Oilfield Hydraulic Equipment
Heavy-duty bolting, lifting and maintenance hydraulics built for the demands of the oilfield.
Industries We Serve
Oilfield operations rely heavily on prompt hydraulic equipment maintenance, as this is key to efficient drilling and recovery operations. Specifically, regular hydraulic equipment maintenance is recommended for the following oilfield industry equipment:
- Hydraulic pumps and power units
- Hydraulic cylinders
- Hydraulic spreaders
These components are essential to oilfield operations and therefore require on-time maintenance to minimize the risk of downtime. Some of this maintenance can be performed by operator crews, but for complex or full-system maintenance, an experienced hydraulic technician will be needed.
Hydraulic Pump and Power Unit Maintenance
Hydraulic pumps and, more often, hydraulic power units, are vital parts of any oilfield hydraulic system. Responsible for converting mechanical or electrical power into fluid power, hydraulic pumps and power units require the following forms of maintenance:
- Check the system’s hydraulic fluid levels – Hydraulic fluid levels should be checked and topped off at regular intervals. Consult the hydraulic pump’s operation guide to verify recommended fluid change intervals. Low fluid levels can contribute to contamination problems and affect power output.
- Give the hydraulic pump a visual check following operation – Following heavy use, the hydraulic pump or power unit needs a visual check. Look for any signs of hydraulic fluid leaks and any potential contaminants. If any damage or signs of wear are present, the pump should be removed from operation until it can be thoroughly serviced.
- Clean, clean, clean every pump component – The vast majority of contaminants – dust and other debris – enter into the system from the surrounding environment. Keeping them out is a top priority, as the majority of hydraulic system failures are caused by contamination. A simple way to prevent this is to clean off the pump’s components and any hydraulic lines attached to the pump. Hydraulic hoses and connectors are primary vectors and also need a closer look.
- Get familiar with the pump’s operation – The sooner your hydraulic equipment operators notice something is wrong, the sooner they can intervene before a catastrophic failure occurs. This starts with attention – if your operators are familiar with how their pump sounds and feels while it’s working, they’ll notice when something isn’t quite right.
These are basic maintenance routines that some pump operators may be able to handle on their own. Some of these tasks, though, require the technician to open the pump and inspect internal components. If this is something your operators aren’t comfortable with, an experienced hydraulic equipment technician can provide the necessary skill to support your oilfield operations.
Hydraulic Cylinder Maintenance
Hydraulic cylinders are the force applicators of every hydraulic system and are used extensively in oil drilling and recovery operations. Examples include:
- Valve and actuator control systems for gas pipelines
- Gas compression systems
- Safety shut-off valves for leak prevention
- Blowout preventers
- Riser tensioning systems
- Rock drilling systems
- Filter presses
- Cranes and dump trucks
Hydraulic cylinders play several important roles at oil fields and require the following forms of maintenance to maintain their reliability:
- Check hydraulic fluid levels and quality – Hydraulic cylinders are also susceptible to hydraulic fluid contamination, so sample the fluid entering and leaving the cylinder. If the fluid appears milky or cloudy, these are clear signs of solid or water contamination.
- Look for signs of wear or corrosion following operation – The hydraulic cylinder’s rod may cause problems during operation if it has sustained wear or damage due to corrosion. Look for pitting, scoring or uneven wear on the piston head, as this may indicate corrosion and explain why the cylinder isn’t stroking like it should.
- Check the hydraulic cylinder seals for damage – The hydraulic cylinder seals are responsible for keeping contaminants out or ensuring proper flow of hydraulic fluid through the cylinder. Seals are also one of the most common failure points for hydraulic cylinders and should be inspected regularly for wear.
The key to consistent hydraulic cylinder performance is maintenance. Fluid contamination, a worn cylinder rod or damaged seals can cause a number of problems, including loss of operating efficiency and potential safety issues. If your system’s hydraulic cylinders are showing signs of distress, prompt repairs are recommended to prevent injury or extended downtime.
