Hydraulic oil coolers are designed to prevent the oil used in hydraulic systems from overheating. They do this by shedding thermal energy into a secondary cooling medium, usually water or air. This reduces the degradation of hydraulic fluid and allows equipment to perform better.
Adding an oil cooler to your hydraulic system can dramatically improve performance and extend equipment life. Hydraulic fluid generates heat from mechanical friction and other internal sources. Combined with high ambient temperatures, this heat can cause the oil to overheat and damage equipment. Using a cooler can eliminate the damage caused by overheated oil and keep your hydraulic systems within their optimal operating range.
Hydraulic systems use pressurized oil to provide the power for actuating machinery, enabling it to operate at high speeds. This type of power is necessary for a variety of operations, including lifting equipment, driving automobiles and operating construction equipment. However, it’s important to note that this system requires a significant amount of power for actuation.
A key function of a hydraulic system is to supply lubrication to the moving parts. This is accomplished by circulating the pressurized hydraulic oil through a system of pumps and tanks. However, this process is not without its drawbacks. For example, it can create excessive friction and compression in the actuator, leading to the accumulation of thermal energy. Additionally, the heat can degrade the oil, causing it to lose its viscosity and thus decreasing system efficiency.
To avoid this issue, most hydraulic systems use a hydraulic oil cooler to remove excess heat. These heat exchangers are used to cool the hydraulic oil, preventing it from overheating and damaging equipment. Coolers are available in a wide range of sizes and configurations, making them suitable for a variety of applications.
There are two basic types of oil coolers: water and forced-air. Water oil coolers pass the hydraulic oil through a coil or core, removing excess heat through condensation. They are ideal for industrial applications that require a high level of heat dissipation. Forced-air oil coolers, on the other hand, use a fan to blow air over the coil or core. This type of cooler is ideal for mobile applications that do not have access to a water source or require a compact design.
Bowman offers a comprehensive selection of oil coolers that are both water and air cooled. Our water cooled oil coolers are constructed with either a cast shell or extruded tube stack. They are available with SAE or BSP threaded flange connections and come in a variety of tube sizes and lengths. They are also available with sealing rings to protect the tubes from environmental contaminants. To ensure that you get the right unit for your specific application, Bowman provides computer aided selection software that can help recommend the best heat exchanger for your application. If properly installed, commissioned and maintained, there is no reason why a marine oil cooler from a reputable supplier such as Bowman should not last decades. air cooler