Specifications

33
Fluid Cleanliness
Proper fluid condition is essential for long
and satisfactory life of hydraulic
components and systems. Hydraulic fluid
must have the correct balance of
cleanliness, materials, and additives for
protection against wear of components,
elevated viscosity and inclusion of air.
Essential information on the correct
methods for treating hydraulic fluid is
included in Vickers publication 561
“Vickers Guide to Systemic Contamination
Control,” available from your local Vickers
distributor or by contacting Vickers,
Incorporated. Recommendations on
filtration and the selection of products to
control fluid condition are included in 561.
Recommended cleanliness levels, using
petroleum oil under common conditions,
are based on the highest fluid pressure
levels in the system and are coded in the
chart below. Fluids other than petroleum,
severe service cycles, or temperature
extremes are cause for adjustment of
these cleanliness codes. See Vickers
publication 561 for exact details.
Vickers products, as any components, will
operate with apparent satisfaction in fluids
with higher cleanliness codes than those
described. Other manufacturers will often
recommend levels above those specified.
Experience has shown, however, that life
of any hydraulic component is shortened in
fluids with higher cleanliness codes than
those listed below. These codes have
been proven to provide a long, trouble-free
service life for the products shown,
regardless of the manufacturer.
System Pressure Level
bar (psi)
Product
<138 (<2000 )
138–207 (2000–3000) 207+ (3000+)
Vane pumps, fixed 20/18/15 19/17/14 18/16/13
Vane pumps, variable 18/16/14 17/15/13
Piston pumps, fixed 19/17/15 18/16/14 17/15/13
Piston pumps, variable 18/16/14 17/15/13 16/14/12
Directional valves 20/18/15 20/18/15 19/17/14
Proportional valves 18/16/13 18/16/13 17/15/12
Servo valves 16/14/11 16/14/11 15/13/10
Pressure/Flow controls 19/17/14 19/17/14 19/17/14
Cylinders 20/18/15 20/18/15 20/18/15
Vane motors 20/18/15 19/17/14 18/16/13
Axial piston motors 19/17/14 18/16/13 17/15/12
Radial piston motors 20/18/14 19/17/13 18/16/13