Leaks in the system can and should be corrected. If deposits have accumulated and will not drain, flush with a light viscosity fluid that also contains a rust inhibitor to protect metal surfaces against rust formation after draining. If possible, bleeding the fluid at the lowest point in the system will also help. Starting the system and heating the fluid first will decrease the time it takes to drain the system and allow impurities suspended in the fluid to be removed. ![]() Best practice is to remove all fluid from the system. Rig manufacturers recommend periodically draining the hydraulic system and re-filling with new fluid. All of this downtime and expense can generally be avoided by following a schedule of preventative maintenance. ![]() Finally, filters should be replaced, the hydraulic fluid that was drained from the system disposed of and the tank filled with clean hydraulic fluid. All components of the entire system should be flushed to remove any particles. All hoses, lines, cylinders and valves should be inspected for wear and debris. The tank must be drained, flushed and cleaned. While the component must be removed and repaired, this is often not the greatest expense. If a hydraulic pump or motor does fail, the system can become contaminated by particles and debris from the damaged unit. Never add hydraulic fluid to a system through a contaminated funnel or container that has previously had other types of fluids and lubricants in it unless that funnel or container has been properly cleaned. This can cause leaks and turbulence or vibration, which increases component wear. Another culprit is aeration or the formation of air in a hydraulic system. In turn, heat can decrease the lubricating properties of the hydraulic fluid and cause further wear. Contaminated hydraulic fluid causes wear, which can create leaks and cause heat to build up in the system. Precision parts are very vulnerable to the effects of contamination and debris. It is the lifeblood of the hydraulic system and it must be kept clean if the entire system is to operate properly. Hydraulic oil accomplishes two essential functions: lubrication and transmission of power. Being able to read and understand these diagrams is vital for performing maintenance and troubleshooting. The drilling rig manufacturer’s equipment manual should include hydraulic circuit diagrams. Basic maintenance on these components includes replacing the filter, cleaning the inside and outside of the hydraulic tank, checking and recording hydraulic pressures and flows, and inspecting hydraulic hoses and fittings. Some key components of your hydraulic system include the hydraulic fluid filter, hydraulic tank, air breather and hydraulic pump. Have the required tools and parts easily accessible. Make it specific and clear, and take good notes regarding what maintenance was performed and when. It is good practice to develop your own maintenance program that can be followed by all personnel. Some important considerations: How many hours is the rig operating per day and per week? What percentage of time is it operating at maximum flow and pressure? Is the environment extremely hot, cold, contaminated with dust and debris, etc.? This information will help you to follow the equipment manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines while tweaking those recommendations to your specific operating conditions. ![]() However, one thing is for certain: Frequent maintenance will increase the life of the system. No hard and fast rules can be established here because of the great variety of circumstances. ![]() The emphasis should therefore be on proactive, rather than reactive, maintenance.Īn important step in proactive preventative maintenance is to have a clear understanding of the equipment’s operating conditions. It is far more productive to prevent breakdowns through regular maintenance than to deal with the downtime and increased cost associated with hydraulic system failures. A well-maintained hydraulic system is essential to keeping your drilling rig running efficiently today and for years to come.
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