5 Reasons Why a Hydraulic Cylinder Won’t Work

<p>Hydraulic cylinder failure causes downtime in operations. This situation is not only inconvenient in terms of maintenance but also takes time to troubleshoot the problem.</p> <p>Being aware of the most common issues related to operating hydraulic cylinders can help prevent problems from occurring and keep systems running smoothly. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the reasons why a hydraulic cylinder won't work.</p> <h3>Reasons Why Hydraulic Cylinders Stop Working:</h3> <h4>1. A seal is worn or damaged</h4> <p>Seals gradually degrade over time and if not replaced hydraulic fluid leaks might occur. Due to insufficient fluid in the system, cylinders may become erratic in movement causing instability. Additionally, worn seals can cause misalignment between the<a href="https://www.fpeseals.com/cylinder-parts/cylinder-components/rods"> cylinder rod</a> and seal, causing the cylinder to operate inefficiently.</p> <h4>2. Lack of system pressure</h4> <p>To safeguard the hydraulic system, a hydraulic relief valve is used to regulate the pressure. One of the main reasons why a hydraulic cylinder won't work can be due to the system pressure or flow from the pump, being too low due to worn components. This can be solved by checking system pressure regularly.</p> <h4>3. The cylinder is damaged</h4> <p>A damaged cylinder can result in reduced system performance, loss of hydraulic pressure, fluid contamination, and fluid leakage, all of which can prevent it from working. Therefore, it is important to perform regular maintenance and inspections to ensure cylinders are in good working condition.</p> <h4>4. The cylinder rod is bent</h4> <p>A typical reason why a hydraulic cylinder is not working is due to a bent rod. Which has occurred due to its operation or abuse. Or if it is impacted by heavy objects or machinery, this can cause damage to the cylinder rod.<br><br>If you notice any signs of wear or deformation in the rod, it is important to replace it right away. This is not just to fix the problem, but also to make sure it does not cause any accidents or damage to your equipment.</p> <h4>5. Hose failure</h4> <p>The purpose of hydraulic hoses is to allow hydraulic fluid to flow from one component to another. Hoses are the means by which fluid is transferred freely and keeps vital parts of hydraulics systems moving. A damaged hose, results in leaking pressurised fluid. This can result in a loss of pressure in the hydraulic system, which can cause equipment to malfunction or stop working altogether. It is important to regularly inspect hydraulic hoses for signs of wear or damage.<br><br>In summary, the simplest way to avoid problems with a hydraulic cylinder is to perform regular inspection, and servicing, which can reduce the requirement for expensive repairs and downtime.<br>If you would like any advice on sourcing replacement metal parts or<a href="https://www.fpeseals.com/seals"> seals</a> for your hydraulic ram, please contact our helpful and knowledgeable team today.</p> <p><a href="https://www.fpeseals.com/contact" class="button medium">CONTACT US</a></p>

What are Bonded Washers?

