How can you manage hydraulic fluid contamination and degradation?

1 Types of contamination

Hydraulic fluid contamination can be classified into three main types: particulate, water, and air. Particulate contamination refers to any solid or semi-solid material that enters or forms in the hydraulic fluid, such as dirt, dust, metal shavings, wear debris, or sludge. Water contamination refers to any liquid or vaporized water that mixes with the hydraulic fluid, such as condensation, rain, or leaks. Air contamination refers to any gas or air bubbles that enter or form in the hydraulic fluid, such as entrainment, aeration, or cavitation. All these types of contamination can cause damage to your hydraulic system by increasing friction, wear, corrosion, oxidation, cavitation, and noise.

2 Sources of contamination

Hydraulic fluid contamination can come from various sources, both internal and external. Internal sources include the normal wear and tear of your hydraulic components, the chemical breakdown of your hydraulic fluid, or the improper mixing of different hydraulic fluids. External sources include the environment, such as dust, moisture, or temperature changes, or the human factor, such as careless handling, storage, or maintenance of your hydraulic system. To prevent contamination from these sources, you should follow some best practices, such as using clean and compatible hydraulic fluids, sealing and filtering your hydraulic system, inspecting and replacing your hydraulic components regularly, and keeping your work area and tools clean and dry.

3 Effects of contamination

Hydraulic fluid contamination can have serious effects on your hydraulic system and its performance. Contamination can reduce the lubricity, viscosity, and compressibility of your hydraulic fluid, which can affect the flow, pressure, and efficiency of your hydraulic system. Contamination can also increase the heat generation, acidity, and foaming of your hydraulic fluid, which can affect the cooling, stability, and cleanliness of your hydraulic system. Contamination can also accelerate the wear and tear of your hydraulic components, such as pumps, valves, cylinders, and hoses, which can affect the reliability, safety, and lifespan of your hydraulic system.

4 Detection of contamination

Hydraulic fluid contamination can be detected by various methods, such as visual inspection, sampling and analysis, or monitoring and testing. Visual inspection involves checking the color, clarity, and consistency of your hydraulic fluid, as well as looking for signs of leaks, corrosion, or damage in your hydraulic system. Sampling and analysis involves taking a sample of your hydraulic fluid and sending it to a laboratory for chemical and physical testing, such as viscosity, acidity, water content, particle count, or metal content. Monitoring and testing involves using instruments and devices to measure and record the parameters and conditions of your hydraulic fluid and hydraulic system, such as temperature, pressure, flow, noise, or vibration.

5 Removal of contamination

Hydraulic fluid contamination can be removed by various methods, such as filtration, dehydration, or degassing. Filtration involves using filters or strainers to capture and remove the solid or semi-solid particles from your hydraulic fluid, such as dirt, dust, metal shavings, wear debris, or sludge. Dehydration involves using heaters, coolers, or separators to extract and remove the liquid or vaporized water from your hydraulic fluid, such as condensation, rain, or leaks. Degassing involves using vacuum pumps, venturi tubes, or diffusers to eliminate and remove the gas or air bubbles from your hydraulic fluid, such as entrainment, aeration, or cavitation.