Have you ever driven past an active construction site and noticed the huge machinery? You probably saw cranes, bulldozers, and dump trucks around piles of dirt or construction debris. The site was probably anything but clean. And yet, the insides of those powerful machines are very clean.
The hydraulic filtration in the hydraulic system keeps them that way.
So, what is hydraulic filtration?
Hydraulic filtration is a key component of a hydraulic system. It filters the hydraulic fluid and traps any debris, even tiny particles. Filtration is a part of the cycle so that the fluid is kept clean and the machine, no matter what size, functions properly.
The basic function of a hydraulic system is to create power by applying pressure to fluid. That fluid, usually a type of oil, then evenly moves mechanisms inside machinery like brakes or the arms of cranes. This type of system has been in use for thousands of years as it was used in ancient times with water.
So, Are There Different Types of Filtration?
Filtration can vary in design and type. The media, or the material which actually traps the contaminants, can be surface or depth media. Surface media traps material when fluid flows directly through it, while depth media is used in designs with indirect flow.
Different types of filtration apply to where the filter sits in the hydraulic design. Some sit right next to or even inside the reservoir. Other types of filtration are included as part of the hydraulic system line. There is even a type that has two separate filters to provide continuous flow to systems that cannot shut down.
So, why is Filtration so Important?
Filtration keeps the fluid smooth so that the pressure is distributed evenly and without any particles disrupting the movement of the mechanism. The fluid needs to be clean because it acts as a lubricant and seal, as well as a distributor of heat and energy.
If the fluid in the hydraulic system is not kept clean, it will not move smoothly, heat can build up, and the machine is in danger of breaking down. The role of filtration in the hydraulic system is to keep the fluid clean so the system runs properly, and when the filtration is compromised, so is the machine.
Related Questions
So, what can go Wrong with Hydraulic Filtration?
Contamination leads to bacteria buildup, rust, blockage, or depletion of the fluid. If water gets in the line, it disrupts the effectiveness of the oil and the filter. Filters can get damaged or clogged, especially if they aren’t changed regularly. All these situations can cause the machine to at worst break down, or at least shorten the life of the components.
So, what is the Future of Filtration?
Because the number one reason for hydraulic systems to fail is contamination, engineers are working to design finer fibers for filter media. If finer fibers can be designed in a pattern that stops particles from getting through, then the fluid and the components last longer. As these better fibers are introduced to industries that rely on hydraulic systems, less downtime due to system failure and better productivity could be outcomes.
Filtration Overview
A hydraulic system relies on effective filtration to keep the fluid clean, so contaminants don’t make a mess of things. It doesn’t matter if that dump truck working at the new office building site in your neighborhood is dirty on the outside. The inside is important for the hydraulic system in the brakes and beds to work, and well-maintained filtration helps keep it squeaky clean.
When was the last time you scheduled a reliability centered maintenance check on your hydraulic equipment? Our experienced and highly skilled technicians and engineers are always ready to help. We provide unmatched hydraulic repair services at competitive prices, making sure to deliver on time. Get in touch with us here at Servo Kinetics in Ann Arbor for all your industrial equipment repair services.