Laurie Washington
If you have equipment that uses powerful hydraulic systems, sometimes problems with blown seals can cause downtime and losses. Therefore, there are repairs and maintenance that you need to do quickly to get machines back up and running when they break down. The following guide will help you with replacing seals that have blown and caused the problems:
Routine Daily Inspections to Locate Damaged Seals That Are Starting to Leak and Cause Problems
The first thing that needs to be done to take care of your hydraulic systems is a regular daily inspection routine. When inspecting your hydraulic systems, you will want to identify problems with worn seals and leaks that need to be repaired. If there is one seal that has been blown, then it is likely that there are other seals that need to be replaced because of wear. Replacing the defective seals and repairing small leaks will help to prevent bigger problems when seals blow out.
Stopping the Hydraulic Pump and Draining Fluids to Prepare to Do the Needed Repairs
Once you have identified the problems, you will want to make sure the machine is turned off and the pump is disconnected. Drain some of the hydraulic fluid out of the manifold and pump to remove the parts that are leaking and causing the problems. Save the hydraulic fluid if it is new to be reused when your complete repairs and put everything back together.
Removing the Piston or Other Hydraulic Components That Have a Blown Seal That Needs to Be Replaced
Once you have the fluids drained enough to remove parts without making a mess, disconnect the pistons or other parts that have blown seals. Remove the piston from the machinery and take it to a workbench where you can easily take it apart and complete the repairs that need to be done.
Replacing the Damaged Hydraulic Seal, Inspecting Components, and Putting Everything Back Together
When you have the piston or other parts on a workbench, completely disassemble to part and clean all the components. Inspect all the components for signs of defects and damage that could cause problems if they go unrepaired. Reassemble the part and put it back on the machinery to complete the repairs. Once the part has been replaced, fill the hydraulic system with fluid, and then, turn it on and look for leaks. Make adjustments to ensure you are not losing fluids, and go back to work.
Good maintenance and repairing blown hydraulic seals when they need to be replaced will help keep your equipment up and running when you need it most. If you need materials to stop leaks, contact a hydraulic materials supplier to get hydraulic seals, rebuilding kits, and other materials that you will need for repairs and maintenance.
Take a look around at the industrial equipment in your facility. Hopefully it is all working and in good shape. If you want to keep it that way, you will need to provide it with the proper care. Every machine has somewhat different maintenance requirements, but in most cases, some lubrication and an annual inspection by a qualified repair professional will go a long way. Here's the thing: you can't be in this industry without the right equipment. So rather than spending more on new equipment, it is wise to care for the stuff you've got. Read more on this and related topics right here on this website about industrial equipment.