The tank of a hydraulic power station , in itself, is one of the main elements of the hydraulic circuit, since in addition to the pump and the electric motor , it stores and treats the hydraulic fluid through which the energy is transmitted to the different control and command components. To keep the entire installation in good condition and at full performance, it is necessary to carry out correct maintenance of all its components ; in this case we will focus on the fluid and the tank.
Hydraulic fluid and reservoir maintenance criteria
- Check fluid levels periodically.
- Prevent the formation of foam due to installation defects.
- Fluid returns and suction will be done below the minimum liquid level.
- Avoid dirt in the tank environment and contamination.
- Prevent water from entering the tank.
- Perform chemical monitoring of the fluid periodically.
- Replace the fluid when the manufacturer's recommended lifespan has been reached.
- Have the product data sheet and specific manufacturer instructions.
- Fill the tank when the levels indicate it.
- Control the temperature. Adequate cooling.
- Good condition of the pump. Fluid training is done without retaking air, which then leads to pump cavitation and rapid deterioration.
- Bleed the air from the installation when it has been worked on or poor operation of the elevator is detected.
- Periodic monitoring and cleaning of filters.
- Good cleaning of the plant and all its components, including the pipes/conduits .
- Protect the control unit and its components against impacts from objects by means of protections.
- Good lighting of the area to facilitate interventions.
- Finally, it is important to insist on the need to operate the hydraulic power plant in accordance with the instructions given by the manufacturer, as well as to use the hydraulic fluids that are specifically indicated in the technical dossier that will accompany the power plant.
Hydraulic fluid change
For the fluid replacement to be effective, it must be accompanied by the following operations:
- Evacuate all the fluid, both that in the tank and that in the circuit.
- Clean the tank and check its condition.
- Change the filters or at least clean them.
- Check the condition of all auxiliary elements of the hydraulic power plant.
- Fill the tank with the appropriate hydraulic fluid, and not another.
- Purge air from pipes and appliances.
- Bring the fluid level to the indicated level. Top up if necessary.
Related posts:
- Hydraulic fluid
- Biodegradable fluids
- Maintenance of a hydraulic elevator: recommendations
- Basic elements of a hydraulic elevator (I) and (II)
- Flexible driving and rigid driving
Source: Handbook of Industrial Hydraulics. Applied electricity. Author: José Roldán Viloria.
16 comments
Good comment on fluid maintenance in hydraulic elevators.
It will help me to know when I should change the oil in a facility.
Greetings Mar
I explain my case to see if you can give me some explanation:
Nine months ago the central unit got wet from above and a valve had to be replaced. At first glance it did not seem that water had entered the central unit's tank because no strange colour could be seen and the lift was working properly.
A few days ago the power plant broke down, and when I opened it the oil looked curdled and foamy.
I ask: Is it possible that water got in 9 months ago and it worked normally and now that it has mixed more with the oil it has caused it to rot and the engine to cross?
Or what other explanation could there be?
Thanks and Greetings.
Hi Jose,
The oil must have contained water, and over time it has reduced the insulation of the motor, which has caused the windings to become blocked. The pump should also be checked; if it is blocked, it will be due to the water in the oil. If this is the case, it is possible that the motor may also be blocked. These are all hypotheses, since both components would have to be checked to give a more specific answer. For the power plant to function correctly, water must never come into contact with oil.
We hope we have helped you. Regards,
Hello, can someone tell me where I can buy oil for the hydraulic elevator in Madrid? Thank you very much.
parts catalog+
Hello:
In the face of the doubt about the lack of oil in the tank, we got into a debate with a colleague. He tells me that he used to start up GMV equipment for a company (x) and that the GMV technician told him that the level is measured with an elevator on the top floor and the oil should be halfway up the pump regardless of the elevation level. I tell him that the level is there for a reason.
What is the truth? Who is right?
Hi Pablo, the minimum oil level is approximately 5-6 cm above the pump filter with the lift on the top floor and stopped. In any case, if you tell us the tank model, we can tell you the minimum oil level in litres.
How much can it cost if you have to put the oil
Since they tell us that he has been left with nothing
How much can it cost to change oil? They tell us that it has run out of oil
Thank you
Good evening, I would like to see if you can help me.
It is necessary to purge a cardboard compactor, change the nozzle and if so, how is it purged?
Very useful and concise.
I have a GMV elevator in Guadalajara Mexico and I require maintenance, can you give me a list of companies with trained personnel to perform maintenance, also a technician mentions that the contactors are failing and require replacement.