Liquid asset

Despite being a relatively mature technology, statistics show that the use of hydraulics is gaining in popularity for a wide variety of control applications where high torque or power is needed.

Hydraulic systems — where force is transmitted via liquid, usually water or oil, under pressure — comprise a number of elements. These include a drive, motor or pump at the front end, often leading to a cylinder, via an array of components including reservoirs, valves, filters and hoses.

Applications can be very large-scale. For example, in Las Vegas hydraulics are used as part of the show at the MGM Grand Hotel. In one performance, the Cirque du Soleil's 'KA', a massive 7.5 x 15m stage platform (known as the 'sand cliff deck') must be raised above 'the abyss' — the hotel basement several floors below.

The hydraulic system behind this 2m-thick moving platform provides 4,500kW of power, enabling it to be positioned quickly enough to integrate seamlessly into the show.