Hydraulic hammers are powerful hydraulic impact machines widely used in construction, demolition, mining, and road work for breaking concrete, rock, and other hard materials. They convert hydraulic energy into high-force impacts by driving a piston within a cylinder, delivering rapid, repetitive blows to a tool bit or chisel.
1. Working Principle
Based on Pascal's law, a hydraulic pump pressurizes fluid that is directed to a cylinder, forcing the piston to move up and down. When the piston impacts the tool bit, it transfers energy to the target material, fracturing it. The frequency and force of the blows can be adjusted by controlling the fluid flow and pressure.
2. Types and Structures
Sleeve Valve Type: High efficiency, smooth operation, and suitable for continuous heavy-duty work.
Column Valve Type: Simple structure, easy maintenance, but lower efficiency than sleeve valves.
Auxiliary Valve Type: Offers precise control over impact energy and frequency, ideal for complex tasks.
3. Applications
Construction: Demolition of buildings and structures, foundation work, and road breaking.
Mining: Breaking large rocks and ore, tunneling, and quarrying.
Road Maintenance: Removing old asphalt and concrete surfaces.
Piling: Driving steel, concrete, or timber piles into the ground.
4. Advantages
High reliability and durability, capable of withstanding harsh environments.
High efficiency and productivity, reducing manual labor and project time.
Versatile, can be mounted on excavators, backhoes, skid steers, and other carriers.
Precise control over impact energy and frequency, minimizing damage to surrounding areas.
5. Key Parameters
Impact Energy: Determines the force of each blow, typically measured in kilojoules (kJ) or kilonewton-meters (kN·m).
Blow Rate: Number of impacts per minute (bpm), affecting productivity and material breakage pattern.
Working Pressure: Hydraulic pressure in the system, usually in megapascals (MPa).
Fluid Flow: Volume of hydraulic fluid per minute, influencing piston speed and impact frequency.
6. Case Study: Sleeve Valve Hydraulic Hammer Modeling
A study by Xu and Yang (2016) modeled a sleeve valve hydraulic hammer using the AMESim multi-domain simulation software. The model considered the reciprocating motion of the piston under various conditions and was verified through experiments. The results showed good agreement with the test prototype, and parameters were optimized to improve performance.
7. Market and Development Trends
The global hydraulic hammer market has grown significantly since the first model by Krupp in the 1960s. Leading manufacturers include Liebherr, Atlas Copco, and Montabert, offering a range of models for different applications. Trends focus on higher efficiency, lower noise levels, and better integration with carrier machine control systems.
In conclusion, hydraulic hammers are essential equipment in modern construction and mining, combining high power, precision, and versatility. Their continued development promises even greater efficiency and environmental friendliness in the future.
Zhangjiakou Xuanhua Innovake Drilling Machine Co., Ltd. is a joint-stock enterprise specializing in the research and development, production, and sales of metallurgical machinery and equipment for ironmaking and steelmaking.
