Schroeder Industries is rounding out our Process Filtration catalog with a comprehensive selection of mechanical strainers!
Mechanical strainers are commonly used in tandem with other process filters, or as an economical stand-alone filtration option for capturing larger particles.
Schroeder Industries recently added a series of mechanical basket strainers and Y-strainers to our process filtration lineup.
With a variety of materials and connection options, there is something for virtually every process application in need of a mechanical strainer!
Which type of mechanical strainer are you looking for?
Schroeder Industries first developed the GeoSeal® High-Flow Coalescing Filter (GHCF), a landmark in coalescing filtration. This compact filter is engineered for exceptional particulate and water removal for both onboard applications and in bulk fuel filtration.
Now, the power of the GHCF is available in a duplex housing option! Introducing: The GHCFD.
Combining two GHCFs in tandem creates a powerful diesel fuel filtration solution that virtually eliminates filter maintenance downtime while providing the same first-rate particulate and water removal.
Exceptional Filtration: Capable of simultaneously filtering out fine particles and water to improve fuel cleanliness.
Versatility: Ideal for large, high-horsepower, onboard applications in industries such as marine, power generation, and oil & gas. Also provides powerful filtration for bulk applications.
Continuous Operation: Dual filter housings allow individual servicing of filters without interrupting operation, eliminating downtime when performing routine filter maintenance.
Durable Construction: Built from high-quality anodized aluminum, ensuring long-lasting performance in the most challenging environments.
Compact and Space-Efficient: Designed to fit within tight spaces, ideal for applications with limited room and in need of weight savings.
Introducing a Waste-Eliminating Spin On Filter Alternative
>90%
reduction in wasted scrap metal
>80%
less hydraulic oil waste
>80%
reduction in CO2 emissions
Spin on hydraulic filters are a popular filtration option. These filters combine the filter housing and element as one complete unit, which can be quickly and easily screwed on and off the hydraulic system.
However, the disposable housing also greatly increases the overall cost per change-out. Additionally, there is massive material waste, as the filter housing is thrown away with the element when a spin on filter is replaced.
Enter the Sustainable Cartridge Bowl filter, or SCB!
This revolutionary filter offers the same spin on convenience, with a reusable housing bowl design. The innovative SCB offers a range of advantages:
More cost-effective element replacement compared to conventional spin-on filters
Cuts down on waste and emissions, including a >90% reduction in scrap metal waste
Discards less oil with each change-out, conserving resources
Powered by filter elements with higher pleat counts and lower pressure drop for superior filtration performance
The SCB’s Signature, Patented Innovation
The material and cost savings of the SCB are made possible through its reusable housing bowl.
The secure sealing and glass-infused, injection-molded nylon bowl provide a durable housing for the high-performance element within.
Robust outer bowl provides reusability and durability.
The outer portion of the bowl is injection molded plastic, supported by an internal steel tube and flange structure. This results in a lightweight, yet durable housing bowl.
The endcap of the filter element slides over the bowl, forming a seal along the outer rim and preventing operation without a filter element in place.
Coreless filter element design: higher performance, reduced waste.
The coreless filter element design with plastic caps makes disposal simpler. With support from epoxy-coated wire mesh, pleat stability, efficiency, and dirt holding capacity are increased. These premium filter elements also feature a higher pleat count and lower pressure drop, further improving their performance.
How Does the SCB’s Sustainability Compare to Conventional Spin-Ons
Traditional spin on filters contribute to waste and CO2 emissions in two primary ways: wastedscrap metal, and wasted oil.
This waste takes up landfill space and contributes to emissions released during production.
The SCB filter elements, however, are almost entirely plastic and can be easily crushed for efficient disposal. Between these elements and the reusable housing bowl, scrap metal waste is reduced by ~99%.
Extra oil may become trapped in a typical spin on housing, but the SCB only loses oil which has saturated the filter element.
Waste Reduction Example, per 1,000 spin ons:
M10 (cellulose 10 micron) Spin On
1,966 pounds metal scrap waste
If not properly drained, wastes approximately 450 gallons of oil
CO2 emissions: approximately 10,600lbs of CO2
SCB Coreless Replacement Design
Only 20 pounds of metal scrap waste (epoxy wire)
Total oil volume lost through cartridge change-outs: 57.2 gallons (87% reduction versus conventional spin-on filter)
CO2 emissions: approximately 1,300lbs of CO2 (88% reduction versus conventional spin-on filter)
The signature reusable housing bowl of the SCB isn’t just eco-smart: it’s far more cost effective than typical spin on filters.
