1. What is Hydraulic Cylinder Fluid Capacity?

The hydraulic cylinder fluid capacity represents the volume of hydraulic fluid required to fully extend the cylinder. It's a crucial measurement for system design, fluid reservoir sizing, and performance calculations.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the standard fluid capacity formula:

Where:

• \( \text{Bore} \) — Cylinder bore diameter in inches
• \( \text{Stroke} \) — Cylinder stroke length in inches
• \( 231 \) — Conversion factor (cubic inches to gallons)

Explanation: The formula calculates the cylinder's swept volume and converts it from cubic inches to gallons.

3. Importance of Fluid Capacity Calculation

Details: Knowing the fluid capacity is essential for proper hydraulic system design, determining pump sizing, calculating cycle times, and ensuring adequate fluid reservoir capacity.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter bore diameter and stroke length in inches. Both values must be positive numbers. The result will be displayed in gallons.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is 231 the conversion factor?
A: There are 231 cubic inches in one US gallon, which is the standard conversion factor for hydraulic calculations in the US.

Q2: Does this account for the rod volume in double-acting cylinders?
A: No, this calculates single-acting cylinder capacity. For double-acting cylinders, you need separate calculations for cap and rod sides.

Q3: How does temperature affect the calculation?
A: The calculation assumes standard conditions. Fluid expansion/contraction with temperature changes may require additional considerations.

Q4: Can I use this for metric measurements?
A: This calculator uses imperial units. For metric, you would need different conversion factors (liters instead of gallons).

Q5: How accurate is this calculation?
A: It provides theoretical capacity. Actual system requirements may vary due to factors like compressibility, leaks, or thermal expansion.