The Role and Importance of Hydraulic Oil Tanks

For hydraulic systems to operate correctly and efficiently, all components must work in harmony.One of the essential components of these systems, hydraulic oil tanks, often goes unnoticed, yet it plays a critical role in ensuring the system’s safety, performance, and longevity.

Functions of Hydraulic Oil Tanks

1. Fluid Storage: The primary function of the tank is to safely store the hydraulic oil circulating in the system and return it to the system when needed.
2. Heat Dissipation: It helps cool the hydraulic oil that heats up during operation, thus maintaining the system’s thermal balance. In other words, it functions as an oil cooler.
3. Air and Foam Removal: The tank naturally separates air bubbles and foam in the oil, preventing potential vibrations and efficiency losses in the system.
4. Contaminant Filtration: By capturing contaminant particles that accumulate in the tank, it helps protect components (especially pumps and valves) from damage.

In some applications, the oil tank also supports the pump and motor assembly, providing ease of maintenance. Tanks are coated with corrosion-resistant paint and can be emptied via a drain plug for maintenance. Internal baffle plates prevent the returning fluid (likely warmer) from flowing directly into the pump suction line, reducing turbulence within the tank.

                                                           Industrial hydraulic oil tank

The Importance of Hydraulic Oil Tanks

System Performance: A correctly sized tank ensures pressure and flow stability in the system. For industrial use, it is generally recommended to choose a tank size 2 to 3 times the maximum flow rate of the pump. However, smaller tanks are often preferred in mobile applications due to space limitation.

Longevity: Oil free from contaminants, air, and excessive heat extends the lifespan of system components.

Energy Efficiency: Effective heat management minimizes energy losses.

Although hydraulic oil tanks may appear to be simple reservoirs, they play a crucial role in the safe and efficient operation of the entire system. Therefore, selecting a tank that suits the system’s requirements and ensuring its regular maintenance is of utmost importance.

In this week’s post, we briefly discussed hydraulic oil tanks, one of the critical components of hydraulic systems. See you next week!