By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor This is part 6 in this series on hydraulic oil analysis, and if you've missed any of the previous issues, you can find them here — part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4, and part 5. I've covered everything from viscosity to water saturation already, and we're not done with the qualities that an oil analysis lab can … [Read more...] about Hydraulic oil analysis part 6 — what is spectrometry?
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Hydraulic oil analysis part 5 — acidity and its impacts
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor In part 5 of this series covering hydraulic oil analysis, we move on to discuss acidity. As it pertains to hydraulic oil, we need to know the total amount of acidic substances found within the sample. Most commonly referred to as the Total Acid Number, or TAN for short, the lab will test the oil to tell you … [Read more...] about Hydraulic oil analysis part 5 — acidity and its impacts
The benefits of unitized sealing products in hydraulic cylinders
Unitized sealing solutions feature over-molding and precision machining to eliminate challenges inherent in standard piston and gland designs. Contributed by Andrew Iddeson, Product Technology Director, Advanced Sealing Technologies and Chuck White, Global Product Development Manager Hydraulic cylinders are a key component in efficiently … [Read more...] about The benefits of unitized sealing products in hydraulic cylinders
Simulations serve as valuable tools for sealing fluid power components
Contributed by Alan Astbury, Simulation Methods Developer, Trelleborg Sealing Solutions To achieve optimal efficiency, fluid power applications and their sealing components need good friction characteristics and long life to reduce maintenance. Engineering simulations and the experts to interpret them can result in better sealing and material … [Read more...] about Simulations serve as valuable tools for sealing fluid power components
Hydraulic oil analysis part 4 — water’s impact
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor In Part 4 of the hydraulic oil analysis series, we will tackle one of the most essential qualities of hydraulic oil you must test and understand. Particle contamination, for example, may take months or years to erode critical components to the point of failure, but water infiltrating your pumps, valves, and … [Read more...] about Hydraulic oil analysis part 4 — water’s impact
Offline hydraulic filtration system for secondary flow filtration
Designed and manufactured for oil maintenance and lubrication systems, Eaton’s UM mobile filter unit is versatile and reliable. In addition to an existing filter, it is ideal for secondary flow filtration. Its portability and compact structural design allows it to operate in difficult to access areas. The mobile off-line filter units in … [Read more...] about Offline hydraulic filtration system for secondary flow filtration
Hydraulic oil analysis part 3 — measuring and controlling particle contamination
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Particle contamination is the proverbial lord of the contamination cartel. Particles get all the attention in this world, and rightfully so. Particle contamination-related failures likely outpace water, varnish and heat combined (yes, heat is a form of contamination). It would come as no surprise, then, that … [Read more...] about Hydraulic oil analysis part 3 — measuring and controlling particle contamination
Where are buffer seals used on hydraulic cylinders?
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Sometimes, there’s a practical and propitious device that’s been around forever, only to be discovered by happenchance, yet it provides immense value and serendipity. I have been known to use hyperbole in my writing, and maybe so here. Still, if this article convinces just one reader to use this simple … [Read more...] about Where are buffer seals used on hydraulic cylinders?
Hydraulic oil analysis part 2 – determining viscosity
Last month, we discussed how vital an oil analysis program is for the reliability of your hydraulically powered machinery. This article is the second in the series where I discuss the many important qualities a competent oil analysis lab can identify for you. Oil viscosity is a primary driver in the oil selection process and is often the only … [Read more...] about Hydraulic oil analysis part 2 – determining viscosity
Wear rings get no respect in cylinder function
By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor When buying a cylinder repair kit, you generally expect to open a plastic bag filled with O-rings, rod seals, end seals and other synthetic rubber bits used to freshen up an old air or hydraulic cylinder. Often, we call such an assembly of parts a seal kit, which completely forsakes a family member necessary … [Read more...] about Wear rings get no respect in cylinder function
