The truck-mounted crane, often abbreviated as truck-mounted crane transport vehicle, is primarily composed of a specialized vehicle chassis and an upper structure. The most crucial element of the upper structure is the crane, which can accomplish the lifting operation with the assistance of the hydraulic system. Thus, the hydraulic system holds significant importance. During summer, when the weather is hot, the hydraulic oil within the hydraulic system is prone to heating up. This situation can adversely affect the normal operation of the truck-mounted crane. So, what specific impacts does it have?
Heating of the hydraulic oil can lead to thermal deformation of the machinery. If the materials of the valve core and valve body of the hydraulic valve differ and their thermal expansion coefficients are dissimilar, the valve body and valve core might get stuck due to thermal expansion, causing malfunction and influencing the rotation accuracy of the hydraulic system, resulting in poor working quality of the components.
Imagine a scenario where the valve core gets stuck due to thermal expansion, disrupting the smooth flow of hydraulic fluid and causing erratic movement or even complete failure of the crane’s lifting mechanism.
Once the working temperature rises, the viscosity of the hydraulic oil of the truck-mounted crane will decline, and the volumetric efficiency of the pump and the efficiency of the entire system will notably decrease, leading to inflexible operation.
For instance, a decrease in viscosity can cause the pump to struggle to generate the necessary pressure, resulting in slower and less precise lifting and lowering of the crane’s boom.
When the temperature increases, the viscosity of the hydraulic oil reduces, diminishing its lubrication performance and accelerating the wear of the hydraulic components, accelerating the wear rate of the components and shortening their service life.
Consider a situation where insufficient lubrication causes increased friction between components, leading to premature damage and the need for frequent and costly replacements.
The seals of the hydraulic system and components of the truck-mounted crane are prone to deterioration and reduced elasticity at high temperatures, and it will also cause the sealing performance to decrease or even fail, increasing the risk of oil leakage.
A leak in the hydraulic system can not only lead to a loss of pressure and reduced lifting capacity but also pose environmental and safety hazards due to spilled hydraulic oil.
The increase in temperature also intensifies the oxidation and deterioration of the oil and separates out asphalt substances. These substances can clog the damping small holes and slit-type valve ports, resulting in malfunction or stuck hydraulic components and inaction, elongation and bending of metal pipelines, and even rupture. It is understood that when the temperature of the hydraulic oil reaches 55 degrees Celsius, for every 9 degrees Celsius increase in temperature, the service life of the hydraulic oil will be halved.
This rapid deterioration and reduced lifespan of the hydraulic oil can significantly increase maintenance costs and downtime for the truck-mounted crane.
When the temperature rises, the air separation pressure of the hydraulic oil decreases, and the dissolved air in the oil overflows, generating cavitation. This will lead to a decrease in the working performance of the hydraulic system of the truck-mounted crane.
Cavitation can cause damage to the internal surfaces of components, further compromising the efficiency and reliability of the hydraulic system.
From the above, it can be clearly seen that hydraulic oil is of utmost importance for the entire truck-mounted crane. In reality, the operation of most special vehicles is inseparable from hydraulic oil. When maintaining special vehicles, everyone must pay close attention to checking the hydraulic oil.
Now, let’s explore some additional measures and considerations related to managing the temperature of hydraulic oil in truck-mounted cranes:
Proper cooling systems are essential to prevent excessive heating of the hydraulic oil. These can include radiator-style coolers or oil-to-water heat exchangers. Regular inspection and maintenance of the cooling system to ensure its efficient operation is crucial.
The choice of hydraulic oil itself can also have an impact on its resistance to heat. Selecting a high-quality hydraulic oil with good thermal stability and oxidation resistance can help mitigate the effects of temperature increases.
Effective insulation and heat shielding of the hydraulic components and lines can reduce heat absorption from the surrounding environment. This can be achieved through the use of insulating materials or protective covers.
Monitoring the temperature of the hydraulic oil in real-time using sensors and alarms can provide early warnings of potential overheating issues, allowing for timely corrective actions.
Regular cleaning of the hydraulic system to remove contaminants and debris can improve heat transfer and prevent blockages that might contribute to temperature buildup.
In addition, proper sizing and design of the hydraulic system based on the expected workload and operating conditions can minimize heat generation in the first place. This includes selecting appropriately sized pumps, valves, and hoses.
Finally, operator training is important. Drivers and operators should be aware of the signs of hydraulic oil overheating and know how to adjust their operating practices to reduce the risk, such as avoiding prolonged continuous operation at high loads in hot weather.
In conclusion, addressing the issue of hydraulic oil heating in truck-mounted cranes requires a combination of proper system design, quality components, regular maintenance, and operator awareness. By taking these proactive steps, the reliability and performance of the crane’s hydraulic system can be maintained, ensuring safe and efficient operation.
