The machinery that you rely on in your production facility each day likely utilize hydraulic systems to access power. Caring for these hydraulic systems is important if you want your machinery to perform properly in the future.
Seals play a critical role in all hydraulic systems. The seals are responsible for creating a barrier against leaks, allowing the hydraulic system to maintain consistent pressure. Being able to identify problems with your hydraulic seals during routine maintenance will help you replace the seals before they become too damaged to function efficiently.
Check the piston seal
After you have disassembled your hydraulic cylinder in preparation for inspection, you should take the time to check the condition of the piston seal carefully. This seal can provide you with valuable information about the condition of the barrel within your hydraulic cylinder.
If you see that the piston seal is badly distorted or has started to deteriorate significantly, this damage is a sign that your barrel isn't functioning efficiently. A barrel that has bulged will cause the piston seal to become compromised.
By paying attention to the condition of the piston seal, you can determine if you need to repair or replace the barrel within your hydraulic cylinder to ensure maximum performance in the future.
Examine the rod seal
Another important seal located within your hydraulic cylinder system is the rod seal. This seal provides a barrier against the metal exterior of the cylinder and the moving rod that helps to pressurize hydraulic fluid within the cylinder.
When your hydraulic cylinder is functioning properly, the seal remains intact. As you examine your cylinder during routine inspections, check the condition of the rod seal. A rod seal that is stretched out of shape or showing signs of tearing is an indication that your rod is bent.
Bends in the rod cause the full weight of the rod to rest on the rod seal, resulting in premature deterioration. If you don't repair or replace the damaged rod, then adding a new rod seal to your hydraulic cylinder will be nothing more than a short-term fix for a more serious performance problem.
Understanding the critical role that seals play within your hydraulic system will allow you to utilize these seals as a valuable diagnostic tool in the future. Pay close attention to the condition of the piston seal and the rod seal to determine the overall health of your hydraulic cylinders. For more information on hydraulic cylinder repair, contact your local repair service today!
