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Tag Archive: contamination

  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?
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  2. Transform Your Fluid Monitoring Now with HY-HV-S120

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    Condition Monitoring is Critical

    Filtration isn’t just ‘set and forget’—to address any new contamination issues before they can become serious and ensure continuous protection, ongoing condition monitoring is a vital part of every filtration strategy. Schroeder Industries offers a variety of diagnostic tools to measure particle counts, saturation levels, and other important fluid characteristics.

    Years of careful research and thoughtful development have yielded the new HY-HV-S120, the latest in Schroeder’s diagnostic arsenal. This revolutionary sensor is much more than just a digital particle counter, offering detailed insights into the possible source of contaminants.

    Introducing the HY-HV-S120

    View Product Specifications

    Features & Benefits

    • Oil cleanliness codes: ISO 4406, NAS 1638, SAE AS4059
    • Automatically groups particles by micron size in seven categories – 4, 6, 14, 21, 38. 70, >100µ
    • The integrated S120 sensor differentiates air and gas bubbles from particulates, eliminating them from the total for improved ISO count accuracy.
    • Onboard shape recognition software can categorize particulate into sliding, cutting and fatigue wear, helping target the contamination source.
    • Highly accurate sensor capable of self-calibration for more autonomous operation.
    • Full integration with SCADA/PC/PLC which can be controlled via analogue or digital instrumentation.

    Applications

    • Mobile Equipment Technology
    • Monitoring of Oil Cleanliness in Storage Tanks
    • Surface Mining
    • Construction
    • Fleet Services
    • And more!

    Product Specifications

    Working Pressure:5 Bar (72 psi)
    Flow Rate:0.03-0.13 gpm (0.1-0.5 l/min)
    Viscosity Limit:2270 SUS (460 cSt)
    Fluid Compatibility:– Mineral Oils
    – Synthetic Oils
    – Diesel
    – Other fluids possible; please contact us for more information
    Weight:11.5 – 56.0lbs
    Dimensions:23.0” x 9.92” x 20.67”
    Fluid Temp Range:32°-140°F (0°-60°C)
    Output Options:• Modbus RTU (RS485)
    • Modbus TCP/IP
    • Local panel mount indicator
    • Local field mount indicator
    View Product Specifications

    Ask the experts at Schroeder Industries what the HY-HV-S120 can do for you!

    Contact-Blog-HY-HV-S120 Introduction

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  3. 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
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  4. 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

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