Hydraulic system safety in the construction industry
March 6, 2023
By Brennan Industries for the Blue Print
By Brennan Industries for the Blue Print
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Hydraulic systems can be dangerous due to their high pressure. They can fail if not properly maintained, causing expensive equipment failure and downtime. It is also possible for an accident to severe environmental damage, injuries including fractures, dislocations, amputations, burns, fluid injection or even death. Since projects can last from months to years, it will only benefit you to make sure your system is safe.
Check for air, particle, and water contamination A construction job site is dirty. The ingress of dirt, air, water, or even small particles can cause contamination, so you should be meticulous about changing fluids and filters in your hydraulic system. In addition, according to Mobile Hydraulic Tips, changing out equipment usually requires changing filters and hoses, leaving your system vulnerable to contamination. Other ways contamination can enter your system include:
Ultimately, a careless hydraulic fluid filling procedure will cause contamination in the system, which is why you need proper filtration and cleaning. The days of using a pail and funnel to fill a hydraulic reservoir are gone. Instead, to have superb performance, you should use a filter-transfer pump to draw fluid from a barrel or tote and pump it directly into the reservoir through a coupler on the side of the tank. Check the temperature Conditions are often in flux between atmospheric and system temperatures, which can impact the performance of your hydraulic system. For example, working in very hot or very cold conditions can affect components and fluids in your system. When the temperature in the system itself is too high it can lead to pump failure and has a strong potential of damaging the entire hydraulic system by allowing entry of contaminants. O-rings and seals O-rings are used in most fluid power connections to prevent leaks. There are many considerations when selecting the material. Most are made of elastomers, while some are made of metal. Material selection is based on temperature requirements and types of fluid. For instance, cold temperatures can cause seals and O-rings to become brittle and crack, leading to leak paths. It can also increase the viscosity of fluids, slowing the flow and circulation through the system and increasing the potential for wear on components. O-ring material and fluid types must be compatible to keep the elastomer from breaking down. Additionally, since the hydraulic system will operate for an extended period, it’s essential to check for excess heat or cold, which can be the enemy of these systems. Therefore, ensuring your systems are working at safe levels is imperative. Check for ways to eliminate human error Creating intelligent systems that help improve safety will give you more control. There are opportunities to implement technology, eliminate human error and improve safety by digitalizing your process. Artificial intelligence paired with IoT collects data on safe usage and can notify you when malfunctions happen, significantly reducing costly equipment damage and downtime, while helping to ensure worker safety. In addition, you can get real-time data regarding the job site, allowing you to make predictions of system functionality and required maintenance. This information will help you gather insights and anticipate potential hazards. A dependable and high-quality manufacturer can guide you on what to select for your application. By collaborating with them on the specifications of your job, you will be able to make improvements to the safety of your job site.
Content originally from Brennan Industries. Reused here with permission. Vertical Divider
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