www.hpmag.co.uk HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS April/May 2025 23 STAINLESS STEEL HYDRAULIC HOSE AND PIPE FITTING SPECIALISTS We are the leading manufacturer and stockist of stainless steel hose fittings, tube fittings and adaptors. Call one of our friendly and knowledgeable specialists today to see how we can help. 30 TRADING FOR OVER YEARS CALL 01274 852 066 sales@customfittings.com www.customfittings.com PROUDLY MADE IN THE UK reduce the risk of unexpected clogging and unplanned downtime. Monitoring and adjustment The best filtration strategy is rarely static. It should evolve with system age, usage patterns, and fluid condition. New systems may not require the same level of filtration as older ones, where wear particles and seal degradation increase contaminant levels. Similarly, systems operating in clean environments will experience different loading than those exposed to dust, moisture, or airborne debris. Routine fluid analysis provides insight into actual cleanliness levels and can highlight trends in filter performance. If filters are consistently reaching bypass well before their expected life, or if cleanliness targets are not being met despite regular replacement, it may indicate a mismatch between filter specification and system conditions. Cost implications There is a financial side to this trade-off that extends beyond the cost of the filters themselves. Downtime, fluid degradation, accelerated wear, and energy losses due to increased pressure drop all contribute to the total cost of ownership. Selecting an ultra-fine filter that requires frequent changes may not be cost-effective if it does not demonstrably extend component life or improve reliability. Conversely, selecting filters based purely on service life or price can be a false economy if it leads to higher rates of component failure, especially in systems with expensive or hard-to-replace parts. Balanced selection approach Achieving the right balance between filtration efficiency and filter life involves a clear understanding of system priorities: Define Cleanliness Targets: Refer to ISO 4406 or relevant OEM guidelines based on system sensitivity and operational demands. Assess Contamination Sources: Include internal wear particles and external ingress through breathers, seals, and maintenance activities. Consider Maintenance Practices: Evaluate how frequently filters can realistically be inspected or replaced. Select Appropriate Media: Work with filter manufacturers to identify filter construction that provides both the required efficiency and adequate dirtholding capacity for the application. Monitor and Adjust: Use differential pressure gauges, filter indicators, and oil analysis to assess real-world filter performance and adjust the specification as needed. The tension between filtration efficiency and filter life is not a problem to be solved once, but a balance to be managed continuously. By focusing on applicationspecific requirements and using datadriven decision-making, engineers and technicians can select filtration strategies that protect equipment without imposing unnecessary maintenance burdens. With the right approach, it is possible to achieve both system cleanliness and operational efficiency.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjQ0NzM=