A hydraulic oil cooler is a type of heat exchanger that provides the ability to remove the excess heat from hydraulic fluid. Designed to maintain the correct temperature of the system, they are an essential part of a hydraulic system. Overheating of hydraulic fluid can reduce the lifetime of the system, causing excessive wear and tear to the components. They also prevent cavitation of the fluid, which may damage the internal seals.
Hydraulic oil coolers are available in a variety of designs. These include air, water and liquid to liquid heat exchangers. The type you choose will depend on the requirements of your system.
Air cooled units are usually the most common. They work by drawing in air through a powerful fan and forcing it across the coils of the pipe. Oil mist collector Water cooled units also draw air through a fan, but instead of transferring the heat to the atmosphere, the cooler transfers the fluid into a coolant medium.
Water based oil coolers are typically shell and tube types. They are suitable for hydraulic and lubricating oils with temperatures up to 200 deg C. Many equipment manufacturers use these types of coolers.
Fuel coolers are also available, and they are used for power generation applications. These are made from non-corrosive materials and can be fitted with several different motors. Generally, the flow rate of the cooler is rated in gallons per minute (gpm).
For mobile applications, auxiliary oil coolers are available. These are perfect for mulchers, wood splitters, and other hydraulically driven attachments. In addition to being lightweight, they are easy to install and do not require power.
Hydraulic oil coolers are generally used in systems with high continuous input power. A cooler with 100 kW of input power should reject at least 20 kW of heat to maintain a safe temperature. However, the actual number will depend on the exact model and design of your hydraulic system.
Oil coolers come in a variety of designs, from the basic single-pass fresh water models to custom high performance plate-fin aluminum heat exchangers. All of these units are designed to reduce the amount of heat generated in the hydraulic system. While some coolers feature a radiator, other designs utilize air to air heat exchangers and cold plates.
Regardless of your needs, the right hydraulic oil cooler can help increase the life of your system and improve the overall performance of your machinery. It is important to size the unit correctly. Installing an insufficient unit can not only reduce the lifespan of your machine, but it can also increase costs.
If you have an existing unit, consider resizing it to ensure that you have the correct capacity. To do this, you can use the manufacturer’s selection software to select a unit that will meet your specific requirements. You can also contact American Cooling Solutions to help you find a solution for your application.
Once you have chosen a hydraulic oil cooler, you will need to find the proper plumbing. Usually, the cooler will need to be in a separate circuit from the system. This will help protect the system from contamination with water. Be sure to have a water control valve on the inlet side of the cooler.
