Clean oil for productive machines - STAUFF Desiccant Breather in the fluid magazine

Spektrum Left: The key feature of the particularly robust and sturdy SDB series is a central stainless steel tube. Centre: The compact SDBL series was developed for sta- tionary systems in construction or agricultural machin- ery. An inner stain- less steel tube is not required here. Right: The SDB flag- ship shows its strength in mobile hydraulics where large gearboxes and motors generate strong vibrations. Images: Stauff The desiccant element, however, is seated in a cover that cannot be removed and therefore not replaced. The model SDVB is designed for low strain or for simple appli- cations. It can be replaced as a whole even by untrained personnel. Absorbing moisture and avoiding damage What damage can moist air in the hydraulic system cause? If air enters into the hydraulic reservoir and cools down, its inherent moisture will condense on the surface of the reservoir. This can occur even at low temperature diffe- rences. The corrosion releases particles that contaminate the hydraulic oil and damage components in the system through abrasion. This is compounded by hydrolysis, which also changes the consistency of the hydraulic oil itself: The oil ages more quickly and loses compressibility. Another unfavourable effect is that elastomers – which is what the seals in the system are made of – can swell when they come into contact with oil that contains water. This results in leaks in the system. In short: If hydraulic oil comes into contact with water, it has to be changed more frequently. The costs of an oil change go far beyond the price of the hydraulic oil: The machines have to be shut down, and the used oil has to be removed and disposed of prop- erly. The complete system is cleaned and serviced, which includes checking the fasteners and seals and replacing them if necessary. To make best possible use of the service life of the hydraulic oil as stated by the manu- facturer and to avoid any additional expenditures, the opening of the hydraulic reservoir should be equipped with a desiccant air breather. This allows users – or their service providers – to substantially reduce the level of maintenance work while resting assured that the “breath- ing” has no negative impact on the availability of the mobile machine. rso ■ fluid · 06 2022 11