The amount of fluid obtained varies, depending on the
type of filter assembly.
Sample Processing
Before the sample is processed, the fluid to be
tested is examined visually for evidence of possible
free water.
Water can be found in hydraulic fluid
samples as droplets that usually settle to the bottom of
the sample bottle.
Allowing the fluid sample to
remain motionless for 10 minutes or longer may make
it easier to see visible droplets, if water is present. If
fluid samples are hazy or pink, water may be present.
Another identical sample bottle filled with a standard
of unused fluid can be used for comparison. If water
is observed, take another sample from the system to
verify the indication before rejecting the system under
test.
Before you can process a sample, get the
equipment ready. Remove the filter holder assembly
from its storage position in the kit. The funnel and
holder support are assembled and stored in an
inverted position in the vacuum flask. To prepare the
funnel and holder support for use, remove them from
the vacuum flask, invert them, and reinstall them in
the vacuum flask. If it is difficult to remove the
holder support from the vacuum flask, insert the back
end of forceps into the slot (present on some holder
supports) and pry the holder support from the vacuum
flask.
You should use the tube and adapter to connect
the syringe to the small opening located on the side of
the holder support. Wash down the inside wall of the
funnel with filtered solvent to flush any surface
contamination present. Make sure that the holder
support screen, now located at bottom of funnel neck,
is also cleaned with filtered solvent.
NOTE: Rapid evaporation of the filtered
solvent may result in the condensation of
atmospheric moisture on the funnel surface.
The moisture can cause inaccurate indications
of free water in the sample under test.
Carefully inspect for condensation on the
funnel surface. If condensation is present,
move equipment to an air-conditioned
workspace.
Remove the funnel from the holder support by
rotating the outer knurled ring in a counterclockwise
direction until it disengages, and lift it upwards. Use
forceps to carefully remove a single 47-mm test filter,
and place it on top of the screen of the holder support.
Make sure that the blue separator discs are not
installed with the test filter. Reinstall the funnel on
the holder support, and secure it by rotating the outer
knurled ring in a clockwise direction until it is fully
seated. Use filtered solvent to repeatedly rinse the
inside of the graduate to remove all possible
contaminants.
Pour out any residual solvent.
Measure out approximately 15 milliliters of the
filtered solvent, using the cleaned graduate, and pour
the solvent into the funnel to prewet the filter
membrane.
Shake the bottle of sample fluid. This action
distributes the particulate content. Remove the cap
from the sample bottle and pour exactly 100
milliliters of fluid into the graduate. Discard any
remaining fluid. Pour the contents of the graduate
into the funnel, on top of the previously introduced
filtered solvent. Allow the contents of the graduate to
drain completely into the funnel. Use the filtered
solvent to wash down the inside surface of the
graduate until it contains approximately
100 milliliters of solvent.
Operate the syringe by slowly pumping it, which
draws a vacuum, until sustained filtration of the fluid
is indicated by a steady drop of the fluid level in the
funnel. When the fluid level in the funnel drops
enough to allow addition of approximately
50 milliliters of solvent, pour half of the contents of
the graduate into the funnel as filtration continues. If
necessary, operate the syringe again to maintain
sufficient vacuum for filtration. Carefully watch the
filtration process in the funnel, and note the
decreasing fluid level. When the fluid level drops to
the narrow neck of the funnel, pour the remaining
contents of the graduate into the funnel.
NOTE: Pour the contents so they flow down
the inside of the funnel, making sure that the
solvent is not poured directly onto the test
filter.
When filtration is complete, inspect the test filter
surface. If the central area shows a pinkish color, it
indicates that the test filter still has a residue of
hydraulic fluid. Direct a stream of filtered solvent
against the walls of the funnel until fluid reaches the
top of the tapered portion. Operate the syringe again
to initiate filtration and allow all of this fluid to pass
through the test filter. If free water is indicated, test to
see if the water originated from the hydraulic fluid
sample and not from the rinsing solvent. Perform an
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