Mitigating fluid contamination is a chief concern for hydraulic systems. Solid, liquid, and other forms of fluid contamination account for up to 90% of all hydraulic system failures. Water, ingested particulate contamination, and metal particles from internal component wear are just a few types of contamination. Contamination is influenced by ambient conditions and other variables, and can have serious impacts on hydraulic equipment performance.
Contamination cannot be completely stopped, but proper fluid filtration can prolong the lifespan of your hydraulic components—and a successful treatment strategy begins with accurate diagnostics.
Portable Fluid Condition Monitoring
To make fluid assessments more convenient, Schroeder Industries developed several portable fluid condition monitoring systems. These compact units are designed to deliver real-time insights into the health of a variety of hydraulic fluid types. On-site analysis with a portable condition monitoring unit saves time and money compared to shipping samples to oil testing labs, or using complicated analysis kits. Their portability makes them usable in the field, in remote locations, along a manufacturing process production line—anywhere a hydraulic system can be found.
Click the image to see the TFC page
Introducing Total Fluid Condition (TFC)
The new TFC unit represents the latest in fluid condition monitoring technology. This revolutionary portable service unit is designed to measure and differentiate particulate contamination, as well as relative water content and temperature.
Improving Contamination Data Accuracy
Correctly identifying the type and source of hydraulic fluid contamination is critical for developing a treatment strategy. The TFC unit improves upon the accuracy of fluid contamination data in synthetic and mineral oil based hydraulic fluids, offering users a more complete analysis of their fluid health than was previously possible. This improved precision stems from the new direct digital imaging sensors incorporated into the TFC units.
Other portable fluid contamination monitoring units have utilized light-based sensors, which struggle to differentiate between contamination types, but direct digital imaging sensors can distinguish air bubbles and water molecules from solid particles. This results in a more accurate ISO count, and better understanding of the fluid’s health.
The TFC can also sort particles into fatigue, cutting, sliding wear, and fiber categories to estimate cause of contamination. The direct imaging particle counting software coded into the unit uses size and shape-recognition technology, based on advanced algorithms, as a dirt classifier to distinguish contaminates.
TFC Applications
Like Schroeder’s other portable fluid diagnostics systems, TFC is a powerful, versatile tool for any fluid cleanliness testing scenario:
Perfect for in-plant/industrial applications, during the assembly process or at the end of the production line.
The compact design and onboard battery also make the TFC ideal for mobile applications, such as testing for service trucks or in remote locations.
Other Benefits of Fluid Condition Monitoring
The oil waste reduction aided by the TFC unit’s fluid diagnostic capabilities doesn’t just help protect your equipment. It also reduces costs and environmental impacts related to oil waste.
All hydraulic fluid must be changed eventually, but routinely testing fluid cleanliness and addressing contamination prolongs its lifespan. This results in less frequent oil disposal, saving on the expense of new oil.
Additionally, the reduction in hydraulic oil waste and consumption helps lower an operation’s carbon footprint and environmental impact. The TFC unit is part of Schroeder Industries’ Energy Sustainability Initiative supporting carbon reduction goals across various industries, thanks to the benefits it imparts by helping extend the life of oil and reduce waste.
Want to learn more about what Total Fluid Condition can do for your business? Contact us!
In recent years, the mobile hydraulics industry has been revolutionized by the development and proliferation of electric hydraulic systems. Among other inherent benefits, electric hydraulic systems could also be dramatically more energy efficient compared to traditional hydraulic systems.
How is this possible? Unlike traditional hydraulic systems, electric hydraulic motor-pump units only operate when flow and pressure are required to perform the working task at hand.
When there is no flow or pressure required, the electric hydraulic motor-pump unit switches to zero energy-mode, saving the consumption of energy and increasing the system’s efficiency. This is what we call energy efficiency.
Energy Efficiency through Electric Hydraulics
Energy efficiency, put simply, is when less energy is needed for a system to get the job done. This can be achieved by lowering the amount of energy consumed to accomplish an equivalent output (e.g. halt of use when not in operation).
Think about some of the newer car models in the market today.
Some higher-end models shut down every time the car stops at a stop light. Since the car is in idle at that stop light, why would the car continue to place tension and wear the performing components when they’re not performing their sole duty: driving?
This way of thinking is slowly creeping into hydraulics too. Experts are now looking at ways to incorporate these (and other) types of electric energy to power hydraulic machines. This is called electric hydraulics.
Electric Hydraulic Advantages
Electric hydraulic systems have some major advantages over their traditional hydraulic counterparts. The key advantages of electro-hydraulic motor pump units are:
Up to 70% more efficient than standard hydraulic counterparts
CO2 reduction = less fluid being used in the system
Component lifespan increased, especially with bearings and seals
Ability to control direction & amount of hydraulic flow by controlling direction/speed of the electric motor.
Injection molding machine systems eliminate the need for directional and proportional valves in the motion axis.
Fewer, less complicated components also simplifies troubleshooting.
