What not to do with hydraulic equipment: some cardinal sins
1 September 2013
Hydraulic systems & components
This is part of a list compiled and edited by Brendan Casey from hundreds of submissions sent to Inside Hydraulics e-zine. Some are directed at operators, some are for designers, but most are for everyone involved in keeping hydraulic equipment running.
1. Installing a needle valve to control the speed of a system or sub-system without regard to the heat load it creates.
2. Cranking up the pressure relief valve just because the system is sluggish
3. Making an hydraulic pump ‘lift’ its oil – flooded inlet is best.
4. Using quick couplers – unless they’re absolutely essential.
5. Specifying or using an elastomer in a hydraulic system without first verifying its chemical compatibility with the fluid being used.
6. Failing to include adequate pressure test points when the hydraulic system is built.
7. Not ensuring all accumulators are completely discharged prior to commencing work on a system.
8. Creating a restriction by using hydraulic fittings and hoses that are too small for the job.
9. Failing to install adequate air bleed points – particularly in brake circuits or large volume cylinders.
10. Believing a big heat exchanger is a substitute for a big reservoir – or that a big reservoir is a substitute for a heat exchanger.
11. Thinking a bi-directional gear motor's case drain port can handle a pressure of 5 bar continuously – even if the manual says it can (unless you enjoy changing shaft seals).
12. Using automatic transmission fluid in a high-pressure, high-performance hydraulic system – ATF is formulated for a different job.
About the author: Brendan Casey has more than 20 years experience in the maintenance, repair and overhaul of mobile and industrial hydraulic equipment. For more information on reducing the operating cost and increasing the up-time of your hydraulic equipment, visit his web site: http://www.hydraulicsupermarket.com
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