the rod end. In a hydraulic circuit, the components are represented such that it clearly shows the functioning of the component without actually showing its detailed construction. This allows for easy analysis of the hydraulic circuit. A single acting cylinder is represented similarly to show the functioning. One drawback of the single acting cylinder is a spring that can cause mechanical problems due to spring failure. For this reason, they are not used in applications with large stroke length.

To overcome this drawback, there is one more type of hydraulic cylinder called a double acting cylinder. Double acting cylinders can be actuated in both directions hydraulically. As opposed to single acting cylinders, the double acting cylinder has two ports, one for extension and the other for retraction. You might have noticed the single rod in the double acting cylinder. This rod covers some area on the piston where it is connected. Due to the reduction in area, the pressure exerted on the piston while retracting is reduced. Such cylinders are called single rod ended type. The imbalance of pressure during the extension and retraction can be overcome by adding another rod on the opposite side of the piston. The two rods can now provide two equal forces in both directions. Such cylinders are called double rod ended cylinders.