As highlighted by Construction Equipment Guide in their article “Better Living Through Cleanliness — Healthy Hydraulics Systems Key to Life of Heavy Equipment,” maintaining clean hydraulic systems is essential for the longevity and efficiency of heavy equipment. Ivan Lavy, owner of Lavy Enterprises, emphasizes that contamination is the primary cause of hydraulic system failures. Proper maintenance and cleanliness of hydraulic fluid can keep components operational for years, often for the entire lifespan of the machine.
Paul Michael, Manager of Tribology Research at the Milwaukee School of Engineering, will discuss hydraulic fluid properties, efficiency, and contamination control at the upcoming IFPE 2020 in Las Vegas. Michael identifies three main sources of contamination in hydraulic systems: built-in contamination during assembly or repair, ingestion from the external environment, and internally-generated contamination due to wear and corrosion.
Built-in contamination typically involves metallic particles introduced during assembly, posing significant risks to the system. External contamination occurs when hydraulic systems are exposed to environmental changes, leading to the ingestion of particulates like sand, dirt, or water. Internally-generated contamination results from the wear and tear of hydraulic components such as hoses, seals, and bearings.
One extreme example of contamination involved a wood chipper whose oil-fill cap was temporarily replaced with paper towels, leading to catastrophic system failure. Such incidents underscore the importance of proper maintenance and the use of appropriate components to prevent costly repairs.
Michael also discusses advanced hydraulic technologies, including multi-grade fluids and surface-active chemistries, which can improve system efficiency and reduce energy consumption. He stresses that understanding contamination control and filtration is crucial for maximizing the benefits of high-quality hydraulic fluids.
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Article with all rights reserved, courtesy of constructionequipmentguide.com
