Fluid Contamination Incidents and Their Consequences

This article focuses on fluid contamination, which is responsible for approximately 80% of equipment failures. Through our experience, we have found that, apart from pressure and mechanical issues, the most common breakdowns are directly related to the fluid's quality and inadequate lubrication. Several common causes of fluid contamination include the presence of air in the fluid (cavitation, aeration), the presence of large solid particles, exposure to harmful chemical agents (e.g., water, incorrect additives, tar), improper viscosity levels (too high or too low), shaft misalignment leading to overheating, fluid flowing back into the pump, and the degradation of fluid quality, causing a loss of its essential chemical properties.

The consequences of fluid contamination are manifold. When water contaminates the fluid, its performance deteriorates, and the destruction of additives results in poor lubricity and thermal stability. Additionally, excessive water can introduce bacteria that damage the fluid, leading to localized micro-seizures due to inadequate lubrication. The fluctuating compressibility of the contaminated fluid can destabilize vanes, causing high noise levels and compromising the system's flow and pressure capabilities. Ultimately, the mechanical performance is significantly affected, and depending on the extent of damage, it may lead to the pump's destruction.

Addressing pollution caused by water contamination requires thorough cleaning and flushing of the entire system until the fluid achieves a clean and translucent state during operation. Hence, it is essential to consistently maintain and monitor the fluid quality and velocity to prolong the hydraulic components' lifespan. By ensuring proper fluid quality and preventing contamination, equipment failure rates can be significantly reduced.