Particulate contaminants that are circulating in fluid power systems cause surface degradation through general mechanical wear (abrasion, erosion, and surface fatigue). This wear adds to the problem because it causes increasing numbers of particles to be formed, the result being that wear also continually increases. If this “chain reaction of wear” … [Read more...]
How do you use Cleanliness Code Charts (ISO 4406)?
The objective of the ISO 4406:1999 is to classify particulate contaminants in hydraulic fluids. Particle counts are determined cumulatively, i.e. > 4 μm, > 6 μm and > 14 μm, and coded for easy comparison. Matt Brown Product Manager Filter Systems at Schroeder Industries gives the following table as an example. “This explains how the ISO … [Read more...]
New four-wheel lubrication filter cart
A four-wheel lubrication filter cart is now being offered; the unit features transfer filtered lube oil to equipment components for top off, a kidney loop equipment through on-board filter, and ability to recirculate and filter the on board the 22 gal-storage tank. Other features include: • Filter new oil into the on board storage tank • 25 or … [Read more...]
COT AB launches COT Oil Refiner to eliminate bound and free water from oil
Water contamination in hydraulic oil can cause harmful effects. The water reduces the oil’s viscosity and lubricating function and water does not work in elastohydrodynamic lubrication. What’s worse, water in hydraulic oil will cause corrosion and metal fatigue and form sludge. Oxidation and hydrolysis shorten the oil’s lifespan. The negative … [Read more...]
How do you use cleanliness code charts?
What is a cleanliness code chart? Cleanliness is not a subjective term, but rather a specific quantitative value. Therefore, a cleanliness code chart is a tool whereby a person responsible for the usefulness and longevity of a machine can set a value for ensuring their hydraulic fluid is clean. “The purpose of the code is to standardize and … [Read more...]
Is chemical analysis all I need to maintain my hydraulic fluid?
Often, users of hydraulic fluid will confuse a chemical analysis with a complete fluid analysis, which provides particle count of contaminants, amounts of water, and more. Oil samples that are sent off to a lab without specific instructions will return with valuable data but not all the data points you require. In most cases, the majority of labs … [Read more...]
How do you quantify hydraulic fluid cleanliness?
To quantify cleanliness in any fluid power system can’t be condensed into any problem with one solution scenario. Various types of contamination occur in fluid power systems: gaseous (e.g. air), liquid (e.g. water) and solid contaminants (e.g. rust). Solid contamination is subdivided into three groups: extremely hard, hard and soft particles. … [Read more...]
Portable dryer keeps water out of hydraulic oil
Most fluid-power users understand that particulate contamination in hydraulic oil can markedly degrade the performance and life of mobile and industrial machinery. Perhaps less recognized is that water contamination in the oil can similarly lead to component failure. Water, whether dissolved in the oil, present in an emulsion or as free water, … [Read more...]
Can fluid contamination cause components to fail?
Hydraulic system contamination left unchecked can result in operating failure, expensive equipment damage and major downtime. There are many sources for possible contamination, from both outside and inside the system. Often, hydraulic system contamination can be prevented before it starts if the system is designed correctly to minimize and prevent … [Read more...]
How did my hydraulic system get so dirty?
Hydraulic systems get their contamination from four primary sources—new oil, built-in, ingressed and induced. Contrary to popular belief, new hydraulic fluid is not clean. The manufacturing and handling process exposes the fluid to various forms of contamination, and although I wouldn’t call it filthy, it’s often times many ISO codes higher than … [Read more...]
