Question 1

What parameters matter when choosing a replacement hydraulic filter?

Accepted Answer

The filtration grade, expressed in microns, must match the requirement of the sensitive components in the system (servo valves and piston pumps call for finer filtration than a simple gear pump circuit). The nominal flow of the filter must cover the maximum flow of the pump, and the working pressure of the housing must match the mounting position - on the pressure line, pressures are much higher than on the return or suction. The filter element material (cellulose for usual applications, glass fibre for higher performance and longer life) completes the choice.

Question 2

What does the Beta (β) ratio mean for a filter element?

Accepted Answer

The Beta ratio shows the retention efficiency of the filter at a specific particle size, determined by the multi-pass test according to ISO 16889. A β10 = 200, for example, means that out of 200 particles of 10 microns and larger entering the filter, only one passes - a retention efficiency of 99.5%. The higher the Beta value at the size critical for your system, the better the protection of sensitive components (servo valves, precision pumps), but the initial pressure drop across the filter also rises slightly.

Question 3

Pressure, return or suction filter - where is each one fitted?

Accepted Answer

The suction filter protects the pump from large particles, but must have a very low pressure drop so as not to cause cavitation - which is why it has a coarser filtration grade. The return filter cleans the oil before it goes back into the tank and accepts a finer filtration grade, being a type frequently fitted in industrial hydraulic systems. The pressure (high-pressure) filter directly protects the sensitive components downstream - servo valves, proportional valves - and must be built for the maximum system pressure, not just the return one.

Question 4

Refrigerated or adsorption dryer for compressed air - how do I choose?

Accepted Answer

A refrigerated dryer cools the air to condense moisture and reaches a dew point of about +3°C, sufficient for most general industrial applications (pneumatic tools, usual automation). An adsorption dryer (with silica gel or activated alumina) reaches much lower dew points, down to -40°C or -70°C, needed for precision instrumentation, painting, the food industry or pharmaceuticals, where residual moisture would affect the process. The operating cost of adsorption is higher, so the choice must be justified by the real process requirement, not made out of caution.

Question 5

What do I need to send for a quotation for filters or consumables?

Accepted Answer

The simplest: the code of the old filter, from the housing or from the element. If you do not have the code, we need the dimensions of the filter element, the nominal flow of the system, the working pressure and the desired filtration grade in microns. For recurring orders (periodically replaced filters), we can set up a list with all the codes used in the factory, to speed up supply at every planned maintenance.

Question 6

How long does delivery of industrial filters and consumables take?

Accepted Answer

For filter elements and current consumables, the lead time is 24–72 h when the item is available locally or at the supplier. Filters with a special filtration grade or complete configured housings are made to order, usually 1–4 weeks; it can take longer depending on the brand and the specifications. Our recommendation: do not wait for the old filter to clog completely before ordering a new one, so that you do not stop the equipment for lack of an inexpensive consumable.

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