Quieter run times, reducing noise decibel readings
Save space and reduce weight with lighter, more compact electric systems
Integrated electrohydraulic packages are now available. These packages include an electric motor, controller, and hydraulic pump combined into one compact unit to lower total cost of ownership.
With the rising trend of electric drive vehicles and utilizing efficient energy throughputs, there is now a need to reduce power consumption and extend the battery life through increased hydraulic efficiency. How do we capitalize on saving energy and becoming more efficient in electric hydraulic systems?
The answer: minimize the pressure drop
Electric Drive Savings Through Pressure Drop Reduction
All energy has a price, and wasting it means wasting meaningful dollars. It is desirable to have as much energy that is inputted into a system available to do useful work. In hydraulic systems, we tend to look at differential pressure across the entire system. Differential Pressure describes the loss of energy available in a hydraulic system—however, the energy is not lost, but converted into thermal energy, which is unavailable to perform useful work.
For example, a small pressure drop effects high horsepower systems, as the pump/motor group must make up for that loss of energy and operate much harder, costing more money and shortening component life. Take a look at the figure below to see an example of how much money can be saved by lowering the pressure drop by a few psi:
*Assuming electric driven operation at 65% efficiency. $ Savings based on energy cost of $0.15/kw-hr & ~6000 hours per year on an electric driven operation.
So how do we lower the overall pressure drop in an electric hydraulic system? That is where Schroeder’s Electric Drive media can help.
Schroeder’s Electric Drive Media
The use of Schroeder’s GREEN, Electric Drive (E-Drive) Media filtration technology guarantees safe and reliable equipment operation, all-while conserving the use of energy.
Part of Schroeder’s Energy Saver initiative, filter elements made using the all-new E-Drive Media are characterized by a low pressure drop, making them suitable for low energy requirements compared to conventional hydraulic elements under the same ambient conditions.
In certain applications, the E-Drive Media can lower the pressure drop to a point where consumers may be able to size down their horsepower requirements on their current motor and save even more overall!
E-Drive filter elements are made using an all-new specialty formulated, high efficiency, low differential pressure media and are the perfect choice for use in electric hydraulic drive motor-pump units. Use them for conserving energy bills and wherever high viscosity fluids are employed – especially at low temperatures that produce a cold start behavior.
Let’s see how our 10-micron Electric Drive media element compares to the typical synthetic microglass media available on the market today.
Technical Specs (evaluated in K-sized element):
Media Type
β200 [µm(c)]
Pressure Drop Factor [psid/gpm]
E-Drive Media (10 µ)
10.2
0.050
Typical Synthetic Media (10 µ)
10.6
0.156
Element Collapse Rating: 145 psid (10 bar)
Temperature Range: -22°F to 212°F (-30°C to 100°C)
Flow Direction: Outside to Inside
E-Drive Media is currently rated for 10-micron filtration, with other micron options available in the near future.
What Can E-Drive Media Do For You?
To see if Schroeder’s Energy Saving Initiative E-Drive Media can be the right solution for your electric hydraulic systems, email us at sisales@schroederindustries.com or leave a comment in the blog post below.
Schroeder Industries’ wide offering of fuel filtration solutions represents the cutting edge in innovative and advanced fuel filtration technology.
Our range of products are designed specifically for fuel filtration applications. This includes bulk storage, mobile equipment prefiltration, alternative fuels, and fuel contamination monitoring. All are engineered to address the problems with modern fuels in a compact, reliable, and cost-effective way.
At Schroeder Industries, we apply innovative technology to meet the global needs of fuel cleanliness. We work to provide a wide selection of light weight, and compact solutions.
Our product range includes fuel filters, filtration systems, and condition monitoring equipment for all-around diesel protection. Schroeder Industries has our customers covered from production to consumption.
Fuel cleanliness is a main factor in making sure diesel-powered machinery and diesel engines are operating at their highest performance.
To put it simply, the most important thing we can do, is make sure your fuel is free of any contaminants. This can include water, particulates, fungi, etc. Our products are designed to remove these contaminants.
Contamination can cause microbial growth, which can cause destruction in your fuel systems. This can lead to field failure and can allow bacteria to spread in your system.
Fortunately, with Schroeder Industries, our filters can get these destructive contaminants out of your fuel. Bringing them up to exceptional cleanliness levels.
With our fuel diagnostic technology, you can take a preventative approach and know when exactly your fuel may need extra support.
Our Fuel Filtration Technology and the Environment
We recognize the world is seeking more environmentally sound ways of creating equipment that uses more efficient technologies and systems.
We are always looking for ways to keep this global movement in the focus of our development. This includes making strides in creating more energy efficient fuel filtration technology.
Many of the global equipment manufacturers are making advancements in the electrification of mechanical or hydraulic systems and equipment. This doesn’t get rid of the need for diesel fuel or alternative fuels, but underscores the importance of better fuel filtration.
Modern fuels are made to adhere to the standards addressing emissions, equipment reliability, safety, and storage. Therefore, our fuel filtration technology follows the same standards. It is of high importance for us to know the problems faced as fuels continue to change.
Engines are becoming smaller to make room for the electrical components, wiring, and storage. It is crucial to provide the highest performance filtration in a compact and lightweight package.