With a reusable housing bowl, only the filter element must be replaced, which results in exponential savings after just a few element change-outs. And, with the SCB, the first kit comes with a spare element, meaning the first change-out is already paid for.
Over the lifetime of a given piece of equipment, savings can be substantial!
Contact Schroeder Industries or a verified Schroeder distributor for pricing details.
Increased Revenue in Spare Element ROI Strategy
The average aftermarket filter element retention for OEMs is just ~35%.
However, the Quality Protection built in to every SCB bowl and element prevents the use of subpar third-party elements. Not only does this help the end user protect their vital equipment, it can boost aftermarket retention for OEMs to as high as 100%.
Assuming 1,000 machines are produced per year, with 4 element changes per year, substantial gains in aftermarket revenue are possible through a spare element sales strategy:
For increased aftermarket retention, the SCB also includes private labeling options for the bowl and filter elements. To learn more about Schroeder Industries’ private labeling capabilities, view the Private Labeling Capabilities Form.
Posted by McKenzie Thorpe on | Comments Off on Spin-On Filtration: Is Convenience Worth The Cost?
Spin-on filters are very commonplace in the world of hydraulic filtration. Unlike cartridge filters, spin-ons combine the filter media, housing, base plate, and gasket into one disposable unit.
While they are known for their convenience, the disposable design of these filters comes with drawbacks. Does the ease of use really outweigh the downsides?
Let’s review the pros and cons of spin-ons!
Spin-On Filters: The Benefits
It’s not for nothing that spin-on filters are popular in hydraulic applications:
User-Friendly Maintenance. Unlike cartridge filters, spin-on filters generally don’t require any special tools during connection or removal from a system. Change-outs and maintenance can be performed more quickly than with a typical cartridge filter due to the all-in-one design.
Lower Up-Front Cost. The price of spin-on filters is lower than the up-front cost of a traditional cartridge-style filter assembly.
Minimal Spillage. The self-contained design of a spin-on filter prevents oil leaks for a more sanitary change-out process.
Spin-On Filters: The Drawbacks
But, while convenience is a helpful quality of spin-ons, their disposable nature has some significant downsides:
Oil & Metal Waste. Due to the all-in-one design of spin-on filters, the entire housing is disposed of along with the element. Not only is any trapped oil discarded, but the metal which forms the spin-on housing, core, and gasket are unrecoverable.
Inefficient Disposal. Spin-on filters cannot be recycled, shredded, or incinerated through normal waste-processing. As a result, spin-on filters eat up landfill space.
Lower Performance. Spin-on filters tend to have lower efficiencies compared to cartridge filter media, which can reduce overall system efficiency.
Counting the Cost of Spin-Ons
The greatest downside of spin-on filters is the sheer amount of material and oil waste involved. Let’s look at an example of how much waste is produced by a very common spin-on type:
Waste Reduction example, per 1,000 spin ons:
7″M10 (cellulose 10 micron) Spin On
1,966 pounds metal scrap waste
If not properly drained, wastes approximately 450 gallons of oil
CO2 emissions: approximately 10,600lbs of CO2
Millions of spin-on filters are discarded every year, contributing to a staggering amount of unnecessary waste!
Is It Time For A Change?
While spin-on filters are a convenient and effective choice for filtration, the wasteful nature of conventional spin-on technology can’t be ignored.
Between environmental repercussions and potential missed revenue, spin-on filtration technology is long overdue for an upgrade.
Material and oil costs rise with each passing year. With the amount of metal and oil wasted with each spin-on, it’s likely that users could be paying more than they need to for their spin-on filtration.
Could a less wasteful, more cost-effective spin-on alternative not only reduce emissions, but save money for hydraulic-driven operations?
Can the convenience and user-friendliness of spin-ons be combined with the economical, lower-waste benefits of cartridge filters?
Schroeder Industries thinks so.
Coming Soon: A Sustainable Revolution in Spin-On Technology.
A low-waste, cost-effective, high-performance spin-on alternative is coming soon. Stay tuned for Schroeder Industries’ most game-changing innovation yet!
