How to Know When NOT to Use Fluid Power

hydraulic efficiencyIn the current inflationary environment, the debate concerning peak oil (the end of cheap mineral oil) and global warming (the end of the planet as we know it) have been somewhat sidelined.

But these two major issues have not gone away. And they will almost certainly influence the source and cost of our energy needs for some time to come.… Read more

Hydraulic Pump Leakage and Changeout

graphIn a condition-based maintenance environment, the decision to change-out a hydraulic pump or motor is usually based on either remaining bearing life or deteriorating efficiency, whichever occurs first.

Despite recent advances in predictive maintenance technologies, the maintenance professional’s ability to determine the remaining bearing life of a pump or motor, with a high degree of accuracy, remains elusive.

Deteriorating efficiency … Read more

The Conflict Between Pump or Motor Case Pressure and Contamination Control

Cracked pump housing -- installer FORGOT to connect the case drain line!

My previous blog-post featured this picture of a cracked, piston-pump housing. One of our members made the comment that for this to happen, the pump’s rotating group would have to have failed and come apart in a spectacular way. Not so. And based on my long experience in the hydraulics repair biz, such an event being the cause of a … Read more