Two pressure-actuated “lifts” are used to raise a heavy weight off the ground. One lift uses oil under pressure (from a hydraulic pump) while the other lift uses air under pressure (from an air compressor).
Each lift is equipped with a shut-off valve on the line feeding fluid to the cylinder, so that the piston’s motion may be halted:
What will happen if the weight were to fall off the lift platform after it had been raised up from ground level, in each case? Assume that the shut-off valve is closed (no fluid flow from the pump or compressor into the cylinder) when this happens.
Answer:
If the weight falls off the oil-actuated lift, the piston will hold its original position.
If the weight falls off the air-actuated lift, the piston will rise substantially (perhaps even ejecting from the cylinder!) due to expansion of the air.
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Credits: Tony R. Kuphaldt
