Thanks to higher operating pressures, power density in many hydraulic systems has increased significantly in recent years. That can mean higher performance, smaller and lighter components and better efficiency, although it can also increase the susceptibility to wear and premature failures. Newer pumps and motors are built to handle higher loads … [Read more...]
Eliminating a weak-link in hydraulic performance with new hydraulic fluid test
In recent years, operating pressure and power density in many newer hydraulic systems have increased significantly. Not too long ago, pressures in circuits topped out at around 3,000 psi. Now, systems running at 5,000 to 7,000 psi or more aren’t uncommon. On one hand, that can mean better performance, smaller and lighter components and, possibly, … [Read more...]
How do you remove water from hydraulic fluid?
Various types of contamination occur in fluid power systems: gaseous (e.g. air), liquid (e.g. water) and solid contaminants. Focusing on water, this type of contamination can be caused by moisture from ambient air, leakage of cooling systems or process water, leakage of seals and chemical processes such as combustion, oxidation and … [Read more...]
What is molecular dynamics simulation of hydraulic fluid?
In a recent blog, “A nanoscale view of hydraulic fluids,” we related how researchers at the University of California, Merced and the Milwaukee School of Engineering are working to better understand the fundamentals of hydraulics fluids on the molecular level, and how that might lead to more-efficient fluid-power systems. A key tool in the … [Read more...]
A nanoscale view of hydraulic fluids
There’s a growing realization that the type and formulation of hydraulic fluids can have a significant effect on machine efficiency, performance and overall life. But to date, fluid manufacturers have, for the most part, relied on traditional laboratory methods to develop new fluid chemistries. Now, in the project “Simulation, Rheology and … [Read more...]
NFPA Milwaukee Regional Meeting talks to focus on contamination and fluid control
The 2016 NFPA Milwaukee Regional Meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, September 27 at the Milwaukee School of Engineering, will feature two experts from the industry with experience and solid information regarding important challenges that fluid power users may encounter. “The Value of Leak Testing in Preventing Hydraulic Fluid Leaks” will be … [Read more...]
Where should I take my oil samples?
Oil sampling and analysis is a method of determining and tracking the health of your hydraulic fluid. A oil sample is taken and sent to a lab to discover ISO particle count, water saturation, additive content and viscosity. These qualities in normal range are imperative to a reliable hydraulic system, and sample testing is the best way to test for … [Read more...]
Why is it important to minimize overheating in your hydraulic system?
By Dave Marlowe, Owner/CEO, DMAR Technical Training and DMAR Business Centers USA In a previous article, I stated that the most important consideration in the selection of a hydraulic fluid was selecting an oil of the right viscosity. I also explained the difference between viscosity and viscosity index. Now we’ll share insights for the operator … [Read more...]
UV LED flashlight helps with industrial leak detection
Poorly maintained equipment can leak more than fluids, it can leak money. Spectroline’s LeakTracker (LT-300) is a powerful, economical leak detection flashlight that’s suitable for all industrial fluid system applications. LeakTracker has a high-output UV LED that delivers superior fluorescent dye response, making industrial leaks easier to … [Read more...]
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...]
