If a double acting actuating cylinder in a 3,000 psi system has a piston area of 3 sq in, approximately how much force does it produce when retracting?

To find the force produced by the actuating cylinder when retracting, we can use the formula:

[ \text{Force} = \text{Pressure} \times \text{Area} ]

In this scenario, the pressure is 3,000 psi (pounds per square inch), and the piston area is 3 sq in.

Calculating the force:

[ \text{Force} = 3,000 , \text{psi} \times 3 , \text{sq in} = 9,000 , \text{pounds} ]

The question specifically asks about the force produced while retracting. In a double acting cylinder, during the retracting stroke, the pressure acts on one side of the piston area. Therefore, with 3,000 psi effectively acting through the piston area of 3 sq in, the correct calculated force is 9,000 pounds.

Thus, the choice that reflects this calculated force is indeed correct. The other choices do not align with the interpretation of the pressure and the area provided in this context.