Variable-displacement pumps are used in hydraulic systems where the flow requirements vary. This usually means the system has several actuators and, depending on the current cycle of the machine, the number of actuators moving at a given time will fluctuate. The most common type of variable-displacement pump is the pressure-compensating pump.
“What are the most effective strategies for preventing sudden-death bearing failures?”
Lubrication’s biggest enemy is contamination, especially solid contaminants like dirt. Once contamination gets into the oil, it becomes a crux to lubricant failure and ultimately machine failure. A robust reliability program would not be complete without an action plan to help minimize contamination in lubricants.
A power plant in Pakistan recently experienced an abrupt drop in the base number of its diesel engine oil. This decrease was discovered during routine oil analysis while the engine was on stand-by. When the sump was inspected through the side doors, water was observed in the oil.
“What are the best ways to get data from your oil without expensive analytical instruments or offsite laboratories?”
When most people think of oil analysis, they imagine collecting an oil sample and then sending it to a laboratory for detailed testing. While this method can tell you a lot about the health of both the oil and the machine, multiple inspections can be performed with little to no cost involved.
