What Is Hydraulic Fluid Filtration?: An Overview

August 4, 2022

Over the past few years, everything around us has drastically changed from technology to automobiles; everything has evolved. With this change, hydraulic technology has also advanced over the years, hence now keeping your hydraulic fluid free from contaminants and impurities is more vital than ever before. With ever-increasing pressure loads and tighter tolerances, contaminated hydraulic fluid can have a substantially detrimental effect on your equipment. Hence, make sure to buy all your lubricants and filtration systems from a certified industrial lubricant supplier. Also Read: How Does Micro-Lube Deliver The Best Industrial Lubricants? To keep all your equipment in pristine condition, you need to have the right filtration system for your hydraulic equipment. Filtration systems have filters that remove contaminants that could otherwise compromise the performance of your equipment or cause serious damage to your system. Also, keep in mind that not all hydraulic fluid filtration systems are the same, but by familiarizing yourself with different types of filtration systems, you can choose the perfect one for your system. In this blog post, we will give you a detailed overview of what exactly a hydraulic fluid filtration system is.

Contamination And Hydraulic Fluid

As we all know, hydraulic fluid is the blood of hydraulic systems. Without it, hydraulic equipment is useless. Hydraulic fluid plays a vital role in the operation of these machines and performs four main functions:

• It is used to regulate the temperature by cooling the mechanical components.
• The hydraulic fluid lubricates the metal surfaces of the hydraulic equipment.
• It creates a pressure barrier by forming seals between the metal surfaces.
• The hydraulic fluid provides the primary medium for power transfer.

Hydraulic Fluid As A Lubricant

Of all the aforementioned roles of hydraulic fluid lubrication is often overlooked, but it is also one of the most integral functions of hydraulic fluid. As the hydraulic equipment parts move in proximity to each other within the system, the fluid provides a thin cushion between the parts and prevents components from rubbing against each other. Friction between the components of hydraulic equipment will ultimately result in early equipment failure and decreased performance. This is absolutely true for newer equipment, as they contain clearances of only 1-2 microns. These micron components are typically susceptible therefore, it is very important to maintain that slim clearance between the parts of the equipment to keep them in good condition. Hence, you need to properly maintain the hydraulic fluid of your equipment to keep it in pristine condition.

Hydraulic Fluid Contaminants

There are different types of contaminants, each of which has the ability to negatively affect your hydraulic equipment. However, when it comes down to hydraulic filtration systems, its primary target is to eradicate these particulates. When you use a hydraulic system, you will encounter many kinds of particulate contaminants in your hydraulic fluid. All these particles are typically too small to see due to their size being less than 40 microns. However, this size is more than enough to cause problems to your hydraulic equipment. Grit, dirt, sand and other particles often silently make their way into your hydraulic equipment and cause damage to your system. No matter how tightly your equipment’s components are sealed, there is almost always some way through which these particulates will make their way into your equipment. Sometimes, these contaminated particles make their way into your equipment through the hydraulic fluid. Apart from these particles, there are some other particles that are created by the natural function of your hydraulic equipment. Over time, the seals begin to degrade and the parts of your hydraulic equipment come in direct contact with each other, resulting in the generation of small particles that slowly enter your hydraulic fluid. Slowly and gradually, this effect gains magnitude that leads to the creation of more wear and particulates. All of this ultimately leads to inefficiency and early equipment failure. In order to protect your hydraulic system fluid from contamination, you need to place effective filtration systems in your equipment. The filtration system will not let any harmful particulate into your hydraulic equipment and will increase its efficiency.

About Micro-Lube

Micro-Lube is a full-service conveyor lubrication company with international experience and a genuine commitment to professional, affordable, and personalized service to its diverse customers. Our staff has over ten years of “hands-on” experience in storage, conveyor, and chain lubrication, which has earned our customers’ confidence in our products and services. Contact us here for more information.