The main function of any hydraulic oil is to transmit power to the hydraulic system without causing any hindrance. Even though it is an energy transfer medium, quality hydraulic oil can serve much more! Overall, its significant purpose is to transfer heat, remove contamination from the engine parts, sealing, and lubrication.
However, gradually after repeated use, the hydraulic fluid in your tools degrades and becomes less effective. Don’t worry, this is a normal process and happens for a few reasons. Let’s discuss all the potential reasons and solutions in the following lines.
Types of Hydraulic Oil Contamination You Need To Know
If the hydraulic system experiences more pressure the oil will compress and demean their quality. But, speaking facts, one of the most common reasons is because of the contamination. Therefore, if you ignore all the warning signs and don’t replace the hydraulic oil when necessary, the performance of your equipment will be affected. The oil loses its capability to defend against friction and corrosion as well. So, what are the main reasons for hydraulic oil contamination?
1) Water
First of all, it’s always best to hire a professional to change the hydraulic fluid. Sometimes while replacing the oil by yourself, the water can enter the hydraulic system through carelessness while handling the oil, damaged seals, or condensation.
As you must know, oil and water don’t mix – common science! And, within a pressurised hydraulic system together they cause foam and cavitation. The water also leads to clogged filters, corrosion, and reduced lubrication.
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Aeration
Aeration happens when air gets into the system when sealing, fitting, or maintenance. The air getting trapped inside the system leads to cavitation that causes a spongy or very slow hydraulic response.
Hydraulic depends on the fact that it’s not possible to compress the fluids and a system that has air in it gets more elastic. Moreover, the oxidation from the air can increase the viscosity of the oil lead to sludge, deplete additives, and maximise the acidic content of the oil.
Other Causes of Oil Degradation
The above-mentioned points are the main reasons that can cause issues with the hydraulic system. But, you must stay aware of the other problems as well:
1. Cavitation
The rapid change in fluid pressure produces vapour bubbles causing cavitation and degrading the oil quality. The bubbles then collapse with each other and cause small vibrations and shock waves that disrupt the machine’s function. If this happens in a repeated process, the metal parts will get damaged.
2.Overheating
What can cause overheating? The constant movement of the two metal parts causes friction and overheats the engine as a whole. Therefore, when the hydraulic oil gets overheated it either includes restricted or excessive oil flow.
How To Understand The Right Time To Change The Hydraulic Oil?
If you are using a superior quality hand pump with the correct grade of oil, it will likely be an amber colour – no black or brown! The most common grades of hydraulic oil are 32, 46, and 68. Generally speaking, when the temperature is low in winter, it’s better to use 32 and 46 hydraulic oil with a lower viscosity. And, it’s necessary to use 68 hydraulic oils with a higher viscosity in summer.
- If you are following this rule and still facing problems, it’s high time to look at the warning signs, including:
- It’s necessary to remove the oil when it’s dirty, sludgy, smelly and has turned black or brown.
- When you find the collected residue in the reservoir.
- Remove the oil, even if it’s foamy and milky. The oil has got contaminated with both air and water.
Bottom Line
Hopefully, you have understood that the best possible way to preserve or extend the life of hydraulic oil is to minimise contamination. You can achieve this by cleaning or taking extra care whenever you want to set up or connect your system. Still, if you are not confident enough, it’s better to contact a professional.