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Tag Archive: contamination control

  1. Boost Your Equipment Hardiness Through Cutting-Edge Fluid Testing

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    When you think about it, a hydraulic machine is a bit like a human body.  

    The motor and pump act as the equipment’s heart, driving the oil throughout the hydraulic system like blood in a person’s veins. When a person is feeling unwell, or are monitoring an ongoing medical condition, blood testing gives critical insights into what is happening inside their body and helps chart a path forward for their care.

    Just like a blood test does for a human being, a fluid sample is the best way to begin assessing the health of your equipment and diagnosing any underlying issues related to contamination.

    Some of the most common causes of equipment inefficiency, failure, and reduced lifespan of components come down to contaminants and varnish that build up in the oil and travel throughout the machine’s ‘body’.  In fact, it’s estimated that over 70% of hydraulic system failures are related to fluid contamination. Fuel sources and process fluid are also susceptible to damaging contamination.

    Schroeder’s Oil Analysis Program offers a simple way to stay on top of the health of your equipment!

    Whether your operation has only a handful of machines, or you manage a massive fleet, Schroeder Industries offers an array of accurate lab testing services and easy digital tracking that keep you informed of your machine’s health.

    • Advanced laboratory testing provides accurate insights. Our expert testing encompasses a variety of critical fluid health factors.
    • Multiple test kit options. Schroeder Industries offers three standard testing options, ranging from just the essential fluid values to more in-depth insights.
    • Receive early warnings on fluid condition. Our testing services will advise you when your fluid parameters fall outside industry standards or customized targets/baselines, allowing you to enact preventative maintenance before downtime or failure occurs.
    • Receive personalized support from the experts in fluid health. Our fluid condition experts can help you interpret your results and recommend corrective and preventative measures, improving your equipment’s performance and longevity.
    • Easy fluid test report management through the Fluid Care Portal. Grappling with paper reports and spreadsheets can make tracking fluid condition trends challenging. This user-friendly web application makes monitoring your fluid health simple, no matter the number of machines you operate.

    To satisfy virtually every application, Schroeder Industries offers several different test kit options, all backed by the powerful Fluid Care Portal.

    Basic Analysis Kit

    Our most cost-effective testing option, focusing on the most essential fluid condition factors.

    Advanced Analysis Kit

    Achieve deeper understanding of your fluid condition with a more expansive testing package.

    Premium Analysis Kit

    Our most comprehensive testing kit, for the most advanced insights into your fluid.

    Below is a detailed breakdown of what the different Oil Analysis Program test kits offer.

    Not sure which kit is the best choice for your application, or what fluid parameters you need to look out for? Ask the experts at Schroeder Industries!

    View Catalog Pages
    Request a Quote

    How does the Fluid Care Portal enhance your fluid analysis program?

    Regular testing is vital for monitoring trends in your fluid health and preventing problems before they arise. However, tracking results over time for many pieces of equipment takes time and hassle. As part of our testing and fluid analysis services, Schroeder Industries is now offering a smart digital solution for detecting trends in the quality of your hydraulic oil, diesel fuel, process water, and more.

    Part of Schroeder Industries’ Oil Analysis Program, the Fluid Care Portal is a new, powerful digital tool for easily tracking the health of your equipment’s fluid as you test over time:

    • All your data is in one place, versus scattered over spreadsheets or various paper reports.
    • Easily monitor trends in fluid testing data over time, allowing you to detect and resolve contamination issues before they begin impacting your bottom line.
    • Monitor as many equipment assets as you need. Whatever the size of your operation, the Fluid Care Portal allows you to individually monitor the testing results for each piece of equipment.
    • Receive alerts when ISO Code, Water Content, or other parameters are exceeded. In the Fluid Care Portal, users can set target limit profiles for various parameters, creating customized criteria for your most critical components.
    Laptop showing image of fluid care portal interface.
    Learn More About the Fluid Care Portal
    Let the Experts in Fluid Conditioning Assist You!

    Ask The Experts In Fluid Analysis!

    Tell us about your application and fluid cleanliness goals, and find out which kit is right for you:

    Request for Quote

    • Which products are you interested in?
    • Max. file size: 256 MB.

  2. Marine Diesel Trouble? Fix Water Contamination Now!

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    Engine Failures Spell Danger

    One of the most debilitating problems a vessel can face at sea is an unexpected loss of control. In rough seas, working engines can mean weathering the storm or succumbing to it. Shipping delays due to engine failures and repairs can have an impact on supply chains, and result in major disruptions and financial loss. More importantly, loss of control can have devastating consequences on crew and bystander safety.

