Nadun Machinery Manufacture Co., Ltd.
caroline@nadunmachine.com +86 13606325020
EN
  • English (EN)
  • 中文 (ZH)
  • Español (ES)
  • Français (FR)

Blog

Checklist and Techniques for Hydraulic System Maintenance

2023-12-04 13:19:45
Admin

When operating heavy machinery and equipment, hydraulic systems are often employed for heavy lifting. These powerful systems can move impressive weights, contributing to critical tasks in many industries. Proper hydraulic system maintenance is crucial after completing all tasks. Without it, you risk safety hazards, component damage, reduced efficiency, and harm to workers. In this article, Nadun Machinery Manufacture Co., Ltd. presents a checklist and techniques for hydraulic system maintenance.

Many maintenance tasks need to be performed regularly, making a checklist convenient. We have compiled a hydraulic system maintenance checklist to ensure your system stays clean and healthy. Before using this checklist, you may want to have the system's documentation on hand to check manufacturer specifications, such as filter schedules, oil specifications, and average temperatures. Here is our collection of hydraulic system maintenance tips:

  1. Oil Maintenance:

    • Maintain a consistent schedule to check the condition of hydraulic oil. It should be kept clean, free from any contaminants. Minimize contamination risks by keeping the area around entry points (such as oil gauges and fuel plugs) free of dust and debris. Maintaining fluid levels and checking filters is also crucial.
    • Refer to the manufacturer's specifications to understand how often hydraulic oil and other hydraulic oil maintenance factors should be replaced.
  2. Regular Filter Replacement:

    • Visual inspection of hydraulic oil may not alert you to all contaminants, and filters may not always show them. Filters take on the task of clearing these particles, so replacement should be done according to schedule. Ensure filter cups are also cleaned if applicable.
  3. Inspect Rod Conditions:

    • Visually inspect rods for wear, such as corrosion and pitting. These issues can lead to moisture in the fluid, compounding and causing various problems for your hydraulic system, such as increased wear and insufficient lubrication.
  4. Seal Replacement:

    • If rod corrosion occurs, seals may be damaged due to excessive friction. Other dangers of seals include high pressure and fluid contaminants. Leaks may indicate worn-out seals. If signs suggest seal damage, contact the equipment manufacturer for proper replacement.
  5. Regularly Check Hydraulic Pipelines:

    • Fluctuations in pressure or pipeline thickness can lead to issues. Expanded pipelines result from excessive pressure from the cylinder, which may cause high-pressure fluid to leak through and wear out seals. Regularly check the condition of pipelines and ensure they are not expanded.
  6. Check Fluid Levels:

    • For optimal functionality, you must pay attention to your fluid levels and add as needed. Too little oil can damage the pump. Be mindful not to mix oils and adhere to the specifications provided by the manufacturer.
  7. Check Breather Caps, Fill Screens, and Breather Filters:

    • Breathers must remain clean to avoid contaminating the hydraulic system. Clean vents regularly, ensuring they have no holes or tears. Different types of breathers may have other requirements. For example, spring-type breathers may need replacement annually to avoid the risk of contamination due to decreased tension. Other types of indicators may tell you when to replace filters or caps. Pay attention to any such additional steps.
  8. Check Filter Indicators:

    • Most filters have pop-out buttons that trigger when they are clogged. Check for any of these signs and replace filters as needed.
  9. Visual Inspection of All Pipelines, Pipe Connections, and System Hoses:

    • Inspect all hydraulic hoses connected to pipeline connections.
    • If hoses are crushed, twisted, worn, bubbled, elongated, or damaged in other ways, they can restrict fluid flow or cause pressure leaks. These issues are mostly visible externally, but you also need to pay attention to potential signs of internal wear that may clog hoses.
    • Also, check pipelines, fittings, and joints. Look for dents or corrosion on pipes. Fittings should be snug but not overly tight, and joints should be kept clean to prevent contamination.
    • Leaks can lead to overheating and serious safety and environmental hazards, challenging to clean and posing a danger to employees, so be cautious and alert for signs of leakage prevention.
  10. Check System Temperature:

    • If the system temperature is too high, it may indicate problems with the cooler or overflow valve. Low fluid levels can also cause increased heat. Use built-in or infrared thermometers to check the temperature. Do not touch components you suspect may be very hot, as this could cause severe burns.
  11. Visual Inspection of Reservoir Interior:

    • Ventilation in the reservoir can cause overheating and wear of seals and system components. This occurs when bubbles enter the oil flow from low fluid levels, low fluid temperature, air leaks, and poor sealing. Indications of inflation include foam on the suction filter, loud gurgling noises, and vortex formation.
  12. Listen to the Water Pump:

    • Listening to the water pump can give you an idea of possible cavitation. While similar to aeration, cavitation is the result of bubbles experiencing rapid pressure changes. They implode and cause micro-shock waves. These create wear and repetitive stresses on metal surfaces, damaging components. Cavitation phenomena in the pump will produce a whistling sound.
  13. Check Fluid Samples:

    • To check the quality of the fluid, take a small sample for examination. Quickly visually inspect for abnormal color and visible contaminants. You may also need to check for any unusual odors. Conducting contamination tests can more accurately assess fluid quality. It provides detailed findings on particle contamination, water contamination, viscosity, acidity, and signs of overheating.
  14. Scan Electronic Control Servo Valves:

    • Use an infrared thermometer to check the temperature of these valves. If it exceeds 150°F, there may be an issue with the valve. Slow or incorrect operation of valve positions may be signs of fluid contamination.
  15. Check Electric Motors:

    • Place an infrared thermometer outside and use it on electric motors to detect any high-temperature areas. These areas may be on the casing or rotor bearings, requiring repairs to prevent further equipment damage.

Nadun Machinery Manufacture Co., Ltd. is a provider of advanced lightweight forming technology. From product development, equipment production, mold development, customized solutions, to final delivery and value-added services, we offer customers not just a hydraulic device but a complete set of intelligent manufacturing forming solutions.

Hydraulic Press New Product Machine Tool
Leave a Message