Signs Your Factory Equipment's Hydraulic Cylinder Is Failing
If your factory's equipment requires the use of hydraulic systems to maintain operations, any failure within a system can bring your company's operations to a screeching halt, costing you both time and money due to any downtime. Because of this, be on the lookout for the following signs that your equipment's hydraulic cylinders are starting to fail.
Pistons Operate at a Slower Rate
One of the first things that may alert you to a problem with your hydraulic cylinders is the slower operation of your equipment. To keep your equipment running smoothly, the pistons should work at a smooth and steady pace.
However, if there is a problem with increased temperature or erratic pressure within the cylinder, the pistons may meet resistance while they are trying to operate. Usually, the pistons will slow down as they push through the fluid within the cylinder, but then they will pull back up faster.
There could also be a problem with the rocker arms of the pistons themselves. Shutting down the equipment and opening up the system is the only way to tell. Then, if a problem is found, you may be able to have the pistons and cylinder rebuilt to fix the issue instead of having to completely replace the cylinder.
Hydraulic Fluid Leaks out of the Gaskets
Another sign that your hydraulic cylinder is having problems is when fluid starts to leak out of the gaskets. Hopefully, this problem is caused by worn out gaskets that simply need to be replaced.
However, if there is increased pressure within the cylinder, this can force the hydraulic fluid out and around the gasket. At first, there may only be a few drops around the ends of the cylinder. Eventually, after the pressure continues to build up over time, the gaskets may blow out completely, making the fluid within the system push out all at once.
If the leak is ignored and a gasket blow out was to happen, the pistons would run within a dry cylinder. This could cause extensive damage that would require replacing the entire hydraulic cylinder. Running dry could also burn out the hydraulic pump, necessitating a complete replacement of the system.
If you notice any of the above signs, your equipment's hydraulic cylinder needs professional attention before the system fails completely. Contact an industrial company that offers hydraulic cylinder rebuild services to discuss your options for getting your system back on track.