Tight dimensional tolerances exist between moving hydraulic components. There’s just not much clearance between the precision-manufactured parts as they slide past one another. Because of this tight-knit build, even a slight filtration problem is going to cause trouble. Equipment conditioning fails next, with heat reducing the system’s formerly efficient fluid workings. Avoiding these pitfalls, we’re going to look at a handy list of system filtering do’s and don’ts.
Don’t Change the Filters Early
If filters are replaced according to a user manual’s instructions, unnecessary part’s wastage is taking place. The sieving components’ contaminant-holding capacity has yet to be reached. By blindly replacing a fluid-filtering component, system functionality is assured, but then so are financial losses.
Do Monitor Flow Restriction Issues
At the very least, a crude filter clogging gauge needs to be fitted and monitored. Better yet, though, a continuous line pressure monitoring device will help the operator to recognize and correct clogged filters. Continuous line monitors act as a sort of equipment fluid barometer.
Don’t Skimp On Filter Quality
Mechanical systems are sometimes forgiving creatures. They’re built to allow for a shortcut or two. Hydraulic machinery isn’t as forgiving. If water or some other oil-contaminating medium gets into the tubes and hoses, valve and actuator action is going to suffer. Never purchase cheap water-absorbing filtration elements. Always opt for a high-quality dampness prevention aid.
Don’t Sanction Hot-Running Equipment
This is an easy instruction to write down. Hot oils fry seals and gaskets. The heat ages the hydraulic oil and changes its viscosity. Air or water cooled, turbulator agitated or brazed plated, the equipment heat exchanger needs to be checked for problems after the gear has been taken out of service.
Do Use Common Sense
Humidity invasion causes oil and component oxidization. On the other hand, hot running equipment will quickly damage pumps and fluid seals. Next, follow the instructions in the equipment operator’s manual, and always use the right oil, not some additive-deprived substitute. Do replace the filter elements, but don’t replace them aimlessly, not if the equipment is still functioning properly.
Filtration and conditioning do’s and don’ts are easily incorporated into the daily runnings of an equipment operator’s maintenance routine. Sure, the gear could be on the road for hours at a time, and the driver desperately wants to get to work when he arrives on-site. Maintenance check skipping is tempting when time constraints close in, but, even if an hour’s overtime is likely to frustrate the payroll department, time must be made to make a filtration and conditioning inspection.
Factory 89, 38-40 Popes Road
Keysborough, Victoria, 3173
Phone: (03) 9798-6511
Optimized by NetwizardSEO.com.au
