Machinery Lubrication magazine published by Noria Corporation
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1522439
8 Reliable Plant Annual Edition | www . reliableplant.com AUTOMATING RELIABILITY First Seen in Reliable Plant, December 2023 Jack Weeks | GPM Hydraulic Consulting Hydraulic systems play a crucia l role in numerous industries, from manufac- turing and construction to aviation and transportation. ese systems are responsible for transmitting power through the use of pressurized fluids, making them a vital component in various machinery and equipment. To ensure their optimal perfor- mance and prevent unexpected failures, it is essential to implement an automated moni- toring process that continuously assesses the reliability of hydraulic systems. What Should be Monitored? To at least some degree, it depends on the machine. Factors to consider might include how critical the system is, how maintenance intensive it is, and how the cost of preparing the infrastructure for monitoring compares to the potential benefits. Of course, not all systems will need all of the possible moni- toring capabilities, but every system can benefit from collecting certain data. A good starting point for most systems is to ask what information would have been beneficial in the past. For most systems, the following are good conditions to monitor. Temperature Monitoring the temperature of hydraulic fluid and critical components is essential. Excessive heat can lead to fluid degradation, accelerated wear of components and reduced system efficiency. Monitoring temperature helps identify overheating issues, detect abnormal temperature f luctuations and prevent potential failures. Pressure Monitoring hydraulic pressure provides important insights into the system's perfor- mance and helps ensure it operates within safe limits. Pressure sensors are used to measure the pressure at various points within the system, such as pumps, valves, accumula- tors,and cylinders. Monitoring pressure helps detect pressure spikes, pressure drops or inad- equate pressure, which can indicate problems like leaks, blockages or pump malfunctions. Flow Rate Monitoring the flow rate of hydraulic fluid is essential for maintaining proper operation and detecting flow-related issues. Flow sensors measure the rate of fluid movement through the system. Monitoring flow rate helps iden- tify restrictions, blockages or excessive flow that may indicate valve malfunctions, clogged filters or improper component sizing. Fluid Level Monitoring the fluid level in the reser- voir or other hydraulic components helps ensure an adequate supply of fluid. Low fluid levels can cause cavitation, aeration, or inadequate lubrication, leading to system THE BENEFITS AND BEST PRACTICES OF MAKING YOUR HYDRAULIC SYSTEM SELF-MONITORING AUTOMATING RELIABILITY, TROUBLESHOOTING, AND MUCH MORE A N N U A L E D I T I O N