CONTAMINATION CONTROL IN HYDRAULIC SYSTEMS

The importance of hydraulic fluid cleanliness is appreciated by every user of large modern hydraulic systems and the introduction of higher operating pressures, plus improved response from the systems, have made freedom from contamination even more important. An important paper on this subject was given to The Institute of Marine Engineers in February by D. L. Kitch, CEng, MIMechE, RNES, (Ministry of Defence, Bath). His paper covered design, manufacture, operation and maintenance aspects. We base the following upon these sections of the paper dealing mainly with contamination control in hydraulic systems, and although the author has marine systems in mind, what he had to say is applicable to most hydraulic systems on land also.