On-line monitoring of hydraulic filter and machine condition
Prof. dr. Darko Lovrec, univ. dipl. inž., izr. prof. dr. Vito Tič, univ. dipl. inž., both Univerza v Mariboru, Fakulteta za strojništvo
In addition to the hydraulic pump and actuator, which are the ever-present vital components of the hydraulic system, the hydraulic filter on the return line is also the ever-present, indispensable component of any hydraulic system. Apart from the fact that the filter is primarily intended for cleaning the hydraulic fluid and maintaining the desired degree of cleanliness, it can also be used for hydraulic system monitoring and consequently maintaining stable operation of the entire machine.
If the return filter has a suitable sensor for measuring the pressure drop on the filter cartridge, we can obtain valuable information that allow us to observe the condition of the hydraulic device and the machine. If an analogue electrical sensor for measuring pressure drop is used, the signal can not only be captured and its value displayed, but the data can also be included in a much more advanced control system of the device. The paper presents the possibilities offered by continuous, on-line monitoring of the pressure drop on the return filter: from the present state of filter clogging, recognition of machine operating phase, machine load, sudden damage to hydraulic components, filter cartridge damage and much more.
Key words:
hydraulic filter, pressure drop, on-line condition monitoring, indication of changes, possibilities of use