This qualification has been developed to provide individuals with the skills and knowledge to explore the safe operation of pneumatic and hydraulic systems, including simulation of circuits using software and practical system assembly and testing. Pneumatic and hydraulic systems are an important part of many modern engineering products and systems.
For example, aircraft landing gear relies on hydraulics, as do the robotic machines that are used in vehicle assembly plants. Pneumatic systems are widely used in the manufacturing industry and pneumatically operated tools are commonplace in garages and engineering workshops.
You will study the safe operation and maintenance of pneumatic and hydraulic power systems by investigating industrial case studies. You will learn how to use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create circuit diagrams of pneumatic and hydraulic systems and then simulate their function before gaining practical experience of assembling and testing a physical system.
As an engineer you may need to operate, maintain and repair pneumatic and/or hydraulic systems safely. This unit helps to prepare you for an engineering apprenticeship, for higher education and for technician-level roles, such as in plant maintenance or as a hydraulic/pneumatic technician.