Hydraulic Cylinder Seals: How Best To Avoid Problems
If you oversee the functioning of a large industrial hydraulic system, cylinder seal maintenance may be very low on the list of your priorities. However, when these seals fail, it can halt the entire system; projects must be stopped until the seals can be replaced, and leakage of fluids can cause damage to the site and injury to your employees. That's why you've got to ask yourself and your workers the following questions regularly so you can ensure the seals can perform well.
Are We Using the Right Seals?
If you're noticing more frequent spills and problems with the cylinder seals you've got, it's possible that something is wrong with the seals to start with. It could be that they are not seals approved for use with certain chemicals. It may be that the seals are not cleared for use with the hot temperatures that your system produces. Contact the manufacturer of your cylinders and ask about approved seals for them. Ensure that you've got enough of the correct hydraulic cylinder repair seals or replacement seals on hand so you can quickly handle any emergencies.
Is The System as Cool as It Could Be?
High temperatures are to be expected in hydraulic systems of the size and scale you're working with. However, even if you're using the proper seals, over time heat exposure could prove problematic. This will mean you've got to repair or replace the seals. To make sure you're not changing seals daily, it's smart to regularly ask whether you and your team are doing everything possible to avoid excessively hot temperatures. Look for ways to make things cooler. Even something as simple as painting tubes could be an easy solution.
Who Is Monitoring New Fluids?
Once you've addressed all other issues, you may be frustrated if all of the sudden you notice a lot of cylinder seal problems. Check with managers and employees to determine whether new additives or other substances have been added to the system recently. It just may be that you need to search for brand new seals that will work better for the chemicals that you're now using in the hydraulic system. Whenever something new is added, you may even have someone dedicate some time only to the cylinder seals until they're sure that there's not a problem.
These questions will help you remember to do what's needed to preserve the seals you're using. Discussing your system with peers and retailers may give you information that you can use to better care for the seals overall.
