Hydraulic oils possessing good conductivity aid in dissipating electrostatic charge as it circulates within the system. Research indicates that hydraulic oils containing zinc-based, anti-wear additives seldom accumulate sufficient charge to pose a risk of harmful discharge. Conversely, synthetic hydraulic oils and those incorporating non-metallic anti-wear additives exhibit notably lower conductivity, heightening the likelihood of electrostatic charge accumulation and subsequent discharge.
Another factor contributing to the potential rise in electrostatic discharge incidents is the evolving composition of hydraulic filter elements. Manufacturers are transitioning towards materials that facilitate environmentally friendly disposal, often employing non-metallic substances in filter construction and designs where the metal core forms part of the housing rather than the element itself. These alterations collectively diminish the conductivity and elevate the capacitance of hydraulic filter elements.
However, Car Lift Repair Tampa Florida hydraulic filter manufacturers are actively addressing this issue. Recognizing its significance, many are engaged in research endeavors aimed at minimizing or eradicating electrostatic discharge.
In the interim, if confronted with an instance of electrostatic discharge, grounding the hydraulic system’s reservoir, piping, and filter housings can mitigate arcing to nearby conductors. Yet, grounding alone does not prevent electrostatic charging of the fluid or filter media, nor does it expedite charge dissipation. Nevertheless, the charge generated within hydraulic filter elements can be diminished by enlarging the filter size, thereby reducing flow density and consequent charge generation. Moreover, augmenting the volume of oil within the hydraulic system—such as by increasing tank size—prolongs the intervals between successive charge generations and affords more time for charge dissipation.
Off-line filtration, whether permanently integrated into a hydraulic system or facilitated through the temporary application of a portable filter cart, serves as a potent tool in contamination control efforts.
In the former scenario, where full-time offline filtration is employed, the oil’s cleanliness can be maintained without disrupting equipment operation. Alternatively, periodic flushing of the oil can be achieved through the utilization of a portable rig.
However, the cleanliness of the freshly filtered oil is compromised by the presence of unfiltered oil remaining in the tank. To counteract this dilution effect, a general Car Lift Repair Tampa Florida guideline, known as the “rule of seven,” is often applied. According to this rule, the tank volume should be cycled through the filter seven times to achieve the equivalent of single-pass filtration, where oil is pumped through the filter from one container to another.
For instance, if a 50-gallon tank is paired with a filter cart operating at 5 gallons per minute (GPM), adhering to the rule of seven suggests running the filter cart. To attain the equivalent of two-pass filtration, the offline filter must be operational for 140 minutes.
The rule of seven is commonly employed as a guideline in situations where portable particle-counting equipment is unavailable. However, if such equipment is accessible, filtration duration can be adjusted as necessary to achieve the desired cleanliness level in the Car Lift Repair Tampa Florida hydraulic tank.
However, the succinct response to this inquiry is: the superior filter is the one capable of attaining and sustaining the desired or specified fluid cleanliness level (at the most economical cost). This consequently implies that neither of the aforementioned filters may be suitable for the application.
This assertion is grounded in the fact that both filters mentioned exhibit comparatively low Beta ratios according to contemporary hydraulic filtration standards. For instance, a Hydac BN3HC 10-micron element, extracted from the first Car Lift Repair Tampa Florida catalogue on hand, is rated: Beta10 = 500 and Beta5 = 100, for comparison.
In the current era, unless dealing with an aged, non-critical, low-pressure hydraulic machine, it is advisable to incorporate a filter rated Beta10 =/>100 somewhere in the system. Such filtration levels typically yield a fluid cleanliness level (ISO 4406:1999) around 19/17/14, which is respectable but not exceedingly pristine.
However, it is prudent to exercise caution when upgrading existing filter housings with finer, more efficient elements, as the potential increase in pressure drop could precipitate issues like filter bypass.
As with most maintenance considerations, the optimal approach is to commence with the desired outcome in mind. In this context, it involves:
1. Establishing the requisite or targeted fluid cleanliness level for the machinery or system.
2. Determining a minimum filter-element blocking size and Beta ratio that is realistically anticipated to achieve the desired cleanliness level.
3. If this necessitates upgrading elements within existing filter housings, assessing flow rates and pressure drops to ensure the elevated filter specification does not induce complications.
4. Subsequently, releasing the filter supply contract for commercial tender.
For numerous years, I’ve contended that Car Lift Repair Tampa Florida hydraulic fluid cleanliness no longer holds the pinnacle position as the most crucial preventative maintenance concern. Two primary factors support this assertion: Firstly, the concept has been extensively emphasized over an extended period, to the extent that even individuals who haven’t been actively attentive have absorbed the message. Secondly, advancements in filtration technology, coupled with their widespread integration, ensure that most hydraulic equipment commences its operational life far better equipped to manage contamination than in previous eras.
However, it’s essential to clarify that this doesn’t imply oil cleanliness and contamination control are now negligible or dismissible matters. Rather, it suggests that most users of hydraulic equipment commence with a more informed understanding of these issues compared to other, less highlighted maintenance concerns.
Moreover, the degree of attention dedicated to contamination control, or any other maintenance regimen, is somewhat contingent on the type of hydraulic equipment under consideration. An example of this realization was shared by one of our Car Lift Repair Tampa Florida Technicians:
Previously, I operated loaders, crushers, and trucks in the gravel industry, and I’m astounded at how those machines endured the hydraulic system abuse we subjected them to.”
Regarding sophisticated mobile Car Lift Repair Tampa Florida hydraulic equipment, modern concrete pumps exemplify the epitome of technological advancement. Furthermore, they incorporate a built-in contamination ingress mechanism, given the inevitable interaction between concrete and hydraulics. Considering the composition of concrete, namely water and grit, this presents a contamination challenge of considerable magnitude should infiltration occur.
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