Many OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) include only the minimum equipment for contamination control as a part of the original bill-of-material. Anything else is optional and, therefore, frequently left off new equipment. These options add to the cost of a new machine, but may generate real value when selected. Following is a list of contamination control-related hardware and accessories that, where suitable for a particular machine and application, could be factory installed:

• All circulating systems should have quality beta-rated oil filters at a capture size and efficiency consistent with contamination control objectives.

• High-performance breathers should have a capture size and efficiency consistent with contamination control objectives.

• Hydraulic cylinders should be equipped where practical with rod boots to control ingression.

• Reservoirs should have suitable baffling and be sized to enable contaminants to settle (dirt, water, sludge) and both air and gaseous contaminants to detrain.

• Dust protection covers should be installed where grease fittings are used.

• An off-line filter (kidney loop) should be installed on many bath/splash-lubricated machines.

• Headspace purge or other suitable headspace management equipment should be used with large reservoirs.

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Always ensure that disconnected hoses are capped while maintenance is taking place. It is surprising how much debris can enter an open pipe. This debris will find its way into the system in short order, causing accelerated wear.

Water contamination in hydraulic systems can devastate an organization’s reliability objectives. Fortunately, with a diligent effort, water contamination can be effectively controlled by setting goal-based target dryness levels, achieving the targets through effective exclusion and removal of water and periodic monitoring to ensure that target levels are maintained. The critical first step is to establish target levels that reflect the organization’s reliability goals and take into account the mechanical sensitivity of the hydraulic system in question.

Rust and corrosion are the most obvious effects of water contamination. However, water also lies at the root of vaporous cavitation, hydrogen-induced embrittlement and blistering and fatigue wear in rolling contacts. Read the entire story.