10 GOLDEN RULES OF HYDRAULIC OIL CARE
10 GOLDEN RULES OF HYDRAULIC OIL CARE
10 GOLDEN RULES OF HYDRAULIC OIL CARE
Oil cleaning, damage detection, system optimization: fluid maintenance is complex and requires a lot of know-how. But what should you pay attention to when using hydraulic oil? Here you will find an overview of the ten most important points, from the selection of a suitable hydraulic oil to the continuous monitoring of the hydraulic oil using sensors.
Rule 1: Choose a high quality hydraulic oil suitable for the application
The quality and purity of the hydraulic oils used are decisive parameters for the operational safety, service life and economic operation of hydraulic systems. So let qualified fluid specialists, oil manufacturers or dealers advise you on selection and maintenance.
Rule 2: Flush the hydraulic system completely before commissioning
Each hydraulic system must be flushed before it is put into operation for the first time, in order to remove any foreign objects that may have entered the system during installation. This way, you can be sure that your system is running perfectly right from the start.
Rule 3: It is best to pre-filter fresh oil
Have you purchased fresh oil and are confident that it meets the purity requirements? This could be a big mistake. Because oils are not finely filtered during the manufacturing or bottling process, it is not uncommon for them to be delivered contaminated. Therefore, always filter fresh oil before it is filled into your system.
Rule 4: Avoid oil mixtures in principle
Mixing different hydraulic fluids often leads to a dramatic deterioration in their physical properties. You should always avoid mixing different oils as it is not a 100% seamless combination - this also applies to fluids of the same classification and brands with different viscosities.
Rule 5: Avoid contamination of oil with air, water and solid particles
Contamination of oil by solids such as metal and sealing particles, as well as dust, is one of the most common causes of damage and can lead to increased wear of used components. Contamination of oil by air or water can also cause corrosion or cavitation. To prevent this, suitable filtration solutions should be used and the system should be optimally configured.
Rule 6: Perform regular oil tests in the lab or in the field
In order for the oils used in hydraulic systems to meet consistently high quality standards, you should have oil tests done regularly in the laboratory or in the field. In this way, you ensure the longevity of your systems and avoid expensive failures and long downtimes.
Rule 7: Use high quality filter systems and elements
You can use various filter systems such as suction and return filters to filter your oil. Filter elements should be changed regularly at short intervals. Like the offline filter system, mobile filter systems can also be rented temporarily from Hidroman.
Rule 8: Avoid thermal overload of oil
Very high operating and ambient temperatures reduce the performance of the hydraulic oil. Among other things, this can cause acid build-up and increased wear on components. Here it is important to pay attention to the correct oil volume in the tank and to use an oil cooler.
Rule 9: Avoid assembly contamination
Are you commissioning a new hydraulic system? Then be sure to work cleanly to prevent foreign particles from entering. In addition, the system must be thoroughly flushed before operating.
Rule 10: Constantly monitor the condition of the oil with the help of sensors
Oil condition sensors help you constantly monitor your hydraulic systems and gears. Your advantages: Faults during operation can be detected quickly and the risk of failures analyzed.
Contamination of hydraulic oil is the main cause of more than 80% of faults in the hydraulic system.
Klaus Lange
Author of "Liquid Gold: Fluid Management, the Key to Preventive Maintenance of Injection Molding Machines"
HYDRAULIC OIL CARE - SO WORTH IT
All advantages at a glance
Reduction in Sudden Downtimes
Less damage, less downtime and downtime due to contamination
Longer service life
The service life of your machines and systems is significantly increased
Professional experts
Our trained fluid experts take care of your oil and prevent damage
know what's going on
Find out directly what goes wrong in your system with Hidroman's transparent approach. With a correct diagnosis, you can find faults before expensive damage occurs.
3 MOST IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT THE USE OF HYDRAULIC OIL
Oil should be able to do all this
Hydraulic oil faces high loads. The fluid standard DIN 51524 specifies the minimum requirements for hydraulic fluids. Other requirements:
Shear stability (resistance to changes in viscosity)
filterability
Low hygroscopicity (the oil's ability to absorb water) and resistance to thermal stress
More than an oil change
Fluid management, normal oil as well