AS we embark on preparing and planning for yet another year, we turn our focus toward resolutions and plans for the year ahead.
Whether it is health monitoring, weight-loss or upskilling oneself, it is ensuring we’re prepared to take on the challenges for the year ahead. But while you’re making personal issues a priority, it is essential to remember that your equipment deserves the same attention and care.
Just as smartwatches track heart rates, oxygen levels, and overall fitness, your hydraulic and lubrication systems can benefit from similar continuous monitoring techniques. With the right diagnostics and feedback, you can ensure these vital assets operate efficiently and remain in optimum condition throughout the year.
Hydrasales, a leader in hydraulic and lube oil industry solutions, offers an extensive range of condition-monitoring products designed to safeguard your systems.
The Six Pillars of Hydraulic System Health: A comparison to the human body
Hydraulic systems, like the human anatomy, require balance, cleanliness, and consistent performance to stay healthy. By drawing parallels between system checks and body health, we can understand how monitoring these factors ensures both the system and we stay in top condition.
Fluid pressure: The heartbeat of the system
For humans, blood pressure reflects the force circulating blood through the veins, while in hydraulic systems, pressure powers fluid movement to perform tasks. Low hydraulic pressure is similar to low blood pressure—it reduces efficiency and function. Conversely, high pressure, like hypertension, puts excessive strain on components, potentially causing damage. Monitoring pressure ensures the system’s “heartbeat” remains strong and steady.
Fluid Flow Rate: The body’s circulatory system
The flow rate of hydraulic fluid parallels the body’s circulatory system, ensuring all parts of the system get the necessary fluid to operate. If flow rates are too low, it could signal blockages within the system or a reflection of weakening pump performance, like poor circulation in humans. On the other hand, excessive flow can overload the system, like overexertion does to the body. Keeping flow consistent ensures efficient operation.
Fluid Temperature: The body’s thermoregulation
Temperature monitoring and management is vital for both hydraulic systems and our bodies. Overheated hydraulic fluid can be compared to a fever—it degrades fluid quality, reduces viscosity, and damages the operational performance of the components. A system that runs too cold can be compared to hypothermia—it can lead to sluggish performance and excessive wear and tear. Maintaining an optimal temperature ensures both systems function at their best.
Fluid level: The body’s hydration
Proper fluid levels in a hydraulic system are as important as staying hydrated for your body. Low fluid levels in a hydraulic system can lead to air ingress, starvation and pump cavitation. Similarly, dehydration in humans causes fatigue and strain in the body. On the flip side, overfilling a system can create pressure buildup and that is similar to water retention in a human being. Regular fluid level checks prevent unnecessary strain and keep operations smooth.
Fluid cleanliness (contamination monitoring): A system’s immune defence
Contaminants in hydraulic fluid, such as dirt or water, act like toxins in the bloodstream, leading to wear and corrosion. Just as the immune system protects the body from harmful pathogens, cleanliness checks and proper filtration safeguard hydraulic systems from contamination, leading to corrosion and damage, extending the lifespan of components and ensuring efficient operation.
Filter condition (clogging indicators): The system’s kidneys
Filters in hydraulic systems function like kidneys in the human body, removing impurities to ensure everything is working well. A clogged filter, like kidney stones, restricts flow, causes pressure drops, and decreases efficiency. Regularly monitoring and replacing filters ensures that the system remains clean and operational.
A holistic Approach to system health
Just as regular health check-ups provide insights into the body’s strength and resilience, monitoring these six key elements gives you a clear understanding of your hydraulic system’s condition, empowering you to make proactive decisions for optimal performance.
See, switch, transmit: Hydrasales’ monitoring philosophy
At Hydrasales, it classifies its condition-monitoring products into three versatile ranges: “See, Switch, Transmit.”
The “See” range includes visual products like level gauges, pressure gauges, and inline flow meters, offering straightforward, on-site inspection of system conditions.
The “Switch” range comprises electrical switching products, such as level switches, thermostats, and pressure switches, designed to automatically activate or deactivate system functions when critical thresholds are met.
Lastly, the “Transmit” range features advanced transducers and digital flow meters, which continuously monitor system conditions and relay real-time data to remote systems, enabling advanced diagnostics, data logging, and predictive maintenance. Together, these ranges provide a comprehensive solution for maintaining hydraulic and lubrication systems.
