10 Ways to Provide Effective Hydraulic Oil Analysis
10 Ways to Provide Effective Hydraulic Oil Analysis
10 Ways to Provide Effective Hydraulic Oil Analysis
Unplanned outages disrupt business operations. Above all, effective oil analysis plays a vital role in the maintenance of your machine.
Since 70 to 80 percent of all hydraulic failures are due to fluid contamination, it's not exactly rocket science to say that ensuring regular and effective oil analysis should be high on the agenda.
Hydraulic component contamination is categorized in three ways: gas, liquid or solid. Gaseous contamination can damage the lubricating properties of the hydraulic system. This then causes wear and increases the likelihood of other types of contamination. On the other hand, fluid contamination not only changes the lubricating properties but also causes corrosion. Finally, solid contamination can cause valve clogging, significant pump damage, and bursting of gaskets and gaskets. As a result, all these causes are completely avoidable.
Effective oil analysis – ten ways to keep your oil clean:
1. Monitor
Hydraulic fluid should be monitored routinely and sampled quarterly.
2. Define
Identify what types of contaminants (solid, liquid, or gas) may be present to ensure the correct type of analysis is done.
3. Find the source
Preventive measures can be taken by identifying the source of contamination. This may include contamination as a result of the equipment's manufacturing process, airborne contamination, or contamination produced as a result of operating equipment.
4. Neutralize
Balance causes and minimize the consequences of contamination by transfusing oil, installing extra air filters, and replacing worn or damaged components.
5. Benchmark
All oil analysis codes are based on a code: ISO 4406. The relevant benchmark depends on the application in question.
6. Filter
Using hydraulic filters and filtering equipment can in most cases stop oil contamination. Determining flow rates, viscosity and pressure is necessary to find the right filtration system. As a leading hydraulic filter supplier, we have extensive and competitive access to both leading and niche hydraulic filter manufacturers from around the world. Some of the hydraulic filter manufacturers and brands we can supply are: Argo Hytos , Eaton Vickers , Hydac , MP Filtri and Parker Hannifin hydraulic filters. Our technical team will be able to determine which filtration equipment is best suited for your application.
7. Analyze
An in-depth examination will be required for the oil analysis to be reliable. This can be in vitro through microscopic particle counting and gravimetric testing, or through a mobile particle counter installed in the machine.
8. Prediction
Recording the results allows you to identify trends and identify possible future risks. This is extremely important to reduce unexpected machine downtime and schedule future inspections in a timely manner.
9. Prevent
To help prevent contamination:
Always make sure the oil is filtered;
Change oil filters every 12 weeks;
Take oil samples every 12 weeks to check the cleanliness level;
Install air extractors to reduce contamination.
10. Investment
Providing an effective oil analysis comes at a cost, of course, but that's nothing compared to the cost of a replacement pump or even a complete system, loss of production and goodwill.