The life and reliability of hydraulic systems are greatly affected by the presence of particulate contamination in the lubricant. However, in the face of potential contamination there is hope. The cleaner the fluid, the more reliable the system or process, and the longer the lifespan of its components.

Systems maintenance personnel often classify equipment as critical, based solely on its value. Instead, critical equipment should be determined by its importance to the operation and the objectives of the organisation.

Studies have shown that contaminated oils are responsible for 70 to 80% of system failures. The two primary causes are particulate and water contamination. The inclusion of in-line filtration or the installation of efficient return-line filters results in cleaner and more efficient systems.

How has the hydraulics market changed? Sourcing of products has become a very erratic and difficult business. Despite technology, buyers are faced with serious challenges to find filter and element ...

Daily checks of hydraulic systems, or checks at the time of employee shift changes, are good practices that should be part of a successful maintenance programme.

Cavitation results from excessive vacuum conditions at the inlet to a pump. High vacuum creates vapour bubbles within the oil, which are carried to the discharge (pressure) side. These bubbles then ...

The viscosity of oil in a lube system can adversely affect the bearings within the system. This is especially so if the maintenance of the hydraulic system is neglected. Failure to filter the oil and ...

A Business Day headline recently cried: ‘Oil prices rise as energy markets tighten’. The price of Brent Crude has soared from $20 a barrel in April 2020 to $85 a barrel currently − an increase of 325% ...

Reginald Pretorius, a veteran of the hydraulics industry, recently bade farewell to Hydrasales and the industry after a long and distinguished career. Popularly known as Oom Reg, this jovial personality ...