A Guide to the Benefits and Role of Hydraulic Filters

2023-10-10 17:11:11 Headman Filter Viewd 418

What is the purpose of a hydraulic filter?

A hydraulic filter is a component used in hydraulic systems to remove contaminants. It is a hydraulic filter component used in hydraulic systems. It purifies hydraulic oil and protects the system from contamination caused by dust particles. 

Hydraulic filters serve important functions in hydraulic systems. 

There are various types of hydraulic filters, including suction filters, low-pressure or suction filters, and high-pressure filters.

hydraulic filters

Suction filters are primarily designed to prevent contaminants larger than 150 microns, as well as microorganisms and dust, from entering the hydraulic pump and causing damage. They also help prevent air bubbles from entering the hydraulic circuit.

low-pressure or suction filters

Low-pressure suction filters are filters placed between the reservoir and the pump to protect against contaminants, while being cost-effective. To prevent restrictions in the pump's suction line, suction filters are typically more open and have larger micrometer sizes compared to other types of filters. This design ensures proper pump operation and maintains a higher flow rate.

high-pressure filters

High-pressure filters also play a crucial role in hydraulic systems as they protect the most expensive components in the circuit during catastrophic pump failures. This makes high-pressure filters one of the most important filters in the system, offering the best return on investment.


High-pressure filters are widely used across industries, including tractors, construction and mining equipment, and forestry applications.

What are the responsibilities of a hydraulic system?

In a hydraulic system, hydraulic oil performs four fundamental responsibilities:

1. Energy transfer: The fluid generates pressure during system operation, which is used to transmit energy. Dirt can block the small holes in flow control valves and pressure valves. Valve blockages prevent pressure from escaping, leading to reduced efficiency, unnecessary maintenance, and downtime.

2. Sealing the spaces between metal components: Fluid fills the tiny cavities between tightly fitting components, acting as a pressurized barrier against contaminants. This seal is impenetrable to harmful particles. if the sealing component fails, dirt can block the holes.

3. Lubricating internal components: Accumulation refers to the entrapment of extremely fine dirt particles in clearances, hindering the lubrication of moving parts. Excessive contamination can also cause the same problem. Poorly lubricated components experience excessive wear and become unreliable.

4. Cooling system components: Hydraulic oil generates heat during system operation due to friction. As the fluid returns from its circuit, the heat is usually transferred to the walls of the reservoir. Contaminants can form sludge on the tank walls, hindering heat transfer. Efficient hydraulic systems operate at lower temperatures.

What is the role of a hydraulic filter?

The main role of a hydraulic filter is to capture particles and dust, preventing damage to the entire hydraulic system. Hydraulic filters are positioned before and after the pump, in return lines, offline, and in reservoirs. The specific location determines the type of hydraulic filter used.

Applications of hydraulic filters:

Hydraulic filters are widely used in various hydraulic systems, including construction machinery, automobiles, aerospace equipment, and more. Their main function is to filter impurities, solid particles, and contaminants from hydraulic oil, ensuring the proper functioning of system components and extending equipment life. 

Hydraulic filters effectively remove particles and contaminants, maintain the cleanliness of the oil, reduce mechanical wear and the risk of failure, and improve system reliability and performance. By selecting the appropriate filtration level and filter type, hydraulic filters can adapt to different flow requirements and working environments, providing stable filtration efficiency. 

Regular filter replacement is an important maintenance measure to ensure the long-term operation and performance optimization of hydraulic systems.

Advantages of hydraulic filters:

The advantages of hydraulic filters include improved system reliability, extended equipment life, enhanced system performance, protection of critical components, and reduced maintenance costs. 

They effectively remove particles and contaminants, reduce mechanical wear and the risk of failure, and provide clean hydraulic oil to ensure the proper functioning and optimized performance of hydraulic systems.