Literally, every fluid power system counts on soft-sealing technology to contain high-pressure liquid, allowing hydraulic energy to transmit useful work. The most common rubber technology in today’s fluid power system is synthetic, such as Buna nitrile or urethane. Each type of polymer has its advantages, but they also differ in their … [Read more...]
Filter maintenance 101
Setting planned and intelligent filter maintenance programs can reduce downtime, increase efficiency and usher your hydraulic systems into the IoT future. By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Plant maintenance practices vary by industry, by economic conditions, by process and by employees. Some plants may have strict preventive maintenance … [Read more...]
How do water hydraulics work?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Most of you are familiar with the use of oil as the fluid medium for hydraulic systems, which is inherently excellent at its job. It lubricates well, provides good heat capacity and is stable over various pressure and temperature ranges. As good as oil is, it’s not the only power transmission liquid in use … [Read more...]
How should you store your elastomer seals for hydraulic and pneumatic use?
Elastomer seals are built to handle a wide range of demanding hydraulic and pneumatic applications. A seal’s design and its material properties are two keys to lasting performance, but experts also offer some important recommendations on proper safekeeping if seals will be stored for a period of time prior to installation. Elastomer … [Read more...]
Trelleborg Sets Guinness World Records title for the largest O-ring ever produced
Earlier this month, Trelleborg Sealing Solutions set a new Guinness World Record title for the Largest O-ring. Manufactured at Trelleborg’s facility in Tewkesbury, England, using its unique FlexiMold process, the successful record attempt was the focus for a community-based project with Tewkesbury School. The culmination of the project was on … [Read more...]
Trelleborg’s tensioner cylinder seals exceed 20-year lifecycle rating
Seals used in offshore rig tensioner cylinders must meet the same rigorous lifecycles as the cylinders themselves. Because offshore environments are harsh and installation and maintenance can be difficult, tensioner cylinders must have a 20-year life. That was why, more than 20 years ago, Trelleborg Sealing Solutions conducted research, determining … [Read more...]
How does heat affect a hydraulic system?
Everyone knows that contamination can be catastrophic to a hydraulic system. But heat can also be detrimental to hydraulic fluid and the components within that system. Heat contamination reduces oil viscosity, which in turn reduces the fluid’s ability to lubricate components. This thinning of the oil causes surface-on-surface wear. Without … [Read more...]
Lubrication issues in industrial hydraulics
Without adequate lubrication, hydraulic components will fail, falling victim to excessive friction, heat, particle contamination and more. By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Hydraulic fluid is a multi-talented medium bringing more to the plate than just the transfer of force. Hydraulic fluid also helps with cooling, contamination … [Read more...]
Hydraulic seals keep tunnel boring machinery moving
The complex design of tunnel boring machinery requires hundreds of hydraulic seals to maintain clean, efficient operation. Contributed by Daniele Agnesi, Engineering Manager, Hallite Italy A global trend in increased spending on road, railway and infrastructure projects is driving demand for the tunnel boring machinery (TBM) needed to do the … [Read more...]
What does hydraulic maintenance mean to you?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor I once had a walk-in customer bring with him an old, rusty spin-on filter, which I believe was originally coloured white below the now orange and brown soup of rust and oil. He needed a replacement filter for his vacuum truck, a machine he said he bought used eight years ago. I grabbed a stock filter head to … [Read more...]
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