    After losing control, a massive Singaporean cargo ship called the MV Dali collided with a pier supporting the Francis Scott Key Bridge over the Patapsco River while departing from port at Baltimore. While the cause is still under investigation, this tragedy reminds us of the long term impact and damage inflicted when a shipping vessel without control leads to a loss of lives.

    When considering ways to prevent an unexpected loss of power for marine applications, controlling fuel contamination is an effective way to eliminate one of the greatest factors affecting diesel engine reliability today.

    What Causes Fuel Contamination in Marine Applications?

    Fuel systems in marine applications are vulnerable to water contamination due to the operating environment and liabilities in the fuel supply chain.

    • By virtue of operating at sea, on the coast, or in rivers, ships are exposed to high levels of humidity and water, which is the most common type of contamination that sea-going fuel systems face.
    • Diesel fuel is transported through a long network of refineries, bulk fuel suppliers, and dispensing stations before reaching its destination. At every stage, water, humidity, bacteria, pollen, and other contaminants can enter through open breathers, improperly sealed vessels, and other points of ingress.
    • Fluctuations in temperature can result in high levels of free water in a fuel system, which is more damaging than water that has dissolved into the fuel.

    How Can Fuel Contamination Cause Engine Failure?

    Contamination can affect engine operations in a variety of ways:

    • Buildup of bacterial sludge in the fuel due to water and bacterial contamination, also called diesel bug, can plug the engine filtration system and starve it of fuel
    • Similar to diesel bug, chemical compounds called asphaltenes can build up and cause clogs and other issues in a fuel system. Asphaltenes are generated in high-pressure fuel systems due to a combination of pressure and heat.
    • Small amounts of particulates and water can wear out an engine’s components over time, reducing its overall efficiency and eventually causing the engine to fail.

    What Other Impacts Can Contamination and Contamination-Related Damage Have?

    Besides total engine failure and its potential consequences, contamination has a range of direct and indirect impacts on equipment and operations:

    • Costly maintenance and repair of engines and equipment
    • Increased fuel-related expenses between acquiring clean fuel, disposing of contaminated fuel, and remediating/polishing contaminated fuel
    • Reduced fuel economy due to inefficiencies in the engine/high pressure common rail injection systems caused by contamination
    • Reduced engine and equipment longevity
    • Overall reductions in vessel or fleet profitability due to compounding expenses and downtime for repairs

    How Can I Control Diesel Contamination?

    Having a system in place to proactively monitor and prevent contamination where possible, plus a solution to remediate whatever contamination occurs, is key for controlling fuel contamination and protecting your engine.

    • Obtain fuel from a reputable source. Fuel is often contaminated before it enters a ship’s fuel system, but reputable suppliers who are familiar with contamination and take fuel cleanliness into consideration will provide higher quality fuel and prevent large, immediate influxes of contamination.
    • Ensure storage/fuel tank cleanliness. Before filling a fuel tank or bulk storage tank, be sure the tank is clean and dry.
    • Take precautions when transferring fuel/filling your system. Water and other contaminants are most likely to ingress during fuel transfer, so ensure that your transfer system is properly sealed.
    • Monitor the fuel quality levels of your storage tanks to determine the condition of the fuel being delivered to your engine and remediate or replace contaminated fuel before it can affect your equipment. Test kits such as Schroeder’s Diesel Fuel Quality Analysis Kits can provide important insights into the condition of your fuel, especially if you’re experiencing issues consistent with fuel contamination.
    • Closely monitor your fuel water separators and engine filters and empty them as often as needed. But remember: don’t rely solely on these separators and filters to completely resolve your contamination issues!
    • Acquire a fuel polishing system. A fuel polishing system/kidney loop attached to your system or to your storage tanks can help address contamination in real time.

    Some degree of water contamination is inevitable, especially in a marine setting. However, proactive maintenance and preventative measures will significantly reduce your chances of catastrophic contamination-related equipment failure!

    Schroeder Solutions for Diesel Contamination Control

    Schroeder Industries understands all too well the negative impacts of fuel contamination. Our fuel filtration experts have developed a range of filtration products and services to maintain diesel fuel quality, with proven success in the maritime industry and beyond.

    Here are just a few of our featured solutions:

    BDFP – Bulk Diesel Filtration Panel

    Image of BDFP Bulk Diesel Filtration Panel with diesel fuel splash in the background

    BDFP: Exceptional Quality, Turn-Key Stationary Fuel Filtration System

    This simple-but-mighty filtration panel combines the power of our particulate GHPF filter and the exceptional water removal capabilities of our coalescing GHCF filter to defend against particulate and water contamination.

    With an integrated pump, the BDFP is ready to use without requiring a new pump purchase for the filter panel.

    The streamlined BDFP design is easy to integrate into new and existing fuel storage systems, and the minimal element change clearance makes maintenance easy.

