WorldWide Drilling Resource

National Drilling Association Tel: 877-632-4748 Fax: 216-803-9900 www.nda4u.com 11 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® SEPTEMBER 2013 Focus on ICUEE The International Construction & Utility Equipment Exposition (ICUEE) is the place to be October 1-3. This biennial event is held at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville, Kentucky. The theme for 2013 is “Take tomor- row for a test drive” and it’s just what “The Demo Expo” aims to do. Machinery is exhibited in job-like conditions so atten- dees can test-drive the equipment - working at ground level, underground, and overhead. And new this year, is an indoor demo stage for more opportuni- ties for a first-hand look at new tech- nologies and best practices in action. More than 800 exhibitors (includ- ing WWDR !) will showcase products such as: $ Attachments $ Compaction equipment $ Cranes $ Derricks $ Drilling equipment $ Earthmoving machinery $ Hand tools $ Lubricants $ Publications $ Pumps For more details, visit: www.icuee.com Above, the Fabco Power Team was ready to show their products. Below, the Blue Demon Company Team was also ready for action. WWDR photos of ICUEE 2011. Hydraulic Training by J. Eric Freimuth Hydraulic Training Associates Troubleshooting Tips - Part 1 Because our desire is to assure your equipment is operating at capacity and in optimal condition, being able to trou- bleshoot your system is very important. Although I cannot address every prob- lem suspected to be arising in your equipment, we will begin a discussion on troubleshooting tips which may guide you in a helpful direction with problems. The field trouble probably encoun- tered most often is cavitation of the hydraulic pump inlet caused by a restric- tion due to dirt buildup on the suction strainer. This can happen on a new, as well as old system. It produces symptoms such as increased pump noise, loss of high pressure, and/or loss of speed. Cavitation is due to oil being vapor- ized then returned to its natural state on the outlet side of the pump. This is caused by a restriction of flow to the inlet side of the pump, overspeeding of the pump, reservoir level below pump inlet, or inadequate reservoir breather. Cavitation is aggravated by elevat- ed fluid temperatures, reduced fluid viscosity, or water in the fluid. If the strainer is not located in the pump’s suction line, it will be found immersed below the oil level in the reservoir. Some operators of hydraulic equipment never give the equipment attention or maintenance until it fails. Under these conditions, sooner or later the suction strainer will probably become sufficiently restricted to cause a break- down of the whole system and damage to the pump. The suction strainer should be re- moved for inspection and cleaned before reinstallation. Wire mesh strainers can best be cleaned with an air hose blowing from the inside out. They can also be washed in a solvent which is compatible with the reservoir fluid. Do not use gaso- line or other flammable solvents. The strainer should be cleaned even though it may not appear to be dirty. Some clogging material cannot be seen except by close inspection. If there are holes in the mesh or mechanical dam- age, the strainer should be replaced. When reinstalling the strainer, inspect all the joints for possible air leaks, par- ticularly union joints. There must be no air leak into the suction line. Check the reservoir oil level to be sure it covers the top of the strainer by at least three inches at minimum oil level. This would be with all cylinders extended. If the strainer is not covered at this depth, there is a danger of a vortex forming which may allow air to enter into the system when the pump is run- ning. We’ll have more Troubleshooting Tips next month. Eric Eric Freimuth may be contacted via e-mail at admin@ worldwidedrillingresource.com The November issue deadlines are: Space Reservation - September 25 th . Ad Copy - Display & Classified - October 1 st .