How to Select the Right Hydraulic Tank for Your Truck

13 July 2022

Trucks that require to exert constant force would need to have a hydraulic tank on their system. Through a hydraulic tank, these vehicles can attain a stable fluid source for their hydraulic pump.

While the primary purpose of a hydraulic tank is to store a specific volume of hydraulic fluid, it is also maximised as the main way of cooling it. By allowing heat exchange through its walls, the tank can ensure the dissipation of heat before the fluid can return to the system. Another purpose of this tank is to provide a place that allows contaminates to separate from the fluid.

If you are currently selecting a hydraulic tank for your truck, you must ensure that it will fit the said vehicle. Here are some things you must consider when selecting one for your truck.

Material

One of the things that you must consider when choosing a hydraulic tank for your truck is its material. Tons of materials can be utilised in choosing a hydraulic tank. Each of them has benefits and limitations that may or may not fit your needs.

Steel, for instance, can effectively dissipate heat. It is also easier and cheaper to fabricate. One downside of this material, however, is it is prone to moisture condensation and rust. It is also heavy, forcing your truck to somehow consume more fuel when transporting a tank made from steel. Stainless steel, alternatively, is more resistant to corrosion than steel. It can also dissipate heat effectively, sustain more damage, and resist rough materials. One con of this material is it is expensive to obtain and process.

Aluminium, ultimately, is a material that can dissipate heat three times faster than steel. This tank material is also attractive, making it an excellent choice for you if you want to customise it. One disadvantage of this material, however, is it can be expensive. It can also be prone to fatigue crack and oxidisation.

Capacity

Aside from the material, you must also consider your needed volume of hydraulic fluid.

If your hydraulic system utilises cylinders as its actuators, the capacity of your tank should match the fluid volume required to extend the cylinders plus around four or six inches reserve. Alternatively, if the system uses hydraulic motors as the actuators, your tank capacity must be twice the flow rate of your operating system. You must still, however, consider other elements such as use frequency, length of duty cycle, and ambient temperature in choosing the capacity of your hydraulic tank.

Components

As for the components of your hydraulic tank, you must opt for one that possesses an oversized inlet hose so that it can still work alongside the pump’s inlet port. The inlet hose should also be straight to prevent any pump cavitation.

A vent or breather cap, alternatively, must be present so that the tank can take in and exhaust air optimally as the fluid level varies. Its return port must then be located at the bottom to ensure that the returning fluid can go into the tank below the fluid level. Subsequently, a diffuser must be present to dissipate the fluid flow below the recommended level.

If you need help with hydraulic tanks, you can call us at Canfred Engineering.

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