Contaminants such as solid, liquid, and gaseous particles are the bane of a hydraulic engineer. Systems over time become less efficient and ultimately will breakdown. This will be costly. These are neither generated externally or internally through fluids, component corrosion or wear and tear, or reduced systems maintenance and housekeeping. In difficult economic times, system maintenance is often relegated as a low priority. Cost savings exercises are adopted. Users seldom focus on time savings on breakdown and the probable cost savings that can be extracted through an effective maintenance regimen. Contamination control is a long-term process with ongoing monitoring. Let us examine a few points where investing and incorporating effective filtration and condition monitoring can help with system efficiencies and optimum performance. Around seventy to ninety percent of hydraulic system breakdowns are attributed to particulate contamination. If a systems engineer can incorporate appropriate filtration and contamination control equipment to reduce contaminants the system can achieve efficiencies to prolong equipment working life. Hydrasales sales engineer Chris Banks enjoys helping clients with filter sizing. He says, “Filter sizing with the MP Filtri software helps with filter sourcing. Nothing is left to chance. It allows simulation under different flows and pressures. The report computes pressure drops and maximizes the opportunity for correct filter selection.” Components are continuously subject to contaminants before the actual component failure. A system, thus, loses component efficiency right from the time of commissioning. When new, a hydraulic system runs at full pressures and flow rates, the system loads and speeds and performs optimally. Over- time, contaminants will cause wear and cracks at critical component surface areas. Typically, the tolerances are small, and engineers expect component clearances of 0.5 microns up to 50 microns. It doesn’t take much dirt or contaminats to block an orifice within a hydraulic system. Any blockage or impairment will reduce and ultimately restrict flow within the system, impacting, stopping, or slowing down the hydraulic application. How can we control this contamination problem and extend component life? The first step is to incorporate effective filtration at the design stage of the system. Depending on the sophistication and needs for system outputs, the designer must consider including pressure, return, suction, and an offline filtration system to protect components. They all do a job but are they the right filters
DO YOU UNDERSTAND YOUR FILTRATION NEEDS? TRAINING IS ESSENTIAL!
C for the application? Hydrasales Lucas Thela cautions, “A word of caution on the approach to designing the system. The cheapest design may meet the minimum operating parameters. Without incorporating effective filtration to meet systems operating needs at peak pressures can become expensive.” He continues; “There is a lack of understanding of the importance of filtration and contamination control! A basic understanding will certainly go a long way!” Hydrasales provide full support at the design stage and offer FREE training on filtration, contamination monitoring, and accessories. General manager Elvira Caripis emphasizes, “ With technology, we can reach the remotest customers through online platforms. Internet
access is all that is required.” She advised, “ This will be beneficial for maintenance and field staff. Training will help participants troubleshoot on filter efficiency and performance.”
Online particle monitors analyze systems 24/ initiating internal and external alarms should the levels of contamination deteriorate or moistur levels change. It acts as an early warning
system.
The benefits of online particle counting are:
- Saving money on the total cost of filtration
eliminating unscheduled filter changes
- Constant system monitoring = predictive
maintenance = cost savings
- Constant system monitoring = tracking
system cleanliness = cost savings
- Prolonging significant component life due to
predictive maintenance
- Save time – high-cost processes effectively
monitored
There is predictive control. It is a cost-effective and efficient method of system monitoring when system cleanliness levels are exceeded. Hydrasales carries a full range of quality and
time-tested Hydraulic filters, filter elements and system accessories. Hydrasales represents MP Filtri, Faster Couplings and Badger Meters Hedland range of flow meters. These leading manufacturers meet international quality standards and products are certified to international standards. Hydrasales enjoy direct technical support from these leading brands and the support is key to application development and innovation in African markets.
Email harpo@hydrasale.co.za for your filtration, contaminant monitoring, quick connect couplings, flow meters and other accessoriesfor your system needs. Alternately visit
www.hydrasale.co.za
