Is it a Problem? With Leaks, Always

It could be a pool of fluid found on the shop floor or some drips in a pump room, but keeping fluids where they're supposed to be is ideal, and furthermore, it's really convenient. We'd like to offer some tips on what to look for in warehouses and manufacturing plants, as hydraulic systems are the essential lifeblood of our operations.

The variety of hydraulic equipment in use today may range from injection molding presses and stamping to CNC machines and forklifts, all of which rely on pressurized fluid systems to do the heavy lifting for us.

Taking care of the seals on these machines is a simple part of keeping operations running, but also to help keep your warehouse looking its best when a visitor stops by. Let's turn next quarters worry into something we can fix today by reading a little further.

Why Inspect?

Let's get straight to it: in a bustling warehouse environment, a seal leak isn't just an 'oops' moment. Beyond the loss of fluid, it can halt your production, cause inefficiencies in operations, and even present a safety hazard to your workers.

Not only are regular inspections a good habit, but they also stand as your primary front-line defense against downtime and increased repair costs. Here are some good reasons why you should regularly inspect your equipment and fluid lines:

• Even minor leaks can affect the performance of equipment. In a precision-driven environment like a manufacturing plant, the slightest inefficiency can affect the quality of the produced products.
• Leaking seals can present significant safety hazards. Hydraulic fluids are often slippery, creating fall hazards. Additionally, a compromised seal can lead to a dangerous high-pressure fluid jet, which can cause injuries.
• Addressing minor leaks before they escalate can prevent more significant system failures, which can be costly to repair and can lead to extended downtime.
• Regularly inspecting and maintaining seals can extend the lifespan of your machinery.
• Unchecked leaks can lead to hydraulic fluid spillage, which can be harmful to the environment.

Common Symptoms of Leaking Include:

Visible Leakage: If you're observing unexpected wet spots around your hydraulic presses, CNC machines, or beneath your forklifts, it could be sign of a leak.

Inefficient Operations: Seeing drop in performance or slowing down, whether it's in a molding machine or forklift, can often trace back to a seal letting hydraulic fluid escape.

Unusual Noises: Hearing odd sounds from your machinery? Air or contaminants entering the system due to a seal leak might be responsible. This trapped air or contamination can cause inaccuracy in flow meters and weaken the holding strength of hydraulic pistons.

Overheating Equipment: Any hydraulic equipment, be it an injection molding machine or a stamping press, running hotter than usual might be experiencing a fluid deficit due to a seal leak. (Always proceed with caution when checking hot components)

Simple Inspection Techniques

Use our eyes. Regularly inspect the seal areas of your equipment for signs of dampness or drips. If you suspect a hydraulic leak, sprinkle some water on the fluid, and if the water beads, it’s a sign the leaking fluid is oil based and could be hydraulic.

Is it dry? Feel around the seal area of the machinery. Dampness or temperature variations might indicate a leak, and while these fluids may vary in color, most hydraulic fluids are oil based and will feel slick.

Turn off the lights. Introduce a UV-reactive dye into the hydraulic fluid and post-operation, then scan the seals with a black light to spot any glowing leaks.

The Paper/Cardboard Test. Position a clean sheet beneath the equipment overnight. Stains by morning? You've got a leak.

Pressure dropping? Especially for machinery connected to a centralized pump room, consistently monitor system pressure. Any unexpected drop can be a sign of a leak.

It's important to note that while these methods can help you identify hydraulic fluid, they may not be conclusive in all situations. If you're unsure, consulting with equipment manuals or professionals can provide a more definitive answer. Also, always handle unidentified fluids with care to avoid potential hazards.

You've Identified a Problem, Now What?

Once a leak is identified:

1. Isolate the Problem: Determine the leak's source, be it a hose, part of a press, or a machine.

2. Prioritize Safety: Ensure the affected area is secure, possibly involving shutting down the equipment and taping off the area.

3. Engage Your Maintenance Team: Decide on repairing or replacing the problematic seal and check the maintenance log to see if now would be a good time to complete installation of a PM kit.

4. Reflect and Upgrade: After addressing the issue, consider how operational practices or equipment updates can prevent future occurrences, and if regular stocked preventative maintenance kits should be considered.

If needing a new seal or you have a further question, Moss Seal Company is here to take care of you. We know that regular inspections and timely interventions can be poorly timed with your day-to-day work schedule. By ensuring the quality and integrity of your equipment's seals, you can minimize your risk and better safeguard operational efficiency, worker safety, and your bottom line.