    Flow Rating (Electric Motor Option):14 gpm or 25 gpm (53 or 95 L/min)
    Flow Rating (Air-Operated Option):16 or 25 gpm (53 or 95 L/min)
    Ambient Temperature Range:32°F to 104°F (0°C to 40°C) Standard; -20°F to 140°F (-29°C to 40°C) Heater Option
    Weight:130 – 150 lbs. (59 – 68 kg)
    Element Change Clearance:GHPF: 2″ (51mm)
    GHCF: 4″ (102mm)
    Download Catalog Pages
    View BDFP in Catalog

    BDFP Prevents Water Contamination-Related Engine Failures in Workboat Fleet

    When a fleet operator in the Mississippi River region launched a new pushboat with a brand new engine, the pushboat experienced sudden engine failure just a single mile into its maiden voyage.

    Analysis revealed water contamination in the fuel source as the primary cause of this failure. When the customer approached Schroeder Industries for help, our experts recommended a kidney loop setup featuring the BDFP to ensure fuel quality, reduce engine maintenance, and protect against further costly, dangerous failures. Its performance was so outstanding that the customer implemented the BDFP across their three fleets.

    Here’s how the BDFP helped this customer save money and protect their assets!
    Reduced Downtime & Maintenance
    Eliminated Contamination-Related Engine Failures
    Prevented Major Engine Repairs (Saving Up To 100K+)
    View Case Study

    BDF – Bulk Diesel Filter

    Image of BDF Bulk Diesel Filter with diesel fuel splash in the background

    BDF: Powerful Particulate & Coalescing Filtration Combined

    Schroeder’s particulate GHPF filter and coalescing GHCF filter combine for exceptional defense against particulate and water contamination. With the option of adding a second GHCF in parallel on the BDF, flow rate and coalescing capabilities can be doubled!

    This compact filter excels in marine applications, fleet and mobile vehicle applications, railroad applications, and much more!

    Flow Rating:BDF1: up to 25gpm (95 L/min)
    BDF2: up to 50gpm (189 L/min)
    Max Operating Pressure:150 psi (10 bar)
    Temperature Range:w/ water sump heater: -20°F to 225°F (-29°C to 107°C); w/out heater: 32°F to 225°F (0°C to 107°C)
    Weight:BDF1: 46.5 lbs
    BDF2: 89 lbs
    Element Change Clearance:GHPF: 2″ (51mm)
    GHCF: 4.5″ (114mm)
    Download Catalog Pages
    View BDFP in Catalog

    BDF2 Allows Rail Operator to Recover Lost Revenue

    Due to poor fuel quality, a Class 1 Rail Carrier was experiencing frequent in-field failures of their MOW (Maintenance-of-Way) equipment, including their Fuel & Lube Trucks.

    This lack of fuel quality control was costing the customer thousands of dollars in parts and labor, downtime, and lost revenue overall. Schroeder’s experts retrofitted the customer’s MOW fleet with BDF2 filters (BDF with dual GHCF filters), providing immediate improvements.

    Here’s how the BDF2 helped this customer save money and protect their assets!
    57% Increase in Particulate Filtration Efficiency
    19% Reduction in Absolute Water Content (52ppm Below World Wide Fuel Charter Maximum Water Content)
    300k USD in Lost Revenue Recovered Daily
    View Case Study

    BestFit® Diesel Filtration Elements

    Image of BestFit Elements for diesel filtration with diesel fuel splash in the background

    BestFit® Elements: Superior Coalescing & Particulate Filtration

    With options for both coalescing and particulate filtration and all the advantages of Schroeder’s powerful filter element technology, the BestFit® series provides improved diesel filtration performance.

    • SBFC element uses patented, three stage coalescing filtration technology
    • Synthetic filtration media eliminates degradation due to high water content fuel
    • Use of stainless steel support structure and polymer components prevent corrosion from high water content exposure
    • Direct fitment into existing installations allow for immediate performance improvements with no modifications

    Differential Pressure Rating:75 psid
    Max. Operating Temperature Range:225°F (107°C)
    Filtration Rating:225°F (-29°C to 107°C); w/out heater: 32°F to 225°F (0°C to 107°C)
    Download Catalog Pages
    View in Catalog

    BestFit® Elements Stabilize Inventory Crisis & Improve ROI

    An oil & gas drilling contractor struggled to source a critical diesel fuel filter element required on all their job sites, resulting in company-wide operational impacts.

    Not only was Schroeder Industries able to provide a seamless transition and stable supply of vital elements using our BestFit® Element series: The BestFit® Elements ended up outperforming the drilling company’s previous elements!

