Whenever you sense something unusual is happening with your hydraulic equipment, it is important to take the time to determine the underlying cause rather than proceeding to work as normal. By being proactive with your maintenance whenever you become aware of a potential problem, you can avoid significant costs in repairs further down the road.
Here are three of the most common symptoms of problems found in hydraulic parts in Minnesota and what their underlying causes usually are.
High temperatures of fluids
If fluid temperatures exceed 180 degrees Fahrenheit, you can quickly run into problems with damaged seals and faster fluid degradation. If you notice the temperature rising above that mark, you should stop the work, as continued operation could actually be detrimental to the job.
There are a number of potential causes for high fluid temperature. Anything that increases the heat load of the system or somehow diminishes its ability to dispel heat could elevate the overall temperature of the fluid. Hydraulic systems dispel heat through their reservoirs, which means you should regularly maintain and check the fluid level in the reservoir, ensuring it is constantly at the proper level.
Air can also generate heat when compressed. Therefore, aeration enhances the amount of heat in the hydraulic system. If vapor cavities are forming in the fluid, they are getting regularly compressed and heated, which can increase the overall fluid level.
Finally, high fluid temperatures could be caused by core blockage. Regularly check the heat exchanger to make sure everything is flowing as it should be.
Unusual noises
Strange noises are a warning sign for any piece of equipment, and hydraulic systems are no exception. Most of the time, these strange noises are caused by cavitation or aeration. Aeration happens when air seeps into the hydraulic fluid and contaminates it. Contaminated fluid makes a loud clanging and banging noise as the air in it is compressed and then decompressed.
One of the most common causes of aeration (which in turn leads to these noises) is too much air seeping through intake lines. You should regularly check the condition of these lines and keep all fittings and clamps as secure as possible.
Equipment operating slowly
Usually slowing performance is one of the first signs that there is something wrong with hydraulic equipment. Cycle times could become longer, operation could become slower and your productivity will be negatively affected. Usually a loss of speed indicates that there is something inhibiting flow throughout the system.
Flow can seep out through hydraulic circuits in leakages. External leakages are typically easy to find, as they are often located at burst hoses. Internal leakages, however, can be very difficult to pinpoint, as they tend to be in the pump, actuators or valves.
This is a very cursory overview of these three symptoms and their causes, so if you experience any of these problems with your hydraulic parts in Minnesota, you should reach out to the trained specialists at M & M Hydraulic Company for more detailed information and assistance.
A failing hydraulic isn’t easy to spot unless you know what you’re looking for. It’s not a visual problem, like structural damage—that’s a problem right out in the open for anyone to see! In fact, you might not even know you need hydraulic repair in Minnesota until it’s too late and you need complete hydraulic pump replacement. However, if you know what to look for, you may even be able to solve some problems yourself.
Incorrect installation
If you installed your hydraulic pump yourself, there’s a high probability that you installed it incorrectly. On the other hand, maybe someone else installed it for you but still did it wrong. Regardless, if the pump isn’t installed correctly, your pump won’t work from day one.
Incorrect installation can create a myriad of problems stemming from external loads on the pump. The pump should attach to its pipes without force and clear all components in any operation. After installation, there are many parts of the pump that need to be maintained regularly in order to ensure your pump works correctly at all times.
Lack of oil
A hydraulic pump without enough oil won’t work at all. Of course, the same goes for any type of engine or motor. Just as you maintain the correct level of oil in your car, you must be sure to keep the oil at the correct level in your hydraulic pump.
Lack of oil can be caused by an uncovered reservoir or an air leak in the suction line. If the reservoir isn’t covered, oil will spill out and if there’s an air leak in the suction line, oil won’t be able to flow. Luckily, a lack of oil usually won’t harm the bearings too badly if the problem is detected early.
Aeration or cavitation
Both aeration and cavitation happen when oil is either filled with air or vapor. While they’re two different problems, you can identify both of them by a noisy and/or jerky pump. Again, both problems have the same effect. Aeration and cavitation cause erosion of pressure plates and the pump housing. Aeration is caused by air bubbles leaking into the oil. This air usually comes from a small suction leak. If pump suction is restricted, you’re in danger of experiencing cavitation. This is caused by the creation and collapse of oil vapor. Hydraulic repair in Minnesota is necessary immediately if you can diagnose either of these problems.
Particle issues
Obviously having any foreign parts get into your pump will cause some issues. Improper system flushing after a previous repair can cause very small metal particles to scratch the pressure plates.
The most common reason for hydraulic pump failure is very small particles entering your system. Particles like dust can easily get in through worn seals. However, you can prevent this by keeping the area around your pump tidy and cleaning the tank caps, funnels and filter neck before opening the tank.
These are just some of the examples of reasons your hydraulic pump might fail. If you think you’ve encountered any of these problems, contact us at 651-635-9419.