Get Notified of the Launch!
Register for our mailing list to receive an email notification when this revolutionary spin-on filter alternative formally launches:
Posted by McKenzie Thorpe on | Comments Off on The Unique Challenges of Compressed Gas Filtration
Compressed gases are an increasingly large part of what keeps our world moving!
Compressed gases are a common part of many industrial processes, including pharmaceutical manufacturing, cosmetic production, and applications in the food and beverage industry.
Solid particulates and water can become ingested into these conventional fluid power systems, causing damage to components, lost productivity, and even total equipment failures.
Compressed gas systems can also be infiltrated by damaging contaminants, with similar consequences.
Oil can also leach into compressed gases via lubrication within the compressor system. In many of the manufacturing processes where compressed gas is used, including consumables, oil contaminants can be potentially hazardous to end product users. Contaminated product can lead to major monetary and reputational losses!
Solid contaminants like dust and rust particulates are present in most operating environments. These particles can infiltrate a compressed gas system, causing system component wear, equipment failure, and potentially contamination in the final product.
Just like in conventional fluid power applications, filtration is the solution to contamination!
However, gas filtration has some unique challenges compared to liquid filtration:
Smaller Molecule Sizes
Gas molecules are much smaller than liquid diesel and hydraulic oil molecules! This means that even the tiniest breach in the filter’s construction can allow gas to escape. In flammable gas applications, leaks can be extremely hazardous.
Tiny Contaminants
Solid contamination particles in a gas system are also generally much smaller than in diesel and hydraulic systems. These ultra-fine particles, often less than 1 micron in size, require extremely fine filtration compared to most liquid applications.
Constant Pressure
Unlike diesel fuel and hydraulic oil, compressed gases must be pressurized at all stages of storage, transfer, and filling. This means that filters at all points in a compressed gas supply chain can be exposed to higher pressure.
Chemical Interactions
Compressed gases can have unique chemical interactions with different metals. Hydrogen embrittlement, for example, is the potentially catastrophic weakening of metals in the presence of hydrogen atoms.
Schroeder Industries’ filtration expertise extends into gas applications!
CGF Series: Comprehensive Filtration for Compressed Air and CNG
These versatile and effective gas filters offer excellent performance across a wide range of gas applications while remaining accessible and cost effective. The CGF Series is a great choice for operations requiring reliable gas filtration for compressed air and CNG!
Cost-effective, high-performance for compressed gas filtration applications up to 5,000 psi.
Proven performance in compressed gas and CNG applications.
Comprehensive solutions for compressed gas from generation and transportation, to storage and filling, and even onboard applications.
Powered by BestFit® CGF Elements, crafted from pleated microglass media with dual coalescing & particulate capabilities.
GF Series: Optimized Filtration for Hydrogen Applications
Due to higher pressure requirements and risks of embrittlement, hydrogen is one of the most demanding gas applications, requiring exceptional filter construction and design. Schroeder Industries’ GF Series brings the required performance for these challenging scenarios!
Extremely robust, in-line gas filters for high-pressure applications up to 14,500 psi.
Engineered with purpose-made, high nickel content stainless steel with strict surface tolerances to resist hydrogen embrittlement.
Maintenance-friendly design prevents contamination of the clean side during element swaps without requiring dismantling of the compressed gas lines.
Proven performance in hydrogen applications including fueling stations, storage and transport, diesel engine retrofit kits, power generation, and more.
Posted by McKenzie Thorpe on | Comments Off on Particle Counters: Unparalleled Detection of Solid Contaminants
In hydraulic systems, up to 70% to 90% of wear and failure is contamination related.
Monitoring hydraulic fluid for contaminants is the best way to predict and prevent unexpected failures and avoid costly repairs.
Building out an arsenal of contamination sensors is critical for asset protection. Solid contamination sensors, or particle counters, are one of the pillars of every successful contamination control plan.
Solid Contamination Monitoring
Solid contamination is the most common form of contamination. Ambient dust and dirt within the plant, machining debris let over in newly installed components, and even newly added hydraulic oil are just a few of the ways solid particles can enter a system.
With so many solid contamination sensors on the market, how do you know which is right for your application?
Solid Contamination Sensors
There are a few basic characteristics that distinguish particle counters, from each other:
What technology does the particle counter use to determine contamination levels and produce an ISO Code?
