Components of a Hydraulic System

A hydraulic system consists of various components designed to maintain fluid pressure, ensure cleanliness, and direct flow effectively. Here’s a summary of these components:

Reservoir Tank  

The hydraulic tank serves as a reservoir for holding fluid and is directly connected to the pump. It allows air bubbles to escape and contaminants to settle while providing a cooling effect when the oil is not circulating. A vented filter cap manages airflow, and a filter or strainer prevents contaminants from entering the hydraulic fluid.

Pump and Engine  

The Automotive Lift Repair Tampa Florida hydraulic pump transports liquid from the reservoir tank throughout the system, powered by an engine. Pump designs usually include two-stage, PTO, or manual hydraulic options, while the engine can be gas, diesel, or electric, depending on power availability, required horsepower, and mounting preferences.

Pressure Gauges and Relief Valve  

As liquid circulates, gauges can be placed throughout the system to monitor pressure levels. Additionally, a relief valve regulates the fluid pressure that operates the hydraulic cylinder, returning excess fluid to the reservoir tank. This mechanism helps prevent pressure build-up and potential equipment damage.

Valve Assembly  

TheAutomotive Lift Repair Tampa Florida hydraulic valve assembly manages the direction, pressure, and flow rate of fluid within a hydraulic circuit. It controls motor speeds and cylinder movements, with directional control valves being the most common, directing fluid from the pump to the cylinders and other system components.

Cylinder  

A Automotive Lift Repair Tampa Florida hydraulic cylinder acts as an actuator that transforms hydraulic energy into linear movement, making it essential for performing tasks with mobile equipment. These cylinders can lift, push, pull, and press loads that require significant force.

Motor  

Similar to cylinders, motors are actuators that convert hydraulic pressure and flow into movement, but they produce torque and angular displacement (rotation) instead of linear motion. The pressure and displacement of a motor determine the torque generated, while the flow amount influences the speed.

Flow Control Valve  

The Automotive Lift Repair Tampa Florida flow control valve regulates the flow rate to motors and cylinders, thus controlling the speed of these components.

Fluid Cooler  

This unit dissipates excess heat generated by the hydraulic fluid, maintaining temperature within a specific range before the fluid returns to the reservoir. Proper cooling is essential to prevent overheating, which can damage components and extend the lifespan of hydraulic fluid.

Heat, air contamination, and water contamination are the primary culprits behind poor hydraulic performance. The hydraulic pump is the core of the system and is also the most costly component to replace. When the pump starts to wear down, it can introduce debris into the system, leading to downstream complications.

Excessive heat can thin the fluid, impairing lubrication and potentially leading to pump leaks, which reduces both pump efficiency and overall system performance. As temperatures continue to rise, the fluid can oxidize (vaporize), thickening it and resulting in varnish and deposits.

Fluid thickening further hinders cooling and lubrication capabilities and may lead to deposit formation on components, restricting fluid flow.

Air Contamination  

Noise in the hydraulic system often indicates that air has entered, resulting in aeration or cavitation. Aeration occurs when air bubbles contaminate the fluid, creating banging or knocking noises due to the compression and decompression of air as it travels through the system.

Air contamination can also lead to wear from the implosion of air bubbles under high system pressure. Erratic actuator movement is frequently a result of aeration. When air is compressed, it raises the temperature, which degrades the hydraulic fluid and overheats seals. Additionally, the lack of lubrication caused by air can further damage components.

Cavitation, characterized by fluid vapor or air cavities within the fluid that implode when compressed, also contributes to noise and erratic operation. This phenomenon damages components and introduces metal particles into the fluid, potentially resulting in mechanical failure in severe cases.

Water Contamination  

A hydraulic fluid with a milky appearance is a clear sign of water contamination. This can occur from condensation forming on the reservoir walls due to temperature fluctuations, such as warm days followed by cool nights.

Water contamination can corrode the Automotive Lift Repair Tampa Florida pump and other critical components, reducing their lifespan. It can also freeze, leading to a range of performance and wear-related issues. Regular fluid changes and draining water from the reservoir help mitigate water accumulation in the system.

 Addressing Common Hydraulic Problems

Maintaining the appropriate fluid level, employing proper filtration, and promptly repairing any leaks are essential first steps in combating excessive heat and contamination. Additionally, using high-quality hydraulic fluid is crucial.

Synthetic hydraulic oils provide outstanding protection in extreme temperatures and enhance efficiency. These oils also have improved resistance to oxidation due to heat exposure. Fluids containing oxidation inhibitors offer further heat resistance. Formulations with anti-wear additives help prevent wear on pumps and valves, providing extra protection under severe conditions. Finally, anti-foam additives facilitate the removal of air from the system.

 Dirt and Sediment Removal from Oil

Dirt contamination in reservoirs can lead to premature pump failure and critical component breakdown. Automotive Lift Repair Tampa Florida flushing service effectively targets and eliminates these contaminants, restoring the system’s fluid condition to the recommended ISO cleanliness level. We utilize on-site laser particle count fluid analysis equipment, enabling our technicians to continuously monitor the oil’s condition.

Our service truck is equipped with advanced moisture sensing technology, allowing us to detect and remove moisture levels approximately 80% lower than those found in standard virgin fluids. Maintaining moisture levels in oil below 100 ppm promotes longer bearing life and helps prevent oxidation within the fluid.

In cases where a heat exchanger ruptures and floods an oil system with water, draining and refilling the reservoir until the oil clarity returns can be costly. Some industrial experts estimate that it may take 5-6 drain and refill cycles to restore the system to a suitable condition. Our water removal service helps reduce the expenses associated with this process.

Automotive Lift Repair Tampa Florida on-site oil flushing service can be performed while the unit remains in operation. By continuing to operate the unit during the flushing process, we ensure that the entire system is thoroughly cleared of water and dirt contamination. This approach minimizes the risk of hidden contaminants residing in oil lines and other piping components.