The Importance of Filtration
Filtration minimizes wear in a fluid system, thereby extending equipment life. Furthermore, by minimizing wear, filtration also reduces maintenance costs and helps the system sustain high levels of performance.
According to a study conducted by Dr. E. Rabinowicz of M.I.T., presented at the American Society of Lubrication Engineers, Bearing Workshop, in 1981, 70% of component replacements or "loss of usefulness" are due to surface degradation. In hydraulic and lubricating systems, 20% of these replacements result from corrosion, with 50% resulting from mechanical wear.
Sources of Contamination
Contaminants can be introduced into a fluid system from many sources, both internal and external to the system. These contaminants are potentially damaging, and must therefore be removed as quickly as possible. The following lists common sources of contaminant ingression and the common types of contaminants that enter the systems:
Manufacturing & Overhaul Process
· Machining chips
· Grinding material
· Environmental particulate
· Cutting Oils, Preservatives, Cleaning Fluids
· Moisture
· Assembly generated particulate
· Green Run generated particulate
System Operation
· Metal Wear Debris (Components, Bearings, Gears)
· Non-metallic Wear Debris (Seals)
· Oil breakdown (Acids, Polymers, Coke)
· Air (Cavitation and Oxidation)
· Environmental Particulate (Reservoir Vent)
· Environmental Moisture (Reservoir Vent)