TT Hydraulic System Care and Maintenance
TT Hydraulic System Care and Maintenance
TT Hydraulic System Care and Maintenance
system especially for NC machines. Keep an Oil Analysis Program OEMs generally specify that system hydraulic oil be drained annually. However, with an effective oil analysis program, you can safely increase that interval while at the same time provide yourself with an early warning of possible mechanical problems. At minimum, check your critical and large volume hydraulic systems at least annually by oil analysis. Semi-annual or even quarterly sampling intervals may be required for extremely critical machines. Consult your ExxonMobil lubrication engineer and machine OEM for the best sampling interval and the parameters you should be testing. Also, please refer to our Technical Information Sheet titled Oil Analysis The Basics for a more in-depth discussion on this topic.
gargling marbles. 7. Listen to the pump for the signs of cavitation. Cavitation is slightly more complicated than aeration, but bares some similarities. Cavitation occurs when air is released from the hydraulic oil during momentary depressurization at the pump suction and then imploded onto metal surfaces upon discharge. These implosions are extremely destructive to pump surfaces. A cavitating pump will emit a high-pitched whine or scream. Causes of cavitation are the same as those of aeration with the exception of suction side air leaks. How do you discern aeration from cavitation? One way is to install a vacuum gage on the suction side and make sure the pressure is equal too or greater than that prescribed by the pump manufacturer. Foaming in the reservoir is usually the telltale sign of aeration. 8. Inspect a small sample of fluid for color, signs of contamination and odor. Keep in mind that visual inspection is limited in that it will only detect signs of excess contamination. 9. Scan electrically controlled servo valves with an infrared thermometer. High valve and solenoid temperatures (over 150F) usually indicate the valve is sticking. 10. Scan the electric drive motor with for housing hot spots and rotor bearing temperatures using an infrared thermometer. Fluid Change-Out Recommendations These are the proper steps to follow when changing the hydraulic fluid in a system. 1. **Drain the system while the fluid is hot to keep contaminants in suspension. 2. Empty fluid from cylinders, accumulators and lines that might not drain properly. 3. Mop, siphon, or pump out oil left in the reservoir. 4. Wipe reservoir clean with lint free rags and remove rust and free paint. 5. Replace or clean filter elements and strainers and clean filter housings. 6. Refill the system with new fluid making sure to vent high points. 7. Restart and check system for proper operation. **For systems that exhibit high deposit, sludge and/or varnish formation: a petroleum based cleaner (such as Mobil System Cleaner) may be required. Follow manufacturers recommendations.
Safety Precautions
Hydraulic systems operate under very high pressures. Shut the system down and relieve system pressure before opening any part of the system that is under pressure. Do not allow spray from any high pressure leak to contact any part of the body, as serious injection injuries may result. Pumps, valves and motor may become hot; be cautious of incidental contact between bare skin and hot surfaces. Keep hands and clothing away from moving parts of the system.
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