Water contamination is one of the biggest problems that hydraulic systems face. Knowing how to deal with it is key for long-lasting hydraulic cylinders and systems. We’ll explore two types of filters — coalescing and polymeric filters.
You’ll learn how they can help extend the life of hydraulic systems. Plus, you’ll get practical tips and insights to avoid costly repairs.
Hydraulic Cylinders and Clean Oil
Hydraulic cylinders use fluid pressure and transfer it into useful linear force. The efficiency depends on a hydraulic system’s oil quality. Keeping this oil clean is vital for the system’s performance. Oil contaminated with water can lead to many issues. This affects everything from performance to the life of your hydraulic cylinders and system.
Impact of Water Contamination
Water contamination can cause serious problems in hydraulic systems:
- Corrosion: Water can cause rust and damage metal components
- Seal Damage: Excess moisture can degrade certain seals inside the hydraulic cylinders.
- Reduced Lubrication: water can displace oil, increasing friction and leading to premature wear.
- Fluid Breakdown: Water accelerates the degradation of hydraulic oils, affecting viscosity and performance.
- Microbial Growth: Moist environments promote microbial growth. This can lead to sludge formation.
Effective Filters
We will cover two types of filters: coalescing and polymetric.
Coalescing Filters
Coalescing filters collect free water from hydraulic oil. They work by using a dense fibre material. This material encourages tiny water droplets to merge into larger ones. When the droplets reach a certain size, they settle and can be drained away.
Benefits of Coalescing Filters:
- Effective Water Removal: These filters are great at catching free water. This makes them essential for maintaining hydraulic oil quality.
- Easy Maintenance: With regular check-ups, these filters can help maintain water removal effectiveness.
Polymeric Filters
Polymeric filters use chemicals that attract water to trap it. It pulls moisture from the hydraulic oil. These filters absorb water and securely hold it within the filter material.
Benefits of Polymeric Filters:
- Long-Lasting Water Management: They help with hydraulic oil moisture removal. performance.
- Cost Savings: Helps prevent damage and extend the life of hydraulic systems. These filters reduce long-term costs.
Note
It should be noted that coalescing or polymeric filters don’t remove dissolved water.
Regular Maintenance: A Must-Have
To keep hydraulic systems running smoothly, make maintenance routine. Check and change filters regularly. Additionally, testing the hydraulic oil is a recommended periodic task. This helps to identify issues before they escalate.
Conclusion
Water contamination can contribute to hydraulic cylinder failures. You should consider if coalescing and polymeric filters will significantly enhance your water removal strategy. Regular filter maintenance and personnel training are essential. You should consult a hydraulic systems technician for guidance on the setup that best suits your specific needs.
Hydraulic Cylinder Reseals & Repairs
Hydraulic cylinders should be inspected and resealed when the oil is found contaminated.
We specialise in servicing hydraulic cylinders for peak performance a maximum uptime.
Our services include:
- Reseals
- Repairs & Reman
- Manufacturing
Call us today on 07 3800 8721 and and get a FREE quote.
Written by The A1HE Team
Date: 10.03.2025
Sources: Donaldson Filtration, National Fluid Power Association
