Tangible Hydraulic Leak Costs
Inefficient Machine Operation
Hydraulic leaks not only result in loss of oil, but they also reduce the machine's efficiency.
With lower oil levels and decreased pressure, more oil is required to perform the same work,
leading to inefficiencies in machine operation and increased energy consumption.
Shorter Machine Life
Beyond the oil loss, hydraulic leaks allow contaminants such as dirt,
dust, water, and chemicals to enter the hydraulic system.
These foreign substances cause wear and tear on the machine,
compromising its performance and longevity. Premature failure of components can
lead to costly replacements, including hoses, pumps, sensors, and other affected parts.
Part Replacements
When a hydraulic leak leads to the failure of specific components,
the expense of replacing these parts becomes necessary.
Hoses, pumps, sensors, and other equipment that are impacted by the leak
may require costly replacements, further adding to the overall financial burden.
Intangible Hydraulic Leak Costs
The costs associated with hydraulic leaks may not always be obvious,
but they can have significant long-term consequences and create major headaches for businesses.
Manufacturing Quality Suffers
Hydraulic leaks that introduce contaminants into the system can adversely
affect the precision of servo valves and other critical components.
This compromised precision can impact the manufacturing process, especially for i
ndustries like automotive or aerospace that require tight tolerances.
Quality control and production efficiency can both suffer as a result.
Cleanup
Proper cleanup of hydraulic leaks is essential and must adhere to strict guidelines
set by regulatory authorities such as the EPA. The cleanup process can be time-consuming,
leading to additional downtime and lost revenue. It requires careful attention to
detail to ensure compliance and prevent further environmental damage.