<p>Bonded Washers, also known as Dowty Seals or Bonded Seals, offer a powerful solution for achieving tight, leak-free connections in various applications. They are typically used in industries such as automotive, hydraulics, and pneumatics.</p> <p>These seals are comprised of a metal washer and a rubber ring, which is bonded inside the diameter. The two components work together to create a dependable and leak-free connection. <a href="https://www.fpeseals.com/seals/static-seals-o-rings/washers">Bonded Washers</a> are primarily designed to withstand high-pressure applications, making them a popular choice in hydraulic systems.</p> <h3>Properties and Materials:</h3> <p>The construction of Bonded Washers is simple yet effective. The metal washer, often made of steel or stainless steel, provides structural integrity, and prevents deformation under pressure. The rubber ring, typically made of nitrile rubber or other elastomeric materials, forms the sealing element. Nitrile rubber is widely used due to its excellent resistance to oil, fuel, and hydraulic fluids. However, different applications may require seals made from other elastomeric materials, such as silicone or fluorocarbon rubber, depending on the specific operational requirements.</p> <h3>Working Principle:</h3> <p>The working principle of Bonded Washers relies on a combination of compression and the elastomeric properties of the rubber ring. When the seal is tightened, the rubber ring compresses between the washer and the mating surface, creating a tight and secure connection. The rubber material provides resilience and elasticity, allowing it to adapt to slight variations in the mating surfaces, ensuring a dependable seal even under dynamic conditions.</p> <h3>Advantages of Bonded Washers:</h3> <p><strong>Leakage Prevention</strong>: Bonded Washers offer exceptional sealing capabilities, preventing fluid leakage in high-pressure environments. Their robust design and secure connection help to maintain system integrity, reducing the risk of costly leaks and downtime.</p> <p><strong>Vibration Resistance</strong>: The rubber ring in Bonded Washers acts as a damping element, absorbing vibrations and reducing the chances of loosening or failure due to dynamic movements.</p> <p><strong>Easy Installation:</strong> Bonded Washers are simple to install, making them a time-saving solution for engineers. With just a washer and a rubber seal, they can be easily integrated into existing systems without requiring complex tools or techniques. Bonded Washers are flexible, and so can fit in a variety of devices.</p> <p><strong>Cost-Effective:</strong> These seals offer a cost-effective solution due to their durability and long service life. Their resistance to wear, tear, and degradation ensures that they can withstand demanding environments without frequent replacements, reducing maintenance costs over time.</p> <p>FPE Seals stock and supply a comprehensive range of Bonded Washers that can be used to seal bolt heads and prevent leakage from hydraulic fittings or adaptors.</p> <p>Can’t find what you are looking for? Get in touch with our knowledgeable team today for further advice and information about our products including a full range of <a href="https://www.fpeseals.com/cylinder-parts">hydraulic ram</a> components.</p> <p><a href="https://www.fpeseals.com/contact" class="button medium">CONTACT US</a></p>

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How do I know if my pneumatic seal needs replacing?

Pneumatic Seals are used in a wide variety of applications across haulage, construction, plant, pharmaceutical, food, and general engineering industries, improving equipment performance. They are designed to keep the gases and fluids under pressure, helping to maintain a controlled and efficient system.

Depending on the application, pneumatic seals come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. FPM/Fluorocarbon rubber, nitrile, silicone, EPDM, and PTFE are some of the most popular materials used for pneumatic seals. However, overtime pneumatic seals can wear out or become damaged, compromising the pneumatic system's performance. In this blog, we will discuss some signs that indicate pneumatic seals need to be replaced.

How to know if your pneumatic seal needs replacing?

Air Leakage:

One of the most obvious signs pneumatic seals need to be replaced is air leakage, either externally or internally. The most common areas where leaks can occur include joints, couplings, seals, and fittings, as well as hoses and areas that have worn packing. Air is usually audible and you may also notice a drop in system pressure.

Reduced performance:

Another sign that your pneumatic seal needs replacing is reduced performance. This could be due to seals no longer functioning as they should. Reduced performance could also cause a slower response time or a loss of power from the system such as slow or uneven movement of the pneumatic cylinder or a decrease in the force it exerts.

Wear and Tear:

As a result of being exposed to harsh operating conditions such as high temperatures or chemicals, pneumatic seals are likely to wear and tear and can get damaged over time. Any pneumatic seals showing signs of damage, such as cracks, tears, or deformations, should always be replaced.

Contamination:

Contamination is another reason pneumatic seals fail. If the system is exposed to dirt, dust, or other debris, it can damage the seal and cause it to fail. If you notice any contamination, such as debris on the seal or in the system, it is important to clean it thoroughly and replace the seal.

Extreme Temperature:

The temperature range, of pneumatic seals is -4°F to +176°F, anything that is operating out of this range is susceptible to failure when operating in extreme temperatures. This causes the seals to become brittle and crack. It is essential when choosing the appropriate medium that it is suitable to withstand the working temperature range of your pneumatic cylinder.

Age of the seals:

Pneumatic seals have a limited lifespan, and over time they will eventually need to be replaced. The lifespan of pneumatic seals can vary depending on a few factors, including the operating conditions of the system, the quality of the seals, and the level of maintenance the system receives. It is recommended that pneumatic seals be replaced every 2 to 3 years, or sooner if any of the above signs are present.

At FPE Seals, we offer a wide range of high-quality pneumatic seals and offer advice and guidance to help you find the part you need.

Unable to find what you need on our webstore? Please contact us and we will be happy to help source what you need.