Double action hydraulic or hyd cylinders are very common in industry today and they serve a wide range of functions. However, one of the more common causes of cylinder problems is known as drift. If you can develop an effective strategy for drift prevention, you can increase company efficiency by limiting downtime, repairs, and expenses for new equipment. Let’s take a closer look into the issue of hydraulic drift, to help increase the life of your equipment.
What is Hydraulic Drift?
One of the most important parts of hydraulic cylinders is the piston and the seal which is formed around it. Piston action is important for hydraulic pressure within a system. If the internal piston seals are not sealing properly, cylinders will begin to leak. This can create uneven pressure balance within the system and equipment can behave erratically as a result.
Leaking piston seals in hyd cylinders are sometimes the cause of drift but there can also be problems with other components in the hydraulic system, which results in an uneven flow of fluid and pressure. For example, the piston rod seals affect pressure and so do holding valve seals. Anytime there is an uneven flow of hydraulic pressure, the piston can “drift” inside the cylinder and this can be very problematic.
Drift and Uneven Motions
When a fluid system does not operate evenly you may notice occasional “jerking” or “hesitations”. This can be disastrous for some applications. For instance, the bucket on a backhoe or loader may begin to jerk as it is transferring a load of materials, resulting in unwanted spillage. Drift can also affect digging action of excavating equipment providing undesirable results. Any time you need hydraulics to move heavy materials, drift can be a major problem.
Drift Prevention
Proper maintenance is absolutely essential if you wish to keep your hydraulics in good condition. Any kind of contaminants entering the system can create undue friction and wear on components. In fact, this is a major cause for premature piston seal failure. Equipment should be inspected for signs of leakage on a regular basis. Fluid leakage can mean a component needs to be replaced, because faulty valves will eventually affect the operation of hyd clinders, creating additional wear and tear.
Cutting costs by using the cheapest parts supplier can be bad for your business. Choosing the right materials and replacement cylinders is essential. Always go with a supplier offering high quality parts and a company with plenty of experience in the hydraulic industry.
