Hydraulic oil plays a central role in the proper functioning of hydraulic machines. These machines work very fast at a very high pressure, so it is advisable to take time and check the oil.
Hydraulic oil keeps everything well lubricated, water locked out and even extinguishes fire. This means you need to maintain clean hydraulic oil and higher quality oil in your oil reservoir, thus preventing future problems and enhancing the lifespan of your hydraulic machines.
Importance of Hydraulic Oil Quality
Hydraulic oils are very essential in making a system operate effectively. Hydraulic systems operate at high pressure, rotary speed and high temperature; checking and maintaining the oil reduces the possibility of the system getting damaged early.
It specifies that the function that the right hydraulic oil is to perform or the environment in which it is likely to be used determines the type of hydraulic oil it is.
Hydraulic oil should be able to act as a lubricant to all components that come into contact with it, discharge water, remain stable under various conditions, be fire resistant, possess low flammability, and be resistant to foaming and evaporation.
Role of Hydraulic Oil in System Performance
Hydraulics is applied in many pieces of equipment, such as big machines and airplane undercarriage. Of these systems, the hydraulic fluid is one of the most important subsystems within vehicle operation.
This fluid has the impact of supporting the system to work, operate and even enjoy a long lifespan. Learning the extent of the importance of hydraulic fluids and then choosing the right type of fluid plays an even bigger role in boosting the efficiency and durability of the concerned machine.
High-quality Hydraulic oil does many useful things. It carries the power to keep the operating components in motion and, at the same time, minimize the gaps. And why it cools down the equipment and aids in washing it from dirt and other things that may sometimes be improper for use.
Potential Consequences of Poor Oil Quality
The normality of dirt or tiny particles in hydraulic systems means that such systems do not work as smoothly as expected because the particles tend to make the system more forceful. While these particles move to and fro, they cause abrasive and wear away on important parts resulting in more frequent replacement.
Actual particulate matter such as dirt can cause problems like getting parts such as seals, valves and pumps to deteriorate more quickly or repairing items like hydraulic hoses.
This is because the water in the anti-wear hydraulic oil is likely to induce rust, making parts brittle and thus more prone to cracking. This can be risky, particularly when hydraulic systems are installed in hard operating conditions.
If the above system remains dirty, it means it will develop some problems that may lead to an abrupt stop. Fixing this is costly and work takes longer; this is unhealthy for the business.
That is, hydraulic oil can be equally hazardous even if there is no dirt; on its own, if it spills, it is hazardous. If that happens, it’s important to call experts to clean it up properly to prevent further harm.
Functions of Hydraulic Oil
Hydraulic oil does a lot of important things. That reviews it transmits power, lubricates parts to reduce friction, cools the system and assists in removing dirt and other debris.
To this end, the oil has some additives that enable it to work under high pressure, high temperatures range and other harsh conditions. There is one function: taking dirt to a filter where the dirt may be filtered out or to a sump where the dirt will settle down instead of being in the oil,
In other words, oil is an indispensable element that defines the lifespan of the hydraulic system. The system overall just works better if the oil is kept clean and less than 140 degrees.
Types of Hydraulic Oils
You can buy different kinds of hydraulic oils, including mineral-based, synthetic, and bio-based.
Mineral-Based Hydraulic Oils
These are the most common types and come from crude oil. They are cheap and do a good job of keeping things lubricated and protected from wear. However, they don’t handle heat as well as synthetic oils, which means they can break down faster and need more maintenance.
Synthetic Hydraulic Oils
These oils are made from chemicals instead of crude oil. They are great at handling heat, don’t break down easily, and last longer than mineral oils. However, they usually cost more.
Bio-Based Hydraulic Oils
These oils are made from renewable sources like vegetable oils and animal fats. They are biodegradable, which means they are better for the environment. But they might not work as well as mineral or synthetic oils.
Signs of Good and Bad Hydraulic Oil
The first method of determining that the hydraulic fluid is dirty is to check the color of the fluid. Clean fluid is usually a clear or slightly pale yellowish-brown color. If the fluid is milky, dark, or any other weird color, it will be considered contaminated.
If the fluid appears to be milky, then that can be a result of the water content of it. If you observe this, you have to take quick action to the hydraulic system. First, prevent additional water from entering the system; second, expel water immediately. This can be done by employing special filters that absorb the water or by purging or emptying the hydraulic system.
How to Check Hydraulic Oil Viscosity?
A method that one should ensure now and again is checking on how thick your hydraulic oil is for proper system functioning.
Here’s how you can do it:
- Take a Sample: Take one liter from your hydraulic system and let it be your sample.
- Use a Viscometer: A viscometer is a device that is used for determining a fluid’s thickness or thinness. For hydraulic oil, the type most frequently used is called capillary viscometer.
- Compare to Specifications: Read the figure on the viscometer and check how it corresponds to the correct thickness according to the manufacturer. The best way to decide whether the car needs its engine oil changed is whether the car’s oil is too costly or whether it is incredibly cheap.
Tips for Troubleshooting Hydraulic Systems
To take care of hydraulic systems, one needs to do it right. That is why it is advisable to seek the help of an expert. Here are some easy tips to help your team troubleshoot faster and better:
- Watch Your Access Points And Pressure Readings: If you are organizing the system, put the parts that should be checked frequently, for instance, filters and gauges, conveniently.
- Label Your Reservoirs: To make the process of changing fluids easier, label the reservoirs. You can also print the marks for normal fluid levels on the sight glass, making the process easier.
- Consider Automatic Drain Valves: Automatic drain valves should be fitted on systems to make certain maintenance operations easier.
- Safety First: Remember that hydraulic operating can be quite powerful at times. It is advisable only to allow trained workers to maintain the system as this will prevent the risk of people’s lives and property damage.
Bottom Line
Caring for hydraulic oil is crucial to maintaining your machine’s reliability. How a machine operates and how long it will serve you will depend on the regularity that you check the oil level, the type of hydraulic oil you use and whether you notice any dirt or water in them.
Don’t you know that to avoid major problems, you must take care of all these small things now and then? Remember that safety is important; never be afraid to call for assistance. Following the above simple steps, you can keep your hydraulic system at its best!
Keep your machines running well with Fubex Lubricants! Check your hydraulic oil today to avoid problems and help your machines last longer!
FAQs
Q1: How can I tell if the hydraulic oil in my system needs to be changed?
Ans: If the hydraulic oil looks dark, cloudy, or has bits in it, it might need changing. Foam or bubbles can mean air in it, and a burnt or bad smell is a sign it’s not good anymore. Regular checks help keep the oil clean and protect the hydraulic systems.
Q2: What are the most common contaminants in hydraulic oil, and how do they affect system performance?
Ans: Four main things can dirty hydraulic oil: water, particles, varnish, and sludge. Water is the most common problem. It can sneak into the system through leaks, condensation, or not taking care of it properly. Water can cause rust, make the oil foam, and break it down.
Q3: How often should I perform a viscosity test on my hydraulic oil?
Ans: You should check your hydraulic oil at least once every three months. If your system is in a tough place, like near the ocean, you might need to check it even more often.