    Here’s how BestFit® Elements improved ROI and helped this customer’s business return to smooth sailing!
    Element Inventory & Supply Stabilized
    Increased Service Life of Filter Elements vs. Previous Elements
    Competitive Price Point & Improved Element Performance Provided Immediate ROI Increases
    View Case Study

    Damp, Dirty Diesel Deals Damage: Fix It with Fuel Filtration Solutions from Schroeder Industries!

    Our experts can help you monitor and decontaminate your marine vessel fuel supply and prevent the costly, potentially dangerous effects of water contamination and more. Contact us for a consultation, quote, or more information!

    Contact-Blog-Water Contaminated Diesel In Marine Applications: Fix It With Filtration!

    • Tell us about your application and the issues you’re facing
    • Max. file size: 256 MB.

  3. Unlock Peace of Mind: Prevent Water Contamination Fast

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    Most hydraulic reservoirs in major industries including pulp & paper, primary metals, and more feature a pocket of open space between the fluid level and the top of the reservoir. This open space, known as head space, fills with moisture as humid air ingresses via faulty seals, vents, and other entry points.

    As the moisture builds in the head space, water condenses at the top of the reservoir, eventually coalescing and falling into the oil.

    This water contamination can cause a range of serious problems which can impact your equipment’s efficiency and may require repairs, including:

    • Rust
    • Cavitation
    • Sensor failures
    • Reduced oil lubricity

    How Schroeder’s Head Space Dehydrator Helps:

    Dewatering units such as the Triton Dehydration Stations are excellent for targeting water contamination when oil has already become saturated, but preventing contamination before it reaches critical levels is ideal.

    The new Head Space Dehydrator is designed to combat moisture in the head space of a hydraulic reservoir before it contaminates the oil. This unit is permanently installed on a hydraulic reservoir so that humidity inside the reservoir can be managed continuously.

    Here’s how it works:

    1. The Head Space Dehydrator assembly pulls ambient air into the chamber through a series of particulate breathers.
    2. The clean, dry air is then blown through the head space above the fluid level, displacing and venting the moist internal air though existing ventilation points.
    3. As the moist air is displaced, the opportunity for water contamination via condensation is reduced.

    Specifications:

    Flow Rating:Max flow rate 282 cfm (7985 lpm)
    Blower:1/2HP blower with 220-275/380-480V-60Hz-3 phase motor
    Breathers:Uses 4 breathers which include -0.5 psi (-0.035 bar) differential pressure indicators

    Features & Benefits

    • Cost effective, reliable solution for water ingression
    • Improved oil cleanliness
    • Increased lifespan of oil and components

    Markets & Applications

    Ideal for industrial applications where water contamination may be introduced to the reservoir head space, particularly:

    • Steel & Primary Metals
    • Pulp & Paper Production
    • Bulk Storage
    • and more!

    Ask the experts at Schroeder what the HSD can do for your application!

    Contact-Blog-HSD Introduction

    • Max. file size: 256 MB.

  4. Supercharge Your Hydraulic Systems with Expert Tank Optimization

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    How can tank optimization benefit you? Ask the experts.

    Rising oil and fuel costs, trends towards electrification, and overall concerns about sustainability across virtually every industry are driving an increased push for improved efficiency in the designs of hydraulic equipment.

    Schroeder Industries family of hydraulic tanks, TNK Series

    One area where great opportunities for improvement lie is with the hydraulic tank. Due to inefficient designs, many machines operate with oversized hydraulic tanks containing more oil than needed.

    Many benefits can be realized through tank optimization, including:

    • Increased energy efficiency
    • Overall machine weight savings
    • Steel and oil savings per machine
    • CO2 emission reduction
    • Tank downsizing
    • Additional machine space for other features

    Read on to learn more about the benefits of optimizing your hydraulic reservoir, and how Schroeder Industries can help:

    What Is Tank Optimization?

    The goal of hydraulic tank optimization is to reduce the reservoir size and thus reduce its fluid volume. Two main factors determine how much a tank can be optimized:

    • Volume Utilization. In a suboptimal reservoir design, ‘dead zones’ can appear, where fluid stagnates and is not effectively utilized by the system. In a properly designed tank, every cubic inch of the hydraulic fluid should circulate within the reservoir. Dead zones can be detected by digital simulations, and are a strong indicator that tank optimization is needed.
    • Fluid Velocity. Fluid velocity impacts how well a tank can de-aerate, or release trapped air from within the fluid, and prevent new air from entering the fluid due to splashing. Increased air contamination causes a variety of issues within hydraulic systems, decreasing operating efficiency and component lifespan. Fluid velocity can be reduced through improved in-tank filtration and adjusting the structure of the hydraulic tank itself.

