The Hydraulic Industry is the "Fulcrum" of the National Economy

Because hydraulic technology is mostly used in places invisible in daily life, its importance is often underestimated. In fact, “spring blossoms are everywhere,” and few industrial products can be manufactured without the use of hydraulic technology. The hydraulic industry has become a pillar industry of modern manufacturing. Although the hydraulic industry is relatively small in scale compared to the entire national economy, it plays an important role in various fields of the national economy and has great influence. Therefore, it is not an exaggeration to liken the hydraulic industry to the “fulcrum” and “unsung hero” of the national economy.

Hydraulic products and technologies are applied in many industries, which can be roughly divided into the following aspects:

Distribution of Chinese Hydraulic Product Application Industries (according to statistics from China Fluid Power Pneumatics & Seals Industrial Association in 2016) (Pie chart data: Construction Machinery 48%, Automotive 15%, Machine Tools 6%, Metallurgical Machinery 6%, Heavy Mining Machinery 6%, Agricultural Machinery 3%, Marine 3%, Petrochemical General Machinery 2%, Export 4%, Others 7%)

1. Used in stationary equipment, such as metal cutting machine tools, power units, forging presses, metal forming, casting and metallurgical equipment, automotive industry, manipulators, test benches, printing and papermaking equipment, wood processing equipment, rubber and plastic machinery, textile machinery, tunnel and mining equipment, oil drilling, conveying equipment, entertainment facilities, beverage and food machinery, packaging machinery, waste disposal equipment, water conservancy projects, shipbuilding equipment, marine machinery, etc. Hydraulic systems used in stationary equipment are generally referred to in the industry as “stationary hydraulics” or “industrial hydraulics.” Requirements for volume and weight are generally not very strict, but expectations for control precision and working durability are generally high.
2. Used in mobile equipment, such as various construction machinery: cranes, loaders, bulldozers, road rollers, graders, forklifts, concrete machinery, excavators, pile drivers, etc.; dismantling equipment, cars, trucks, fire trucks, street sweepers, waste collection vehicles, multi-purpose vehicles, forestry machinery, agricultural machinery, high-speed rail construction machinery, large beam transporters, aerial beam erectors, etc.; various military vehicles and weapons equipment, such as missile vehicles, troop carriers, armored vehicles, support machinery, etc. Hydraulics used in mobile equipment are generally referred to in the industry as “mobile hydraulics” or “mobile hydraulics,” which often require compactness, and requirements for control precision are relatively less demanding.

The development of hydraulic technology, especially cartridge valves and manifold technology, has greatly satisfied the demand of mobile equipment for compactness, integration, and lightweighting, reduced the cost of hydraulic applications, and greatly advanced mobile hydraulics. Therefore, since entering the 21st century, the proportion of mobile hydraulics in the entire hydraulic industry has been increasing. According to a 2009 report by Germany’s Linde Company, the output value of mobile hydraulics accounts for two-thirds of the total output value of the entire hydraulic industry in Europe, and in the world, it accounts for three-quarters of the total output value of the entire hydraulic industry.

The above division cannot be absolute. For example, although ships are mobile, because ships, especially large ships, have large spaces, the hydraulic systems used can generally be larger and heavier. While wind turbines are stationary, because their hydraulic systems must be installed at the top of very tall towers with extremely narrow spaces, they require small and compact systems.

3. Used in aerospace. Hydraulic components and systems used in this field not only need to be small and light, but also must have extremely high reliability, while accepting higher prices.
4. Other applications. Such as underwater operations and marine development, etc.

Hydraulic technology is also applied in other non-transmission fields, such as supply and regulation of lubricating oil for mechanical equipment, seawater desalination, obtaining oil from oil shale, water cutting, etc.

The diverse applications of hydraulic technology have created various different demands for hydraulic valves.