As hydraulic repair specialists, we commonly see many repair jobs that could have been avoided simply by people better maintaining their systems or avoiding certain elementary mistakes that cause unnecessary damage. These mistakes occur quite frequently, but if you are able to avoid them, you can save yourself a significant amount of money and hassle that you would otherwise have to deal with in repairs.
Here are a few of the most common mistakes that make it necessary to obtain hydraulic repair in Minnesota:
Changing oil: You only need to change the oil in a hydraulic system in two situations: when the base oil has been substantially degraded, or when the additive package has depleted. Otherwise, changing the hydraulic oil like you would change the oil in a car simply due to amount of service can actually cause some significant damage to the system. Aside from that, with as expensive as hydraulic oil can be, you should only really change it when it becomes absolutely necessary if you want to avoid high costs.
Changing filters: Again, if you compare hydraulic system maintenance to standard car maintenance, it might seem hard to believe that you should actually avoid changing filters. However, you should only change the filter as soon as the capacity for dirt particles is completely used up. Otherwise, if you do it sooner, you’re simply throwing away money on unnecessary filter switches.
Placing filters in the wrong location: Believe it or not, this is a common problem among people who use hydraulic equipment. There are two specific spots where you should avoid putting filters: the drain lines from piston pump and motor housings, and the pump inlet. While it might seem strange to not protect the pump especially with a filter, keep in mind that pumps take their oil from a dedicated reservoir that is fully protected from outside debris. Unless you are letting debris get into that reservoir, there is nothing to worry about.
Letting the system run too hot: If a hydraulic system gets too hot (for example, fluid temperatures reaching 180 degrees Fahrenheit or more), you run the risk of losing lubrication and damaging various parts of the system. Many people simply soldier on through high temperatures to get their job done, but you should absolutely avoid running the system too hot if at all possible.
Not understanding a hydraulic system: Simply put, if you are going to be regularly using hydraulic equipment, you need to educate yourself in how it works. This education will give you everything you need to know about maintenance, parts and more. Knowledge of the overall system is your best defense against any of these common hydraulic equipment mistakes.
At M & M Hydraulic Company, our goal is to keep your equipment running in great condition for many years to come. For more information about our services and hydraulic repair in Minnesota, reach out to us today and we will be happy to answer any questions you have.
There are few camps as divided as those debating fluid power. For some, hydraulics are the clear answer; for others, there’s no surpassing pneumatics. And though both systems have the same principle mechanisms that empower them in their applications, there are a myriad of differences that allow them to be so debated by engineers and physicists. So, the question persists: air or liquid?
The answer to this largely debated question comes down to the application of fluid power—or, more specifically, which system is going to lend its inherent benefits best to the desired application. Let’s break down the benefits of both hydraulic and pneumatic parts in Minnesota:
Hydraulic benefits
Perhaps the largest argument of those in the hydraulic camp is the fact that hydraulic power systems do not siphon supplied energy in their execution and, in fact, are able to operate at much higher compressions than pneumatics due to the incompressibility of fluid. This makes hydraulics suitable for high capacity industrial applications.
Also touted as a major benefit of hydraulics is a hydraulic system’s ability to function dynamically—these systems can provide power transmission while simultaneously self-lubricating and cooling. Pneumatics rely on multi-stage operation to accomplish this same cycle, awarding hydraulics the win for efficiency in this debate.
Pneumatic benefits
The biggest positive of pneumatics is their quick, clean operation. Air offers superior agility over liquid when it comes to flow rates, thereby allowing pneumatic cylinders to compress and decompress at a quicker rate than hydraulics. And, with a low oppositional force due to the minimal density of air, less initial energy is required to operate pneumatics.
Pneumatics are also incredibly reactive. When a load changes or lower operational force is required, pneumatics can quickly bleed air to adjust, where hydraulics will need to route fluid back to the reservoir in order to adjust. This also plays into the simplicity of pneumatics—a pneumatic system can easily be operated with a switch or button, since the regulation of the mechanism is built into its design.
The battle rages on
Despite having clear pros and cons, the debate between hydraulic and pneumatic parts in Minnesota will continue to rage on, simply because there are application considerations to be made. For example, in cleanrooms and sterile facilities, pneumatics may be preferred due to their safe, clean and reliable design. Conversely, in a setting like automotive manufacturing, hydraulic applications may be preferred as heavy components are dealt with.
Whatever the application, the system in place needs to be designed with unique needs in mind to achieve optimal results. Whether you value control, capacity, functionality or efficiency, it’s important to consider the needs of your fluid power process to ensure you’re making a choice that’s inclusive of the task at hand.