    The Benefits of Hydraulic Tank Optimization

    Here’s some of the ways optimizing a hydraulic tank design can benefit both OEMs and end users:

    • Cost Savings. Downsizing a reservoir with tank optimization means less steel and oil are needed upon initial construction, reducing up front manufacturing expenses for OEMs. Additional savings are passed on to end users, who will need less hydraulic oil to run the equipment over its lifetime.
    • Improved Energy Efficiency. A smaller reservoir with reduced fluid volume reduces the overall weight of the equipment, translating to improved energy efficiency. Lower fluid volume also reduces warmup time in cold start conditions. Any improvements in energy efficiency are especially important for electric-powered equipment, which relies on more limited battery power.
    • Increased Machine Space. A smaller hydraulic reservoir can allow overall downsizing of the equipment or make way for additional improvements to the design. Larger batteries or fuel tanks, cooling units and other beneficial modifications can be made when space is freed up within the machine.
    • Sustainability Benefits. Tank optimization reduces the carbon footprint of an operation in several ways:

      1. By downsizing a reservoir, less hydraulic oil must be produced and then disposed of, reducing the emissions from both the initial manufacturing of the oil and lowering the amount of waste oil per machine.

      2. The carbon footprint of initial construction is also mitigated by the reduction in materials needed to create the reservoir itself.

      3. Improvements in fuel efficiency for diesel and other fossil fuel-powered equipment reduces CO2 and other harmful emissions overall.

      4. Finally, the increase in energy efficiency and available machine space can open up avenues for electrifying equipment, or improving the performance of electric-powered machines, which are at the forefront of sustainable equipment.

    The benefits of optimizing your tanks are clear, and the filtration experts at Schroeder Industries can help you get the most out of your reservoir.

    Let Schroeder’s Experts Help Optimize Your Tank!

    Tank Optimization Services from Schroeder Industries

    Rendering of flow simulation using a TNK.

    Schroeder Industries is leveraging our extensive experience in hydraulic system filtration components towards tank optimization. Through cutting-edge flow simulations, our experts can identify dead zones and inefficiencies in hydraulic tank designs and work with your company to develop a solution that suits your specific application.

    The benefits of optimizing your hydraulic tank are more than just theory. In the following case study, learn how one OEM saw substantial savings with Schroeder’s tank optimization services:

    Closeup image of stump grinding machine with TNK12 in the foreground

    An OEM customer producing stump grinding machines for the forestry industry came to Schroeder Industries searching for updated filtration solutions.

    An engineering analysis of their fabricated tanks found that not only were they heavy and prone to weld cracks: The volume utilization was subpar.

    Further testing concluded that the existing Schroeder TNK12 would provide equivalent deaeration performance to the customer’s current tanks with a 40% reduction in tank volume.

    This resulted in substantial savings on both oil and tank production cost in their stump grinder manufacturing:

    Oil reduced per unit: 8 gallons Oil Reduced annually: 4,000 gallons Cost savings: $28,000 USD
    Labor cost per TNK: $30 USD TNKs used annually: 500 Labor cost savings: $15,000 USD
    Read the Full Case Study

    TNK Series and Air Fusion Technology

    Schroeder’s tank optimization services are backed by expertly crafted reservoirs and filters. Learn more about these premium products:

    Schroeder Industries TNK7 with Air Fusion Technology AFT filter.

    Lightweight tanks, heavyweight performance! The Schroeder Industries series of rotomolded HDPE tanks are lighter than traditional steel tanks, but built to take a beating in the field with no risk of corrosion. Available in five performance optimized sizes, with custom options available, there’s almost certainly a TNK for your application.

    Engineered with baffling that improves deaeration and cools returning oil by creating settling zones, these tanks are designed to assist in the ever-important degassing of hydraulic fluid.

    Specifications:

    Tank Materials:High Density Polyethylene (HDPE)
    Tank Volumes:4 gal (15L)
    7 gal (26L)
    12 gal (45L)
    18 gal (70L)
    25 gal (100L)
    Operating Temperature:High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) 20°F to 180°F (-29°C to 82°C)

    Nylon (PA)
    32°F to 240°F (0°C to 116°C)
    Max. Return Flow:TNK4: 25 gpm
    TNK7: 35 gpm (135 L/min)
    TNK12: 40 gpm (150 L/min)
    TNK18: 40 gpm (150 L/min)
    TNK25: 75 gpm (284 L/min)
    TNK Weight:TNK4 (AFT4): 11.5 lbs (5.2 kg)
    TNK4 (AFT8): 11.5 lbs (5.2 kg)
    TNK7: 16 lbs (7.3 kg)
    TNK12: 21 lbs (9.7 kg)
    TNK18: 33 lbs (15 kg)
    TNK25: 45 lbs (20 kg)
    Schroeder Industries Air Fusion Technology AFT filter

    Schroeder’s secret weapon in the quest for tank downsizing is the AFT. This next-gen in-tank filter offers superior deaeration, engineered to reduce fluid turbidity and enhance degassing, reducing the amount of air entering the hydraulic system.

