Over time, contaminants present in hydraulic fluid can damage components and cause system failure. Including hydraulic oil testing as part of your regular preventative maintenance is the best way to prevent issues and improve the efficiency and longevity of your system and equipment.
To get the most consistent and accurate hydraulic oil contamination test results, always follow these guidelines for retrieving a sample.
- Prepare a few clean, dry bottles for the samples. PET and PVC plastic bottles are both compatible with most lubricating oils and hydraulic fluids. Bottles should be clear rather than opaque to allow for a visual inspection.
- You will need a special sampling valve or a microport and a hose/tube to collect the oil. Testing tubes typically come with a probe or adapter fitting on the end. Make sure you have the correct length to reach the sampling location.
- Set your sampling items aside on a lean surface and run the machine until the hydraulic system reaches its normal operating temperature.
- Once the system is at temperature, let the fluid recirculate at the maximum flow rate for at least 5 minutes (preferably longer) before collecting the samples.
- Choose your sampling point based on the filter type. For systems with in-line, pressure, or high-pressure filters, collect samples downstream. If the system has tank-mounted filters, take samples upstream of the filters.
- Do not have fans blowing near the equipment, and avoid taking samples outside when it is windy, raining, or snowing. Airborne particles will contaminate the sample, making it difficult to get an accurate particle count.
While the process of collecting and analyzing oil samples might seem straightforward, it takes practice and knowledge of the basics of testing. Failure to use sampling equipment properly or accidental contamination of the samples will affect the accuracy of your results. When in doubt, consult a hydraulic oil testing professional experienced in proper sampling and analysis techniques.
Protect Your Hydraulic System From Fluid Contamination
Following a consistent preventative maintenance schedule is the best way to keep hydraulic systems and equipment in peak operating condition. Tighten loose hose connections and replace worn or improperly sized seals to keep moisture, dirt, and grime out of fluid lines. Installing high-quality filtration products will help you contain any contaminants that happen to enter the system before they can cause major damage. Remember to follow hydraulic oil filtration system maintenance best practices by performing regular inspections and immediately replacing clogged filters.
If you have questions about how to test hydraulic oil for contamination, our technical team can help! Oil-Air Products offers hydraulic oil contamination testing services in compliance with ASTM and ISO standards to ensure your equipment is performing at its best. Our technical team also provides application support to help you discover the best filtration products and accessories for your equipment. Send us a message to learn more!