Hydraulic fluid acts as the lubricant between moving parts and often the necessary resistance in components, such as brakes or power steering. The most common applications that require regular monitoring of fluid contamination are in heavy equipment, such as off-road earth-moving equipment and agricultural equipment. Industrial machinery that experiences frequent actuation or movement is also more susceptible to contamination than equipment that has infrequent actuation, or is isolated to a clean environment.
Contamination control is integral to ensuring efficient operation of a hydraulic system by identifying and measuring potential types of contamination. Taking the proper steps will extend the service life of hydraulic equipment.
Hydraulic systems are integral parts of a wide variety of equipment including: aircraft flight-control systems, backhoes, excavators, garbage trucks, hydraulic brakes, industrial machinery, lifts, power steering systems, and transmissions.