For more information about hydraulics and pneumatics or to inquire about which is going to be ideal for your application, consult with a professional at M & M Hydraulic Company today. We’re happy to shed light on the ideal solution for your unique needs.
hen most people think of hydraulics, they think of a hydraulic piston that extends and retracts based on the needs of the application. While this is definitely an accurate representation, it’s actually only part of what a true hydraulic system actually looks like. In reality, even the most basic system contains a fair number of hydraulic parts in Minnesota!
Let’s take a look at what a basic system looks like all mapped out and how each component functions with the entire system to provide fluid power to an application:
First and foremost, you’re going to have a hydraulic tank, also called a hydraulic fluid reservoir, which will be responsible for holding the hydraulic oil. This is the most essential part of the system because without it, you don’t have a hydraulic medium!
Connected to the hydraulic tank you have the hydraulic hose, which serves as a supply channel for the hydraulic fluid as it’s transported to the hydraulic pump.
The hydraulic pump is going to pull hydraulic oilfrom the hydraulic tank through the hydraulic hose and transport it through to the main relief valve.
When a hydraulic system is engaged, the main relief valve is going to push hydraulic oil to the hydraulic ram. The hydraulic ram will then be pressurized by the oil, pushing the piston down.
After the hydraulic ram is compressed, hydraulic oil will be fed back to the hydraulic tank as the piston begins to rise. First, however, it will be filtered so that no debris is being routed back into the tank.
All in all, the process is quite simple! A basic hydraulic system is a closed circuit operation that utilizes hydraulic oil to create and alleviate force as required. Without the completely closed circuit to regulate pressure within the system however, there will be inefficiencies and ultimately, failure. This is why each of the individual hydraulic parts in Minnesota is so important!
Singling out the main relief valve
Let’s take another look at one specific part of any hydraulic system: the main relief valve. This seemingly innocuous part may seem like just another component during regular operation—and it is—however when problems occur, this part is going to shine.
Overloading occurs when pressure within the hydraulic system becomes deregulated (usually via a leak or damaged seal). When this occurs, the hydraulic ram will push back against the influx of hydraulic fluid, forcing it back towards the main relief valve. This is when the valve kicks in, to divert back-flowing fluid to the filter and back into the tank, so as to avoid catastrophic depressurization and blowouts. This valve is regulated by pressure sensors that serve to kick it on in the event of pressure buildups, while also alerting operators to the presence of dangerous pressure levels within the system.
Maintenance is key
With so many critical parts within a hydraulic system, routine maintenance and inspections are paramount to maintaining the functionality of the circuit—especially its failsafe components, like the main relief valve. Be sure you’re having your hydraulic systems professionally inspected and serviced regularly!
Spring is now officially here, and with it comes the promise of beautiful weather and new life. It’s also the perfect time to take stock of your possessions and equipment and make sure that everything is in tip-top shape. Just as you engage in routine spring cleaning in your home, the beginning of a new season is also a great opportunity to invest in some basic maintenance for your hydraulic system. With that in mind, here are six key tips to help ensure your hydraulic spring maintenance is as easy and effective as possible, courtesy of your hydraulic service in Minnesota:
Analyze the oil: Your hydraulic machine relies on oil to keep in well lubricated and working properly. Analyzing oil from a clean, properly working part of your machine can offer a highly informative window into the state of your hydraulic technology. When analyzed properly, the oil will tell you how high your water contamination levels are, as well as what your oil shelf life is. This information can be very useful when deciding how to best care for your hydraulic machine.
Change the filters: Just as you need to regularly change the filters in your automobile, your ventilation system and your heater or air conditioner, you also need to change the filters in your hydraulic system at least once a year. After all, your hydraulic machine attracts a lot of dirt, which can easily cause a lot of contamination buildup. A fresh filter will allow for maximum efficiency.
Manage inventory: You ought to have a full stock of spare hydraulic parts and accessories, so you can be quick to replace any damaged parts and maintain maximum efficiency. During this round of spring maintenance, take the opportunity to ensure your inventory of spare parts is fully stocked and in quality condition.
Update the system: If your hydraulic machine runs on and old or outdated system, troubleshooting and repairing it could easily turn into an expensive, time consuming nightmare. This spring, consider replacing the system altogether, so that you won’t have to face a major headache further down the road.
Clean the system: There is a reason why spring cleaning is a widely known routine: because once a year, virtually everything in both your personal and work lives needs a good, thorough scrubbing. Your hydraulic system is no different—in fact, it probably needs a good cleaning more than anything else you own!
Trust a professional: All of the above tips are great ways to get started on routine spring hydraulic maintenance. But only an experienced, fully certified professional has the resources and knowledge to ensure your hydraulic system is thoroughly and properly maintained. If you want to be able to rely on your hydraulic system for another year, invest in professional maintenance service.
For more advice and help with spring hydraulic maintenance, get in touch with M & M Hydraulic Company today. We are proud to be your locally owned and operated hydraulic service in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa and Wisconsin.
