Effectively remove impurities and contaminants from liquids with durable hydraulic filters and filter elements. These are effective tools used to maintain and repair water filter treatment systems.

If you’re searching for suitable cleaning equipment, you’ll find the filter element you need here at RS. We stock several types, and you can choose your hydraulic filter element by size.

Read on to find out more about filter elements and how they’re used.

What are hydraulic filter elements?

Most hydraulic systems run at fast cycle times and at high pressures. The increase in speed and pressure makes the system more susceptible to contamination. It is common for over one million particles to enter hydraulic systems every minute, and these particles can damage the components that make up the system.

Therefore, a mechanism is needed to keep the fluid clean and clear of harmful particles in the fluid stream that could cause a hydraulic system failure. This mechanism is a hydraulic filter element, and it is the most significant part of a filtering system because it is the tool that enables filtration to take place.

The main role of a filter element is to remove impurities from liquids. There are different types of these, and they come in different shapes and designs. The function of hydraulic filter elements is to remove contaminants from oils, emulsions and other fluids used in hydraulic systems.

This cleaning function also ensures the filter system is maintained and repaired and keeps the mechanisms within the systems working safely and efficiently. Additionally, by introducing a high-quality hydraulic filter element, you’re extending the lifespan of the machinery.

What damage can harmful particles do to a hydraulic system?

There are several ways harmful particles can cause a system to malfunction. Some of these include:

Mixing of incompatible fluids, causing fluid breakdown and leading to acid corrosion.
Particle buildup in critical areas, creating sludge that causes parts that make up the system to stick.
Particle buildup in close-tolerance areas, causing component seizure.
Internal leakage that lowers component efficiency and accuracy. These components are usually the motor, valve, or pump.

To prevent issues like this happening, it is important to focus on how to purify the liquids and prevent contaminants from entering.

How do hydraulic filter elements work?

Hydraulic filter elements are made up of filtration and support layers placed around filter support cores. There are mesh packs that are sealed by end caps. The hydraulic fluid flows through the filter elements and solid particles are then trapped in the mesh. This is how replacement hydraulic filter elements filter lubricants, industrial fluids and gases.

What types of hydraulic filter elements are needed?

Hydraulic filter elements are placed at different points of the hydraulic system in locations that are most likely to prevent contaminant particles entering the system.

Some of the most common filters include suction, air, pressure and return filters. Off-line filters are also common, but these work differently to other filters. They are independent systems comprising a filter, pump, hardware connectors and electrical motor.

Here is a look at where these fit into a hydraulic system:

The air filter draws air in and also expels it.
Suction filters are a hydraulic oil purifying component placed before the hydraulic pump.
High pressure filter elements are placed after the hydraulic pump and these are used to control the system pressure and flow rate.
Return filters purify the hydraulic fluid.

Where are hydraulic filter elements used?

These filter elements are used in a range of industrial settings where liquids must be purified.

For instance, hydraulic systems are pivotal in the steel industry and must operate flawlessly to enable continual production. They are also used in important machinery in the shipping and mining industries.

Hydraulic filters are for handling petrol-based oils, as well as synthetic hydraulic fluids.

Why choose RS for your replacement hydraulic filter elements?

At RS, we stock a range of filter elements that are designed to help you remove contaminants from your hydraulic system. Whether the element type you need is an oil filter, or you’re searching for a selection of filtering products, you’ll find that we are a leading authorized hydraulic filter elements supplier in North America.

Should you have any questions, our team is on hand to help. Get in touch and we can guide you through the products. You can also find advice in our expert content hub.