Hydraulic Maintenance Checks

When it comes to improving the longevity of your hydraulic system, it important to keep the system free from contaminants. Premature failure within fluid-power systems is most often blamed on contamination. By keeping the debris and moisture from the fluids, you can help keep your components functioning for a long time to come. Proper fluid control isn’t difficult, but keeping on a regular maintenance schedule can help keep you aware of potential problems.

Key Culprits

There are two primary culprits that can sabotage your hydraulic system: water and particles. There are key items to look for when performing your system inspection.

Dirt in the Fluid

By filtering your fluid, you can prevent damage caused by dust and dirt particles that make their way through the system. Even though they are small, they abrade and score the interior surface of the equipment; they can wide interior and critical clearance; and they can be a factor in developing internal leakage. When particles are found in hydraulic systems, the result can make short work of chemically breaking down the fluid that keeps the equipment in operation. Filters, like air sentry breathers North Carolina vendors carry, can help trap and prevent contamination by particles and moisture.

In particular, hydraulic systems have a threshold for particle tolerance. This is the amount of contamination that the different operating components without creating undue harm to the machine. If the fluid is clean, the system generally operates without a snag. However, exceeding the contamination-tolerance level impacts operations and system longevity. The nature of the most sensitive components within the system is what establishes the threshold. Beta ratios are used to determine what filters and protections are needed against particle contamination.

Water Vapor

If moisture gets into the system, either through condensation buildup or leaks in the system, your system will start to make knocking and banging noises. Air bubbles in the fluid can interrupt the cycle of compression a decompression, which can create long-term and costly damage.

Taking care of your hydraulic systems requires some effort. The expensive nature of part or system replacement makes it a wise investment to engage in routine preventive maintenance plans.