Air pollution in hydraulic system

"We suspect air pollution in one of our hydraulic systems. What types of problems can air pollution cause? "

Air pollution will cause great harm to the hydraulic system. Unfortunately, we sometimes ignore this potentially damaging contaminant unless the machine foams and squirts oil from the top of the tank. Here are a few ways air pollution can damage your reliable work:

Sponge hydraulic - air is compressible. This loss of control reduces throughput, increases defect rates, and in some cases causes injury or death.

Gas cavitation - some references say that gas cavitation causes wear, others say it only produces noise. Keep grease free as far as possible.

The oxidation oxidation rate is affected by many factors, but all other factors remain the same, and it is proportional to the amount of oil that the boundary is in contact with the air (which, of course, provides oxygen).

Thermal degradation - did you know that compressing the bubble from ambient pressure to 3000 psi will increase the bubble temperature above 2000 ° f? This is hot enough to thermally degrade the oil at the boundary contact between the air and bubbles, which darkens the oil, sometimes giving it a smoky grey appearance, and causes varnish to accumulate on the surface of the component.

Therefore, pay attention to signs of air entrainment or blistering and take the event seriously. In addition, regular testing of the ability of oil to release the air and its tendency to maintain a stable bubble. If you encounter recurring problems, evaluate the Lubricant Specification and tank design and check for low oil levels and signs of suction tube leakage.