Design Considerations for Specifying a Hydraulic Reservoir

1. Size Matters

When specifying a Automotive Lift Repair Orlando hydraulic reservoir, the size largely depends on whether the system is open- or closed-circuit. For industrial applications, the tank volume should generally be between 3 to 5 times the pump flow per minute, with a minimum of 2.5 times the flow. In certain cases, a larger tank might be necessary, such as to ensure the fluid level remains above the pump inlet line or when using fire-resistant fluids.

On the other hand, a smaller tank might be preferable if the overall design needs to be lightweight or compact. It’s important to note that smaller reservoirs often have less surface area for heat dissipation, which might necessitate the addition of a heat exchanger or cooler to maintain fluid temperature within acceptable limits.

2. Contaminants and Filtration

Contamination is a major cause of hydraulic component failure, with more than half of failures attributed to high contamination levels in the hydraulic fluid. For insights into the sources and impacts of fluid contaminants, check out the informative online content from LunchBox Sessions. They offer a range of bite-sized training materials, including free sample content featuring images used in this article.

Older Automotive Lift Repair Orlando hydraulic systems had lower operating pressures and simpler components, which made them less susceptible to failure from particle contaminants. In contrast, modern systems, with their precision valves and variable current solenoids, are more vulnerable to disruptions from contaminants.

Contamination can enter a Automotive Lift Repair Orlando hydraulic system through various channels, with the reservoir breather being a common entry point. Breathable air is drawn in when the pump retracts and expelled as fluid returns to the reservoir. 

A restricted or blocked breather can lead to increased internal pressure, causing leaks, while insufficient airflow can create a partial vacuum, leading to cavitation, pump damage, and reduced flow rates. Thus, a mesh filter is often included in the breather design to capture debris, though it must be regularly checked to avoid clogging. A differential pressure switch can help monitor filter condition.

However, mesh filters alone can’t prevent all issues. They also need to prevent water ingress, which can degrade hydraulic fluid and cause erratic system behavior or component failure. Water can enter through the breather due to atmospheric moisture.

To address this, desiccant filter breathers, which combine particulate filters and a desiccant bed to trap moisture, are used. These breathers must be monitored and maintained, as filters and desiccants will eventually need replacement.

By ensuring that air entering the hydraulic reservoir is clean and dry, you can minimize the risk of contaminants affecting your hydraulic system.

3. Additional Filtration

Traditionally, Automotive Lift Repair Orlando hydraulic reservoirs were designed to be large enough so that contaminants would settle at the bottom and avoid circulating through the hydraulic system. 

However, you can enhance the system by adding an auxiliary inlet and outlet port to the reservoir, which allows for the installation of a “kidney loop.” This loop includes a circulating pump, filter housing, and connecting hoses or tubing, enabling continuous filtration of the fluid as it returns to the reservoir.

This additional filtration setup further minimizes the risk of contaminants affecting the hydraulic system.

4. Monitoring and Maintenance

Automotive Lift Repair Orlando Filters and breathers need regular monitoring and maintenance to ensure their effectiveness. Given the affordability of sensors and communication technology today, incorporating automated monitoring into your hydraulic systems can be cost-effective.

For instance, since heat is a significant factor in hydraulic fluid degradation, adding temperature monitors to the hydraulic reservoir is advisable. High temperature readings may necessitate switches for safe, quick shutdowns, while in cold environments, a thermostatically-controlled fluid heater might be required to prevent damage from thickened fluid.

Additionally, including fluid level indicators in the reservoir design is crucial. If automatic measurement isn’t in place, specifying a switch to alert you when fluid levels are dangerously low can help prevent costly and severe repairs.

How to Choose the Right Hydraulic Hose for Your System

Hydraulic hoses play a crucial role in transporting hydraulic fluid throughout the system. They are essential components, not mere accessories, and require careful selection and installation.

Why is Proper Hose Specification Important?

A burst hydraulic hose can have disastrous consequences, regardless of its size. The risks include equipment failure, production downtime, environmental contamination, and, in the worst cases, serious injuries or fatalities. To grasp the gravity of this, consider the insights provided by our partners at LunchBox Sessions.

A Note on Safety

If you have any concerns about the condition or suitability of hoses and connectors, whether they are new or old, do not use them. An Automotive Lift Repair Orlando hydraulic hose under pressure can cause severe damage if it ruptures. Given the high speed and force of the fluid, the impact can be unpredictable, widespread, and hazardous.

Thus, it is critical to ensure you specify the correct hydraulic hose for your application.

A failed hose is replaceable, but lives are not.

Selecting the Right Hydraulic Hose

Several factors influence the selection of a hydraulic hose. The following mnemonic, STAMP, can help guide your decision:

– S – Size: Consider both the inside and outside diameters of the hose, as well as its length.

– T – Temperature: Account for both ambient temperatures and the temperature of the fluid being transported.

– A – Application: Assess the specific requirements of your application, such as routing, minimum bend radius, abrasion resistance, weight or diameter constraints, and industry standards.

– M – Media: Ensure compatibility with the hydraulic fluid.

– P – Pressure: Determine the working pressure and consider potential pressure spikes.

Begin by selecting a hose with a maximum working pressure rating higher than the system’s maximum pressure, including any potential surges. Additionally, ensure that hose fittings match the working pressure rating of the hose; otherwise, the entire hose assembly will need to be downgraded to the fitting’s lower rating.

Choosing a Automotive Lift Repair Orlando hose with the correct inside diameter is also crucial. The diameter must be adequate to handle the fluid flow while minimizing pressure loss. A hose with too small a diameter for the system’s flow rate will result in high linear velocity, increased friction, turbulence, higher system pressure, and excessive heat.