New Filtration Technology for Industrial Applications
Hydraulic oil contamination can stem from various sources, impacting the efficiency of hydraulic systems even before a complete breakdown occurs. This process unfolds gradually and often goes unnoticed until productivity losses become apparent. In contaminated hydraulic systems, efficiency can decrease by up to 20% before operators detect the issue, resulting in a day of wasted productivity each week.
Traditionally, visible contaminants that can be manually cleaned tend to receive more attention. However, modern hydraulic systems with shorter cycle times and tighter internal metal surface clearances have heightened the significance of contamination. Particles like dust and microscopic matter ranging from 2 to 5 microns pose significant risks, causing premature wear and efficiency loss.
The primary sources of contaminants include:
Dust
Air
Water
Sand
Paint
Wear metal particles
Fibers from textiles (often shed from cleaning cloths)
These contaminants can infiltrate closed fluid systems during various circumstances:
During component/machine assembly.
During storage or transportation of new oil.
During maintenance when the system is open for repairs or oil changes.
During machine operation.
Contaminants typically have irregular shapes, lack smooth surfaces, and possess sharp edges that generate abrasion when in contact with metal surfaces. This abrasion can lead to the creation of further contaminants and various forms of damage. Some common problems resulting from contamination and their indicators include:
Oscillation in excavator bucket blades.
Irregularity and desynchronization of tractor tracks.
Cylinder displacement.
Steering wheel vibration.
Gradual performance decline.
Operational difficulties.
Increased need for frequent servicing.
Higher operational costs.
Decreased productivity.
Catastrophic failures.
By understanding these sources of hydraulic oil contamination and their effects, proactive measures can be taken to mitigate risks and maintain system efficiency over the long term.