Is the sensor designed for in-line applications, or is the sensor portable?
How can data be exported and compiled from the sensor for monitoring and planning maintenance?
Light-Based vs. Digital Imaging Sensors
Particle counters rely on either light-based or digital imaging technology to detect and measure particles. Each type has its own benefits and drawbacks:
Light-Based Sensors
This type of sensor includes a light source that shines on the fluid as it flows past. On the opposite side of the light source is a light sensor (also called a photodiode) which detects the shadows cast by passing particles. Based on the size and quantity of the shadows being cast, the sensor determines the size and quantity of contamination in the fluid.
Light-based sensors are generally quite reliable and are found on a wide variety of mobile and stationary hydraulic applications. These sensors are easy to calibrate, simple to maintain, and are considered the more affordable option.
However, they can be subject to a phenomenon called ‘phantom’ particle counting. Sometimes, the sensor may mistake air bubbles and water droplets for solid particles. This can lead to an inflated ISO Code and potentially disguise the presence of other harmful types of contamination.
Digital Imaging Sensors
These sensors avoid phantom particle counting by using image recognition software. Unlike solid contamination, air bubbles and water droplets are very uniformly round. The software can automatically disregard these perfectly round bubbles and drops from its particle count.
In certain circumstances, the ability to differentiate particles results in more accurate ISO Codes. Some digital sensors can even guess the origin of solid contamination based on its shape, since different methods of corrosion and wear can create distinct shapes!
However, being newer technology, digital imaging sensors are more costly than light sensors and can be more challenging to calibrate and maintain. Their applications are currently more limited as well; digital imaging sensors are most often found in portable contamination monitoring tools with protective cases.
In-Line vs. Portable Sensors
Particle counters may be dedicated to a single piece of equipment, or available in a travel-ready unit:
In-Line Sensors:
These sensors are installed directly onto pieces of equipment and monitor that specific machine. They can be easily customized and combined with other types of sensors and accessories.
For plants with fewer, larger machines, a dedicated in-line sensor is a great way to monitor individual machines as they operate!
Portable Sensors:
Portable particle counters are stand-alone units which include their own built-in pump, allowing them to travel between machines.
A portable contamination monitor can travel wherever fluid condition monitoring is needed and easily perform checkups on multiple machines and vehicle fleets!
Reporting and Connectivity
The best data in the world isn’t much use if it can’t be exported, compiled, and reviewed! This is where IoT, the ‘Internet of Things,’ becomes important for making use of the information gained through the sensors.
Contamination monitors typically have some method of transferring data, be it through Bluetooth wireless connectivity, thumb drives, spreadsheet files, SCADA/PLC interfacing, and more.
Integration with user-friendly, web-based applications that can compile, track, and visualize data from multiple sensors is becoming increasingly common as well!
For large-scale operations, using automated data transfer and logging methods that can process high volumes of data and quickly determine trends in the level of contamination are crucial for efficiency.
Solutions from Schroeder Industries
Here are just a few of our featured particle counters and contamination monitoring solutions!
CS1500 Series
The latest evolution in Schroder Industries’ contamination monitoring arsenal, featuring enhanced connectivity!
Robust light-based sensor unit ideal for a wide range of mobile and stationary applications.
Monitor data trends and receive alerts in real time through mobile device connectivity!
Our fluid care experts can help find the right particle counting and condition monitoring solutions for your application. Just tell us about your application and needs:
Posted by McKenzie Thorpe on | Comments Off on Cutting Edge Contamination Sensors: CS1500 Series
Effective contamination monitoring is the backbone of every fluid care program.
Early warnings provided by contamination sensors can be the difference between early, cost-effective intervention and catastrophic equipment failures!
The latest in Schroeder’s particle counting arsenal, the CS1500 Series, enables easy, accurate condition monitoring from mobile devices.
Next Generation Contamination Monitoring
The CS1500 series is a next generation, industry-proven fluid monitoring sensor engineered for new market demands, backed by 30 years of experience in fluid monitoring.
The fluid care experts at Schroeder Industries can help you protect your assets and maintain productivity with sensors like the CS1500 and other industry-leading filtration solutions!
Posted by McKenzie Thorpe on | Comments Off on Equipment Feeling The Burn? Fix It With Filtration.
