Filtration/Contamination Control

Industrial systems, whether pneumatic or hydraulic, must prevent a variety of contamination sources to run reliably. By: Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Fluid power systems experience many problems. Poor designs, inferior quality components, maintenance neglect, severe climate, and operator error can all inflict trouble on your innocent machine. However, most of these problems are rare cases…

MOCAP has added a new protective solution to its product catalog: BNCD series of domed bolt and nut caps. They provide protection and a finished appearance, while covering exposed bolt and nut heads in a variety of industrial, commercial and consumer applications. Molded in durable black polyethylene plastic, these domed caps are designed to snap…

Agricultural machinery is up against a variety of harsh environmental conditions, so proper protection of the hydraulic systems is necessary. By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor The agricultural industry is unique in many ways, not the least of which is the source of nourishment for billions of people, which is not something mining or forestry can […]

I’ve got contamination on the brain. In the past couple of weeks, I have edited several articles focused on the perils of contamination and how to prevent it. In our May issue, we talk about the importance of contamination control in agricultural machinery. We also talk industrial contamination control in our June issue, where we […]

Ohio Fabricators Company (OFCO) has created a new tool on its website that allows OEMs, distributors and end-users to search for equivalent OFCO parts when a manufacturer, part number or part description is known. The search tool allows users to quickly find OFCO equivalents which normally ship in days from OFCO’s Ohio facility, rather than […]

The Filtration Division of Eaton has expanded its product line with the launch of three high-performance filter series: the DUA, LWF, and DNR. The new filters are engineered to provide hgh durability, efficiency, and reliability, making them suitable for demanding applications such as power generation, manufacturing, marine operations, and more. “As pressures mount to safeguard […]

By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor When I sat in my first fluid power class 18 years ago, I remember learning about built-in contamination and how the reservoir was the biggest offender. The welds and their slag were the biggest problems, the teacher stated, but a close second was the debris from pipe threading machines. Looking […]

By Donald Krause, Industry Consultant, Ohio Fabricators Company Exploring the basics of spin-on filters: design and functionality Spin-on filters have cemented their position as a cornerstone of liquid filtration and tank breather applications, thanks to their unique design and operational efficiencies. These filters consist of a self-contained housing and filter element assembly, which facilitates straightforward […]

Designed and manufactured for oil maintenance and lubrication systems, Eaton’s UM mobile filter unit is versatile and reliable. In addition to an existing filter, it is ideal for secondary flow filtration. Its portability and compact structural design allows it to operate in difficult to access areas. The mobile off-line filter units in the UM series combine […]

Lumber processing technology has come a long way and requires attention to achieve precision and speed. To stay competitive as lumber demand increases, industry expert Carl Dyke shares guidance on how to keep sawmill hydraulic systems running optimally. As part of its Timber Products Output (TPO) mill survey, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service…

Three years after acquiring the hydraulic filter business of Bosch Rexroth, Hengst Filtration is further expanding its activities in this area. In this context, the German filtration specialist has taken over the North American hydraulic filter manufacturer Main Filter. “We are working hard to be the most competent partner for our customers and to provide […]

The Filtration Division of power management company Eaton has launched its line of WPL spin-on filters that protect pumps, valves, compressors, and hydraulic systems from contamination as per ISO 2941, ISO 3723, and ISO 2942 standards. The filters are designed to provide one of the highest cleanliness levels for hydraulic systems, featuring cartridges that are […]

Ohio Fabricators Company (OFCO), a manufacturer of stock and custom strainers, breathers, diffusers and screen assemblies for the filtration and fluid power industries, has been recognized by Parker-Hannifin Corporation, as a Gold Level Supplier, achieving exceptional supplier scores in Fiscal Year 2024. Parker rates suppliers annually on cost, delivery, continuous performance and quality. In a […]

Cleanova is a new entrant in the industrial filtration sector with a fresh approach to delivering a cleaner future. Comprising four established brands – Airpel, Dollinger, Plenty and Vokes – the company has been established to provide innovative filtration solutions that allow customers to sustain their industrial processes and protect the environment by increasing efficiency, […]

To ensure the safe operation of hydraulic systems, lubricants and hydraulic oils must be protected from unwanted particles. With hydraulic and lubricating oil filters from Eaton, operators are able to protect their machinery and maximize its operating potential through long service life. Tank-mounted filtration solutions are now complemented by the BR210 Dirt-Gate and BR110 H2O-Gate […]

By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor In the case of hydraulic systems, efficiency and reliability are paramount, and these systems, used in various industries, rely on the seamless flow of hydraulic fluid to power heavy machinery and equipment. One crucial component that ensures the reliable operation of the pumps, valves and actuators is the hydraulic filter. […]

Water and particulate matter receive much attention for their impacts on hydraulic fluid quality. But there’s another less-famous troublemaker causing problems right under OEMs’ noses. Just like any contaminant, air can be introduced into hydraulic fluid through various means. Common sources include leaks, loose connections, worn seals, and agitation or turbulence within the reservoir. Even […]

By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor If you’ve ever been (un)lucky enough to open up a 30-year-old hydraulic reservoir, you know how shockingly grimy they can be. I’ve seen 3 in. of sludge, filings and particles sedimentate enough to clog the suction filter. That hydraulic power unit had a return filter in addition to its clearly […]

By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Hydraulic systems play a critical role in various industries, powering heavy machinery and equipment with precision and efficiency. The performance and longevity of these systems heavily rely on the cleanliness and quality of the hydraulic fluid. Contamination in hydraulic fluid can cause significant damage to the system, resulting in reduced […]

Tiny particulates in lubricants that are invisible to the naked eye can have costly consequences in hydraulic systems. By Zach Sutton, Chevron Lubricants Industrial & Services Sector Specialist In the world of mechanical maintenance, machinery breakdowns are a reality. Mechanical wear occurs constantly, and moving parts erode in quality over time. According to a study from […]

Hydraulic fluid cleanliness is crucial for hydraulic systems’ reliable operation and longevity. However, while filtration is critical in keeping hydraulic fluid clean, it is not the only factor that impacts fluid cleanliness. This article will discuss some tips to ensure hydraulic fluid cleanliness aside from the obvious filtration itself. One of the most important steps […]

By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor Hydraulic oil contamination may cause significant damage to hydraulic systems and components, leading to reduced performance and productivity and increased maintenance and repair costs. Therefore, it’s crucial that you identify the symptoms of hydraulic oil contamination to prevent further damage and ensure optimal hydraulic system operation. Regular readers know how […]

Donaldson Company Inc. has released Alpha-Web filtration media. This new hydraulic filtration technology significantly improves hydraulic fluid cleanliness which can extend hydraulic component life, decrease downtime and lower the cost of equipment ownership.   Filters must stand up to the challenge of maintaining fluid cleanliness and system protection against frequently changing flow rates prevalent in […]

TTI is excited to announce its newest innovation, its patented SmartFlow Media Technology and PowerGuard SmartFlow Filter Element Line. This media technology is an optimization that is available across every filter element TTI manufactures and allows TTI to pair any two or more filtration medias together in parallel flow. This technology allows users to customize […]

By Josh Cosford, Contributing Editor The evolution of hydraulic filters from basic, pleated cellulose or paper into today’s synthetic depth media material has been slow but sure. This is because there are only so many ways to trap microscopic particles while offering little resistance to even smaller oil molecules. But engineers are continuing the advance […]