However, this does not eliminate the need for bulk diesel, or alternative fuel. This makes the need for your pristine fuel quality even more essential.
Schroeder Industries also understands the importance of being environmentally friendly.
We use advanced technologies to minimize the energy needed to clean and condition fuel. This encourages the reclamation of fuels that would normally be disposed of. Doing this can result in reduced waste and an overall reduction in emissions, helping to accomplish a cleaner world.
Schroeder Industries is ISO 9001 certified and members in good standing with PEI. Both organizations help fulfill our dedication to making sure all of our customer’s fuel quality is outstanding. Our team stays up to date on the guidelines from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 4406 and industry trends from PEI.
Schroeder Industries offers a complete range of hydraulic fluid tank accessories, subsystems, and individual components such as breather filters.
The Hydraulic Tank Accessories Product Categories focus on providing the components that make up the entire hydraulic reservoir.
Each component on the reservoir performs a key role for fluid care and hydraulic motors.
We not only produce tank-mounted return filters, we also manufacture and supply every component needed to make a reservoir even more valuable to the overall fluid system. We have:
Air breathers (both synthetic media and silica gel options)
Strainers
Sight gauges
Reservoirs
Component level products such as types of level gauges/liquid level gauges, electrical and visual indicators are also included in this product line
*All available for private labeling making Schroeder Industries your one-stop shop private label manufacturer (see below)!
Why Should I Use Schroeder Hydraulic Tank Accessories?
Schroeder Hydraulic Tank Accessories serve many purposes. Our primary goal is to keep fluids under high pressure as clean as possible.
We use patented technology in an attempt to secure the national brand product in the market.
Our customers will tell you that we have the best:
Our air breathers ensure all hydraulic oil types are free of airborne debris, both moisture and solid.
We offer a portfolio of high quality, cost effective air breathers with various options for a wide range of applications.
Our breather elements are constructed of phenolic resin impregnated paper or synthetic media. Both types provide high resistance to moisture and adequate micron ratings, ensuring proper filtration while extending the operational service life of the breather.
In our experience over the last 75 years, we have determined that hydraulic fluid is best when it is dry.
Dry hydraulic fluid lasts longer and reduces wear and tear on components as well as reducing varnish formation in the hydraulic fluid.
Our desiccant breathers will help maintain the cleanliness and condition of the fluid in the circuit by keeping the fluid dry and free from airborne particulate contamination.
Strainers ensure a secondary protection for components on the hydraulic system.
By installing a strainer on the hydraulic reservoir, you will capture larger pieces of unwanted debris from entering the suction line. We offer two types of strainers: standard metal based suction and magnetic.
Sight level gauges and other detecting devices provide information for the stored fluid including fluid levels.
We offer several options of gauges, including those to use as a warning of increased (or decreased) levels.
These are a must when seeing and maintaining the level of oil in your reservoir is crucial to your operation.
Our hydraulic reservoir tank products embody the totality of the reservoir system; eliminating any optimization problems and including all of the components mentioned above in a single purchase order.
These turnkey solution can be retrofitted to any application requiring a hydraulic reservoir. They are engineered to function as a standalone system and can be dropped into any hydraulic circuit right out of the box.
Watch on YouTube “TNK | Complete Package Solution | Official Product Release”.
With Hydraulic Tank Accessories, it is important for them to seamlessly integrate with your equipment. In addition to the products mentioned above, we also make hydraulic adapters and hydraulic connectors to make incorporating our accessories simple.
Customization at Schroeder doesn’t stop with our filter products.
With every aspect of the hydraulic circuit covered, we have an unrivaled ability to create custom solutions to fit your exact needs. Whether it be a sizing requirement on a hydraulic pump or a specific location for an adapter. Schroeder Industries has a plan for you.
Private labeling is a significant feature Schroeder offers for multiple products. This includes accessories.
Private label goods are perfect for companies that already use Schroeder Industries products within their equipment. We have the option to private label brand all of the components mentioned above to represent your brand.
Ask about our interactive forms to screen-print, laser, or paint any and all information you require on your product. Our forms allows our customers to design the label exactly how they want it, so we get the best outcome.
Flexibility options include:
The location of your logo
How you’ll send the artwork
Custom markings
Barcodes
At Schroeder Industries, we’re committed to finding the perfect results for you and your company. Reach out today for a Schroeder Hydraulic Accessories solution!
Over 70% of all system failures are caused by contaminants in the fluid. Even when no immediate failures are apparent, high contamination levels can be present and sharply decrease hydraulic controls in the blink of an eye.
Contamination is defined as any substance foreign to the manufacturing equipment and damaging to its performance. If not controlled, contaminated hydraulic fluid can impact hydraulic system efficiency, reduce the lifespan of machine components, or even cause a catastrophic failure of hydraulic equipment, among other issues. Proper preventative measures, namely filtration, are critical.
There are four primary types of fluid contamination, each of which contribute to machine and component wear in their own ways. Each type of contamination can have a cascading effect which contributes to the other types.
