Level 4 Basic Hydraulic Control Systems

The programme is suitable for technician/operation staff with level 3/4 qualifications (or equivalent industry experience) and apprentices who need retraining as Basic Hydraulics n systems technicians. Programme learning outcomes are:

• Become familiar with the setup and function of a hydraulic pump.
• Become familiar with the most important characteristics of a hydraulic pump.
• Be able to explain how pressure occurs in hydraulic controllers.
• Become familiar with the relationship between pump delivery rate and operating pressure.
• Become familiar with the various types and possible uses of pressure-relief valves.
• Become familiar with the setup and function of a pressure-relief valve.
• Become familiar with the setup and function of a single-acting cylinder.
• Become familiar with the setup and function of a double-acting cylinder.
• Become familiar with the setup and function of a 2/2-way valve.
• Become familiar with the setup and function of a 3/2-way valve.
• Become familiar with the setup and function of a 4/2-way valve.
• Become familiar with the setup and function of 4/3-way valves.
• Be able to evaluate the influences of the various mid-position variants of 4/3-way valves.
• Become familiar with the setup and function of a non-return valve.
• Become familiar with the setup and function of a one-way flow control valve.
• Become familiar with the setup and function of a piloted non-return valve.
• Become familiar with the setup and function of a flow control valve.
• Be able to safely commission hydraulic controllers.
• Be able to control a single-acting cylinder.
• Be able to explain the differences between supply and exhaust flow control.
• Be able to compare circuits with flow control valves in the inlet and the outlet.
• Be able to use a flow control valve to adjust the speed of a drive.
• Be able to name various applications for flow control valves.
• Be able to explain the difference between flow control valves and one-way flow control valves used in the application.
• Become familiar with the setup and mode of operation of a bypass circuit.
• Be able to explain the influence of the piston’s surface area on pressure, force and travel time.
• Be able to make proper use of piloted non-return valves.
• Be able to safely commission hydraulic controllers.
• Be able to control a single-acting cylinder.
• Be able to explain the differences between supply and exhaust flow control.
• Be able to compare circuits with flow control valves in the inlet and the outlet.
• Be able to use a flow control valve to adjust the speed of a drive.
• Be able to name various applications for flow control valves.
• Be able to explain the difference between flow control valves and one-way flow control valves used in the application.
• Become familiar with the setup and mode of operation of a bypass circuit.
• Be able to explain the influence of the piston’s surface area on pressure, force and travel time.
• Be able to make proper use of piloted non-return valves.
• Be able to safely commission hydraulic controllers.
• Be able to control a single-acting cylinder.
• Be able to explain the differences between supply and exhaust flow control.
• Be able to compare circuits with flow control valves in the inlet and the outlet.
• Be able to use a flow control valve to adjust the speed of a drive.
• Be able to name various applications for flow control valves.
• Be able to explain the difference between flow control valves and one-way flow control valves used in the application.
• Become familiar with the setup and mode of operation of a bypass circuit.
• Be able to explain the influence of the piston’s surface area on pressure, force and travel time.
• Be able to make proper use of piloted non-return valves.

The Basic Hydraulics CPD programme has a predominantly practical focus for many of the learning outcomes with an integrated learning approach of lectures and a workshop-based tutorial to develop attendees’ understanding of theoretical concepts with a hands-on learning experience.

Attendees will have access to the University Campus Doncaster (UCDon) purpose-built Engineering laboratories to undertake the Basic Hydraulics practical sessions.

The Basic Hydraulics CPD Programme introduces participants to the core principles of hydraulic systems, providing both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. Attendees will work with industry-standard equipment, developing practical skills in setting up and troubleshooting hydraulic circuits. The programme covers key topics such as pressure control, flow regulation, and actuator dynamics, ensuring learners gain a well-rounded understanding of hydraulic operations.

With a strong focus on interactive learning, this programme is designed to enhance problem-solving skills and technical competency. Whether for career development or workplace application, attendees will leave with the confidence to operate and maintain hydraulic systems effectively in real-world industrial settings