Zhengzhou Chorus Lubricant Additive Co.,Ltd.

Zhengzhou Chorus Lubricant Additive Co.,Ltd.

Hydraulic oil foams? 3 tricks to fix it!

2025 07/18

1. Why does hydraulic oil "love to bubble"? Air mixed into the oil pump suction pipe is not sealed tightly, the oil level in the oil tank is too low, and the air takes the opportunity to slip into the oil, just like the "hissing" sound after the carbonated beverage is opened. Improper design of the return oil pipe (such as directly impacting the oil surface) will also "stir" out bubbles.
Oil problem ‌ Poor quality oil ‌: Poor anti-foaming performance, "boiling" as soon as it works. Pollution ‌: After water and impurities are mixed in, the stability of the oil film is destroyed and emulsified foam is formed. Additive mismatch ‌: For example, some polar compounds will "help foaming".
System design defects ‌ The oil tank is too small, the partition is missing, the oil circulation space is insufficient, and the bubbles are difficult to dissipate. The oil temperature is too high (over 80℃) or fluctuates violently, and the viscosity changes cause foam accumulation.
 
2. The harm of bubbles: small problems, big troubles! Efficiency discount ‌: bubbles occupy the space of the oil pipe, the pressure transmission is "soft", and the equipment output is insufficient. Increased wear: When the foam breaks, micro jets are generated, which scratch the metal surface like a "knife". High temperature alarm: Bubble compression generates heat, oil temperature soars, and oil oxidation is accelerated.
Sudden failure: A case shows that a certain excavator was scrapped due to cavitation of the hydraulic pump due to long-term untreated foam, and the repair cost exceeded 100,000 yuan.
III. Solution: Treat the symptoms with one trick! 1. Emergency treatment: What should I do if the foam has already appeared? ‌ Mild foam ‌: Install a metal bubble-breaking net (60 mesh is best), or pour a small amount of anti-foaming agent (pre-dilution is required). Severe foam ‌: Stop the machine immediately! Check the source of pollution (such as mixed water, waste oil), replace new oil and filter it at full flow. 2. System optimization: Anti-foam from the root ‌Oil tank modification ‌: Install a diffuser on the oil return port to prevent the oil from rushing directly to the liquid surface. The oil suction area and the oil return area are separated by a partition to extend the bubble floating time. Seal upgrade ‌: Regularly check the pump shaft seal and pipe joints. It is recommended to use fluororubber seals (high temperature resistance and anti-aging). 3. Oil selection: choose the right oil, worry less. Identify the indicators: give priority to hydraulic oil with high "air release value" (such as <5min) and anti-foaming properties (GB 12581).
IV. Daily anti-foaming tips✅ ‌Frequent inspection‌: measure the oil level every week and check the seal every month. ✅ ‌Temperature control‌: install oil temperature sensor and install cooler in summer. ✅ ‌Refuse to mix‌: oils of different brands and models are strictly prohibited from mixing!