2 Signs Air Is Mixing With The Fluid In Your Equipment's Hydraulic Pump
Posted on: 23 November 2020
If your company's equipment runs on a hydraulic pump, its operation is dependent on the smooth gliding of the pistons through the hydraulic fluid within the cylinder in order to keep the pressure inside constant. However, if air leaks into the closed system and contaminates the fluid, the pump will start to act sluggishly, and the pressure will fluctuate wildly in either direction.
If you have been noticing the pump is acting oddly, look for the following signs that air is mixing with the fluid, causing what is known as air entrainment.
1. Air Bubbles in the Fluid Make It Appear Foamy
One sign that air entrainment has occurred within the hydraulic pump's fluid can be discerned by examining the fluid itself. When air mixes with the fluid, tiny bubbles form to give it a foamy appearance.
If the fluid has this foamy appearance, the air bubbles will interfere with its ability to smoothly run through the lines and fully lubricate the pistons. Without the proper flow and lubrication, the pump may start to stall.
Even if you drain out the fluid and replace it with new fluid, the problem will still keep happening because the underlying issue has not been fixed. You will need a professional to look at it to find out where the air is leaking into the system.
2. Loud Banging Is Heard While the Pistons Slide Through the Cylinder
If you are unable to readily open up the system and examine the fluid, another sign for which you can be on the lookout to ascertain whether air is mixing with the hydraulic fluid is a loud banging noise. This sound is most often heard while the pump is running and the pistons are attempting to slide through the cylinders.
If there is air trapped, the air bubbles will compress and decompress as the pistons run through the fluid. As the pistons are pushed through the air bubbles, they will pop and be displaced, often making the loud banging that you hear.
If the fluid running through your equipment's hydraulic pump shows the above signs of air entrainment, a number of possible issues could be causing the problem, from a cracked cylinder to broken seals. Work with a machine shop that offers hydraulic repair services and have them look over the pump to determine how the air is getting inside of the closed system. Contact a company, such as Certified Products Inc, for more information.
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