Signs Your Industrial Filter Needs Replacement
Pressure-drop alarms, sluggish hydraulics, a smelly coolant sump and oil carry-over all point to a filter at the end of its life.
1. The pressure-drop indicator trips
A rising pressure drop across the element is the clearest sign that it is loaded. When a pop-up indicator or a differential-pressure sensor trips, replace the element: once the bypass valve opens, unfiltered fluid goes straight into the system.
2. Hydraulics become slow or erratic
Cylinders, presses or tool changers that move more slowly than usual, or hesitate, can be a sign of contamination in the valves. Check the filters and their indicators before the problem spreads.
3. The coolant sump smells
A sour or rotten-egg smell from a coolant sump usually means bacteria are growing on tramp oil. Skim the oil, check that the coolant filtration is working, and replace loaded paper or elements.
4. Oil appears downstream of a compressor
Oil in the receiver, the drains or the air lines of an oil-flooded compressor often means the separator element is saturated or damaged and due for replacement.