The Hard Truth About Particle Contamination

It has been proven that the No. 1 cause of machine failure is the degradation of component surfaces. These surfaces can degrade in a variety of ways, but the most destructive is via particle contamination. While you may already be aware that dirt is harder than most metals found in machines, do you know how much harder it is?

 

Read more
Wes_Mohs_Hardness

  • Oil Clotting and the Adrenaline Effect

    We are all familiar with blood clotting and its role in constricting blood flow after injury. Clotting depends on the coagulation of platelets and blood cells aided by fibrin molecules to trap and bind them together. This coagulated mass effectively plugs capillaries to stop uncontrolled hemorrhaging and bleeding.   Read
    read more

  • Hydrodynamic Cleaning and Flushing of Turbine Oil Systems

    One of the most important but underestimated factors impacting the operation of turbines (both steam and gas) and other machinery is the condition of the oil, especially its “mechanical” cleanliness (presence of solid particles). Although the need for appropriate oil care is commonly accepted among power plants with regular maintenance
    read more

  • Distinguishing Regulators and Reducing Valves

    We have seen a lot of confusion about pressure reducing valves and regulators in fluid power systems. This confusion is largely due to the nomenclature and partly because the schematic symbols are not always as intuitive as they could be.   Read more
    read more