Hydraulic equipment is an essential component to a huge array of industries throughout the UK. from the maritime to the motor industry, the power of hydraulic technology helps keep Britain’s heavy enterprise moving. However, although hydraulic power is very beneficial, much like any piece of heavy machinery, it is still prone to problems if left unchecked.
With this in mind, it’s important to have some form of understanding of the most common hydraulic issues to look out for.
High fluid temperature
If you’re noticing the hydraulic fluid in your machinery getting abnormally hot, this is a sure sign of a problem. Fluid temperatures exceeding 82° C can end up affecting the seals and can accelerate the degradation of the fluid itself.
Excess heat is caused by the simple fact that heat is not being efficiently dissipated in the hydraulic system. Heat is usually dissipated through the reservoir so it is essential to monitor the reservoir fluid and to ensure that it is at the correct level. It can also be useful to check for any obstructions throughout the system to ensure there aren’t any blockages.
Air contamination
Although noise is relatively usual when using your hydraulic system, excessively loud noises could be a potential problem. There are two main culprits for this problem, namely cavitation and aeration.
Aeration occurs when too much air enters a system, creating air bubbles and contaminating the hydraulic fluid. This causes loud and irregular banging noises and can exacerbate system degradation.
On the other hand, cavitation is the result of vapour within the fluid imploding when compressed creating a knocking noise. Both can cause serious mechanical failure so it is important to act as soon as you hear any abnormal noises.
Fluid contamination
Ensuring the hydraulic fluid is well maintained and kept at a consistent level is one of the most essential maintenance tasks carried out on a hydraulic system. Therefore, if the fluid becomes contaminated, you will begin to notice a significant drop in efficiency as contaminants affect the chemical properties.
To counteract this, it is important to use a high-grade fluid to ensure optimum efficiency. Synthetic oils offer a superior level of heat protection to a hydraulic system and contamination should be kept to a minimum.
HP Hydraulics – expert hydraulic repairs
Keeping your hydraulic systems running efficiently is likely an essential component to running a smooth operation. With this in mind, it’s essential to have a team of quality engineers to hand in case of a breakdown.
HP Hydraulics has been offering comprehensive hydraulic repairs to our customers for over 30 years and strive to offer a first class service. If you would like to learn more about how we can help with your hydraulic solutions, visit our site or get in touch with our team on 01329 828 877.