Hydraulic fluid, also known as hydraulic oil, is consumable in the hydraulic system. It is the basic source of energy conversion. And it is easy to be contaminated if it is not well-maintained. Are you still hesitating whether your hydraulic fluid needs to be changed, or don’t know when to change it ? This article will give you a detailed explanation of the signs that indicate you should change the hydraulic fluid.
What is Hydraulic Fluid?
Hydraulic fluid is an incompressible liquid. It acts as a medium to transmit energy. The hydraulic motor rotates to let the oil enter the pump,greatly enhancing the pressure of it through overcoming various frictions. This process allows it to store enormous hydraulic energy. Then the fluid enters the actuator and pushes the rod to move. So the hydraulic energy can be transferred to mechanical energy.
What is the Function of Hydraulic Fluid?
Hydraulic fluid is an indispensable part of a hydraulic system. It has multiple functions in a system operation.
Transmission Power
The hydraulic fluid can store a large amount of hydraulic energy. The pressure and energy can flow through this liquid medium in a hydraulic system. Achieving the energy commission ultimately.
Control Temperature
Hydraulic fluid is a type of liquid. And it is circulating in the system; this process can take away heat from friction or collision between different components in the hydraulic system. Making your device operate at a more suitable temperature. Therefore, enhance its operational efficiency.
Lubrication
The fluid itself has a lubricating function. So this can reduce the use of lubricating oil in your hydraulic system. What’s more, this will decrease the friction between different components and thereby reduce potential contaminants in the fluid.
Sealing
Liquid has excellent sealing properties. And it can enhance the pressure buildup in a hydraulic system, enhancing the efficiency of energy conversion.
Causes of Hydraulic Fluid Degradation
Contamination
There are multiple causes that may result in your hydraulic fluid being contaminated. If the filter has failed or is damaged, the Impurities in the fluid can not be removed effectively. And if water or a different type of fluid is added, this will also contaminate the hydraulic fluid.
Temperature
Temperature is another important factor. Both too high and too low temperatures will degrade the hydraulic fluid. At high temperatures, the fluid viscosity will decrease, so its performance will decline. While at low temperatures, its viscosity will increase, decreasing its operational efficiency.
Signs that You Should Change The Hydraulic Fluid
When your hydraulic fluid exhibits these signs, that may mean you need to change it.
Performance degradation of the Hydraulic System
Slow Operation
If you find your equipment operates more slowly than in the former or normal situation, this may be because your hydraulic fluid is contaminated. It will slow down the actuator’s movement. So the whole equipment operation will also become slow.
Decreased Load Capacity
If you find that your equipment can no longer carry the same heavy load as before under the same circumstances, you may need to change the hydraulic fluid. The degradation of the fluid will enhance the friction consumption, so the energy conversion efficiency will decrease.
Abnormal Color of Hydraulic Fluid
The normal color of hydraulic fluid is usually transparent or slightly amber. If you find your fluid becomes cloudy, dull, or black, this is very likely because the fluid is contaminated or oxidized. The metal catalyst particles, excessive heat, air, and more, in the hydraulic fluid, will increase the fluid viscosity. So the friction will also increase, causing energy loss in the hydraulic system.
Overheat
The excessively high temperature of your hydraulic fluid also means you need to change it. Usually, overheating is caused by the friction or collision of components. So it indicates the fluid has contaminants, and its lubricating effect has diminished.
Noise
When you can hear an abnormal noise or a sharp sound during your equipment operation, you can consider whether the oil is the cause and change it. Both cavitation and friction will cause noise. What’s more, the collapse of cavitation bubbles will damage the components in the hydraulic system.
Pungent Odor
If the hydraulic fluid is overheated, the additive in the fluid will decompose, which will produce a pungent odor. Additionally, friction between various parts may also cause an abnormal odor. These symptom means you need to change the hydraulic fluid.
Fluid Level Decreased
A decreased fluid level indicates your hydraulic system has damaged seals or worn components. You need to check if there are impurities in your hydraulic fluid and change it in time. Most importantly, inspect the entire system for leaks to prevent more serious damage.
Risk of Not Replacing
If you find these signs in your hydraulic system and do not take action, this will cause some more severe negative impacts for your equipment.
Construction
Impurities in hydraulic fluid will clog the filter, and the flow of oil slows down. The hydraulic energy stored in the fluid will decrease, so the energy conversion efficiency will also decrease. What’s more, if the fluid can not flow through, the hydraulic motor may idle. This could result in equipment damage and downtime.
Accelerated Wear
If you don’t change the contaminated hydraulic fluid, the friction will continue to exist. As usage increases, more impurities will accumulate in the fluid, causing greater wear on components.
Degraded Equipment Performance
Oxidized or contaminated hydraulic fluid will change its original chemical properties, decreasing your equipment’s performance.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hydraulic fluid is the key to the stability and efficiency of your equipment. The deterioration of oil is an unavoidable problem. Knowing the sign that indicates you should change your hydraulic fluid is very important. This can improve the operational efficiency and reduce unplanned downtime or damage to your equipment.
If you still don’t know whether you should change your fluid or have any other questions about hydraulic fluid, feel free to contact Target Hydraulics.
