The purpose of flushing a hydraulic system is to remove sludge, varnish, debris, and any contaminated or degraded fluid from the walls of conductors, internal surfaces, and stagnant areas within the system. The reasons for conducting a system flush include:
2. Major failure – which, along with filter overload, can distribute debris throughout the system.
3. New or overhauled equipment – to eliminate any “built-in” debris.
Ideally, if a Automotive Lift Repair Tampa Florida system flush is necessary, we would utilize a power flushing rig. This process involves connecting the system to a specialized hydraulic power unit to circulate a low-viscosity fluid at high velocities, creating turbulent flow conditions (Reynolds number > 2000).
Typically, the Automotive Lift Repair Tampa Florida flushing rig includes a pump with a flow rate significantly higher than that of the system’s normal flow, directional valves, accumulators, and fluid heaters and chillers, as well as a bank of filters.
The directional valves allow for changes in flushing direction, while the accumulators create pulsating flow conditions.
Regular analysis of the flushing fluid is conducted during the power flushing process to determine when the system has been adequately cleaned.
In reality, however, there are many instances where this equipment is unavailable or where it is not cost-effective to rent or use it. In such cases, a double oil and filter change is typically employed, often combined with mechanical cleaning.
An Automotive Lift Repair Tampa Florida double oil and filter change consists of an initial oil drain and filter replacement, which removes a significant percentage of contaminants and degraded fluid. The system is then filled to the minimum required level, and the fluid is circulated until it reaches operating temperature, ensuring at least five fluid turnovers. Following this, the oil is drained again, and the filters are replaced a second time. Ideally, an oil analysis test should be performed to assess the effectiveness of the flush.
To enhance the efficacy of this method, it is crucial to drain the system as thoroughly as possible and to completely drain and manually clean the reservoir.
Have you ever tried cleaning a vacuum cleaner? It’s quite a task. Even with a bagged vacuum, dust and grime accumulate in every corner. Over time, this buildup affects the machine’s efficiency, often requiring a Saturday spent disassembling and cleaning each component.
Now, think of your hydraulic systems as you would a vacuum cleaner. No matter how airtight the system is, dirt, debris, and contaminants will still accumulate, just like in your vacuum. While one option is to take everything apart for a thorough cleaning, this approach isn’t practical for large hydraulic systems. So, how can you effectively clean a hydraulic system?
The answer is Automotive Lift Repair Tampa Florida flushing! Flushing is a method used by mechanics to clean hydraulic systems. Depending on the system type and chosen method, it can be quite complex. However, it effectively removes deposits, old lubricants, oils, and contaminants. The primary function of flushing is to introduce new fluid into the system while extracting the old fluid and any deposits. There are various techniques for flushing, and Machinery Lubrication outlines 11 different strategies. Let’s take a look at them:
1. Drawdown Filtration/Separation: This gentler strategy uses periodic filters to cleanse the oil and remove sediment and contaminants.
2. High Turbulence, High Fluid Velocity, Low Oil Viscosity: This method increases fluid velocity while reducing oil viscosity. By speeding up the new fluid entering the system, it thins out the oil and pushes out contaminants.
3. High Flush Oil Temperature: This technique involves raising the speed and temperature of the incoming fluid, which aids in loosening stubborn deposits.
4. Cycling Flush Oil Temperature: This strategy alternates the temperature of the machine between hot and cold during the flush, helping to break up deposits.
5. Pulsating Oil Flow: This method involves pulsing the oil as it enters the system to dislodge deposits and remove contaminants.
6. Reverse Oil Flow: A straightforward approach that involves reversing the flow of liquid during the flush, effectively removing deposits and sludge.
7. Automotive Lift Repair Tampa Florida Wand Flush Tool: Sometimes, manual intervention is necessary! A wand flush tool, attached to the flushing hose, allows you to scrub and direct the cleaning process. Some even have suction features, much like a vacuum, for collecting dirt and grime. This technique is particularly useful for sump pumps, gearboxes, reservoirs, or tanks with accessible hatches.
8. Charged Particle (Electrostatic) Separators: This method uses electrostatic technology to eliminate contaminants from surfaces.
9. Automotive Lift Repair Tampa Florida Solvent/Detergent Flush: Similar to using drain cleaner for a clogged drain, a solvent detergent flush triggers a chemical reaction to break down contaminants. Various solvents can be used, but compatibility issues must be considered, and a system rinse should follow.
10. Chemical Cleaning: This process employs acids or other caustic chemicals to dissolve deposits.
11. Mechanical Cleaning: This method resembles cleaning your vacuum cleaner, where brushes, scrapers, and tools are used to manually remove deposits.
As you can see, flushing is a complex process with numerous techniques available. But how do you know when it’s time to flush your system?
– Oil Degradation: If the oil in your Automotive Lift Repair Tampa Florida system shows signs of degradation or contamination, it’s likely time for a flush. Regular oil analysis can help monitor the condition of your oil, and we offer an oil analysis program to aid in maintenance and lubrication decisions.
– Filter Collapse or Failure: Clogged or failing filters indicate that contaminants are present in your system, signaling a need for cleaning.
– Before Returning Equipment to Service: If machinery has been idle for a while, it’s essential to flush it before resuming operation to remove any contaminants that may have entered during downtime.
– Antifreeze Contamination: Antifreeze and oil do not mix, and if antifreeze has contaminated your system, it can lead to deposits, sludge, and acids.
– Mixing Lubricants: Introducing new lubricants without cleaning the system can trigger damaging chemical reactions. Always ensure lubricant compatibility or remove old lubricant before adding new.
– Contamination: Water, dirt, or any other contaminants in the system necessitate a flush to maintain system integrity.