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 inspections — significantly improves oil purity, minimizes operating costs, and extends machine lifetime. ARGO-HYTOS Fluid Management (FMA) products are designed for servicing systems with relatively large oil tanks of 60 to 5000 l capacity. But what if users are dealing with a small-sized reservoir or its installation position makes it difficult to access larger service units?
The CFP 03 is a portable filter device for off-line filtration that acts primarily as a service unit for off-line filtration. This type of filtration seems evident in systems with easy tank access, where the installation of two independent hoses (suction and pressure) is not a problem. The real challenges are small systems where oil is poured through one tiny available port. What about off-line filtration in such systems? The CFP 03’s suction-return set helps users handle this specific configuration.
The problem of oil cleanliness is not only related to large devices. The question is how to improve the service of smaller devices such as compact power packs. Unfortunately, these types of systems are often filled in the wrong way, without the use of professional equipment. As a result, oil poured into the tank does not meet the basic purity requirements. Even new oil’s cleanliness class is worse than recommended by manufacturers of hydraulic components. The filling of a system with such media results in faster component wear and frequent failures. In case of small tanks (volume up to several dozen liters), filling and off-line filtration with standard service units, often are not possible. Even a relatively small nominal flow of 8 or 16 l/min can lead to spillage. Moreover, most compact power packs have limited possibilities for connecting external hydraulic hoses. Usually, there is only one available port in the oil tank (after removing the ventilating filter) which is too small for parallel installation of a suction and return hose.
Without the possibility of oil sucking and then pumping it via a separate hose, off-line filtration cannot be performed. The compact filter pack CFP 03 has a nominal flow of 3 l/min for filling of small machines. With such a low flow, the risk of spilling or overflowing is minimal. Even in the case of a tank with a capacity of several liters, oil can be filled in a controlled manner.
The whole configuration consists of an aluminum body, suction and pressure tube and a quick couplings kit. Additionally, it is equipped with a small ventilating filter which provides air exchange between the external environment and the tank inside. With the magnet attached to the body, the installation of the set in the steel tank is fast and efficient.
In the first step, the original ventilating filter must be removed from the tank. Then the suction-return set can be placed in the released port and rotated to any desired angle. The strength of the magnet provides a reliable connection. After the connection of the suction and pressure hose, the entire installation is ready for off-line filtration.
The same set can also be used in power packs with plastic tanks. This is possible thanks to an additional adapter made of steel. The adapter screwed into the air filter port is the base for inserting the suction-return set.
The compact size makes the CFP 03 makes it suitable for use in installations where other units do not work — specifically, systems with an inaccessible oil tank where the connection of a bigger service unit is not possible.
Argo-Hytos
www.argo-hytos.com
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