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...] about How did my hydraulic system get so dirty?
Contamination Control
When should you flush a new or rebuilt hydraulic system?
What causes contamination? Particulate contaminants circulating in fluid power systems cause surface degradation through general mechanical wear (abrasion, erosion, and surface fatigue). Dan Zoller, Group Product Manager Filter Systems, Schroeder Industries, explained that this wear causes increasing numbers of particles to be formed, the result … [Read more...] about When should you flush a new or rebuilt hydraulic system?
How do you set a target fluid cleanliness level?
Solid contamination in hydraulic fluids is subdivided into three groups: extremely hard, hard and soft particles. Dan Zoller, Group Product Manager Filter Systems, Schroeder Industries, explains that extremely hard particles can cause substantial damage in fluid power systems if they are not removed as quickly as possible. Preventive measures can … [Read more...] about How do you set a target fluid cleanliness level?
What is oil sampling?
Hydraulic fluid will have innate properties originating from its base stock, but will also contain additives to improve performance factors such as lubricity, corrosion protection, viscosity index and water saturation, to name a few. If a high quality hydraulic fluid came from the factory with excellent properties, how can we guarantee that oil … [Read more...] about What is oil sampling?
OxiStop tank prevents contamination and cavitation
Any hydraulic system user must take contamination and cavitation prevention seriously, as these two activities can severely damage components and machinery. One such answer to these problems is HYDAC's OXiStop LID series, a tank solution for hydraulic systems with an integrated, hydraulically driven degassing and dewatering unit. It is designed … [Read more...] about OxiStop tank prevents contamination and cavitation
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
Clean hydraulics: contaminant removal
Demand for higher efficiency, enhanced output and tolerance of tough terrains make it increasingly more difficult to ensure machines perform at their peak. High-performance hydraulics may be built for these conditions; however, good fluid-handling practices can keep equipment running better, longer. Particulate and moisture contamination of … [Read more...] about Clean hydraulics: contaminant removal
