How do I order a Motion Repair & Services Filter Cart?
The Mi Repair & Services Filter Cart can be ordered through your local Motion Repair & Services branch or specialist.
I have an inline filter on my system. Why do I need offline filtration?
Offline filtration or polishing loops can reduce contaminants in even the best-designed systems. The Motion Repair & Services Filter Cart will remove particles in remote areas in a reservoir that the system filters may not reach. Additionally, a constant flow rate across the filter will clean the oil better with the same micron-rated filter than with short surges of oil. Offline filtration can be operated while the power unit is not on during shutdown. In many cases, we have lowered an ISO code just by adding offline filtration.
What micron-level filter element is right for my system?
This will depend on some interrelated factors, such as the complexity of your system (higher pressure demands a cleaner system) or the operating conditions in your plant. Select a cleanliness level that corresponds to the components in your system that are the most sensitive to contamination. The owner’s/operator’s manuals will typically give you the required rating, or you can contact a certified Motion Repair & Services specialist to help you determine the right filters for your system. Filter placement is also critical.
The Motion Repair & Services Filter Cart uses a two-stage design utilizing a 30-micron pre-filter and a 4-micron final filter assembly as standard equipment. The 30-micron filters collect the larger particles while the 3-micron does the polishing.
Not all filter elements are created equal – all filter elements used on the Motion Repair & Services Filter Carts are a beta ratio of 1,000 or greater. The beta rating is an industry-standard way of rating an element’s actual performance. The beta ratio is obtained by counting contaminant particles in the inlet oil, then counting the particles in the outlet oil after it passes through the element. The formula for the beta ratio is particle count in divided by the particle count out. Beta 1,000 means that for every 1,000 particles passing through the element, only one comes out. Or, it removes 999 out of 1,000 particles (99.9% effective). This is superior filtration – don’t accept less.
I heard someone say that new oil is dirty. How can that be?
Oil is dirty, even when new (unless you specifically order it filtered to an ISO rating). Processing, handling, storage, etc. combine to contaminate new oil to a level that will cause system problems. This level of contamination will void most new component warranties. The best way to prevent contamination is to filter the new oil using the Motion Repair & Services Filter Cart with the standard 30-micron pre-filter and 4-micron polishing filter while you transfer it from the supplier’s container to your system reservoir. Perform an oil analysis on your next barrel of new oil to determine the level of contamination. Oil analysis kits are available from your local Motion Repair & Services representative.
Why does oil analysis go hand in hand with the Mi Repair & Services Filter Cart?
Hydraulic oil very seldom wears out. Unless it’s subject to extreme heat, chances are it’s just dirty and can be rejuvenated as opposed to discarded. The only way to know if your oil can be saved is to perform an oil analysis to determine the level of contamination and overall condition of the anti-wear, anti-foam agents that are supposed to be in the oil. We have saved many customers money by taking this approach, 3,000 gallons in one instance saving our customer over $12,000 in replacement oil costs. Oil analysis kits are available from your local Motion Repair & Services representative.
I have good maintenance practices and regularly change system filters. Do I really need external office filtration?
Hydraulic oil very seldom wears out. Unless it’s subject to extreme heat, chances are it’s just dirty and can be rejuvenated as opposed to discarded. The only way to know if your oil can be saved is to perform an oil analysis to determine the level of contamination and overall condition of the anti-wear, anti-foam agents that are supposed to be in the oil. We have saved many customers money by taking this approach, 3,000 gallons in one instance saving our customer over $12,000 in replacement oil costs. Oil analysis kits are available from your local Motion Repair & Services representative.
My oil does not come into contact with water. How am I getting water into my system?
Water contaminates oil predominantly through atmospheric (humidity) sources. Condensation is the most common, next to an unsealed reservoir placed outdoors. Water causes the most problems, as it rusts components and combines with scale to create a sticky sludge that causes up to 90% of all servo valve failures. With the optional water removal element installed on your Mi Repair & Services Filter Cart, the water will be removed, leaving your oil clean and ready to use again. Each water removal element will hold up to 1 quart of water!
For larger amounts of water, a vacuum dehydrator must be used. This will filter particulate, as well as remove dissolved and free water. Contact Motion Repair & Services for more information. Excessive water is almost always present in steel and paper mills and other heavy process-driven industries.
My servo valves stick. Can you offer ideas why?
Your oil condition is probably the principal cause; moisture is one of the worst offenders. Contaminated oil contributes to 90% of servo valve failures. You can improve your oil’s condition with the Motion Repair & Services Filter Cart by installing two water removal elements as pre-filters and the recommended micron-level element (from your owner’s manual) for the final filter, which filters out water, particulates and accumulated sludge. Correcting sticky servo filters resides primarily with filtering and conditioning of the existing oil.
Why is an “internal” gear pump so superior to a standard gear pump?
This is not the standard hydraulic gear pump like those used on other filter carts. Our gear pump utilizes a “gear within a gear” or internal design. For nearly seventy years, this design has demonstrated its effectiveness in handling a broad range of applications and reducing wear. Because the rotor rotates at a fraction of the motor speed, wear and noise are reduced, and fluid flow into the gears is more effective. This extends the pump's service life and makes pumping of higher viscosity fluids possible. True three-tooth engagement between the rotor and pinion provides superior flow characteristics. These operating characteristics are important in minimizing overall capital investment and operating expenses.
Why do I need the three-way bypass valve that’s standard equipment on the Mi Repair & Services Filter Cart?
Sometimes you merely want to transfer the oil rather than filter it, waste oil for example. Why run waste oil through your filters? The system utilizes a three-way ball valve to transition from filtering to transfer-only mode. The process takes 3–5 seconds to perform, saving your filter elements and saving you money.
Lots of filter carts have drip pans. What differentiates the Mi Repair & Services Filter Cart drip pan from others?
No matter what type of filter is used, there is always some oil spillage when changing elements, hence the need for a drip pan. The Motion Repair & Services Filter Cart’s drip pan has a rear drain plug, preventing the need to swab out the spillage or turn the cart on its side to drain it.
Why should I choose stainless steel wands over other types of wands?
Stainless steel wands offer excellent resistance to corrosion and pitting as compared to black or galvanized pipe, plated, painted or coated wands. Plastic wands tend to be brittle, breaking easily. Stainless steel offers better protection by not reintroducing contaminants into your oil.
What if I want to transfer or filter fluids other than petroleum-based ones?
The Motion Repair & Services Filter Cart, with its standard 30-micron pre-filter and 4-micron polishing filter, can handle a wide range of fluids. Due to the many variations of liquids and their effect on seals, etc., these are handled case by case. Contact your local Motion Repair & Services representative to help you with your application.