Filtration
Hydraulic filtration technology
Hydraulic oil cleanliness is a key factor affecting the service life of pumps, valves, cylinders and hydraulic motors. Filtration technology in hydraulic power systems includes suction filters protecting the pump, pressure and inline filters protecting actuators and valves, and return filters cleaning the oil before it flows back to the tank.
Types of hydraulic filters
Suction filters installed in the suction line reduce the risk of larger contaminants entering the pump. Pressure filters installed downstream of the pump protect valves and actuators from solid particles under high pressure. Return filters clean the oil before it returns to the tank, helping maintain the required cleanliness level of the working fluid.
Key parameters of filter elements
- Beta ratio: defines the efficiency of contamination separation. For a 25 µm element with a Beta ratio of 200, the filter retains 199 out of 200 particles of that size.
- Filter media: glass fiber elements provide higher dirt holding capacity and better structural stability compared to paper filter media.
- Clogging indicators: optical or electrical indicators signal the need to replace the element before the bypass valve opens.
Cavitation prevention and longer service life
Effective filtration helps maintain proper flow conditions and the required cleanliness of the working fluid. This reduces the risk of cavitation, lowers wear of working components and extends the service life of the entire hydraulic system.