Hydraulic Spreader Maintenance
Hydraulic flange spreaders are an essential tool for oil and gas pipeline maintenance. Used to separate interfacing pipeline surfaces, flange spreaders allow maintenance crews to work on difficult-to-access stretches of pipeline. Hydraulic spreaders are relatively simple pieces of equipment, compared to other hydraulic technologies, but they still require consistent maintenance that includes the following:
- Inspect and clean the spreader after use – Check the hydraulic spreader after every use and ensure there’s no fluid, water, dirt, or other residues left on the equipment.
- Lubricate all working surfaces and components – Regular lubrication protects the hydraulic spreader’s working surfaces against wear. Of particular importance are the hinge joints, fastener threads and gear teeth (if any), and these should be lubricated prior to every job.
- Check and tighten the spreader’s fasteners – The spreader’s screws and bolts may loosen over time due to vibration or corrosion. This can lead to excessive wear to some components and accelerate the effects of corrosion. Ensuring the fasteners are properly tightened is an easy way to address this issue.
Hydraulic spreaders don’t require much maintenance, but they should be maintained regularly to ensure optimal performance. This will keep your pipeline service crews in the field and performing at maximum efficiency.
Four Signs That Your Hydraulic Equipment Needs Maintenance
When hydraulic equipment is in need of maintenance, it typically shows signs of distress. If any of the following issues are present, it’s time to schedule a round of maintenance for your hydraulic system.
- Unusual sounds during operation – Banging, scraping, whining or “growling” sounds are usually out of the ordinary and may indicate cavitation, valve issues, leaks or other signs of component wear.
- Reduced power output or loss of power – If the hydraulic pump or cylinder are having problems outputting power, this could be a sign of leaks (either internal or external), valve problems, or issues with how the system is calibrated.
- Overheating hydraulic fluid or components – When a hydraulic system overheats, it’s often a sign of fluid contamination. It could also be due to a malfunctioning heat exchanger, clogged filters, or aeration.
- Hydraulic fluid leaks or pooling around equipment – An obvious sign of hydraulic system problems, if hydraulic fluid is visibly leaking from the equipment or pooling around it, immediate repairs are recommended. If not addressed, leaks will sap power and introduce contaminants into the system.
Consistent Hydraulic Equipment Maintenance Will Protect your Oilfield Operations
Hydraulic pumps, cylinders, and spreaders are critical pieces of equipment in the oilfield industry. Properly maintained equipment ensures worker safety during pipeline maintenance. In short, hydraulic equipment plays several important roles for oil and gas companies, so downtime prevention is a major priority for most businesses in this industry. If your operations are threatened by hydraulic equipment issues, expert hydraulic technicians can inspect your machinery, identify any problems, and recommend the right repair or replacement.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Pumps and hydraulic power units, cylinders, and spreaders, at minimum. These are the components drilling and recovery operations depend on, which is exactly why unplanned failure on any of them is expensive.
Routine checks, fluid condition and external inspection are usually within reach of operator crews. The line is drawn at anything requiring the pump to be opened and internal components inspected. If your operators are not comfortable doing that, it should go to a technician rather than be attempted.
Four to watch. New noise, particularly a rattle or a bang that was not there before. Slowing down as wearing surfaces wear. Leaking, internally or externally, which drops performance and can end in catastrophic failure if left. And running hot, usually because contaminants have loaded the filters, with the heat then degrading fluid across the whole system.
There is no universal interval, because it is driven by cycles and conditions rather than the calendar. Equipment running daily in oilfield conditions earns attention far sooner than equipment used occasionally. The practical trigger is a change in performance.
Yes. Some maintenance suits operator crews, and complex or full-system work is where an experienced hydraulics team belongs. We inspect, service and repair, and we carry parts for the lines we supply. Call 832-671-0978.
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