Machinery Lubrication

Machinery Lubrication Jan Feb 2016

Machinery Lubrication magazine published by Noria Corporation

Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/629709

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il leaks are expensive. Consider a leak that drips once per second can result in a loss of 405 gallons of oil in one year. I am often asked to visit plants that have excessive amounts of oil leakage in order to make some recommendations. I've also seen several operations that have little or no oil leakage. While there is no single answer as to why a system leaks, it usually is caused by a few key factors, such as poor installa - tion, high temperatures, shock and improper maintenance. INSTALLATION AND HARDWARE ERRORS When using pipe to plumb a hydraulic system, schedule 80 and 160 pipe should be employed for pressure lines, while schedule 40 pipe should be utilized in the return and drain lines. Using schedule 40 pipe in the pressure line can result in leakage at the threads. A good hydraulic sealant should be used to seal pipe threads. Pipe dope and Teflon tape are not recommended simply because they are usually overapplied. Instead, apply sealant to the male fitting starting two threads from the end. When sealant is over - applied, it ends up in the hydraulic system, which causes leakage at the O-rings and cylinder rod seals as well as the hydraulic pump and motor seals. When it's necessary to connect two pipes in a high-pressure line, always utilize socket weld flanges. Pipe unions should never be used, as they are not designed to handle the shock and vibration in high-pressure lines. The line from the pump to the valve manifold should not be piped rigid, partic - ularly when closed center directional valves are used. Oil moves through a pressure line O By Al Smiley, GPM Hydraulic Consulting A R E O I L L E A K S COSTING YOU MONEY? A R E O I L L E A K S COSTING YOU MONEY?

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