Effects of Overheating on Hydraulic & Lubricating Systems
Rising temperatures during the summer months can make working conditions tougher for everyone, including machinery.
When equipment overheats, it can have serious effects up to and including catastrophic failure. This is due to two primary consequences of overheating: reduced oil viscosity, and accelerated oil degradation.
Reduced Oil Viscosity
Higher temperatures lower the viscosity of lubricating oil, meaning the oil can no longer effectively lubricate.
When lubrication fails in a system like a gearbox, the components clash together directly, dramatically increasing wear on the components.
The increased component wear releases solid debris into the system, causing more damage within the system.
Component damage can result in expensive repairs, unplanned operational downtime, and even catastrophic equipment failure.
Accelerated Oil Degradation
Higher temperatures also ‘cook’ hydraulic and lubricating oil, which accelerates oxidation and breaks down additives.
As the oil degrades, sticky compounds known as varnish are formed.
Overheating can cause thousands of dollars in repairs and lost productivity.
Luckily, Schroeder Industries has engineered specialized filtration solutions that curb overheating and remove the solid particulates and varnish that can wreak havoc on your equipment.
Cooling Solutions from Schroeder Industries
Filter Tank Cooling Unit
7 Gallon Tank Volume
Ideal for mobile applications, the FTC combines an optimized TNK reservoir, advanced de-aerating filtration, and an integrated cooling unit. This compact, efficient system provides cooling and space savings for your equipment.
The Gearbox Cooling Skid is specially designed to protect gearbox systems from overheating and solid contamination, with an integrated cooling unit and dual-stage filtration. Air-cooling and water-cooling options are available.
Did you know that the hydraulic tank plays a big role in cooling?
In an optimal reservoir design, fluid circulates slowly through the reservoir, allowing air and heat to escape the fluid before it re-enters the system.
However, not all reservoirs are appropriately designed to allow this deaeration and cooling process.
Through a technical Tank Optimization analysis, Schroeder’s experts can examine the flow pattern, temperature, and other aspects of your reservoir to determine if the design can be optimized. Based on their findings, they can modify the tank design to function more efficiently.
Find out how you can improve the cooling and deaeration effects of your reservoir with a Tank Optimization analysis!
Varnish Removal Solutions from Schroeder Industries
VEU – Varnish Elimination Unit
10 gpm (38 L/min) or 15 gpm (57 L/min)
Available through rental or purchase, this mobile unit is engineered to remove varnish and varnish precursors from mineral oils. An integrated heat exchanger enhances the varnish removal capabilities.
The small footprint of the VEU compact enables installation in applications with limited space. Unlike other varnish-optimized filtration products, this solution effectively removes varnish without integrated cooling.
Varnish and varnish precursors can be detected through sampling, allowing you to proactively protect your system!
However, not all testing services are capable of detecting varnish.
Unlike particulate contamination, varnish can be challenging to identify in a fluid sample due to the submicronic particles, chemical composition, and other factors.
Schroeder Industries can provide the specialized testing required to assess the varnish content in your fluid, providing a foundation for effective fluid monitoring and conditioning.
Posted by McKenzie Thorpe on | Comments Off on Is Overheating Grinding Your Gears? Try the Gearbox Cooling Skid.
What is a gear box?
Gear boxes are a fundamental part of many industrial and mobile machines. They consist of an enclosed gear assembly used to change torque and speed between a drive (e.g. a motor) and a load.
These systems are frequently used in any power transmission application with rotary motion that requires a change in torque and speed. This can include:
Machine Tool Applications
Industrial Equipment
Conveyor Belts
Material Handling
And More
When a gearbox fails, it can be a very costly problem.
Gear box systems are very vulnerable to the effects of overheating and insufficient lubrication. When a gearbox fails, total work stoppage is generally required to perform complicated repairs. This compounds both the repair expense and cost of downtime.
The intense mechanical movements of a gear box can cause overheating, which reduces oil viscosity, limiting its ability to lubricate properly. Heat also degrades the lubricating oil over time.
When the lubricating oil stops working, the gear box components come in direct contact. The friction accelerates component wear and releases metal debris into the system.
This mechanical debris can cause extreme damage to the gearbox, resulting in total failure and expensive repairs.
