By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Aeration is the introduction of air bubbles within a liquid by passing through or across open air. Aeration most often occurs in hydraulic systems when oil returns to the tank above the oil level in the reservoir, entraining bubbles as it splashes into the tank. The primary worry with aeration is the … [Read more...] about How does aeration affect hydraulic systems?
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A primer on fluid power seals in construction machinery
Understanding standards, materials, applications and fluid compatibility is critical to distributors working with hydraulic and pneumatic seals. Contributed by Ryan Webster, Vice President Sales & Marketing, anyseals Inc. Distributors and maintenance and repair companies that support the mobile machinery industry face strong demand. It stems, … [Read more...] about A primer on fluid power seals in construction machinery
When should you use PTFE seals?
Being the fluid power professional you are, you know that Teflon is used for more than making pans slippery. However, you may not know that Teflon is a registered trademark of DuPont, discovered accidentally many decades ago and associated with non-stock coatings. PTFE is an acronym for polytetrafluoroethylene, which is also a fluorocarbon. DuPont … [Read more...] about When should you use PTFE seals?
What are the most important hydraulic filtration terms you must understand?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor It’s not enough for you to learn how to design or install hydraulic systems. Any fluid power professional worth their weight in hydraulic oil approaches their education holistically, even if this education occurs after your last exam in college. Engineers and designers absolutely must consider how to make it … [Read more...] about What are the most important hydraulic filtration terms you must understand?
Optimizing hydraulic operations with the use of energy-efficient hydraulic fluids
The right lubricants can improve profitability, productivity and sustainability. Contributed by Blayne McKenzie, Strategic Technology Manager, Industrial Products, The Lubrizol Corp. Procurement decisions in almost any market you can imagine are driven primarily by one or more of the following three factors: profitability, productivity and … [Read more...] about Optimizing hydraulic operations with the use of energy-efficient hydraulic fluids
When should you use Viton seals?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Viton is actually a registered trademark of Chemours Company (previously of DuPont) and is a synthetic rubber used in seals. Viton is a family of fluoropolymer elastomers also identified as FKM, but the family offers various copolymers. Often green or brown, Viton finds itself used in various hydraulic … [Read more...] about When should you use Viton seals?
What is the difference between cellulose and glass filter media?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Manufacturers make cellulose fibers from long chains of plant material processed into a pulp and then drawn out into strands. Glass media comes from a more complicated process of first drawing molten silica fibers and then combining them into a strand using a resin binder. The product of either process looks … [Read more...] about What is the difference between cellulose and glass filter media?
Has contamination turned your maintenance department into the emergency repair department?
Contributed by Sam Kaye, CFPSD,CFPS, CFPMM, CFPMT, Application Manager, RHK Hydraulic Cylinder Services Inc. The maintenance department is the cornerstone of any company that relies on equipment to generate profit. As the name suggests, the main function of this group is to maintain equipment and prevent breakdowns. But when equipment failures … [Read more...] about Has contamination turned your maintenance department into the emergency repair department?
What are the benefits of urethane seals?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Urethane (or polyurethane) seals are among the most versatile and durable materials used in fluid power sealing. Urethanes are cast into billets or molds to create the seals used in many of the hydraulic components you see every day, such as pump shaft seals, cylinder pistons and rod seals. The material … [Read more...] about What are the benefits of urethane seals?
Effects of aging on elastomer seals
Contributed by Danny Nghieu, EIT, Colonial Seal Elastomers are widely used due to their relatively high strength, low abrasion rate, and resistance to water, oils, and other chemicals. The mechanical properties of elastomers, namely their tensile strength and hardness, can change over time when the product is sitting in storage. The storage … [Read more...] about Effects of aging on elastomer seals
