BEST PRACTICES FOR WATER REMOVAL IN HYDRAULIC SYSTEMS
Water contamination in hydraulic systems can severely reduce the life of the hydraulic system and fluids. The contamination of hydraulic fluids with water can either be caused by condensation or ingression leading to loss of lubricity and increased oil viscosity. Removal of water from the hydraulic oil is critical to maintaining fluid life and can be accomplished by several methods. Water absorbing and coalescing elements can remove free water from the hydraulic oil while dehydration units can remove both free and dissolved water. Dewatering the hydraulic fluid can extend oil like increasing lubricating properties, reducing component wear rates and eliminates production losses caused by breakdowns.