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Hydraulic & Lube Systems Filtration |
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Understanding Contamination in a Hydraulic System is the Key to Controlling It
THE COST OF DIRTY OIL CAN BE CATASTROPHIC "The function of a filter is not to clean, but to reduce operating costs." Over 75% of machine failures can be contributed to excessive contamination. This can cause:
Even if the system is running, there is a definite possibility that it is not fulfilling its maximum yield potential. Plus the life expectancy won't be anywhere near as long as projected. Contamination is defined as any substance which is foreign to a fluid system and damaging to its performance. It can exist as a gas, liquid or solid. Solid contamination, generally referred to as particulate contamination, comes in all sizes and shapes and is normally abrasive. Contaminants come from two basic sources: they either enter the system from outside (ingestion) or are generated from within (ingression). New systems often have contaminants left behind from manufacturing and assembly operations. Unless they are filtered as they enter the circuit, both the original fluid and make-up fluid are likely to contain more contaminants than the system can tolerate. Most systems ingest contaminants through such components as inefficient air breathers and worn cylinder rod seals during normal operation. Airborne contaminants are likely to gain admittance during routine servicing or maintenance. Also, friction and heat can produce internally generated contamination. The size of solid particle contaminants is commonly measured in micrometers, µm, (usually referred to as microns, µ). A micron is a unit of length equal to one millionth of a meter or about .00004 inch. Particles that are less than 40 µ cannot be detected by the human eye. In hydraulic fluid power systems, power is transmitted and contained through a liquid under pressure within an enclosed circuit. These fluids all contain a certain amount of solid particle contaminants. The amount of particulate contaminants present in a hydraulic or lubrication system’s fluid is commonly referred to as its cleanliness level. The actual thickness of a lubricating film depends on fluid viscosity, applied load, and the relative speed of the two surfaces. In many components, mechanical loads are to such an extreme that they squeeze the lubricant into a very thin film, less than 1 micrometer thick. If loads become high enough, the film will be punctured by the surface roughness of the two moving parts. If not properly flushed, contaminants from manufacturing and assembly will be left in the system. These contaminants include dust, welding slag, rubber particles from hoses and seals, sand from castings, and metal debris from machined components. Also, when fluid is initially added to the system, contamination is introduced. During system operation, contamination enters through breather caps, worn seals, and other system openings. System operation also generates internal contamination. This occurs as component wear debris and chemical byproducts react with component surfaces to generate more contamination. There is more to proper fluid maintenance than just removing particulate matter. Water is virtually a universal contaminant, and just like solid particle contaminants, must be removed from operating fluids. Filtramax offers a comprehensive line of high efficiency elements, housings, breathers, fluid conditioning and oil service products.
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