FILTRATION BASICS  |   FEATURED RESOURCES   |  MATERIAL   |  MAINTENANCE

Hydraulic filters are used anywhere in a hydraulic system particle contamination is to be removed. Particle contamination can be ingested through the reservoir, created during the manufacture of system components, or generated internally from the hydraulic components themselves (especially pumps and motors). Particle contamination is the primary cause of hydraulic component failure.

Hydraulic filters are used in three key locations of a hydraulic system, depending on the required degree of fluid cleanliness. Many hydraulic systems have a return line filter, pressure line filters, and kidney loop/offline systems. Read on to learn more about basics, construction, placement and more.

What types of hydraulic filters are available?

Where should I locate my hydraulic filter?

Hydraulic Symbology 304 – conditioning and monitoring

What are the most important hydraulic filtration terms you must understand?

When selecting a filter, you must understand where the ideal location for that filter will be. You also need to do an overall assessment to determine if one filter is enough or if you should install multiple filters throughout your system.

The use of hydraulic symbols must be comprehensive in your efforts to detail the workings of a complete hydraulic system. Hydraulic machines consist of more than pumps, valves and actuators, of course, even though they are often the stars of the show.

Many fluid power systems fail simply because there is too much particle contamination in the fluid medium. In fact, some estimate that 75% of all fluid power failures can be attributed to contamination-related issues.

Any fluid power professional worth their weight in hydraulic oil approaches their education holistically, even if this education occurs after your last exam in college.

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What is the difference between cellulose and glass filter media?

What is surface media vs. depth media?

What is Beta Ratio?

Can you use an automotive filter in your hydraulic application?

Beta Ratio refers to the efficiency in which a given filter element removes particles of a given size. The Beta Ratio is calculated using the ISO multi-pass test standard 16889:2022. 

The two types of filter media construction, surface media and depth media, offer advantages and disadvantages, and which option is used depends on the application.

If you’re a regular reader of mine, you know how much I espouse the importance of filtration to keep your hydraulic system running reliably. Different machines require different filtration quality.

Both cellulose and glass media has a place in filtering hydraulic fluid from damaging particles. However, their effectiveness may best be compared to how both an electric scooter and luxury sedan both serve their purpose – the context is essential.

What are the symptoms of a clogged hydraulic filter?

Filter maintenance 101

How to ensure hydraulic fluid cleanliness outside of filtration

What are the least common symptoms of contamination?

the maintenance of machinery may be spontaneous, occurring only after a breakdown or perhaps during an unrelated shutdown. Hydraulic filtration equipment has its own set of maintenance requirements.

This unassuming device plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity of hydraulic fluid by trapping contaminants and preventing them from circulating throughout the system, where they can wear or damage expensive components.

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. 

Hydraulic oil contamination may cause significant damage to hydraulic systems and components, leading to reduced performance and productivity and increased maintenance and repair costs. 

When should you use offline filtration systems?

How do you remove water from your hydraulic system?

Why should you use return filters in your hydraulic system?

The importance of hydraulic reservoir filtration systems

Water in hydraulic fluid can be seen as free, dissolved or emulsified and can reduce hydraulic fluid lubricity, cause pitting against metal surfaces, degrade additives and accelerate oil aging. 

The venerable return filter is just as crucial to your hydraulic system as your kidneys are to your body.

Sometimes, inline hydraulic filters are not enough to keep a hydraulic system happy. Most hydraulic systems are installed with at least a return filter, which semi-purifies fluid before it is once again welcomed into the reservoir. 

Fluid is the lifeblood of your hydraulic system, and both the circulating and stored oil should be treated equally as a homogenous resource.

Located in Quakertown, PA, MP Filtri is an Internationally recognized brand with an Italian Identity. Since 1964, MP Filtri has specialized in superior Hydraulic Filtration solutions, Contamination Monitoring Products, and Power Transmission products. MP Filtri USA offers superior products and service for hydraulic systems and a "Passion to Perform”, creating innovative solutions for any customer need. 

MP Filtri HQ, located in Milan, Italy, nine global subsidiaries, plus a distribution presence worldwide provides easy access to high-quality, high-performance products.