Hazard, Pathways, and Solutions for Water Ingress in the Hydraulic System of a 200-ton Hydraulic Press
Hazards of Water Ingress in the Hydraulic System of a 200-ton Hydraulic Press:
- Water can react with hydraulic oil, forming acids, colloids, and sludge.
- The primary impact of water is the reduction of lubrication. Even minute amounts of water dissolved in hydraulic oil can accelerate wear on high-stress components, leading to a decrease in fatigue life.
- Water can cause sticking of control valves, cavitation damage at pump inlets, and corrosion or rusting of metals.
Pathways of Water Ingress into the Hydraulic System of a 200-ton Hydraulic Press:
- Mechanical failures such as poor sealing or leakage in cooling coils allowing water entry into the oil.
- In humid climates, water may be drawn in through the oil tank breather.
- Moist working environments, rain, snow, or melting ice can introduce water contamination.
Solving the Issue of Water Ingress in the Hydraulic System of a 200-ton Hydraulic Press: During the operation of the hydraulic press, if a fault of water ingress into the hydraulic system occurs, the following steps should be taken immediately based on the actual situation:
1.In the case of water entering the oil tank:
- Stop the machine immediately.
- Allow the oil in the tank to settle for a few hours, letting the water precipitate to the bottom.
- Open the drain valve at the bottom of the tank to discharge the settled water.
- Optionally, if the oil temperature is low, heat the oil, but not exceeding 60°C, to facilitate oil-water separation. This method is suitable for hydraulic oil without emulsification.
2.Use a filter with water absorption capability:
- For systems with a small amount of water or less severe emulsification, use a hydraulic oil filter with water absorption capability to filter out water and impurities.
3.Use a vacuum dehydrator to remove water:
- If there is a large quantity of oil in the tank, a vacuum dehydrator can be used to remove water. This method exploits the principle of water evaporating at a lower temperature under vacuum conditions, allowing for thorough separation of oil and water. It is effective for treating various water ingress scenarios, including severe emulsification.
4.If oil contamination is severe or water ingress is substantial, consider replacing the hydraulic oil.