WorldWide Drilling Resource

40 JANUARY 2014 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® Hydraulic Training by J. Eric Freimuth Hydraulic Training Associates Troubleshooting Tips - Part 5 It would be virtually impossible to try to document the cause and remedy of every possible fault that could occur on even the simplest hydraulic system. For this reason, it is necessary to adopt a logical approach to troubleshooting to locate a fault as quickly and accurately as possible. As already stated, a hydraulic sys- tem is a means of transmitting mechani- cal power to hydraulic power, then back into mechanical power. Very often, when a problem is reported on a machine, it is described in vague terms such as “lack of power”. In practice, a relevant question must be asked to determine exactly what the problem is, i.e. when lack of power is reported, does it mean the actuator is moving too slowly, or is it not giving the required force or torque? Each of these are products of sys- tem failure. Problems in hydraulic systems can generally be defined as relating to: Flow / Pressure / Direction of Flow. These malfunctions can be detected in many ways, but will always be one of these elements that are present. They manifest themselves in the form of: Noise / Vibration / Heat / Leaks. These manifestations can frequently be detected by the human senses of: Sight / Feel / Hearing. Each one of these senses can be used to help perform troubleshooting tools on any system. Once you under- stand the elements of the components and how they perform in a system, you can learn to trust your senses. Troubleshooting can be frustrating or rewarding. The outcome depends on how you approach the task at hand. As in any job to be done, the best tools avail- able will help make the job go faster; establishing a starting point to search out the trouble requires knowledge of several different orientations. Let’s ex- amine what tools you should have: • Understanding of how the system works. • Schematics of the system you will be working on. • An operator who can describe to you the problems. • Gauges. • Flow meter. Establish a good foundation on how systems are developed and how they work. Refreshing your understanding on the components when approaching any system will help even the most unex- perienced technician be a successful troubleshooter. A proper schematic helps to visu- alize what components are involved in the system and how they are config- ured. The flow of the components set- tings of the pressure controls should all be listed on the schematic. Attempting to visualize the hydraulic system of any but the simplest machine and how it func- tions by looking at the machine first, can be self-defeating. Eric Eric Freimuth may be contacted via e-mail at admin@ worldwidedrillingresource.com Send your deals to: promotions@worldwidedrillingresource.com Pul l iam Wel l Dri l l ing of Napa, California, purchased this VERSA- DRILL from Laibe Corporation of Indianapolis, Indiana. WWDR photos. Don Pedro Pump of Turlock, California, is the proud owner of this Pulstar P38000HD by Pulstar / Preferred Pump and Equipment of Dodge, Nebraska. CGA 2013 Dealmakers Laibe Corporation Pulstar/Preferred Pump The March issue deadlines are: Space Reservation - January 24 th . Ad Copy - Display & Classified - January 31 st .