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    7 Tips To Maintain a Decanter Centrifuge Hydraulic Pump

    A hydraulic pump is a predictable and reliable performer to pump oil to the hydraulic motor of a centrifuge. Like any piece of rotating equipment, in order to perform properly and to last, the pump requires proper lubrication and clean, correct oil to minimized friction and wear.

    Neglecting basic preventative maintenance to the hydraulic pump can cause damage not only to the pump, but also to the centrifuge. This creates unnecessary repair costs, downtime and less efficient dewatering or thickening.

    Follow these seven simple preventative maintenance tips to help keep your hydraulic pump and centrifuge in tip-top shape.

    7 Simple Preventative Maintenance Tips

    SERVICE-PumpHoseWear

    #1 DAILY: Check for oil leaks around and under the hydraulic pump.

    Inspect all hose and pipe connections for leaks. If you've completed all the necessary hose tightening, examined all fittings and oil leaking continues, call us for further diagnosis.

    NOTE: In some centrifuge arrangements, the hose connecting the hydraulic pump to the centrifuge may have contact with the centrifuge and/or the floor. In these instances, monitor those contact points more closely for possible damage.

    SERVICE-Filter-Blockage-Indicator

    #2 DAILY: Check the oil filter blockage indicator with hydraulic pump running.

    If the indicator button shows red (or a red button pops out), stop centrifuge operation and inspect the high-pressure hydraulic filter. The filter may be blocked which could be caused by using the wrong oil, particle contamination or damage to the filter. If you have diagnosed and believe corrected the problem and the indicator button still shows red (or a red button pops out), stop operation and call for further diagnosis.

    SERVICE-Filter-New-Used

    #3 4k HOURS or 2x YEAR: Replace the high-pressure hydraulic filter, located in the pump housing.

    This filter is a one time use filter. DO NOT clean and reuse.

    TIP: Do not ignore timely replacement of the hydraulic filters. If dirt, debris or metals get into the cam due to an old dirty filter, a rebuild could be the result.

    SERVICE-checking-vase-for-debris

    #4 4k HOURS or 2x YEAR: Inspect the filter vase housing by straining the vase contents.
    Strain the oil and debris from the vase through a paper or cloth filter (a coffee filter works well). Inspect the strained contents for debris, metal particles or dirt. If everything appears clean, change the oil as instructed in step #7.

    If there is a higher than usual amount of metallic (shiny) particles on the straining material or in the vase housing, call for service to minimize any future damage.

    SERVICE-pump-unit-with-drainvalve

    #5 MONTHLY: Sample a small amount of hydraulic fluid from the drain valve and inspect oil for signs of contamination.

    SERVICE-Oil-Types

    Oil should be changed every 4,000 hours of centrifuge operation or two times a year, as instructed in step #7.

    Oil is good, continue use:
    A= Clean Oil

    Oil is bad, replace immediately:
    B/C= Milky Oil: due to water in the oil
    D = Oil Ran Hot: oil ran above the recommended temperature and the oil particles burnt; check temperature sensors/interlocks for failure
    E = Severely Contaminated Oil: possible mechanical damage to hydraulic pump and motor, stop operation immediately and call for service

    SERVICE-Strainer-New-Used

    #6 Clean/wipe or replace the suction strainer, located inside the hydraulic pump tank, a minimum of every two years.

    The suction strainer protects the pump from oil debris. Check your O&E manual to determine if a suction strainer is installed (typically with hydraulic pumps less than 30kW).

    SERVICE-Oil-List

    #74k HOURS or 2x YEAR: Fill the hydraulic pump with the correct oil.

    It is important to only use clean oil. If surplus oil is stored in barrels or containers, make sure it is not contaminated with water, fluids or other materials. Refer to your O&M manual for correct oil specifications. Do not use automatic transmission fluid (ATF). View List

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