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Major failure - combined with filter overload disperses debris throughout the
system.
Mechanical cleaning.
Power flushing.
Mechanical cleaning
Although not technically a flushing technique, the selective use of mechanical
cleaning may be incorporated in the flushing strategy. This can involve the use of a
pneumatic projectile gun to clean pipes, tubes and hoses (see exhibit 1), and
disassembly of the reservoir and other components for cleaning using brushes and
solvents. Mechanical cleaning is labor intensive and therefore costly. It carries with it
reliability risks associated with opening the hydraulic system and intervention by
human agents.
Power flushing
Power flushing involves the use of a purpose-built rig to circulate a low viscosity fluid
at high velocities to create turbulent flow conditions (Reynolds number > 2000). The
flushing rig is typically equipped with a pump that has a flow rate several times that
of system's normal flow, directional valves, accumulators, fluid heater and chiller and
of course, a bank of filters. The directional valves enable the flushing direction to be
changed, the accumulators enable pulsating flow conditions and the heater and
chiller enable the fluid temperature to be increased or decreased, all of which can
assist in the dislodgment of contaminants. Analysis of the flushing fluid is performed
regularly during the flushing operation to determine the point at which the system
has been satisfactorily cleaned.
Prevent or cure?
With the exception of new or overhauled equipment, the need to flush a hydraulic
system generally represents a failure of maintenance. If you follow an effective
proactive maintenance program like the one I outline in Insider Secrets to
Hydraulics, it's likely that you'll never need to flush.
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