Solid contamination can lead to worn sealing surfaces and surfaces that cause leaking points for external air and moisture ingression and can also lead to friction-induced localized thermal degradation.
Solid contamination, generally referred to as particulate contamination, comes in all sizes and shapes and is normally abrasive to major components in the hydraulic system.
With this abrasive quality, a high contaminant level accelerates component wear and decreases the hydraulic supply and service life.
Worn components, in turn, contribute to:
Inefficient hydraulic machine operation
Seizure of hydraulic parts (such as hydraulic pumps, cylinders, and hydraulic motors
Higher fluid temperatures
Leakage
Loss of control
Liquid contamination (i.e. water) can accelerate the fluid aging process and generation of varnish. Water contaminated hydraulic fluid can also cause corrosive pitting of metallic components and therefore generate solid metallic particle contamination.
Gaseous contamination (i.e. air) can cause cavitation and dieseling effects which may lead to particle contamination and local thermal degradation.
Gel-like contamination—such as varnish created by oil degradation—can be a root cause of accelerated aging, increased particle generation via changing and inadequate lubrication properties, as well as the formation of water from chemical reactions.
Contamination can also act as a catalyst to accelerate oxidation of the fluid and spur the chemical breakdown of its constituents.
Watch on YouTube “Fluid Contamination Control: What You Need To Know”.
What is Hydraulic and Lube Filtration?
Hydraulic and Lube Filtration is the perfect candidate for combatting issues with contaminates.
It will provide one of the only value statements you will ever need.
Schroeder Industries offers a full division of Hydraulic and Lube Filtration. With 75 years of manufacturing experience, there’s a solution for every facet of a hydraulic system, including:
By utilizing filter technology for your operating fluid, it will remove many of the contaminates mentioned above and extend the life of the system components (also mentioned above).
The filtration process helps remove contamination from oil systems and conditions the fluid on a continuous basis. It also ensures the oil viscosity properties remain constant per the desired temperature ranges.
Interested in protecting your equipment with hydraulic filtration products from Schroeder Industries? Our Distributor Locator can help connect you with a member of our expansive distributor network.
Watch on YouTube “The 7 Steps to Choosing the Correct Filtration”.
Schroeder Industries’ offers Hydraulic and Lube filter assembly types up to 6,500 psi (448 bar).
Using fluid technology, our hydraulic filter housings are continuously tested using the latest ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and NFPA (National Fluid Power Association) test procedures in our Fluid Care Center (FCC). Extensive testing is conducted to verify rated fatigue and burst pressures and to ensure compatibility with various mineral-based fluids.
And all other types of oil, fuel, water, and compressed gases
We’ve even coined the phrase “if it flows, it’s probably Schroeder”.
Trust the Experts of Process Filtration
Proper filtration in treatment processes such as process water, wastewater discharge, or reuse is critical.
Moving liquids or gases from somewhere like a refinery, food/beverage, steel, automotive, pulp and paper or oil produced water application requires pre-filtration due to high amounts of suspended solids in these typical applications.
In fact, there are usually several filtration and treatment steps in these applications to ensure that the treated water meets the required discharge or reuse standard.
In addition, filtration in treatment schemes ensures reduced operating cost on downstream polishing treatment systems.
Schroeder Industries Focuses on Your Process, Delivery Reliability and Improvements
Schroeder Industries will optimize your filtration solution based on the specific characteristics of your system, including the water source, specific application, and downstream equipment.
Poor filtration can cause a degradation of your final product or failure of downstream equipment. This can cost hundreds of thousands, or even millions of dollars in downtime or wasted product.
Schroeder Industries is here to partner with you to ensure reduced maintenance and high quality filtration designed specifically for your application.
The most important aspects of the application of filtration process include:
For instance, a very important step in a membrane treatment plant in the United States is the pretreatment of fluid to remove large particulate and biologicals.
If unmanaged, poor prefiltration can result in:
Increased maintenance costs
Increased energy consumption
Damaged components (like a pump or heat exchanger)
Reduced service times
But why Schroeder?
At Schroeder Industries, our 75 years of industrial application of filtration has lead us to offering just three (3) common design-types of process filters:
Backflush, Self Cleaning Filters/Strainers (automatic and manual) covering a wide range of flow and filtration ratings.
The elements in all backflush filters are reusable and economically sound.
Backflush filters offer low maintenance requirement and low operating costs.
This includes our line of backwash, automatic self cleaning water filters and auto strainer filters.
Bag Filter Systems come in multiple standard sizes of 1, 2, 3, and 4.
These are most suitable for coarse and fine filtration.
This includes our line of single, duplex and oil absorbing bag housing and element solutions.
Cartridge Filter Systems are elements that apply depth filtration.
Depth filtration increases dirt holding capacity while offering efficient filtration.
These are also suitable for fine filtration.
This includes our line of self cleaning cartridge filters, basket strainers, and more.
Learn how to open ro filter candle – Watch on YouTube “PLFx Series | Process Inline Filter”.
We also own exclusive partnerships to help us be your one-stop partner in filtration.
