Book Bits

From "Fluid Power Maintenance Basics and Troubleshooting":

Although vibration is a mechanical defect, it significantly affects hydraulic system performance.

It is always important to remember that a hydraulic system consists of many mechanical components. Mechanical components are subject to mechanical problems. Vibration is a case in point.

Technically, excessive vibration is a mechanical, not a hydraulic problem. In a well-designed hydraulic system, vibration is neither identified with nor related to the shifting action of hydraulic controls, the linear movement of cylinders, the rotation of pumps and motors, or the oil itself. Yet mechanical imbalance - which results in vibration - can and often is the cause of hydraulic problems that maintenance persons must troubleshoot and deal with.

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Today's Tip

• Silicon synthetic lubricants are used when resistance to oxidation, heat and/or water is important and the performance of other types of lubricants is unacceptable. Applications include high temperature grease and the lubrication of oxygen compressors. Negatives for using silicon synthetics include: high cost, poor boundary lubrication, and poor additive solvency (they don’t accept EP and AW additives).

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Q & A

"Is there any benefit to using magnetic plugs for machinery condition monitoring?"

Magnetic plugs and chip collectors are often used in system tanks and return lines. They can provide a quick picture of past and ongoing active wear. If they are inspected at uniform time intervals, the rate of wear can be estimated. Debris particles can occasionally be transferred to patches and slides for microscope examination.

One of the advantages of using magnetic chip collectors is the fact that the particles are usually presented in the original shape and size. Otherwise, these particles tend to get reworked by the moving elements, crushing them into smaller unidentifiable sizes.

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