Oil filters are crucial in preventing up to 70-90% of Hydraulic Repair Near Me hydraulic system failures caused by contamination. Properly chosen and maintained filters protect hydraulic components and improve the system’s efficiency, reducing noise and extending its lifespan. Filters can be placed in various locations, including the pump’s inlet, pressure line, or return line.
Suction strainers, found inside the reservoir, are effective in trapping large debris such as welding slag, shop rags, and tools, typically using a 100 mesh screen. Suction filters, positioned between the reservoir and pump, filter the oil before it reaches the pump. However, if not correctly selected and regularly changed, they may hinder performance, as any obstruction at the pump inlet can restrict oil flow. Some piston pump applications might need a 3-micron suction filter and additional mechanisms like a charge pump or pressurized breather cap. Generally, a suction filter should be four times the system flow.
Hydraulic Repair Near Me Pressure filters, situated on the pump’s outlet side, prevent contaminants generated by wear from entering key components like valves and motors. While costly, they are especially beneficial in mobile applications with closed center, piston pump systems.
Return filters are common in truck-mounted hydraulic systems. They are affordable, easy to service, and their canister elements are often interchangeable among manufacturers. A typical choice is a 10-micron, spin-on type, with the recommended size being twice the system flow.
Filter carts, also known as off-line filters, are used to clean new oil and as part of maintenance routines to prevent contamination. These systems remove oil from the main system, filter it, and then return it clean, a process known as kidney loop filtration.
Regarding Hydraulic Repair Near Me hydraulic hoses, it’s vital to use the correct size and type for the specific application. The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) provides designations for hydraulic hoses based on their intended use. These include SAE 100R4 for the inlet side of the pump, SAE 100R1/1SC for low-pressure return hoses, SAE 100R2/2SC and 100R17 for higher pressures, and SAE 100R13/15/4SH for even higher pressures. SAE 100R7/100R8 hoses are non-conductive and used for safety in aerial applications.
The Hydraulic Repair Near Me hose’s pressure rating varies with its SAE type and size, and they typically have a safety factor of 4:1 between working and burst pressures. For instance, a hose with an 8,000 PSI burst pressure would have a 2,000 PSI working pressure.
Hydraulic Repair Near Me Hose dimensions follow a dash size system, where a “-16” signifies a 1-inch diameter. Consequently, an SAE 100R1 -16 hose is a low-pressure return hose with a 1-inch inner diameter. Similarly, an SAE 100R4 -24 hose, used for the inlet, has a 1½-inch inner diameter, and an SAE 100R2 -12 hose, designed for high pressure, has a ¾-inch inner diameter.
Guidelines for Hose Routing:
- Adhere to the minimum bend radius specified by the manufacturer to avoid damaging the hose.
- Avoid twisting hoses. A twist of just 10 degrees can reduce the hose’s lifespan by up to 90%.
- Ensure the hose’s outer bend does not point towards the machine operator for safety.
- Route hoses to flex in a single plane, keeping the hose’s printed “lay line” within that plane.
For extended hose runs, metal tubing or piping is often utilized. This choice is not only cost-effective but also enhances heat dissipation. It’s crucial to ensure that the tubing can handle the system’s operational pressures. Using galvanized or black pipe is not advised due to various reasons, including inadequate pressure capacity. For example, a 1-inch diameter schedule 40 pipe has a working pressure rating of just 1,450 PSI (with a 4:1 safety margin), while schedule 80 offers 2,500 PSI, which is barely sufficient. Additionally, the galvanization can chip off, contaminating the system, and the interior roughness of the pipe increases fluid turbulence, pressure drop, and heat.
Note: Hoses are measured by their internal diameter, whereas tubing and pipes are measured externally.
Pipe thread fittings (NPT) are widely used due to their cost and availability, but they are not ideal for hydraulic systems. They often require Teflon tape for sealing, which can break off and clog the system, causing valve malfunctions. Over-tightening NPT fittings, especially with Teflon tape, can damage pump and valve castings.
A better alternative would be O-Ring face seal fittings, SAE 37º Joint Industry Council (JIC) flare fittings, or straight thread, O-Ring type Unified National Thread (UNF) fittings. These fittings allow for precise hose positioning and seal effectively without the need for tape or liquid sealants. Additionally, they are reusable, unlike pipe thread fittings, which should never be reused as they seal through thread deformation.
Hydraulic oils play multiple crucial roles in a Hydraulic Repair Near Me hydraulic system: they transmit power, lubricate parts, dissipate heat, and help remove contaminants. Their effectiveness in these areas is enhanced by specific additives that bolster their performance under various pressures, temperatures, and conditions. The longevity of the hydraulic system is closely linked to the quality and maintenance of the oil, particularly keeping it clean and under 140°F.
Viscosity, a key property of hydraulic oils, indicates the fluid’s resistance to flow. Measured in Saybolt Universal Seconds (SUS), it describes the time taken for 60 milliliters of oil at a specified temperature (commonly 100°F) to flow through a set orifice size. Hydraulic Repair Near Me Hydraulic oil viscosity should not exceed 7,500 SUS when cold and should fall between 75-200 SUS at 100°F. It’s advised not to thin oil with kerosene or diesel fuel for colder conditions, but rather to use a lower viscosity oil or a proper thinning agent.
Lubricity, another crucial oil attribute, refers to its capacity to form a protective film on metal surfaces, reducing friction and wear. The thickness of this film is related to the oil’s viscosity. While automatic transmission fluid (ATF) is sometimes used in hydraulic systems, it is not ideal as it loses film strength under high pressure and temperature, even though it has good thermal stability.