Local oil producers, manufacturers of formed metal products and injection moulding plants count among the large corporations that have recently joined Hytec Fluid Technology's (HFT) Smart Fluid Technology programme.
"We have seen a steady growth in business on our fluid maintenance side, especially the laboratory, with oil samples being sent from as far as Ghana for us to analyse," says laboratory technician, Flip Scheepers.
Laboratory technician Flip Scheepers prepares a batch of oil samples form a local oil producer for testing on the ferrous metal counter
This trend is set to continue as word gets around that Hytec is able to maximise the life of hydraulic equipment and minimise downtime through its oil analysis service. Recent studies have shown that a pump being provided with the correctly filtered fluid via correctly sized and rated filtration solutions will last up to four times longer, and that this product life extension method holds value for all components of any hydraulic or lubricating system.
Employing its state-of-the-art laboratory in Johannesburg and expertise in fluid technology to assist clients in achieving peak operating efficiency, HFT performs a range of services ranging from oil sampling to detailed analysis, greatly improving the reliability and the management of hydraulic systems.
"The service is based on us taking on average a monthly oil sample from a client's power packs, this frequency could be shorter or longer, dependent on the desired outcome of the analysis, ie, reactive, pro-active or predictive technology, doing a complete analysis and providing them with a complete report," Scheepers explains. "This empowers these companies to make filter changes as and when necessary, taking the guesswork out of oil management and ensuring full life expectancy on their hydraulic equipment. If, for instance, we find brass in the oil sample, dependent on the type of system it would be safe to say that a variable displacement pump or motor needs attention."
This slide is an actual dirt-in-oil analysis, as attached to the client’s full test results. Not only can the amount of unwanted particles be calculated, but particle size as well
Water in oil is another dangerous contaminant that must be removed as quickly as possible so that systems can operate effectively. HFT uses a Karl Fischer titrator for this test, followed by a viscometer, ferrous metal counter and finally a membrane test to determine the actual amount, contaminant type and particle size of contaminates in the oil. Once an ISO cleanliness level is derived, a detailed report with recommendations is presented to the client. With several clients now relying on the service since 2004, HFT is further able to perform trending and the related benefits, such as predictive maintenance models, life-cycle forecast and the like. The company is looking to add a Total Acid Number detector to its laboratory, in direct response to enquiries from its major clients. This will add further value to the fluid maintenance programme. All equipment within the laboratory is regularly calibrated, and kept up to date with the latest technological developments.
For more information contact Sandor Bottyan, Hytec Fluid Technology, +27 (0) 11 281 3850.
New digital tool reconditioning portal puts customers fully in control
News & events
Sandvik Coromant has upgraded its tool reconditioning service for solid round tools. The upgraded service replaces a previously manual, multi-stage workflow with a streamlined, fully online experience that dramatically reduces quotation and turnaround times.
Read more...New automation innovations on show at Electra Mining Africa 2026
News & events
South African engineers are leaders in innovation and technology development. Many of these innovations and newly automated systems will be on display at the largest trade show of its kind in southern Africa, Electra Mining Africa 2026, taking place in Johannesburg later this year.
Read more...Investment in training is key for the lubrication industry
News & events
Lubrication management has grown more sophisticated in recent years, yet equipment failure rates linked to lubrication problems remain stubbornly high. The reason for this is that technology can only go so far without the people behind it being properly trained.
Read more...Elevating artisanal skills is key to revitalising South Africa’s economy
News & events
We need to challenge the stigma attached to artisanal and technical careers, and we also need a mindset shift supported by the schooling system so that young people understand future career pathways, choose subjects accordingly, and recognise that artisanal and technical skills carry equal value in a modern economy.
Read more...From the editor's desk: A tool not a crutch Technews Publishing
News & events
Every year, the dictionaries try to summarise a year of human behaviour with a single word, the word of the year. You can question the value of this, but it’s quite entertaining. Words are important, ...
Read more...Experience ICRA 2026 right here in Gqeberha, South Africa
News & events
The IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA) is the largest robotics, automation, artificial intelligence, and manufacturing conference in the world. You can experience the premier keynote and plenary presentations in Gqeberha.
Read more...Woman of Stature Awards South Africa
News & events
In a powerful recognition of excellence in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Thabisile Phumo won the Woman in Mining and Engineering award at the 2026 Woman of Stature Awards South Africa.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.
printer friendly version