• Fluid cleanliness is critical in hydraulic and other systems where high fluid pressure and velocity are involved.  Excessive fluid particulate contamination is a major cause of failure of hydraulic pumps, motors, valves, pressure controls and fluid controls. Failure due to excessive particulate contamination is normally segregated into three areas:

  • Performance degradation
  • Intermittent failure
  • Catastrophic failure

   Particle Count measurements allow the user to monitor hydraulic system contamination levels on a scheduled basis.  Scheduled analysis of hydraulic fluid to include particle count is recommended by most equipment and hydraulic component manufacturers.

  CAUSE

  • Water contamination
  • Machining burrs
  • Filling techniques
  • Oil oxidation
  • Contaminated new oil
  • Worn wiper seals
  • System generated debris
  • Built in contamination
  • Defective breather

   EFFECT

  • Performance
  • Intermittent failure
  • Wear
  • Plugging
  • Leakage
  • Pressure overshoot
  • Momentary
  • System failure

   SOLUTION

  • Filter new oil
  • Change hydraulic fluid
  • Inspect/replace filters
  • Check particle sizes
  • System flushing at high pressure
  • Check air breather
  • Evaluate equipment vs. design
  • Evaluate operating conditions
  • Evaluate for proper service techniques