October 02, 2005
Top 10 Reasons Why Contamination gets into a Hydraulic System
Top 10 Reasons Why Contamination gets into a Hydraulic System
Have you seen any of these problems?
#1 Maintenance personnel do not understand how hydraulic fluid becomes contaminated and the affects contamination has on the reliability of a hydraulic system
#2 Hydraulic Fluid input into the reservoir without filtering
#3 Contaminated hydraulic hoses and fittings installed
#4 Hydraulic fluid leaks from hoses, fittings, and between valves
#5 Hydraulic reservoirs not sealed
#6 Hydraulic breathers not effective
#7 Hydraulic filters installed improperly (hands touching filtration material)
#8 Used hydraulic components installed (valves, pumps, hoses, and fittings
#9 Maintenance personnel cleaning the inside of a reservoir with rags that are not lint free
#10 Hydraulic systems not flushed properly upon new startup
Hydraulic Fluid contamination is the #1 cause of hydraulic system failure. Education, discipline, and proper procedures are necessary to ensure hydraulic systems run free of problems for many years.
A few statements I have always made concerning reactive maintenance of hydraulic systems.
*You know you are in reactive maintenance when you introduce hydraulic fluid into a reservoir without a filter pump.
*You know you are in reactive maintenance when you install hydraulic hoses that have not been flushed and sealed.
*You know you are in reactive maintenance when you have used hydraulic valves in your storeroom.
*You know you are in reactive maintenance when sticking valves and pump failures is considered normal.
Contact Information
Ricky Smith, CMRP
843-762-3168
MAXZOR (Maximizing Total Plant Performance)
http://www.maxzor.com
