Hydraulic filters that do more harm than good - Part 1

from www.insidersecretstohydraulics.com
posted 5-21-07

part 2, part 3

Given that particle contamination of hydraulic fluid reduces the service life of hydraulic components, it would seem logical that a system can never have too many hydraulic filters. Well... not exactly.

Some hydraulic filters can actually do more harm than good and therefore their inclusion in a hydraulic system is sometimes misguided.

Pump inlet (suction) filters fall into this category. Inlet filters usually take the form of a 140 micron, mesh strainer which is screwed onto the pump intake penetration inside the hydraulic reservoir.

Inlet filters increase the chances of cavitation occurring in the intake line and subsequent damage to, and failure of the hydraulic pump. Piston-type pumps are particularly susceptible.

If the reservoir starts out clean and all fluid returning to the reservoir is filtered, inlet filters are not required since the hydraulic fluid will not contain particles large enough to be captured by a coarse mesh strainer.

What does this mean?

I generally recommend removing and discarding inlet filters where fitted. The one possible exception to this rule is charge pump intakes on hydrostatic transmissions. If in doubt consult the hydraulic pump manufacturer.

If you are involved in the design of hydraulic systems, think twice before fitting hydraulic filters to pump intake lines.