How to Remove Water from Hydraulic Oil After Water Ingress?
3 Answers
You can choose to use an oil-water separator to separate the water; for severely emulsified and discolored or deteriorated hydraulic oil, it is necessary to completely drain the deteriorated oil and replace it with new hydraulic oil. Related instructions are as follows: 1. Timely Drainage: Drain water promptly, and it is recommended to open the drain valve every three days. Strengthen the sealing measures of the hydraulic system, and add waterproof sealing devices to components such as hydraulic pumps, valves, and cylinders to prevent water ingress. For excavators operating in humid and watery areas in the south, it is necessary to install a dryer on the breather hole of the hydraulic oil tank to prevent moisture from entering. 2. Waterproof Measures: Take waterproof measures during rainy day maintenance, and try not to replace hydraulic components and hydraulic oil on rainy days. Once water enters the hydraulic system, it is very difficult to handle. Therefore, during normal use, it is essential to adhere to a strategy of both 'prevention' and 'treatment' to minimize the safety threats caused by water ingress.
I've been in mechanical maintenance for years, and when hydraulic oil gets water contamination, immediate action is crucial. First step is to safely shut down the system, then drain all oil into large barrels for 24-hour sedimentation - water usually settles at the bottom. I use an oil extraction pump to retrieve the clean upper layer. Next comes filtration: I always use professional oil purifiers or high-precision filter screens for impurity removal, never makeshift tools. The heating method works well too - slowly raising temperature with a small heater to evaporate water, keeping it below 60°C to prevent oil degradation. There are water-absorbing additives on the market, but they only provide temporary relief from my experience. Post-treatment, I always verify oil quality with a moisture tester - only below 0.1% water content qualifies for system reuse. For prevention, I regularly inspect seals and tank openings against rainwater intrusion. Remember: delaying water removal accelerates part corrosion, making repairs far more difficult.
I'm a car enthusiast who enjoys tinkering with my vehicle and handling minor repairs myself. When hydraulic fluid gets contaminated with water, I take immediate action to remove the moisture and prevent damage. The simple sedimentation method comes first: pour the oil into a basin and let it sit overnight, then gently decant the clear upper layer the next day. Next is filtration - I bought a hundred-yuan oil filter to install, which effectively removes residual water and contaminants. I've also tried the heating method: using a small garage stove to gently warm the oil drum, allowing the water to evaporate and leaving clean oil behind (never use high heat that might scorch it). For tools, keep a moisture test pen handy - available online for just tens of yuan - to check the oil quality before refilling the system. The key to prevention is maintaining sealed fluid lines; I regularly inspect oil caps and connections to keep out moisture. A good tip is performing regular oil changes and maintenance to prevent water ingress in the first place.
