Hydraulic System Cavitation and Many of Its Causes

photo credit eaton vickersCavitation is the term used to describe the formation of gas cavities within a liquid. In a hydraulic system, this is normally taken to mean formation of vapor bubbles within the oil. But it can also mean dissolved air coming out of solution in the oil.

Cavitation erosion occurs when gas cavities in the oil collapse (implode) under pressure, in … Read more

How a Little Detail Caused a Huge Hydraulics Problem

Hydraulic Solenoid Valve (Bosch Rexroth)A Hydraulics Pro Club member from South Africa sent me this story about a hydraulic system overhaul that turned into a troubleshooting nightmare:

“My company was contracted to overhaul the hydraulic system in a beverage pasteurizing unit. The system was extremely simple but the pasteurizer, after 20 years of trouble free service, was going to be critical in the launch … Read more

What To Check When Hydraulic Oil Darkens In Color

suctionstrainerclogged-resizeOne of our members wrote me about the following problem:

“We are facing the following problem with our European made moulding machines. If we fill the hydraulic tank with brand new oil, within less than 24 hours oil colour turns dark brown and gives burnt smell. But if we test the oil it shows fit for further usage. Initially we … Read more