Cleaner hydraulics work more effectively
The quality of oil used in marine applications such as cranes, winches and hoists is rarely monitored effectively.
The quality of the hydraulic oil used in marine cranes, hoists and winches is rarely monitored effectively, with occasional oil changes being seen as the easiest, but not necessarily cheapest, solution, says the Hydraulic Filter Division of motion and control technology specialists Parker Hannifin.
For example, the latest generation of compact online detectors use laser technology to identify particulate contamination and the presence of moisture. Once installed, these devices continuously monitor the cleanliness of the hydraulic oil, providing warnings of low, medium or high contamination levels through simple onboard LED indicators or via links to remote control systems.
Devices such as Parker’s icountPD particle detector, are small, robust and simple to fit during routine maintenance work. They allow vessel operators to predict the exact point in time when hydraulic fluids will need replacing. This is often long after the recommended service interval, making it possible to prolong the operating life of oils.
It enables marine engineers to ensure that the health, and therefore the operating efficiency of hydraulically operated systems is maintained at optimum levels. Similarly, by detecting increasing levels of contamination at an early stage it is possible to investigate the causes and take remedial action long before a problem or possible system failure occurs.
The latest filters have been designed to remove extremely low levels of particulate and moisture contamination, while maintaining high flow rates with a long operating life, so are capable of delivering levels of performance compatible with the highly accurate detection capabilities of modern online monitoring devices.
Regardless, however, of the performance capabilities of modern filters it is important to remember that they will still require replacement. Indeed, in some applications, with high levels of contamination it may be appropriate to replace filters more frequently than normal, until the source of contamination has been identified and removed.
Bear in mind that the efficiency and removal rates of even partially loaded filters can have a considerable effect on the circulation of hydraulic oils, reducing flow rates and requiring more energy to pump the fluid around the system. Once the filter loading reaches saturation point its efficiency declines rapidly, requiring immediate replacement.
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