Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/103334
technologyadvertorial High voltage The consequences of electrostatic discharge to hydraulic and lubrication systems can be serious. Mark Le Roux, development manager mining and filtration at Hydac, explains how innovative element technology is available to deliver a solution. We'd all like to have a hydraulic system that operates economically and without risks. However, for that to happen it is necessary to use filter systems that are capable of absorbing oil ageing products and preventing dangerous electrostatic discharge from occurring. Global fluid technology company Hydac has created an element technology that inhibits the phenomenon of electrostatic discharge in filter elements and significantly reduces the charges in the oil. Group II and Group III base oils are being produced as a result of the market seeking more environmentally friendly oils. These oils however display low conductivity and when the oil flows through the filters in the system, an electrostatic charge is generated. This can result in electrostatics being generated and electrostatic discharge taking place in the system. The consequences of this discharge can be serious. Consequences can be: • Damage to the filter element in that holes are burned through the filter mesh pack resulting in issues with oil cleanliness. • Furthermore, when the charge is carried further downstream by the oil, uncontrolled discharges can occur in the hydraulic tank. The hydraulic oil itself is damaged by discharges. The discharge cracks the molecules of the fluid and free radicals are formed. These radicals polymerise into long chains and leads to the formation of varnish. In addition, the free radicals accelerate oil ageing. • Damage to electronic components situated in proximity to the discharge. The discharge causes interference with these electronic components which can lead to damage of the component and/or system. Hydac has combined excellent electrostatic characteristics and filtration performance in 94 a new type of filtration mesh pack and element design. Hydac Stat-Free elements have been designed to eliminate electrostatic charging of the oil and prevent occurrences as detailed above. The performance has been confirmed thorough laboratory and field tests. Stat-Free elements are particularly suitable for applications in power plants, gas turbines, plastic injection moulding machines and calenders (paper industry) and in mobile hydraulics, as well as any other hydraulic and lubrication system which uses new low conductivity oil. They give a high level of operational reliability, since they prevent sparks, deflagration and sludge formation in the oil. Longer oil change intervals can be achieved through non-damaging filtration of the oil. Hydac's goal is to reduce the customer's operational costs, which is why the company looks at the big picture – the entire diagnostic process – to find the right, and the smart, solutions to challenging problems. For more information visit www.hydac.com.au.