Hydraulic systems in airplanes, helicopters, submarines, and other machinery are full of intricate regulators, actuators, valves, and pumps. However, a hydraulic system cannot operate correctly if the hydraulic system filter fails to adequately remove the contaminants before it gets to the system components. This insufficient filtration leads to a shorter lifespan for your hydraulic system and poor performance of your overall machinery.
When you use all-metal hydraulic filters, they can reduce the number of contaminants in your hydraulic system by as much as 95%! In addition, Bekaert reported that all-metal filters could save $4 million per every 100 hours of flight time in a fleet of 2,000 helicopters because hydraulic pumps and primary servo components lasted significantly longer and required less service.
But what does a hydraulic filter do in the hydraulic system, and where can you purchase all-metal filters to improve the performance of your system? Learn more from the experts at Fluid Conditioning Products, and request a quote for a filter customized to your needs!
What Does a Hydraulic Filter Do?
A hydraulic system filter is a component of a hydraulic system. It removes particulates, such as dirt, oxidation, metal, sand, and sludge, by forcing the hydraulic fluid through a porous filter element. The filter catches the contaminants and keeps them out of the fluid flow, preventing damage to other components downstream.
Our all-metal filters can remove contaminants as little as three microns. To give you an idea of the size, a human hair is approximately 70 microns. Unlike legacy materials like fiberglass, our all-metal filters won’t shed particles that can cause further damage and decrease efficiency.
What Is the Importance of Hydraulic Filtration?
Because the hydraulic fluid is the most important part of any hydraulic system, if it’s contaminated, the entire system suffers. Without proper hydraulic filtration, the system can’t transmit energy as efficiently. Dirt can clog small holes in the valves and prevent pressure from escaping, resulting in poor efficiency, increased maintenance, and more downtime.
Hydraulic systems are also responsible for lubricating internal components. If dirt or other contaminants interfere with this lubrication, the parts will wear down excessively and need replacing. Hydraulic system filters improve the hydraulic system’s overall life, ensuring efficient operations.
What Types of Filters Are Used in Hydraulic Systems?
Ideally, hydraulic system filters would be present at every stage along the circuit. However, the system’s cost, physical space, and reduced pressure limit how many filters a machine can accommodate. That’s why you need to work with a company like us that can analyze your hydraulic system and provide the right recommendations as to which type of filter or filters would work best in your system, such as:
- Suction strainers—Keeps large contaminants out of the system (ones greater than 150 microns)
- Low-pressure or suction filters—Suction filters clean the fluid from the reservoir before it reaches the system’s pump.
- High-pressure filters—Before fluid downstream reaches the servo valves and actuators, a high-pressure, cartridge-style filter is one of the most critical to remove contaminants.
- Reservoir breathers—Prevents contaminants from the air or atmosphere from entering the hydraulic reservoir. Breathers stop smaller particles, as little as three microns.
- Spin-on filters—Used for inline applications on the return line and are bested used on low-pressure systems
What Are Some Hydraulic Filter Applications?
Hydraulic systems operate with fluids to create energy, lubricate internal components, seal space between metal parts, and cool system components. Because they are so versatile, many industries use them in production and manufacturing.
For example, hydraulic systems help activate controls and deploy landing gear in the aerospace and aviation industries. The military uses hydraulics for missiles and ground-support equipment. Even automobiles use hydraulics in the breaking, steering, and transmission systems.
With so many uses in high-risk applications, ensuring the proper functioning of the hydraulic system is essential. High-quality filters, like the ones we provide, will help keep your critical components running smoothly for longer.
How Do I Choose a Hydraulic Filter?
You’ll need a hydraulic system filter that can withstand higher pressure than the line puts out to ensure the system operates efficiently. A return line filter, for example, must withstand the flow’s back pressure. This back pressure can fluctuate with the intensity of the flow and the pressure differential a clogged component creates. To operate correctly, the return line filter must exceed the maximum back pressure, even by a small amount.
Our team of experts is here to help you choose the right hydraulic system filter for your application! Request a quote today to get started!
Request a Quote for a Hydraulic System Filter!
When it comes to your hydraulic system, clean fluid is of utmost importance. An all-metal hydraulic system filter will remove the contaminants that can damage your system without shedding particles, leading to further damage and increased maintenance costs. If the dirty fluid enters the system, the industrial hydraulic filter must filter out the contaminants and flow clean fluid downstream. The wrong hydraulic filters could cause more damage than you can afford.
Choose one of our all-metal filters instead. We provide high-quality filters and housing to our customers with no shedding of particles, high durability, and custom-engineered. Get started today by requesting a quote!
