Air leaving a compressor is hot, dirty, and wet. Left untreated, it can damage products and shorten the life of downstream equipment. In pneumatic systems, contaminated air leads to premature wear in valves and cylinders, attacks seals and causes them to leak, results in rust and corrosion in tools and piping, and is generally the root cause of … [Read more...] about How do you select an air filter?
The importance of fluid power contamination control
Contamination is widely recognized as the leading cause of premature failure in fluid-power systems. Thus, keeping contaminants in check helps ensure components and systems perform as intended and last a long time, with minimal unscheduled downtime. Heed the following advice for proper fluid power contamination control. Contamination comes in … [Read more...] about The importance of fluid power contamination control
What is viscosity index?
Viscosity index is a dimensionless number that represents how the viscosity of a hydraulic fluid changes with temperature. (It also applies to fluids like engine and automatic transmission oils, gear lubricants, and power-steering fluids.) The greater the viscosity index (VI), the smaller the change in fluid viscosity for a given change in … [Read more...] about What is viscosity index?
How does an O-ring seal work?
O-rings are probably the most common fluid power seals. They’re made by the billions by manufacturers all around the world, and they prevent leaks in everything from pumps and valves to cylinders and connectors. The compact, economical components handle both static and dynamic operations, in pneumatic and hydraulic applications. These simple seals … [Read more...] about How does an O-ring seal work?
Smarter ways to fight fluid contamination
Most hydraulics users know that fluid contamination leads to problems. It can raise fluid costs, promote premature component failure and cause unscheduled downtime, just to name a few potential headaches. “Over the past 10 years, the knowledge base has widened and customers are more aware that contamination is important and it influences … [Read more...] about Smarter ways to fight fluid contamination