    With this powerful filter, see up to 60% reduction in reservoir size! With the AFT, our goal is to create a smaller, more efficient hydraulic system to help our customers get the most out of their fuel source.

    Specifications:

    Flow Rating:40 gpm (151 L/min)
    Max. Operating Pressure:100 psi (7 bar)
    Min. Yield Pressure:350 psi (24 bar)
    Rated Fatigue Pressure:100 psi (7 bar)
    Temp Range:-20°F to 225°F
    (-29°C to 107°C)

    Ask The Experts How Your Tank Can Be Optimized!

    If you could be getting more out of your reservoir and in-tank filtration, Schroeder Industries can help.

    Tank Optimization Request Form-Tank Optimization Blog

    • Max. file size: 256 MB.

  5. Transform Your Hydroforming with AutoFilt® RF9 Magic!

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    Header graphic with text reading: Superior Filtration for Hydroforming. How can your business benefit from the AutoFilt® RF9? Ask the Experts.

    What is hydroforming?

    Hydroforming is a specialized deep draw manufacturing process used to create a wide variety of metal components and is especially popular within the automotive industry.

    In the sheet hydroforming process, highly pressurized water is applied into a mold, and the water pressure forces the metal to conform to the shape of the die.

    Diagram showing the hydroforming process.

    Compared to conventional stamping methods, hydroformed parts can be created in more complex shapes with greater efficiency, thinner metal sheets, and high-quality surface finish.

    Why is process filtration so important for hydroforming applications?

    Like any process water application, contamination can greatly affect the lifespan and performance of the high-pressure hydroforming press.

    To protect vital downstream components like high pressure pumps and manifolds from wear and tear, high-quality process filtration is a must for any hydroforming system. If left unchecked, contamination can wear out machine components, reducing operational efficiency and forcing expensive repairs and costly downtime. Additionally, defective/scrap material output can increase.

    The process filtration experts at Schroeder Industries understand the impact that high-quality filtration has on a business. We can find a Schroeder solution for virtually any process filtration application, including hydroforming:

    Why is an AutoFilt® RF9 from Schroeder Industries the best choice for your hydroforming application?

    Image of the AutoFilt® RF9 filter with a water splash in the background.

    The AutoFilt® RF9 is Schroeder’s first choice for filtration in hydroforming applications. Already, the RF9 has seen great repeat success in the hydroforming division at one of the world’s largest automotive frame manufacturing plants.

    Here’s what makes the RF9 so effective:

    • Super fine filtration with minimal pressure loss. When filtering process fluid or water for a high pressure application, it’s critical to both achieve the lowest micron filtration levels as possible while minimizing pressure loss. The RF9 is capable of filtering down to 5 microns in a standard hydroforming setup.
    • Eliminates costly, disposable cartridges. The automatic back-flushing mechanism within the RF9 cleans the re-usable filter elements in under a minute, with minimal interruption to the filtration process.
    • Low-maintenance and service-friendly. Elements are held securely in the RF9, but are easy to access and require no special tools or torque to change out.
    • Customizable with options like bypass filters, external heaters, backwash waste treatment units, and more.
    Connection Sizes:DN 32 to DN 350
    Flow Rates:1000 m3/h (4400 GPM)
    Pmin / Pmax:2.0 bar / 16.0 bar (29-232 PSI)
    Max. Operating Temperature:180° C (356° F)
    Filtration Ratings:3 to 500 μm
    Filter Elements:– Chemicron® metal fibre
    – Dutch weave
    – Square mesh
    Filter Housing Materials:EN-GJS-400-15 / DIN EN 1563 / AD-2000 W3/2
    Material of Internal Parts and Filter Elements:– Internal parts: steel and cast iron
    – Filter elements: stainless steel
    Control Parameters:Electronic or PLC control unit

    The AutoFilt® RF9 is defined by its globally unique, patented hydropneumatic back-flushing technology with secure media separation.

    Features

    • Back-flushing driven by external air system, rather than using system differential pressure
    • Large filter surface for its compact size
    • Low-maintenance, service-friendly design
    • Suitable for fuels, cooling lubricants, lubricating oils
    • External heater possible
    • Optional: bypass filter
    • Optional: Backwash Treatment Unit for back-flush volume treatment

    Advantages

    • No mixing with the compressed air
    • Adjustable back-flushing intensity
    • Efficient hydraulic cleaning
    • High cleaning efficiency
    • No reduction in pressure during back-flushing
    • Low compressed air consumption
    • Low pressure drops
    • Intelligent control system

    Let the experts at Schroeder Industries help find the perfect solution for your process application!

