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Hydraulic lifts are indispensable components of various smooth movements and up and down movements when working with such machines. And yet, those hardworking pieces so often come across various challenges. Fluid contamination is normally one of them. Hydraulic lift pump owners do not have to lose hope. After all, repairing this problem entails understanding just a few things and following some very elementary steps.
While the upfront cost is important, knowing what might have come into the pump through fluid contamination could help one have an efficient system in the long run. Likewise, also acknowledged must be other related equipment such as the hydraulic jack and pump for effective and integral understanding of the hydraulic systems.
Fluid contamination occurs from the unwanted material that penetrates your hydraulic fluid and makes your lift pump work. Such contaminants could be dirt, debris, water, or even tiny bits of metal.
When judging the hydraulic lift pump, note that an important point of concern is contamination of fluid in the pump. This occurs where unwanted particles find their ways to the hydraulic fluid, and this leads to operational problems. The contaminating solid contaminants include dirt and dust while the liquid once include water and oil.
The first approach to the solution of any problem is acknowledgment. Here are some signs that your hydraulic lift pump is having trouble with fluid contamination:
1. Slow and jerking movements.
2. Grinding and knocking noises.
3. Reduced lift capacity.
Dirt and Dust Dirt and Dust Airborne particles can penetrate the hydraulic fluid, especially in places with high dust or dirt presence.
Metal Particles Metallic Particles Wear and tear on the inner constituents results in small shreds of metal that get into the hydraulic fluid.
Water Moisture can contaminate the hydraulic system as it enters either through condensation, leakages or improper storage.
Oil Contamination Oil Contamination Using the wrong types of hydraulic oils mixed together or deteriorated oil introduces contaminants.
Air Air The system may experience cavitation and inefficiency caused by the entry of air into the hydraulic fluid during operation. Adequate fluid contamination checking and correcting is mandatory to achieve the maximum performance of hydraulic systems.
1. Analysis and testing fluid
2. Installation of a good filtration system
3. Sealing all entry points not to give access to external dirt and contamination
4. Periodic inspection of the system.
5. Use of good quality of hydraulic fluids recommended by the manufacturers of the equipment.
Know your enemy is half the battle. Take a little time identifying what this contaminant is – dirt, water, or something else?
Turn Off the Pump: Safety first – ensure the pump is turned off and not in operation.
Locate the Drain Plug: Look for the drain plug, often located at the bottom of the hydraulic pump.
Drain the Fluid: Remove the drain plug but safely; the contaminated fluid will be drained into a well-fitting container.
Replace with Clean Fluid:Once drained, refill the pump with clean hydraulic fluid as recommended by the manufacturer.
Locate Filters: Filters are like the unsung heroes within your pump – locate and acknowledge them.
Remove and Inspect: Take out the filters and give them a good look. If they're dirty, it's time for a replacement.
Clean Filter Housing: Before inserting new filters, ensure the filter housing is free of debris by giving it a good wipe.
Look at the pump and all of its connections for signs of leaks. Any such leaks must be corrected right away not to cause other problems.
Seal Entry Points Identify and seal potential entry points for contaminants. This may involve adding seals or gaskets to vulnerable areas.
Regular Maintenance Regular Maintenance Regular Maintenance Schedule regular checks of the hydraulic lift pump to keep it free from contaminants. As goes with most things, prevention is often easier than the cure.
Put simply, to cure fluid contamination in your hydraulic lift pump is to treat it to a spa day. This is not only concerned with the correction of the problem but also with the longevity and efficacy of the entire system. With these easy steps, you will breathe a new life into your lift pump, one that lifts and lowers with the sounds of a sweetly tuned symphony. Remember, a little care goes a long way in maintaining optimum hydraulic lift-pump performance.