The hydraulic system is made up of a line of several elements, namely: pumps, motors, directional valves, filters, pipes, pressure limiters and a reservoir.
Among all the elements that make up this system, the elements that are hydraulic filtering stand out in their importance similar to elements that have a higher cost.
This is because fluid contamination is responsible for approximately 80% of failures in hydraulic system components, which directly influence engine performance and can cause permanent damage to high value-added parts.
The most common defects that can occur due to failures in the hydraulic system are:
Breaking of bombs;
Locking of valves;
Valve wear;
Switching delay;
Movement imprecision;
Variation of viscosity;
Premature aging of fluids;
Appearance of grooves and scratches;
And still other risks that can arise. Not only financial damage, but risk to drivers’ health.
Within the hydraulic system there is a constant need for filtration to eliminate as much of the existing harmful substances as possible. This need exists because particles larger than 5 µ can already generate serious problems for the engine.
All this contamination can occur in various situations such as: assembly, new oil filling, repairs and repairs, leaks, unsealed cylinders and many other causes. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to filter and fluid changes and never change only the fluid.
TYPES OF FILTERS FOR HYDRAULIC FILTERING
There is a classification with 4 types of filters for hydraulic filtration, and their dimension will depend on pressure, flow, working temperature, type of fluid and degree of contamination.
Thus, the lack of a filtration that is efficient, has a wrong dimension or contains a poor quality element can, directly, compromise the entire balance between the useful life of the filter elements, and the performance in retaining the particles that compromise the system.
SUCTION FILTER
Suction filters are located in front of the pump inlet connection and protect the pump from fluid contamination.
PRESSURE FILTER
They filter oils that are under pressure internally, before it is used by the system. Thus protecting all components that are sensitive by filtering.
RETURN FILTER
These filters have as main objective to remove contamination generated by equipment components and also external contaminants.
In most parts of the system, this is the last component that the fluid passes through before entering the reservoir. And these filters, along with pressure filters, can be found in pairs.
In this specific case, hydraulic filtration is carried out continuously. And there is when an element needs some maintenance, putting the duplex valve into action. And thus diverting all the flow to the opposite filter chamber.
OFFLINE FILTER
These filters work in a circuit independent of the main hydraulic system of some equipment. And they include components such as: the electric motor, filter, pump and connection system.
They work on a continuous cycle, and their fluid is pumped out of the reservoir through this filter. Returning to him later.
Therefore, it is important that you pay attention to all the details of acquisition and dimensioning of the elements that are filtering. As well as its proper performance within each hydraulic system.
The use of hydraulic filtration elements provides a high performance for your equipment. Which can create a much longer operating life, lower all your overhead costs, and increase the productivity of your entire operation.