Condition monitoring of fluid systems - The need for a systematic approach

The reliable operation of hydraulic fluid power and lubrication systems is extremely important to a organisation's profitability and the extensive use of fluid systems within industry means that it often forms a critical part of the production process. To ensure the reliable and efficient operation of these fluid systems, it is essential that they are working at their optimum performance and the measurement of performance should be integrated into a well planned and organised maintenance activity. This activity should, therefore, be structured to measure critical performance parameters in order to detect a change from the optimum condition so that maintenance effort can be directed at restoring the status quo long before any problems are experienced. This way more efficient and profitable use is made of maintenance resource in a organised manner. This paper makes the case for a systematic approach to a condition based Maintenance regime. As the presence of dirt in the hydraulic fluid is acknowledged to be the single most important aspect controlling the life and reliability of fluid systems, emphasis is placed on integration of contamination monitoring into maintenance regimes. This paper presents the needs for a quality system approach to the complete aspect of asset management. It shows how one such system, Total Cleanliness Control (TCC(TM)), is being successfully applied to improve the life and reliability of hydraulic and lube systems.