subject: Keeping The Oil In Hydraulic Systems Clean [print this page] When it comes to construction machinery and other pieces of heavy equipment, proper care and regular maintenance is essential to keep the machinery working well and to prevent any breakdowns. And almost all heavy machinery runs on hydraulic systems, which frequently require even more attention care than other systems.
Hydraulic machinery uses fluid power to work the machine. In the hydraulic system, hydraulic fluid, a high-pressure liquid, is transmitted and distributed through hoses and tubes to various motors and cylinders in the system. The fluid (usually oil) is controlled by a variety of valves.
Because hydraulic machines are dependent on fluid, such as oil, to function, if the fluid becomes contaminated than the machine will not function properly and may even breakdown. Through everyday use, the oil in heavy machinery can become contaminated by substances such as water, air, and debris that build up and eventually cause problems.
For instance, if the oil is contaminated by water, the oil will eventually breakdown and won't be able to lubricate machine parts as well as it should. Water-contaminated oil can also cause parts to corrode and components to become jammed as a result of ice crystals that could form in cold temperatures.
Sometimes oil in a hydraulic system will become contaminated by trapped-in air, which can also be detrimental to the fluid as well as to the system. Some of the problems air-contaminated fluids can cause include poor system response, erosion, pump cativation, and lube oil oxidation.
And finally, hydraulic fluids can also become contaminated by solids, such as debris and other particles. Debris is particularly damaging to a hydraulic system as it grinds away component surfaces and worsens the problem by creating even more solid contaminants. As machinery parts grind and wear down, the machine itself will eventually stop functionally properly and breakdown.
All of these problems can not only result in non-functioning machinery, but they also create unnecessary expenses, result in time wasted as the machine is repaired, and can cause stress as people have to deal with the hassle of repairing their equipment.
One way people can prevent oil contamination in their hydraulic machinery and keep their equipment functioning well is to install an oil purification system. An oil purification system cleans the fluid in a hydraulic system, making it last longer and reducing the number of needed oil changes. Not to mention that the performance of the machinery will be improved. If you work with heavy machinery or other hydraulic equipment, taking the necessary steps to keep your machine's oil clean will go a long way in improving performance and preventing problems.