    Backed by over 75 years of innovation, industry experience, and proven successes, Schroeder Industries can work with you to find the optimal solution for your filtration needs. Let us know how we can help you:

    Contact-Blog-RF9 Hydroforming

    • Max. file size: 256 MB.

  6. Unlock a Greener Future: Save Oil with Advanced Filtration

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    An operation’s carbon footprint is influenced by many factors, and making a business more sustainable requires a combination of solutions. One often overlooked way to increase sustainability is through optimal oil filtration.

    All hydraulic oil, turbine oil, and other lubricants have a lifespan, as contamination and the breakdown of chemical compounds degrade oil over time. If contamination is left unchecked, oil reaches the end of its usability much faster.

    Waste oil is challenging to dispose of properly, and high oil turnover increases demand for the very energy-intensive production of new oil. Much of the hydraulic oil and engine oil in use today is disposed of before its usable life is up.

    Every gallon of oil that is conserved by extending the lifespan of existing oil directly contributes to a reduced carbon footprint. So, how do you get the most out of your oil?

    Utilizing offline filter systems and high-quality filter elements is proven to extend the lifespan of oil significantly by removing contaminants and slowing the degradation of the oil.

    Check out the following case studies where Schroeder Industries products saved a significant amount of oil or extended its service life:

    Offline Filter System Saves Manufacturer 2,600+ Gallons of Oil Per Year

    A plastic parts manufacturer in the automotive industry experienced frequent failures and downtime in their 16 injection molding machines. Like the majority of hydraulic system failures, high contamination load was identified as the cause. Without a quality control program for the machine oil, the customer changed oil frequently before its usable life was up.

    Schroeder Industries stepped in, providing the customer a customized offline filtration system designed to tackle the high contamination:

    Contamination-Related Downtime Reduced 54%

    2,600+ Gallons of Oil Saved Per Year

    $616,916 Cost Savings Per Year

    Read Case Study
    Contact our experts to see how Schroeder products can save you oil!

    Specialized Anti-Static Filter Elements Increase Oil Life by 3 Years at Paper Mill

    When a paper mill was experiencing a shortened filter element life of just 30 days, Schroeder Industries stepped in to extend the filter life, reduce oil waste, and reduce unscheduled downtime.

    An expert investigation revealed the culprit affecting the filter elements: static discharge. Static charges can build up in a hydraulic system due to friction between the fluid and system components. In this case, the static was burning and damaging the elements, causing them to prematurely fail.

    By switching to Schroeder’s ASP® Anti-Stat Pleat Media, the electrostatic discharge no longer caused significant problems for the customer. Here are just some of the benefits from this filter element switch:

    Filter Life Increased +5 Months

    Oil Service Life Increased +3 Years

    $12.2K Oil Cost Savings Per Year

    Read Case Study
    Contact our experts to see how Schroeder products can save you oil!

    Varnish Mitigation Unit (VMU) Increases Oil Life by 3.5 Years, Saves Nearly 1,000 Gallons Per Year at Waste Incineration Facility

    Operations at a waste incineration plant were constantly disrupted by constant turbine problems on startup.

    A survey of 22 machines revealed the issues were the result of varnish buildup in the control block, caused by usage of incorrect oil in certain machines and an inexpensive, ineffective return line filter element. Varnish is a byproduct of aging oil, and is accelerated by contamination, temperature extremes, and other factors.

    Schroeder Industries implemented a VMU to continually filter the turbine oil and tackle harmful varnish buildup. This not only reduced downtime and increased productivity, it also helped the customer in the following ways:

    Oil Service Life Increased +3.5 Years

    986 Gallons of Oil Saved Per Year

    $12.1K Oil Cost Savings Per Year

    Read Case Study
    Contact our experts to see how Schroeder products can save you oil!

    Schroeder Industries’ Energy Sustainability Initiative

    The Energy Sustainability Initiative is Schroeder Industries’ mission to provide fluid power filtration solutions that contribute to a cleaner world and help organizations reach their sustainability goals.

    Conserving oil is just one of the ways the products from Schroeder Industries are helping move the world forward towards a more sustainable future. Learn more!

    Schroeder Industries’ Energy Sustainability Initiative

    Contact the Experts at Schroeder Industries

    If you are experiencing issues such as increased machine downtime, frequent repairs, shortened filter life, and more, the experts at Schroeder Industries can help solve them! Our customers have seen proven increases in oil life and oil-related savings.

    Contact-Blog-Save Oil Through Filtration

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  7. Transform Your Roll Off with Superior Cleanliness Testing

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    What is component cleanliness testing?

