One of the most common causes of hydraulic system malfunction is hydraulic fluid contamination. If your hydraulic system fails, your truck, excavator, or crane can’t work properly and your work stops. There are different kinds of contaminants but when they cause a failure, they all lead to the same things, lost production time and repair bills.
What are the different types of hydraulic fluid contamination?
You might not think of water as a hydraulic fluid contaminant because it is a fluid, too, but water in your hydraulic fluid changes its viscosity so that the integrity of the fluid is compromised. Corrosion and inefficient lubrication are often the result.
Dirt, dust, and other small particles are also common contaminants in hydraulic fluid. Their presence inhibits the fluid from performing correctly, and although hydraulic systems have filters in place to try to capture these particles, some may still find their way into the fluid and cause clogging.
Air in your hydraulic fluid is another type of contaminant that creates cavitation and can lead to damage to your machinery. The waves produced when air bubbles in hydraulic fluid pop can have highly negative impacts.
Another type of contamination involves the breakdown of the fluid over time. No hydraulic fluid can last forever, and as the days, weeks, and months go by that it is used over and over, the chemistry of the fluid inevitably changes. Chemical changes bring different particles that shouldn’t be in the hydraulic system and compromise the fluid.
What is the purpose of hydraulic fluid?
Hydraulic fluid lubricates and cools a hydraulic system while transmitting power to a machine. It protects against friction, corrosion, and oxidation to keep the system running smoothly.
With the help of filters, hydraulic fluid can also help keep the hydraulic system clean. Some contaminants can be filtered out to keep the system from being damaged.
Hydraulic fluid can also act as a seal and a buffer for internal parts of a system, such as valves and pumps. It can keep metal from grinding against metal to reduce friction and the heat that could be created.
What are some sources of contamination in the hydraulic system?
Unfortunately, there are many sources of contamination in hydraulic systems. One of the most prevalent is nature. Humidity and moisture from the air can be the source of water contaminants in a system, which can be very corrosive. Temperature extremes, such as fluctuations between very hot and very cold degrees, can cause cracks or other damage to hydraulic systems that let contaminates get inside the fluid.
Human error is also a common source of contamination. Sometimes mistakes are made for what type of fluid to use, or people may try to mix fluids, and air, water, or particles sneak in.
Time and consistent usage can be a source of contaminants because eventually wear and tear catches up with every machine. Regular maintenance helps, but no system is perfect.
Internal components breaking or not fitting properly can also lead to contamination. If a filter gets clogged, for example, then the fluid will most likely get contaminated.
Is it possible to troubleshoot if there has been fluid contamination?
There are signs you can look for that can help you troubleshoot if you suspect contamination. Milky hydraulic fluid probably means you have water contamination. The fluid that has air contamination may appear foamy, and keep in mind that any time your fluid is off-color, it is probably contaminated.
So, be sure to inspect your hydraulic system for cracks or other signs of damage that could introduce contaminants. Check out your pressure and fluid levels and listen for anything that doesn’t sound right. Sounds could indicate that your fluid isn’t working correctly.
Ask the Experts in Hydraulic Repair Services
If you have questions about hydraulic fluid contamination and what type it is or how it was introduced, the hydraulic repair experts at Servo Kinetics are the ones to call. With more than 50 years in the industry we have earned a trusted reputation for unmatched hydraulic repair services backed with a commitment to quality.
Our expert team excels in restoring all types of hydraulic systems, pumps, and motors ensuring peak performance and reliability. Every hydraulic repair is a testament to our dedication to excellence. Call today!