Image

Troubleshooting Challenge: Pressure faults and leaks in classified military project

Feb. 7, 2013
A contractor was awarded a contract to build a hydraulic system that needed 60 gpm flow at up to 1000 psi, then a controlled flow from 20 down to 3 gpm in 12 sec, then up again to 2200 psi. It then had to return at full speed with a maximum required return pres
A contractor was awarded a contract to build a hydraulic system that needed 60 gpm flow at up to 1000 psi, then a controlled flow from 20 down to 3 gpm in 12 sec, then up again to 2200 psi. It then had to return at full speed with a maximum required return pres

sure of 600 psi. They were told to build the entire system with a total maximum height of 24 in. The width and length of the complete system needed to be as small as possible. The cylinder was not specified or ordered from the contractor.

The circuit was designed and built per the accompanying schematic. The system was tested and inspected by the Dept. of Defense and shipped overseas.

About two months after shipment, the contractor received a call about a problem during start-up. They could not exceed 300 psi from the pump, and the return line filter element kept coming loose and leaking. They also told the contractor that they were able to set the load-sensing adjustment to a maximum of 500 psi and could cycle the cylinder somewhat. They wanted to know what could be causing the two problems.

Any idea what they should do next?

Robert J. Sheaf Jr., is founder and president of CFC Industrial Training, a Div. of CFC Solar, which provides technical training, consulting, and field services to any industry using fluid power technology. Visit www.cfc-solar.com for more information.

Solution:

The military project, with the 60-gpm pump and 40-hp electric motor, had two problems. The first was the lack of pressure. A load-sense compensator needs external pilot pressure to function above the original 300-psi load sense spring setting. The pressure needed to move a cylinder is fed to the load-sense spring chamber and is additive to the spring. The control orifice was probably blocked with contaminants, but the pump was still okay because the spring could increase the pressure to its limit of 500 psi.

The second problem with the leaking return line filter is a common problem when the return flow from the cap end of the cylinder is intensified due to the area ratio of the cylinder. If you divided the cap-end area by the rod-end area and multiplied the quotient by the pump flow going into the rod side, you would determine the flow leaving the cap end and going through the filter. A 2:1 area cylinder would result in a 120-gpm flow through the directional valve, filter, and heat exchanger. The contractor needed to find out the cylinder areas and determine if the components were rated for the return flow.

Spin-on element threads tend to stretch, making it feel like the element is loose. You can turn the element about 1⁄16 to 1⁄8 of a turn, and it will feel tight. Shortly after running the system, though, the element will start leaking again and can be tightened again. However, the stretched stud the element is attached to could break or the element threads could strip, causing the assembly to blow apart.

About the Author

Bob Sheaf | President

Robert J. Sheaf Jr., is the founder and president of CFC Insustrial Training, formerly Certified Fluid Consultants, part of CFC-Solar Inc. CFC-Solar provides technical training, consulting, and field services to any industry using fluid power technology. 

Continue Reading

Handbook Simplifies Advanced Aspects of Mobile Hydraulic Controls

May 10, 2017
Author Brendan Casey lays out his hydraulics know-how that he acquired over 27 years in a simple handbook made for people that want to improve their skills in troubleshooting ...

The Impacts of Electrification on Fluid Power Systems

May 15, 2023
Electrification presents challenges as well as opportunities to re-evaluate and improve upon the design of hydraulics and pneumatics.

Sponsored Recommendations

MONITORING RELAYS — TYPES AND APPLICATIONS

May 15, 2024
Production equipment is expensive and needs to be protected against input abnormalities such as voltage, current, frequency, and phase to stay online and in operation for the ...

Circuit Protection Devices & Busbars

March 13, 2024
With experienced Product Engineers and Customer Service personnel, Altech provides solutions to your most pressing application challenges. All with one thought in mind - to ensure...

All-In-One DC-UPS Power Solutions

March 13, 2024
Introducing the All-In-One DC-UPS, a versatile solution combining multiple functionalities in a single device. Serving as a power supply, battery charger, battery care module,...

Motor Disconnect Switches

March 13, 2024
With experienced Product Engineers and Customer Service personnel, Altech provides solutions to your most pressing application challenges. All with one thought in mind - to ensure...