Taking Steps To Prevent Leaks Makes Sense

Taking steps to prevent leaks makes sense

It all starts with understand the common causes of leaks. Number one – we find it in 60 percent of all leak instances - is improper installation. Most often, the wrong fitting connections were chosen for the job. Best uses and practices for choosing fitting connections will be the subject of future discussions so I don’t want to dwell on them here. But, here’s a quick overview of the most common connector types and the most likely cause for them to leak:

•  37° flare – the most common fitting in the world, usually subjected to improper  torque during assembly.

•  O-ring face seal – O-ring pinched, not seated in groove or missing.

•  24° flareless – also known as flareless bite type fittings, improper presetting of  the ferrule on the tube.

System design – incorrect routing, bending or clamping – is the second most common cause of leaks, accounting for about 20% of those we see.

Third is poor quality components, which account for 15% of leak causes. I know it may sound self-serving coming from a Parker engineer, but I urge you to avoid low quality fittings that are flooding the market. If you can’t ID the manufacturer, don’t use them.

The final 5% of leaks are the result of system abuse – usually poor maintenance practices.
 

Cleaning up the mess

If you have a leak, keep in mind the legal and environmental reporting requirements. Follow these steps to correct and report the problem:  

1. Stop the leak/release

2. Contain the leak/release

3. Clean up the leak/release (necessary training/certification of clean up personnel will vary depending on the type/amount of oil and the media impacted; e.g. soil, groundwater, wildlife habitat, etc.)

4. Dispose of or remediate impacted media

5. Dispose of contaminated devices

6. Replace contaminated devices

7. Report leak/release (if required) to applicable government agencies (e.g. EPA, Coast Guard); follow up with regulators

8. Implement a corrective action to prevent a future, similar leak/release

9. Modify leak/release control plans, if required

The keys to avoiding a hydraulic system leaks are the same as the causes: ensuring proper fitting selection and installation, using high-quality components from reputable manufacturers and maintaining a regular maintenance program with MRO personnel trained in hydraulic connections and safety practices.