We know that hydraulic cylinder are used in almost every industry. When these cylinders don’t work as expected, the first thing that hits our minds is replacing them. Replacing a cylinder might be a good option, but the reality is different. The cylinders cost much, and thus replacing them will cost you either. So when a situation comes up whether or not to replace the cylinder, you must consider certain aspects; let’s look at them in this article.
Why does Hydraulic Cylinder Failure Occur?
When a hydraulic cylinder fails, it doesn’t mean a fault in the entire equipment. Rather, there are only a few parts of the hydraulic cylinder that fails. These parts include the barrel, piston rod, piston, cylinder cap, cylinder head, and other seals and bearings. Even if one part gets damaged, the entire cylinder doesn’t operate as expected and slowly loses its efficiency.
Some of the common reasons for hydraulic failure include:
Contaminated Fluid: This increasingly damages critical seals, and it leads to sudden failure. But the fact is, the problem might have developed over time.
Bearings: Be it eye bearings or piston rod bearings, they can wear out over time and lead to sudden cylinder failure.
Piston Rods: These rods get bent over time and might lead to serious problems. And even when they get exposed to corrosive chemicals, they can be damaged easily.
Dents: When dents occur in the barrel or a rod, it can extremely affect the overall performance of the cylinder and questions the safety as well.
When to replace the Hydraulic Cylinder?
Here we have discussed when to repair or replace the hydraulic cylinder concerning the costs.
If a hydraulic cylinder is damaged severely, we have no option left other than to replace it. But again, we can’t simply assume it. When professionals examine these damaged cylinders, they might find a way to repair them. But in the worst-case scenario, they tell you how to replace it.
Though the cost of repairs is higher than the replacements at times, you must not only consider this part alone.
What is the Downtime Cost When the Cylinder Fails?
Even if it is not frequent, the substantial loss, like the time taken for replacement or manufactured or installed, must be considered.
How frequently does the cylinder need to be replaced?
This is another significant factor that can influence your decision to replace the cylinder. If there comes a situation where you get to replace the cylinder repeatedly, then a replacement alone will not end the problem.
Is the Efficiency Cost Related to this Cylinder?
We know that any hydraulic machine can wear out over time. But you need to check whether there is any reduction in its efficiency. This is because efficiency can affect other components and may lead to loss of energy. If this is the case, a small repair can solve the inefficiency problem.
Are other components being damaged? If the hydraulic cylinder doesn’t function correctly, it can increase the stress on the other system components. Also, broken pins accelerated wear in the bearing, and unwanted stresses can damage other components.
Other issues which you must consider whether or not to replace the cylinder apart from cost are
Has the cylinder’s lifecycle been exceeded?
What is the reason for the cylinder failing?
Why did the hydraulic cylinder fail?
Is it easy to find a replacement?
What are the Advantages of Repairing a Hydraulic Cylinder?
Repairing a hydraulic cylinder has many benefits. When a hydraulic cylinder fails, in most cases, you can find that only a particular part would be damaged and not the entire system. So if other parts of the cylinder are in good condition, repairing the damaged part like replacing it or sealing the part can do the job. Also, repairs save a lot of money than replacements.
Conclusion
Hydraulic cylinders play a major role in the hydraulic system. Even a small failure of any part of the system can cause intense problems. So you must not overlook any changes in the performance of the machinery or a small repair. Replacing the cylinder is pricey so before you decide to do that, check all the factors mentioned in this article and find a hydraulic cylinder then decide whether or not to replace it.