Condition monitoring of fluid systems - the complete approach

摘要

The presence of dirt in the fluid of hydraulic systems is the single most important factor governing their life and reliability, and it has been demonstrated that 55% of components fail because the dirt level is too high. Techniques are available to reduce the incidence of these dirt-related problems but, to be most cost-effective, all areas of the process must be addressed through the implementation of a Total Cleanliness Control (TCC™) quality management programme. Fundamental to this is the setting of cleanliness and filter specifications and monitoring the achievements of the filters in the various processes. In operation, monitoring of the contamination in systems will provide early warning of change so that the situation can be restored with very little permanent damage to the components. This paper presents the essential components of a quality management system directed at improving the life and reliability of hydraulic systems. It shows the necessity for the integration of contaminant monitoring at every stage of the process and gives guidelines which should ensure that the potential savings from such a programme will be realised.