Oil plays an integral role inhydraulic systems. It generates enormous power that handles most of the work.
Whether you are operating a hydraulic power pack, forklift, or any other accessory, hydraulic oil plays an integral role in getting the work done.
But, do you know hydraulic oil also gets hot? Well, it does and this can be disastrous if not regulated.
That is where hydraulic coolers come in.
A hydraulic oil cooler is a special equipment designed to maintain your hydraulic system oildesirable temperatures. That is, they cool hydraulic oil.
Under normal circumstances, whenever you use a hydraulic system, the oil will tend to get hot. This may in return cause damage to the hydraulic system as a whole.
How to Choose Hydraulic Coolers
There are many hydraulic coolers available for use in hydraulic systems. Their configurations, design, and capacity make them suitable for specific tasks.
However, as you plan to invest in a new hydraulic oil cooling system, it is important to consider these 6 integral factors:
1. System Flexibility
A good cooling system should allow for a wide range of connection options. Whether you are considering a threaded or hose connection, it must fit into the existing systems.
Usually, most manufacturers have varying ways to ensure seamless flexibility. For instance, they may feature extruded shells and varying installation options.
2. Reliable Cooling System
In case your hydraulic oil overheats, you may end up buying the entire hydraulic system. At times, it may fail which may eventually cause accidents, especially for heavy equipment lifting.
For many years, oil coolers that feature shell and tube designs have proved to be reliable. Additionally, they should have a few moving parts to reduce the possibility of wear and tear.
Furthermore, other features such as a floating tube stack are critical. They are unique features that ensure controlled thermal expansion. In the end, there will be no excessive stress on your components.
3. Easy or Service and Maintenance
Even your hydraulic oil coolers require service and maintenance. Well, you should choose an equipment that is easy to service. This is an integral part of ensuring your hydraulic system functions optimally.
Remember, the servicing process may vary depending on your unique system. Always refer to the hydraulic oil cooler manufacturing manual.
In most cases, the maintenance process may involve:
- Removing screws that put the entire assembly together
- Changing seals
- Replacing tube systems and stack
With regular maintenance, your system can serve you for many years without any problems.
4. Evaluate the Performance of the System
When it comes to performance, it mainly depends on the design. As a rule of thumb, always go for systems made by reputable companies – Target Hydraulics can recommend the best product for this.
To improve performance, many manufacturers have very specific modifications which may not be limited to:
- Having a specific number of baffles
- Company design
- Using a specific number of tubes, etc.
But more importantly, the question should always be how efficiently hydraulic oil coolers maintainthe optimal temperature of your hydraulic fluid.
Additionally, this information should be available on the productdata-sheet.
5. Consider Material
As a critical assembly in a hydraulic system, choosing the right material is critical. For instance, tubes can be copper-nickel tubes (90/10), aluminum shells, and cast iron as additional material.
You need a system that is durable but can also improve heat transfer.
6. Additional Features
Other factors that can also improve the performance and reliability of hydraulic oil coolers include:
- Leakage detection
- Wide duty ranges which may be from 3kW to 750kW
- Working pressure for hydraulic oil which can range from 20 to 30 bar
- Water pressure which can be 10 bar
Remember, as a cooling system, we have both the oil circuit and the water circuit.
Conclusion
A hydraulic oil cooler is an essential equipment that helps your hydraulic system function optimally. By regulating hydraulic oil pressure, it prevents possible damage and increases the lifespan of your hydraulic system.
At Target Hydraulics, we will help you choose a perfect system for your hydraulic equipment.