    Component cleanliness testing offers OEMs the ability to see the cleanliness of the components they are using to build a system. For vendors, it allows them to measure the cleanliness of a component that they manufacture and sell to an equipment manufacturer.

    Why is component cleanliness testing important?

    Roll off cleanliness for OEMs is increasingly vital as they strive to put out quality product from the assembly line. It’s not enough anymore to simply provide a machine with clean fluid: The cleanliness of the components used to build the machine is playing a large role in overall system performance!

    Even suppliers with good cleanliness practices may end up with particulate contamination as items are shipped, handled, and stored. Any amount of contamination on the hydraulic system parts can affect machine performance—even for brand-new machines.

    Cleanliness provides the following benefits:

    • Improved quality of produced components
    • Reduction of rework and warranty claims
    • Improved customer satisfaction
    • Reduction in overall production costs
    • Improved operating safety

    Interested in component cleanliness testing, but unsure where to begin? Our cleanliness experts can help!

    Contact the Experts in Component Cleanliness

    How can I measure component cleanliness?

    Schroeder Industries, an expert in contamination control, offers several solutions for monitoring and maintaining component cleanliness.

    Our CTU and CTM Modular Series of Component Cleanliness Testing Cabinets were designed to determine the technical cleanliness especially present on minor contaminated components. These Test Cabinets were developed due to increased demand for system cleanliness and for monitoring and optimizing the cleanliness of smaller components during production, storage and system assembly. 

    By determining the type, size and quantity of the contamination, quality standards can be checked and documented and the necessary steps towards optimization can be taken.

    Benefits to You:

    • Cost reduction through lower production failure rates
    • Identification and elimination of weak process steps
    • Optimization of both internal and external handling processes
    • Establishing of cleanliness standards both internal and external
    • Documentation of component cleanliness
    • Survey of fluid cleanliness and filtration concepts

    Learn more about our Component Cleanliness Testing Cabinets:

    This self-contained unit is ideal for space-conscious customers testing smaller machine components.

    The Cleanliness Test Unit (CTU 1000) determines the type, size and quantity of the contamination. Quality standards can be checked and documented and the necessary steps towards optimization can be taken.

    Learn More – CTU 1000

    The Contamination Test Module CTM is a modular system designed to analyze the technical cleanliness of components. Solid contamination is washed off the surface of the component, samples are taken from the fluid and are subsequently analyzed using membranes.

    For customers needing a more flexible approach, the CTM Modular Series offers extraction box customization for larger size components.

    CTM-SC

    The Contamination Test Module CTM-SC is the central module of the CTM series. It serves as the fluid supply, controls the entire extraction process, and contains the graphical user interface.

    Learn More – CTM-SC

    CTM-EB

    The extraction module CTM-EB is designed for spray extraction in conjunction with the CTM-SC. The extraction boxes can be modified based on the size of the components being tested.

    Learn More – CTM-SC

    Budget limitations? We offer cleanliness testing services!

    If a Test Cabinet unit is outside of your budget, Schroeder Industries offers testing services in our on-site Fluid Care Center.

    In a clean environment, our technicians will conduct expert testing on your machine components, establishing the foundation for your cleanliness plan.

    Benefits of this Turnkey Service:

    • Testing conducted by trained experts for the most accurate results
    • Certified Class 7 clean room eliminates chances of inaccurate results due to additional environmental contamination
    • Expert analysis of the type, size and quantity of contamination enables quality standards to be verified and documented, allowing appropriate cleanliness measures to be established
    • Quoted service based on component type and cleanliness requirements, providing you expert results without the full expense of a Test Cabinet
    • Accurate testing is the foundation of a cleanliness plan that enables reduced failure rates, higher customer satisfaction, and more!

    Schroeder Industries can help with your component cleanliness testing needs!

    If you would like to have us quote Component Cleanliness Testing of your parts, please contact us using the form below. We will review the components to be tested and method to determine the desired gravimetric or ISO code required.

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  8. Achieve Better Machine Performance Through Fuel Filtration

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    Graphic with link to the fuel filtration catalog

    A Look into the World of Fuel Filtration

    View Schroeder Industries’ complete listing of Fuel Filtration products

    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.

    Showcasing Schroeder Industries' Fuel Filtration Product Suite. Includes tools for diagnostics, on-board diesel filtration and bulk diesel 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.

    BDC bulk diesel cart for fuel filtration with fuel tanks in the background

    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.

    Vector icon of diesel fuel pump with green leaves

    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.

    ISO Certification
    Schroeder is a proud member (in good standing) with the Petroleum Equipment Institute (PEI)

    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.

    Watch on YouTube “Fuel Filtration” Playlist.

    View Schroeder Industries’ complete listing of Fuel Filtration products