INDUSTRIAL HYDRAULICS 01 The analysis data is read off directly on the screen Particle analysis is an important preventative maintenance method. Stauff is now launching the third generation of its particle counter, which can be regularly used to very precisely measure the degree of contamination of hydraulic fluids. Hydraulic systems are efficiently monitored to maximise the operating times of mobile and stationary systems. In doing so, manufacturers‘ specifications, documentation requirements, and standards are met with minimal effort in practice. Hydraulic systems are sensitive to contamination. Even microscopically small solid particles act like abrasives and can cause abrasion and mechanical wear on the surfaces of components and parts, like pumps, valves and cylinders, when fluids flow through them. Especially at high operating pressures and speeds micro-cracks and wells can occur on metal surfaces or their coatings. Abrasion creates new particles, producing a self-reinforcing cycle. Moisture and acidic impurities, the formation of which is accelerated by metal particles in the hydraulic oil, lead to corrosion on metallic components. In the worst case scenario, this then initiates further chemical processes, such as the removal of additives in the hydraulic oil, which can cause the oil to “age” prematurely, thereby losing its compressibility. PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE THROUGH PARTICLE ANALYSIS The cost of an oil change far exceeds the price of the hydraulic oil: the machines need to be taken out of service, and the used oil must be pumped out, and properly disposed of. The entire system is cleaned and maintained. This includes checking and, if necessary, replacing joints and seals. More severe than an oil change is the possible damage to components, seals and components that may have already occurred. This damage can affect operational safety, efficiency and, last but not least, the service life of a hydraulic system. Regular measurements offer the benefit that any contamination can be detected in good time, and filter concepts can also be checked and individually adapted to the respective operating conditions, e.g. dirt and dust in the working environment. The oil purity class to be achieved is an important criterion for selection of the appropriate filtration. Many manufacturers of mobile or stationary hydraulic systems define the oil purity class and the test cycles to be adhered to in their warranty and maintenance conditions. Users then have an obligation to document this. If they are unable to prove that checks have been carried out in accordance with the contracts they have concluded, they may lose their warranty claims in the event of damage. THE MOBILE LABORATORY – 3RD-GENERATION PARTICLE MEASURING UNIT The main task of particle measuring units is to determine the number and size of the solid particles in the hydraulic fluid. Quantitative determination of the different sizes and concentration of particles enables operators to reliably assess the degree of contamination. These measurements are classified according to international standards to ensure the uniform evaluation of the fluid unit. Stauff has now introduced the third generation of its portable particle counter, the LasPaC-3-P, for all mineral oils and petroleum-based fluids. The range also includes units that are compatible with phosphate esters and water-glycol mixtures. Like its two predecessors, the new model works on the light-blocking principle, using LED technology instead of laser technology. The principle is always the same: when a particle in the oil passes through the light beam, the amount of light that hits the photodiode decreases. The degree of contamination can be reliably determined as this change is directly proportional to the particle size. The purity classes are evaluated according to different standards (e.g. ISO 4406, NAS 1638, AS4059/ISO11218, BGT14039, GJB420B etc.) The latest generation is optionally available with a water-in-oil sensor with integrated temperature measurement, so that the “relative humidity” variable in the hydraulic oil can also be mapped. THE DEGREE OF CONTAMINATION IS DETERMINED USING THE LIGHT-BLOCKING PRINCIPLE www.oup-fluidtechnik.de O+P Fluidtechnik Report 2024
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