It is our experience that your project will flourish with any one of the options listed above.
The option always lives to choose one, proceed, and move forward on the project at hand.
What if I have needs not satisfied by the options listed above?
If we later determine that one of the aforementioned options does not quite meet the goals you have set in place, we also specialize as an engineering firm. Our in-house team has the ability to look at your operational design and personalize a process filtration solution fit for your individual needs.
This may even include taking one of our existing solutions and retrofitting it to your specific needs.
The Schroeder Guarantee
Schroeder ensures protection of product and equipment, no matter what the project. To do this, it is important to perform selective filtering of solids from gas and liquid process streams. Poor filtering can cause a degradation of your final product or failure of equipment. This can cause hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars in downtime or wasted product.
An infinite amount of applications and gases/liquids exist and Schroeder has the expertise to determine your optimal filtration needs. Schroeder has the optimized filtration solution based on your media, economics, permits, filtration goals, etc. This can include industrial processes, mining food and beverage, drinking water and wastewater.
Watch on YouTube “Process Technology | Water Filtration Systems”.
In this vast world there are no two applications that are exactly alike. Schroeder Process Division has the experience and expertise to provide you with personalized answers and solutions. From low viscosity water, emulsions and machine coolants to heavy fuels to compressed gas applications – Schroeder is your filter expert!
About us – Schroeder Industries – A US Company
Schroeder Industries (celebrating 75 years in 2021) is a US Corporation that started as a mining equipment manufacturer and reseller in 1946. Since then, the company has evolved to be a leading firm in the development and production of fluid power conditioning equipment. Schroeder designs solutions for both OEM and MRO, Industrial and Mobile Equipment. From hydraulic fluids and low-viscosity fluids to process water and fuels. A partnership with Schroeder guarantees innovative products, processes, and solutions to improve performance and efficiency in your equipment.
A fluid filtration system is exactly what it sounds like. These systems are designed to ensure the quality of your fluid is excellent.
With a typical hydraulic application, the hydraulic filter is normally plumbed in-line with the system (or buried in-line with a hydraulic tank) and serves as an oil conditioning unit when the system is in operation.
A fluid filtration system, or oil conditioning unit, is a stand-alone unit that operates offline and away from the hydraulic application. Often times in the form of a hydraulic filter cart, it is not to replace any piece of equipment, but to enhance the maintenance team.
Equipped with a pump-motor group of its own, these do not require the power of a hydraulic machine. They are their own system.
Oil conditioning units are typically used for the conditioning of stored fluid, fluid dispensing applications and transferring processes. It is basically summed up that everywhere the fluid is not flowing through a system, it should be accompanied by a hydraulic filter cart.
What is meant by “Oil Conditioning”?
With the turn to tighter tolerances in today’s hydraulic critical assets systems, line conditioning equipment is critical.
What do we mean when we say “Oil Conditioning”?
Oil Conditioning is using fluid conditioning products, such as offline oil filtration and dehydration systems, to remove contaminates and increase the moisture removal rate in your hydraulic fluid. Removal of the contaminates and the total moisture allows the system to operate to its fullest potential. Contamination is a leading cause of hydraulic repairs and replacements, and accounts for 70 to 90% of wear and failure.
Whether your machine is new or many years old, the cleaner the oil, the better the operating condition.
When contaminants enter a hydraulic system, the manufacturer’s advertised performance of that machine is not achieved.
This adds an increased strain on components such as turbine oil filters, other line conditioning equipment, and more.
Today’s oil conditioning units have seen a shift from “Reactionary” (fix it when it breaks) to “Preventative” (fix it before it breaks), and even “Predictive” (schedule downtime to perform maintenance).
Schroeder Industries offers a wide ranging selection of fluid filtration products and systems to suit your oil conditioning needs
What are Diagnostics Tools?
Similar to a diagnostic OBD II scanner you have for your car, diagnostic tools are the equipment that can recognize and support a “Preventative” maintenance plan.
Bring that into the world of hydraulics and you get equipment similar to the OBD scanner mentioned above.
Only this time, these diagnostics read and report in the form of mineral oil cleanliness.
Watch on YouTube “Diagnostics (IoT)” Playlist.
What do Diagnostics Tools have to do with Oil Conditioning Units?
When you pair the elite technology found in today’s oil conditioning units with the new-age of the Internet of Things (IoT) technology in most diagnostic tools on the market today, you really step into the future in a real effort of streamlining tedious oil sampling/reporting tasks in a complete system.
The two technologies together are what we like to call proactive “Contamination Control” – taking ownership and managing the fluids you pump into your hydraulic systems day-in and day-out.
“Contamination Control” pertains to the ISO clean analysis and optimization of processes with regard to the cleanliness of components, systems and the purity of the fluids used.
“Contamination Control” is also an important part of operating and maintaining hydraulic systems, like a hydraulic filter cart.
How can Schroeder Industries help?
It starts with the identification and measurement of the different forms of contamination.
Our line of condition monitoring products include both in-line and offline sensors to measure contamination and/or total moisture levels of the hydraulic system.
