The present invention relates to the testing of hydraulic fluid systems.
The satisfactory operation of hydraulic fluid control systems depends on the integrity of their sealing components and the failure of even one such component can seriously impair the operating characteristics of the hydraulic system. In particular, the failure of one or more sealing components can result in a significant reduction in system pressure, preventing proper operation of the devices, such as valves, which are controlled by the system.
Current practice in the industry is to perform scheduled preventive maintenance of critical parts. Failures which do not prevent operation of the system are usually ignored until an operating failure occurs, at which time suspected components of the hydraulic fluid system are replaced one at a time and after each replacement, the installation is placed back into operation to determine whether the replaced component is the one responsible for the system failure.
In any event, each failure of the hydraulic control system requires shutdown of the installation, with attendant lose of productivity.
Many installations of the type hereunder consideration must undergo periodic shutdown for various reasons unrelated to the operating state of the hydraulic control system. If, during these shutdown periods, components of the hydraulic control system which have begun to fail but continue to be at least marginally operative were located, then these components could be replaced to thereby avoid the need for subsequent, unscheduled shutdowns.