Filtration Techniques For Hydraulic Systems
June 24, 2022
Hydraulic filters act as life savers for machines, as a contaminated lubricant can cause great damage to the engine and parts of the machine. Also, the contaminated oil can cause clogging in the parts due to which the machine takes more power to operate with at the appropriate speed. So, hydraulic filtration techniques can save machinery from various problems and improve their working quality.
With the passage of time, hydraulic systems are becoming more efficient and advanced. Therefore, new techniques have been introduced for hydraulic filtration techniques. Harvard Filtration provides advanced filtration technologies to purify lubricants and maintain good quality of your hydraulic systems.
With the passage of time, hydraulic systems are becoming more efficient and advanced. Therefore, new techniques have been introduced for hydraulic filtration. Harvard Filtration provides advanced filtration technologies to purify lubricants and maintain good quality of your hydraulic systems.
This blog further describes some filtration techniques that can remove small and large contaminants from oil to ensure highly purified oil is following in your machine.
Removal Of Contaminants
No matter how much you keep your hydraulic system clean and protected from outside pollution, dust and contaminants can still enter your system. These contaminants then get mixed with the oil and cause contamination. Hence, hydraulic filters are used to purify the contaminated oil by removing dust and other impurities.
Advanced filters are now available in the market that are not only capable of removing dirt, hard materials and water from the oil but also maintain its quality. In addition to the hydraulic filters used inside the systems, some portable filters are also used, that are attached as an extra filtration tool for next-level filtration.
Although filtration is not the only solution, restricting contaminants from getting into the machinery can also keep the oil clean. However, it is difficult to control contaminants from entering the machinery but some care can give better results.
Also read: How To Reduce The Effects Of Contamination On Hydraulic Systems
Self Cleaning Filters
Large machinery requires more filtration however, it can be difficult and costly to replace filters more frequently. Hence, basket strainers are a type of self-cleaning filter that can be used to minimize frequent filter replacement. Basket strainers provide advanced filtration with a self-cleaning option which means the filters can be cleaned once they are full of impurities, in addition to easy cleaning, it’s easy to reinstall basket strainers into the system. Besides all the other benefits, this is a cost-effective filtration method which makes it a good choice for industrial usage.
Centrifugal Oil Filtration
Centrifugal filters purify the oil by separating the liquids from the solid particles. The next level filtration technique takes high-pressure oil inside the filter body and separates the solids from the oil, consequently, the contaminants are separated from the oil leaving it highly purified. Together with efficient filtration, this method is more suitable to conduct filtration in the operational hydraulic system.
Centrifugal filters remove different types of contaminants regardless of their size, as it filters all particles that have a higher density level than the fluid.
Magnetic Filtration
Sometimes, metallic particles from inside or outside the machine mix with the oil and damage other parts of the machine. Metallic filters effectively remove these hard particles by separating them from the oil.
The filter processes the oil, and the magnetic force attracts and removes the metal particles. As a result, the filter releases purified oil.
Portable Filters
Portable hydraulic filters are used when advanced filtration is required. These filters are attached as extra filtration tools since they can filter the oil when the hydraulic system is turned off. Portable filtration is more efficient as the oil is shifted into the filter, purified and then added back to the machine, to ensure every drop of oil is purified.
Cartridge Filtration
The cartridge filtration technique purifies the lubricant by removing small contaminants with a round pleated filter. Furthermore, they can remove the contaminants in less time to ensure the machine is not stopped for a long time.
Therefore, the fast speed of these filters makes them the first choice for petroleum and other industries.
FAQs:
- Why is filtration important in hydraulic systems?
Filtration is crucial because contaminants in hydraulic fluid can cause severe damage to components, reduce system efficiency, and shorten equipment life. Proper filtration ensures clean fluid, reduces wear and tear, and maintains the reliability of the system. - What types of filters are commonly used in hydraulic systems?
Common types of filters include suction filters, pressure filters, return line filters, and off-line filters. Each type serves a specific purpose, such as protecting the pump, filtering high-pressure fluid, or cleaning returning fluid before it enters the reservoir. - How do I determine the appropriate filtration level for my system?
The filtration level depends on the system’s sensitivity and operating environment. It is usually defined in microns (e.g., 10-micron filters). Consult the system’s manufacturer guidelines and consider factors like fluid cleanliness standards (ISO 4406) and the system’s contamination tolerance. - How often should filters be replaced or cleaned?
The replacement or cleaning frequency depends on operating conditions, contamination levels, and the filter’s capacity. Regular monitoring of pressure drop across the filter and periodic fluid analysis can help determine the optimal maintenance schedule. Follow manufacturer recommendations for specific intervals.
About Harvard Filtration
Harvard Filtration provides efficient filtration tools for industrial lubricant filtration. We provide a broad range of filtration systems and their parts. We have the most reliable filter carts, filtration systems and related equipment for your hydraulic systems. And, we ensure our filters are able to serve your industrial filtration needs. Contact us today to get the best filtration solutions for your hydraulic systems.