If the contamination levels are at a certain degree, our end users have seen dramatically frequent equipment failure.
If monitoring is the first step, fluid conditioning products would be the second.
Our line of offline, mobile fluid handling carts are perfect for removing contaminants and increasing overall moisture removal rate from various types of hydraulic fluids.
Oil conditioning units include both mobile fluid handling carts with or without contamination monitoring units, stationary fluid conditioning products from 1.3 gpm flow rates to customizable kidney loop systems up to 140 gpm.
Each of our hydraulic filtration systems are equipped with high efficiency elements to remove solid particulates and/or free water quickly and efficiently.
Our dewatering units, both hydraulic vacuum oil dehydration and mass transfer systems, can remove both free and dissolved water from hydraulic fluids for any reservoir size at various flow rates.
Watch on YouTube “Filter Systems” Playlist.
By implementing fluid condition monitoring equipment, in conjunction with the appropriate filtration equipment, a major portion of particulate contamination introduced during manufacturing and assembly can be effectively and efficiently removed.
The result will be improved fluid condition, extended life expectancy of fluid and equipment resulting in significant cost savings, and peace of mind that your systems are functioning appropriately and efficiently.
Schroeder Industries is expanding the courses available through the popular TCO reduction strategy program for OEM and MRO Operations.
Leetsdale, PA. (March 10, 2021) – Schroeder Industries, a recognized leader in Advanced Fluid Conditioning Solutions®, is continuing the Fast Fifteen program by expanding the course materials offered in 2021.
Schroeder’s Fast Fifteen Program started in May 2020 at the crest of the pandemic.
With most corporations vying for attention during the newly adapted digital age, Schroeder began providing online content (15-minutes or less) proven to help OEM’s and MRO Operations save thousands of dollars.
Organizations have been joining Schroeder’s expert staff for one-on-one reviews and learning ways to:
Increase aftermarket revenue stream(s)
Reduce oil consumption
Optimize hydraulics’ equipment space
Enhance component replacements
And so much more!
With 29 available courses, there is an opportunity for every type of operation to save thousands of dollars in return for just a 15-minute investment in time.
About Schroeder’s Fast Fifteen?
Schroeder’s Fast Fifteen Program is an all-new training program for OEM’s and MRO Operations. In just 15 minutes time, we will come to a meeting with you and your engineers with the knowledge we have of your company and offer you a suggested fluid cleanliness concept that can save you money and other ROI measurables. Perhaps you could benefit from one of our many aftermarket revenues programs, maybe you’re using and spending way too much money on oil, or maybe you’re noticing a decrease in system availability and an increase in maintenance repair. With our 75 years of expertise, we’re confident that we can help your already impressive operation.
Who is involved?
With 75 years of experience helping the world’s largest OEM and MRO Operations, we’ve learned a thing or two about machine reliability. That is why we have industry experts for machines that run hydraulic and lubricants, fuel and diesel fuel, as well as process water and low-viscosity fluids ready to answer any questions and address concerns you may be experiencing with your plant or fleet equipment.
Available Courses:
Initial TCO Reduction Strategy Proposition
When partnered with Schroeder Industries, a customer noticed savings in the form of a quarter more oil service life in their hydraulic turbine, a massive drop in their annual oil usage and a decrease in replacement parts cost.
Sign up below and we’ll schedule a time:
Schroeder Industries' Fast Fifteen Signups
Give us 15 - we will give you targeted fluid cleanliness concepts for your machine. Some of our Fast Fifteen topics include the tools and techniques needed to achieve extended oil drain intervals w/o warranty concerns, how to reduce reservoir sizes by up to 60% through patented air removal designs, how to triple OEM aftermarket revenue programs w/ 100% OES capture, new high efficiency diesel solutions tailored for Tier IV Demands, and more!
From: Schroeder Industries’ Filter Systems and Diagnostics (IoT) Product Group
Overcoming “Phantom” Particle Counting
Imagine this…
You have been filtering 30 gallons of your operating fluid in bypass with staged 5- and 1-micron filter elements at a processing rate of five gallons per minute (gpm) (300 gallons per hour (gph)).
You have been using a Light Blockage Method (LBM)-based portable particle counter to verify the fluid cleanliness.
The starting cleanliness per ISO 4406 2017 was 25/22/15 ISO cleanliness code.
After eight (8) hours, the cleanliness has only dropped to 22/20/13 ISO cleanliness code.
A difference of about 3 points.
You’ve checked that the filter element is not clogged and not in bypass.
You even went through the trouble of making sure there was an element actually in the filter!
How could this be possible?
It couldn’t be, right?
What you’re likely experiencing is a classic case of “phantom” particle counting.
Demystifying the “Phantoms” in your Fluid
“Phantom” particle counting is a documented problem faced when using LBM portable counters to verify the oil cleanliness class of petroleum-based fluids containing certain insoluble additives.
Silicone-based antifoam agents are common interferents of LBM particle counters.
Fluids used in mobile fluid power systems are typically formulated to contain high antifoam concentrations.
