Can a Bleed Line Improve Air Removal in Hydraulic Circuits?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the potential benefits of incorporating a bleed line into a hydraulic circuit to facilitate air removal. Participants explore practical approaches to managing air in hydraulic systems, particularly in the context of a system designed for research equipment.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that a bleed line could help remove air from the hydraulic system, particularly if there is a natural accumulation point for air, such as a vertically mounted cylinder.
  • Another participant mentions that in simpler systems, air may automatically purge itself back to the tank without the need for a bleed line.
  • A different perspective is offered regarding the experience with hydraulic injection moulding machines, where cycling the system over several hundred cycles can effectively remove air, although caution is advised due to the potential for sudden movements caused by compressed air.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the necessity and effectiveness of a bleed line, with some advocating for its use while others suggest that air removal may occur naturally in certain configurations. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach to air removal in hydraulic circuits.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the effectiveness of air removal may depend on system design, including the orientation of components and the presence of an open tank. There are also concerns regarding the behavior of hydraulic oil under pressure and the implications for system operation.

prickerbush
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Hey all,

I never studied hydraulic circuits but I needed to design/make a hydraulic system for some research equipment. The system (in the attached schematic) has been hooked up and used for 6 months or so. However, I think we went the hard way on with getting the air out (we had no idea what we were doing.

Anyways, my question is can I put a bleed line on this system to help with getting the air out. Never mind if the symbols are drawn incorrectly as this is pretty much just a general schematic for what we have done. If it helps, the max pressure we will ever run in the system is about 2000 psi.

Thanks for the help!

-Marc
 

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A system should have a place where air naturally accumulates. If the cylinder is mounted vertically, that would be the place. Put the air bleed there. If in a simple system you have no such point, then don't worry about it. The air will wash back to tank and automatically purge itself from the system.
 
Last edited:
Great. Thank you. I will try what you said.
 
The only way I have ever had to bleed a hydraulic injection moulding machine circuit is by cycling it. Over a few hundred cycles it does makes its way out. They all have an open tank as in your diagram.

Take care though - hydraulic oil compresses the air until stiction is suddenly overcome and then the cylinders jump - too far sometimes! That much air is usually gone after a dozen cycles or so and it behaves better after that.
 

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