Hardness, in basic terms, is the resistance of a material against intrusion and permanent deformation by a harder body. It is one property that is important for the proper specification and function of seals and other critical components in fluid power systems. Hardness of seal materials like rubbers, elastomers and plastics are typically … [Read more...] about What is Shore Hardness?
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What is the Varnish Potential Rating?
Problems that crop up in hydraulic systems are often caused by contaminants like dirt and water in the oil that lead to corrosion, wear and premature failure. But many performance problems are due to another contaminant: varnish that coats control valves, restricts filters, and fouls reservoirs and other internal parts. Most hydraulics users are … [Read more...] about What is the Varnish Potential Rating?
Mini filter offers max protection
The smallest non-woven filter element ever produced by Argo-Hytos, Kraichtal, Germany, has a diameter of just 25 mm (0.98 in.) and a height of 35 mm (1.38 in.). It is used in the control block of a wheel loader. The miniature filter from Argo-Hytos is only the size of a thumb but, according to company officials, it does not compromise on … [Read more...] about Mini filter offers max protection
Trelleborg to showcase online seals shop at Valve World Expo
Trelleborg Sealing Solutions will be showcasing its online Seals-Shop.com service at Valve World Expo, in Hall 3, Stand B71, next week November 27 to 28 in Düsseldorf, Germany. The e-commerce platform focuses primarily on hydraulic seals for the maintenance, repair and operations (MRO) market and smaller OEM customers throughout Europe. More … [Read more...] about Trelleborg to showcase online seals shop at Valve World Expo
Parker releases new O-ring guide
Parker Hannifin’s O-Ring & Engineered Seals Division, based in Lexington, Ky., has published the 2018 O-Ring Material Offering Guide (ORD 5712). It is a condensed version of the company’s comprehensive O-Ring Handbook seal catalog. The newly updated edition is filled with quick references and technical details, including material and design … [Read more...] about Parker releases new O-ring guide
Hassle-free path to clean-running hydraulics
A new line of hydraulic fluid additives and treatments that eliminates varnish improves system response and extends equipment life. Contributed by Betsy Butke, Technology Manager, Industrial Products, The Lubrizol Corporation It’s a tough world for today’s hydraulic oils. Systems are getting smaller, and oil reservoirs are often built to … [Read more...] about Hassle-free path to clean-running hydraulics
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...] about Lubrication issues in industrial hydraulics
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...] about Hydraulic seals keep tunnel boring machinery moving
Portable filter device for off-line filtration
Edited by Mike Santora Most failures in oil systems (up to 80%) are related to oil contamination. Failures like this are a common problem in large industrial applications and mobile machines as well as systems powered by small hydraulic power packs. Effective off-line filtration — continually or temporarily during filling and cyclic service … [Read more...] about Portable filter device for off-line filtration
What is the “toast” test?
An important characteristic of many hydraulic fluids is the ability to maintain performance at high temperatures. Higher temperatures can cause oxidation—the reaction of the fluid and its constituents with oxygen. The rate of reaction accelerates as temperature increases, as does the presence of catalyst metals like copper and iron, especially at … [Read more...] about What is the “toast” test?