Modeling of Filtration Phenomenon in Hydrostatic Drives

Abstract

Some users consider modern hydrostatic drives and controls to be unreliable and difficult to maintain. This view is often due to operational problems caused by issues with obtaining and then maintaining the appropriate cleanliness class of the working fluid. Recommendations on the selection of appropriate filtration system elements can be found in the literature, but there is no numerical model that could be helpful in a detailed analysis of the phenomenon. In the article, the authors tried to fill the research gap regarding the lack of a filtration model based on the filtration efficiency coefficient of filter elements used in hydraulic drives and controls. The developed model allows users to determine the influence of selected filtration system parameters on the separation of contaminants by filter elements. The model is intended to help designers and users of hydraulic drives and controls in optimizing the filtration system in order to obtain and then maintain the required cleanliness class of the hydraulic fluid. This paper also includes the results of the sensitivity analysis of selected filtration-system operating parameters in terms of the highest efficiency. In order to verify the developed model, experimental tests were also carried out, with the results presented in this paper. Based on the numerical analyses and experimental studies, recommendations that may be helpful in the selection or development of filtration systems used in hydrostatic drives and controls were developed.