Most Common Symptoms For Hydraulic Pump Problems

There are many benefits that can be gained from using hydraulic pumps thanks to their ability to transform mechanical force into hydraulic power force. Depending on the nature of your work, different hydraulic pump models can be used such as: gear pumps, rotary vane pumps, screw pumps, piston pumps and many more. Powered by electricity or gas, hydraulic pumps are used for many applications and are common in various manufacturing, construction and heavy machinery equipment. But like any other machine, hydraulic pump is also prone to defects and failures, if not maintained properly. Proactive service and maintenance of the hydraulic pump allows easy and early detection of problems that can lead to the equipment failure. Here are the three most common hydraulic pump problems.

Abnormal And Unusual Pump Noise

The abnormal and unusual noise in the hydraulic pump is generally caused either by cavitation or by aeration. Aeration happens when the air from the surrounding contaminates the fluid into the hydraulic pump. The contaminated hydraulic fluid makes strange knocking or banging noise when compressed or decompressed, when moving through the hydraulic pump. The degradation of the hydraulic fluid is greatly accelerated by the aeration. Aeration can damage various hydraulic pump parts because the seals are over heated. Air usually enters into the pump through the inlet. Therefore, it is extremely important the clamps and the fittings of the pump to be tight and in good condition. In other cases, air can enter the hydraulic pump through the shaft seal. The shaft seal should be replaced if there are leaks.

Cavitation happens when the amount of hydraulic fluid, which is required by any part of the pump exceeds the amount of hydraulic fluid being supplied. This causes the pressure in the circuit part of the pump to fall bellow the pressure of the hydraulic flow. The end result is an unusual and abnormal knocking noise. The damages created by cavitation can be very serious. It can cause metal corrosion which in turn, damages the components of the hydraulic pump. In some cases, the cavitation in the hydraulic pump can cause failure to the entire hydraulic system.

Hydraulic Fluid Temperature

High hydraulic fluid temperatures (above 80 degrees) accelerate the degradation of the fluid and damage the seals of the hydraulic pump. Therefore, any operations at temperatures above 80 degrees should be avoided. The temperature of the hydraulic fluid reaches high levels when the viscosity level falls down. The hydraulic pump maintains the heat level through pump reservoir. Therefore, the reservoir fluid should be monitored and periodically cleaned from debris and dirt.

When the hydraulic fluid moves from parts with high pressure to parts with low pressure, high level of heat is generated. This means that any part of the pump that has internal leakage increases the heat levels in the hydraulic system. Air also generates high levels of heat when compressed. A high fluid temperature alarm should be installed inside the hydraulic pump to avoid greater damage.

Very Slow Operation

Low performance is usually the first sign which indicates hydraulic pump problems. This is generally manifested by slow operation or longer cycle times. The flow in the pump determines the speed and the response time. Therefore, the loss of speed is also loss of flow.

Proactively monitoring and identifying signs of high temperatures, strange noise and longer cycle times, is ideal way for detecting various symptoms that can lead to costly breakdowns of the hydraulic pump.