The origins of hydraulic contamination are multiple and can often cause premature wear of your system. Here are the 3 most common causes of hydraulic system contamination. See how to prevent them, detect them and what to do when you are faced with this situation.
Contamination of the fluid by another liquid (very often by water) is a significant cause of hydraulic contamination. This mixture can cause serious damage to the system such as corrosion or premature wear of the circuit. In addition, this type of contamination can introduce a change in chemical properties and a decrease in viscosity. This will have a direct impact on the lubrication of the hydraulic system and therefore on the wear of the system. In addition, as the oil passes through a filter, this mixture could reduce its efficiency and life. A simple fluid contamination may seem harmless, but it can have a particularly damaging impact on the hydraulic system.
Another observed source is contamination by a solid particle that enters the system. A solid particle is defined as dirt, rust particles, dust particles or metal chips. The particle does not have to be large enough to damage a hydraulic system. Even very fine particles can travel through the system and cause blockage or premature wear of components. A larger particle could clog the system and cause even greater damage.
There are many sources of solid contamination. Contamination can be introduced by:
A leak in the hydraulic circuit or a lack of tightness in the fittings can introduce air into the system. Air in a fluid can also cause problems such as oil foaming, chemical reaction and even oxidation. It is important to ensure that you have quality filters in good condition.
Several measuring devices can be used to prevent damage to a hydraulic system from contamination.
Measuring devices such as those offered by Rexroth can be used to determine the level of contamination in hydraulic systems.
Often a bucket/gallon and funnel are used to transfer oil into a system. This is a common method, but it is risky. The funnel must be clean and dry, and therefore free of dust, particles, water or other fluids. The “cap” or cup of the oil gallon must be clean to prevent particles from falling into the funnel and contaminating the system. In addition, there are filtration pumps that suck the oil from a gallon and transfer it to a tank. This method is useful in preventing contamination and ensuring the system is protected.
The contaminant is not always visible to the eye and usually requires further analysis. There are tests that can be used to analyze the oil and determine whether or not contaminants are present. Most often, the analysis allows to evaluate the viscosity, the water content as well as the content of solid particles.
The contamination of a fluid can be damaging to a hydraulic system, whether it is a contamination by gas, by a particle or by another fluid, the repercussions are not without consequences. In addition to the cost of cleaning up the system and repairing damaged components, the loss of productivity can be significant. It is therefore important to ensure that the system is well maintained and free of particles during maintenance (even if it is not always obvious).
