The full benefit of the best fluid and equipment cannot be harnessed if the fluid is not properly cared for. The majority of hydraulic equipment breakdowns are fluid-related. In addition, the sophistication of modern hydraulic equipment requires clean fluid, and because the cost of lubricants and hydraulic fluids is increasing, it is imperative to pursue a sound fluid maintenance schedule. Table 8—1 shows the typical operating clearance of various machine elements, which emphasizes the importance of keeping fluid clean. Yet despite the significant bearing maintenance has on the operating costs of a plant, it is often a neglected engineering discipline. Hence a detailed account on the maintenance aspects of hydraulic fluids is given in this chapter.
