News You Can Use: Issue 22

Remember, the System Has to Breathe!

In order for most systems to operate continuously and effectively they must be allowed to breathe. As the fluid level rises and falls during operation, air movement is prevalent. Breathers for hydraulic tanks vent and filter air in the system. Filler-breathers have a removable cap that allows fluid to be added to the reservoir while filtering particles from the fluid being introduced into the reservoir. The filter in the cap prevents contaminant particles from entering the system. Clean hydraulic fluid reduces contaminant buildup and maintenance costs, and extends the working life of the system. With OFCO you have options regarding, level of filtration, basket length, what material the breather is made of, fitting type, pressurized or non-pressurized, dipstick or no dispstick. To take a look at all options we offer, click on the links below. We stand ready to help you make your decision.

Filler-Breather – Threaded Style
Tank Breather – Bayonet Style

System Downtime Because of Component Failure

There is plenty of evidence to support the fact that proactive maintenance is smarter than reactive maintenance. We mention “smarter” because we realize that if a system goes into reactive maintenance, someone hasn’t done the job. In a production plant, the cost of downtime could be as much as $1,000 a minute….or more! This is based on the loss of production, the loss of stocked replacement components, and the loss of proper use of wages by maintenance personnel. The photo of the $22.00 collapsed filter was removed from a system where it caused a breakdown. Total cost of system repair and labor to get the system back running – $4,000. It’s not just the price of a new filter. Contamination MUST be kept under control. Periodic inspections should be a MUST for all equipment. There is no excuse for not having scheduled maintenance to save enormous amounts of money.

Introduction: The Checklist for Sizing Hydraulic Filters

There are over a dozen questions designers, engineers, and operators should consider before choosing a new or replacement filter for a hydraulic system. To get the best performance out of a hydraulic system, it is essential that it have proper filtration. Choosing the correct type of filter and sizing it properly could be the difference between having a smooth-running hydraulic system or one that performs poorly. 

Selecting the proper filter is not a simple task for those who must replace old or damaged filters. Even if a maintenance team is replacing a damaged filter with one just like it, the team should ensure it is the right filter for getting the job done efficiently and effectively.

To get the correct filter, engineers, operators, and designers need to know and understand hydraulics and the application, including its performance requirements. This is an introduction to correct hydraulic filter sizing. In the coming newsletters we’ll have Parts 2 through 10. Stay tuned for this educational ride.