Research has suggested that through differential surface tension, the silicone antifoam additive agents adhere to the inner wall of microscopic, entrained air bubbles, resulting in micelle-like encapsulations of the additive agents that then take on the apparent shape characteristics of a water droplet [1].
The measurement of particle size for micelle-like antifoam agent encapsulations typically range in 4-10µm size range [2].
Once the encapsulations rise to the fluid surface, the agents quickly pierce the air bubble and return back into the fluid.
In a related study of the effects of a variety of non-solid contaminants and additives on LBM particle counting accuracy, it was found that a base stock mixture containing 0.02% (by weight) of a silicone antifoam agent increased the LBM laser particle count by a minimum factor of three [1].
The erroneous particle accounts were particularly evident in the 4µm and 6µm channels of the ISO 4406 2017 cleanliness standard [2, 3] (see also NAS cleanliness standard or SAE AS4059).
Limitations of the Light Blockage Method (LBM)
LBM or Light Blockage Method fluid analyzers are useful in many applications.
The principle of the light blockage method is fundamentally simple: fluid flows through a measurement cell containing a light source on one side of the measurement cell, and a receiver (photodetector) on the opposing side of the measurement cell.
The light source becomes partially blocked as the number of particles pass through the measurement cell, creating a light radiation differential—a shadow—corresponding to the circular cross-sectional size of the passing particles.
The operating principle measures particles based on the space between the shadow and the receiving end of the light source.
Because of this fundamental operating principle, LBM portable counters suffer from a key drawback: the lack of and the inability to discern solid contaminates (like metallic composition) from other contaminates like water, air bubbles, “phantom” particles, and so on.
So, how can the “phantom” particles be overcome using oil particle counter sensor technology?
There is an alternative solution to this question: oil particle counting using the Direct Imaging Method.
Direct Imaging Method
Direct Imaging particle counting software uses size and shape-recognition technology, based on advanced algorithms, as a dirt classifier to distinguish contaminates.
For example, a Direct Imaging portable information counter can distinguish contaminates into fatigue, cutting and sliding wear with a metallic wear debris sensor and fiber and air bubble categories based on shape characteristics.
It can also recognize water droplets.
The distinction of contaminates allows for a more accurate particle counting by negating non-solid contaminates like entrained air bubbles and water droplets.
Therefore, Direct Imaging particle counting technology can negate the micelle-like antifoaming additive encapsulations as water droplets— “phantom” particles—allowing users to understand the condition of their fluid samples with confidence.
Case Studies 1 and 2 demonstrate how the Schroeder Pro: Total Fluid Health (TFH)–one example of a fluid condition monitoring solution with Direct Imaging particle counting technology–can be used in practical applications to overcome “phantom” particle counting.
Case Study 1
An OEM of large off-highway equipment was experiencing continuous oil particle counter inaccuracies at a verification stage of assembly:
The rejections due to fluid condition were mounting, causing delayed shipments and significant related costs.
The average holding time delay due to rejection was seven days and incurred a holding cost of $1,500, per day, per unit.
At the consultation phase of the case study, eight units had been delayed.
The diagnosis was in…
The existing light-blockage-type particle counters were providing inconsistently high and erroneous particle counts.
The ISO 4406 2017 ISO cleanliness code would frequently measure a 23/22/19 size range, despite a strong fluid maintenance and conditioning regime.
Third-party fluid analyzer reports and fluid datasheets suggested that the fluid (synthetic hydraulic fluid) contained a high concentration of a siloxane (silicone derivative) antifoaming additive known to cause “phantom” particle measurements in LBM automatic particle counters.
Schroeder Industries provided an extensive on-site demonstration that proved the advanced Direct Imaging Method technology of the Schroeder Pro: Total Fluid Health (TFH) hydraulic fluid particle counter solution, which measured an average ISO 4406 2017 fluid cleanliness of 15/14/10, allowed the customer to successfully process the fluid of and pass six units during the first day of demonstration.
The two remaining backlogged units passed early on the second day of demonstration.
The realizable savings—evidenced by the demonstration—equated to:
Approximately 35% in cost savings and
81% reduction in holding time.
Case Study 2
Similar to Case Study 1, an OEM of mobile equipment was measuring unusually high particle counts with their LBM computer particle analyzer after switching to a new hydraulic fluid type with a higher concentration of an antifoaming additive.
Coincidentally, the fluid type was nearly equivalent to that used by the off-highway equipment OEM.
According to the customer, the average oil particle counter of four fluid sample trays of fluid collected from the customer’s well-conditioned bulk fluid storage measured 25/23/20 iso cleanliness code, as shown in table 1.
Sample
≥4µm
≥6µm
≥14µm
I
25
23
19
II
25
23
19
III
25
23
21
IV
25
23
19
Average
25
23
20
Table 1 Sample cleanliness results of fluid containing a high concentration of antifoaming additives according to ISO 4406 2017
After consulting the customer of the “phantom” oil particle counting issue, Schroeder Industries offered to process fluid samples using a third-party LBM portable counter and the Schroeder Pro: Total Fluid Health (TFH) hydraulic fluid particle counter solution to determine if there was evidence of the phenomenon.
