What are the benefits and drawbacks of using a finer or coarser mesh in a hydraulic system?

2 Mesh size and maintenance

Another factor to consider when choosing a mesh size is the maintenance of the strainer. A finer mesh will require more frequent cleaning or replacement, as it will accumulate more dirt and debris over time. A coarser mesh will last longer, but it will also expose the system to more risk of contamination and damage. Therefore, a balance between maintenance and reliability must be achieved, depending on the availability and cost of spare parts and service. Additionally, some strainers have self-cleaning or backflushing features that can reduce the maintenance burden and extend the life of the mesh.

3 Mesh size and fluid viscosity

A third factor to consider when choosing a mesh size is the viscosity of the fluid. Viscosity is the measure of how thick or thin a fluid is, and how easily it flows. A higher viscosity fluid will have more friction and resistance as it passes through the mesh, which will increase the pressure drop and decrease the flow rate. A lower viscosity fluid will have less friction and resistance, which will decrease the pressure drop and increase the flow rate. Therefore, a finer mesh may be more suitable for a lower viscosity fluid, as it will provide better filtration without compromising too much on pressure drop and flow rate. A coarser mesh may be more suitable for a higher viscosity fluid, as it will reduce the pressure drop and maintain the flow rate without sacrificing too much on filtration.

4 Mesh size and fluid type

A fourth factor to consider when choosing a mesh size is the type of fluid. Different fluids have different properties and characteristics that affect how they interact with the mesh. For example, some fluids may be corrosive, abrasive, or sticky, which could damage or clog the mesh. Some fluids may have additives, such as lubricants or detergents, that could alter the viscosity or cleanliness of the fluid. Some fluids may have different temperatures or pressures, which could affect the density or compressibility of the fluid. Therefore, a finer or coarser mesh may be more or less suitable for a certain fluid, depending on how it affects the pressure drop, flow rate, filtration, and maintenance of the system.

5 Mesh size and system design

A fifth factor to consider when choosing a mesh size is the design of the system. Different systems have different requirements and specifications that influence the optimal mesh size. For example, some systems may have a high or low flow demand, which affects how much pressure drop and flow rate are acceptable. Some systems may have a high or low pressure range, which affects how much compression or expansion the fluid undergoes as it passes through the mesh. Some systems may have a high or low tolerance for contamination, which affects how much filtration and cleanliness are necessary. Therefore, a finer or coarser mesh may be more or less compatible with a certain system, depending on how it meets the system's design criteria and objectives.

6 Mesh size and system operation

A sixth factor to consider when choosing a mesh size is the operation of the system. Different systems operate under different conditions and scenarios that affect the optimal mesh size. For example, some systems may operate continuously or intermittently, which affects how much wear and tear or clogging the mesh experiences. Some systems may operate in steady or variable flow conditions, which affects how much pressure drop and flow rate fluctuate. Some systems may operate in clean or dirty environments, which affects how much contamination and debris enter the system. Therefore, a finer or coarser mesh may be more or less appropriate for a certain system, depending on how it adapts to the system's operational challenges and demands.