Hydraulic forensics
Hydraulic forensics
(OP)
I just completed an investigation of a failed hydraulic system.
Prior to my involvement the client performed their own investigation, inclusive of tear downs.
In the course of their investigation they used Brake Clean to flush hoses, hard lines and internal passages to look for particulate contaminates.
Now, I very well might have done the same thing in their place, but it got me thinking.
In theory, Brake Clean will evaporate completely, leaving no residue. So presumably whatever is left after the solvent evaporates is what was in the system.
But what might it do to the hydraulic fluid?
Would clean hydraulic fluid have been a better choice for flushing?
Prior to my involvement the client performed their own investigation, inclusive of tear downs.
In the course of their investigation they used Brake Clean to flush hoses, hard lines and internal passages to look for particulate contaminates.
Now, I very well might have done the same thing in their place, but it got me thinking.
In theory, Brake Clean will evaporate completely, leaving no residue. So presumably whatever is left after the solvent evaporates is what was in the system.
But what might it do to the hydraulic fluid?
Would clean hydraulic fluid have been a better choice for flushing?





RE: Hydraulic forensics
( Brakleen also works well for flushing refrigerant lines, evaporators, condensers, etc. )
I don't think hydraulic fluid, with its typically higher viscosity, will do as good a job of flushing, and it always leaves a film behind... so you can never get all of the old fluid out, you just dilute it a lot.
I'd only be concerned about Brakleen as a flush in a system that uses Skydrol.
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Hydraulic forensics
From a forensic standpoint, the system should have been flushed with hydraulic fluid, even if several applications were necessary. To do otherwise changes the evaluation parameters and each anomaly encountered then has to be evaluated as to whether it was influenced by the flushing process or not.
RE: Hydraulic forensics
it affect the evaluation.
RE: Hydraulic forensics