Because of the tell-tale symptoms of particle counting inaccuracies due to “phantom” particle size analysis, the results of the tests shown in table 2 are not surprising; the test results are consistent with typical cleanliness discrepancies produced by “phantom” particles.
Sample
Processed w/ Third-Party LBM Particle Counter
Processed w/ TFH
I – Bulk Fluid Storage Tank
24/23/18
17/16/15
II – Machine Reservoir
23/21/16
18/17/16
Table 2 Comparative sample cleanliness results of fluid containing a high concentration of antifoaming additives according to ISO 4406
Keep on Counting…with Direct Digital Technology
It’s no secret that understanding fluid cleanliness is imperative for strategically maintaining fluid-powered and lubricated machines.
Automatic particle counters using the Light Blockage Method (LBM) are generally considered reliable solutions for fluid storage monitoring.
However, LBM particle counters can yield inaccurate measurements while processing fluids that are contaminated by water, entrained air, or high levels of certain additives.
Silicone-based antifoaming agents are common, well-documented additive interferents that become encapsulated within entrained air bubbles that lead to a phenomenon referred to as “phantom” particles.
“Phantom” particles are indiscernible by LBM particle counters due to their fundamental principle of operation.
Research suggests that “phantom” particles can lead to LBM particle counter measurements to be greater than three classes higher than the true cleanliness per ISO 4406 2017.
While they can be filtered out—one possible reason for the slight cleanliness improvement in the hypothetical scenario of the introduction–the additives that can lead to “phantom” particles serve important, specific functions and should not be removed or sacrificed.
An alternative solution to LBM automatic particle counting is the Direct Imaging Method.
The Direct Imaging Method of particle counting uses size and shape-recognition technology in tandem with advanced data-driven algorithms to distinguish solid contaminates into metallic wear debris sensor and fiber categories, and from non-solid contaminants like water droplets and air bubbles.
Because of the apparent water droplet-like shape characteristics of the antifoam encapsulations, Direct Imaging solutions such as the Schroeder Pro: Total Fluid Health (TFH) can indirectly negate the “phantom” particle counts and provide more accurate fluid cleanliness measurements.
From: Schroeder Industries’ Fuel Filtration Center of Excellence
New in Bulk Diesel Filtration from Schroeder Industries
The changes of the seasons are upon us all. Fall is setting in the Northern Hemisphere. Spring is in bloom in the Southern Hemisphere. Here is how Schroeder Industries is helping with all of your diesel fuel filtration needs.
Introducing the BDFP and BDFPE from Schroeder Industries
2020 has been a challenging year for so many of individuals. Here at Schroeder Industries, we want to share some good news from our side. Today, we are introducing you to our Bulk Diesel Filtration Panel (BDFP) and our BDFPE (Bulk Diesel Filtration Panel Enclosed).
These Schroeder in-line fuel polishing systems are designed with options from the most basic of operation and integration to hands-free automation and programmable functionality. By using the GHPF, GHCF, BDF2 and BDS products as the foundation for the BDPF and BDFPE, we are able to incorporate that same patented water removal technology and high efficiency particulate filtration of the core components detailed in previous posts and trainings.
These turn-key systems can effectively remove both free and emulsified water as well as solid contamination. This prevents the microbial growth from thriving in the stored fuel.
These systems are competitively priced and outperform all of the competitive products in all categories and performance objectives. By having a better performance with a higher throughput, the Schroeder system can offer the best return on investment.
The BDFP and BDFPE ensure reliable protection of the customers’ installations and equipment. These systems can be “private labeled,” thereby generating new revenue otherwise lost today.
Technical Specifications Shown Below:
How Do They Work?
The BDFP has flow ranges of 14 GPM/ 840 GPH up to 25 GPM /1500 GPH with the electric option. There is an air driven pump option as well at similar flow rates.
This allows for use in applications where electrical service is not readily available. The BDFP is designed for use in basic diesel fuel transfer, polishing and dispensing applications. The BDFP can be used in all three depending on the plumbing configuration.
Example below is for the BDFPE system rated at 15 GPM / 900 GPH.
These systems are available at fixed flow ranges from 5 GPM / 300 GPH up to 25 GPM / 1500 GPH. The enclosure configurations from NEMA 12 to NEMA 4X allow the systems to be used for a wide variety of indoor and outdoor installations.
Through regular fuel polishing, the Schroeder BDFPE can protect vital fuel storage, ensuring a reliable supply of clean stable water-free fuel. Additional options and features include external fuel test points, automatic water drain systems, programmable controls, and standard alerts and alarms ensure safe, functional, reliable operation of the fuel polishing system.
An industry innovation incorporates the use of our field-proven particle counting technology to analyze the cleanliness of the fuel in real-time and use that data to automatically adjust run times to meet pre-programmed target cleanliness levels.
The BDFP and BDFPE systems significantly help expand our overall Fuels product offerings with a key focus on Power Generation-Gensets and high flow HP/kW diesel engines.
For more information about Bulk Diesel Filtration, please contact us.
