Learning About The Operation Of Industrial Machinery

Many of the machines found in industrial and manufacturing settings rely on hydraulic systems to generate power. Specialized hydraulic fluid flows through these systems, where it is pressurized to help create power.

Any leak within the seals of a hydraulic cylinder could result in a loss of compression and pressurization. These leaks can contribute to catastrophic equipment failure, so they should not be taken lightly. Repairing a leaking hydraulic cylinder can be as simple as investing in a new seal kit and re-packing the seals. 

1. Clean all components thoroughly.

Contamination is a serious concern during any hydraulic cylinder rebuild or repair. As you prepare to re-pack the seals on your leaking hydraulic cylinder, you should take the time to clean each component thoroughly.

A petroleum-based solvent should be used to help maintain the elasticity and integrity of the new seals you will be installing. Soak each component in the solvent to eliminate any dirt and debris that might contaminate the hydraulic system as a whole once you have completed the re-packing process and installed your repaired hydraulic cylinder.

2. Install new seals properly.

Re-packing the seals in a hydraulic cylinder requires patience and careful attention to detail. Each seal must be coated in fresh hydraulic fluid before installation. This will help to ensure proper lubrication and allow the cylinder to function properly once it has been installed in your machine.

You need to ensure that you are installing the new seals in the correct order, or your hydraulic cylinder will not be able to achieve maximum compression once it has been placed back in your industrial machine. Consult the instruction on your seal kit or check the manufacturer's recommendations to determine the proper order for seal installation.

3. Use the proper tools.

You will need access to specialized tools as you complete the re-packing of the seals in your hydraulic cylinder. The seals themselves must be completely intact if you want to prevent leaks from forming within the cylinder in the future.

The use of metal screwdrivers or other metal tools during the re-packing process could result in damage to the seals. Even the smallest nick in the seal could spell disaster down the road, so make sure that you have the right tools available before you begin to re-pack your hydraulic cylinder seals.

Maintaining your hydraulic machinery often requires making repairs to the hydraulic cylinder. Don't be afraid to re-pack the seals in your hydraulic cylinder for more efficient machine performance in the future.