An innovative solution to trapped air in hydraulic systems
January 25, 2022Introducing The Lee Company’s newest solution to the problem of removing trapped air in hydraulic systems: our 5.5 mm Air Bleed Orifice. Trapped air can cause issues with hydraulic performance as air is compressible, whereas hydraulic fluid is not. The traditional way to remove trapped air is to drill a small hole, approximately ø 0.5 mm, in the manifold allowing this air to escape back to the sump, eliminating its effect on system performance. This drilled hole also allows hydraulic fluid to flow out of the system resulting in significant hydraulic loss, inefficient system performance and wasted energy.
The Air Bleed Orifice contains a small precision flow orifice with an integral safety screen for contamination protection. The orifice allows trapped air to escape back to the sump and is small enough to restrict most hydraulic fluid from passing; this minimizes continuous system losses. Typically, these orifices are installed in high spots where small air pockets can form during system operation. They are also used in spots where the air is difficult to remove during the initial evacuation and fill process after manufacturing.
The Air Bleed Orifice offers significant improvement in reducing wasted energy and flow reductions of up to 99% less hydraulic loss as compared to the traditional methods.