Protect your critical gearboxes with a Gear Box Cooling Skid!
Schroeder Industries engineered the new Gear Box Cooling Skid to address these critical vulnerabilities in gear boxes.
The Gear Box Cooling Skid draws oil from the sump of the gear box. After passing the oil through a cooling or heat-exchanging unit, the oil is filtered, and returned to the gear box sump.
By cooling the lubricating oil and removing the metallic debris caused by the meshing gears, these skids can extend the working life of the gear box components and protect from unexpected, premature failure!
Flow Rates:
3, 6, 10, & 20 GPM
Voltage:
460VAC with Motor Starter
Filter Bypass:
GK18 / GK18CO: 40psi RLD: 40psi
Fluid Temperature:
8°C (46°F) to 80°C (176°F)
Ambient Temperature:
10°C (40°F) to 40°C (104°F)
Standard Viscosity – Air Cooler:
250-5000 SUS (54-1000 cSt)
Standard Viscosity – Water Cooler:
250-5000 SUS (54-1000 cSt)
Fluids:
Gear Oil: Up to VG320 Mineral Oil: DIN 51524 Part 1 & Part 2 Water Glycol: HFC based
Ask the experts what the Gear Box Cooling Skid can do for you!
Schroeder Industries can help you protect your gear boxes and other critical assets. Tell us about your application, and our fluid care experts can guide you to the most effective solution:
Posted by McKenzie Thorpe on | Comments Off on It’s Time To Modernize Your Maintenance Strategy
The best way to deal with issues in your fluid power operation is preventing them from happening in the first place, right? Just change your oil or fluid regularly, problem solved.
Not so fast. Focusing solely on a preventative maintenance strategy could be costing your business unnecessary time and resources!
Predictive maintenance, on the other hand, can protect your assets and conserve your most valuable resources.
Preventative versus Predictive Maintenance: What’s the difference?
They sound very similar, but in practice, preventative and predictive maintenance strategies have some key differences.
Preventative maintenance means taking regularly scheduled actions to proactively stop problems before they occur, based on predetermined patterns.
For example, if you own a car, you most likely change the oil at intervals based on a number of miles traveled.
If you make a habit to change your oil every 3,000 miles based on manufacturer recommendations, that is an example of preventative maintenance. By changing based on the recommended schedule, you are generally able to prevent lubrication issues with your engine.
But, if you aren’t actually examining the condition of the oil, you might be changing your oil more often than necessary. This costs you time and money!
Or, if there is a hidden problem with your engine, you might not be changing the oil soon enough. Because preventative maintenance does NOT account for machine condition, you could miss the warning signs of failure.
A predictive maintenance strategy determines if proactive maintenance actions are needed based on real-time data collected using condition monitoring equipment.
The main difference is that predictive maintenance is more data driven!
Back to the car engine oil example: If you practiced predictive maintenance, instead of always changing your oil on the same 3,000 mile interval, you would regularly examine your oil to see if it has reached the end of its usable life.
If the oil is still of good quality when tested, then you can save time and money on oil replacement!
On the flip side, if you discover the oil is degrading more quickly than usual, you can take immediate actions to diagnose problems with your engine. If you relied only on your preventative maintenance schedule, you could miss early warning signs about your engine’s condition!
Did You Know?
The most harmful types of contamination are often invisible to the human eye. This is why using condition monitoring tools and not relying on a visual inspection of fluid is so important!
Preventative versus Predictive Maintenance at a glance:
Preventative Maintenance
Prevents an issue before it might happen.
Actions are driven by historical averages. For example: Changing your oil every 5,000 miles.
Preventative maintenance is fairly effective, but can result in unnecessary expense/downtime or potentially miss early warning signs.
Predictive Maintenance
Predicts when an issue is likely to happen.
Actions are data-driven based on real-time information. For example: Using an oil life sensor to change oil as needed.
Predictive maintenance allows for strategic downtime and use of resources, and can allow early detection of hidden problems.
Condition Monitoring Tools for Predictive Maintenance
A large volume of high-quality data is the cornerstone of predictive maintenance.
Whether your operation is just wading into a predictive maintenance strategy for the first time, or is trying to refine their condition monitoring system, ask the experts! Schroeder Industries has products and solutions that provide rapid, useful insights into your fluid condition backed by decades of fluid care expertise.
