Facilities with industrial equipment and machines need constant monitoring to ensure that people and products stay safe and undamaged. If you're supervising such a facility, it's not difficult to forget about smaller components. Hydraulic seals, for instance, can be forgotten while employees focus on their work with large machines. However, ignoring the seals can trigger trouble in the system and cause sizable problems. What seal care actions should your team regularly undertake?
Consult the Manufacturer
If seals are only coming to your attention because they're constantly needing replacement, there could be an issue with the seals themselves. It might be that your seals aren't compatible with the temperatures running in your system or that the seals aren't made to be compatible with the fluids you're using. Contacting the manufacturer directly or reading the manual or website should give you the clues needed to know whether you're actually using the correct seals in the system.
Cool the System
Even if temperature isn't supposed to be a problem for your hydraulic seals, it's in your best interest to keep temperatures down as much as possible so that you don't overtax the seals. Take measures to cool things down when you can; in fact, some paints can cool metal surfaces and tubing, which can cool the whole system.
Watch New Fluids
The introduction of fluids that act as additives and protectants could affect seals. Whenever adding new liquids or gases, monitor the health of your seals before leaks happen.
Keep Logs
Tracking replacements, leaks, and other seal issues will direct your team's actions. If, for instance, you notice that leaks happen after a month of use, you might ensure replacements are done within three weeks. Being able to note how seals are doing will prevent trouble.
Perform Maintenance on Other Items
Your seals could be perfect, but other elements in your system could be causing tears and rips. For example, if you're not replacing filters, a ripped one could permit a deluge of metal shards and other debris to interfere with the seals. Therefore, you should have your team perform regular maintenance well so that all parts of the system can be functional.
Talk to Employees
Your attention to the seals is one thing, but your entire team should be considering hydraulic seals periodically. When everyone is aware that the seals need focus, it's easier to keep them clean, intact. and without leaks.
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