Schoolhill Hydraulic Engineering operates a positive pressure ‘clean room’, which contains integrated hydraulic test and flush facilities. This controlled environment is used to assemble parts where a high level of cleanliness is required.

Flushing normally also takes place within the clean room. Fluids are constantly monitored and particle counts are carried out until target cleanliness levels are achieved. Schoolhill Hydraulic Engineering undertakes flushing to NAS1638 class level 4, or ISO equivalents.

Parts are thoroughly de-ragged and cleaned prior to their assembly and documented procedures are used to control the cleaning and preparation of critical components. Schoolhill Hydraulic Engineering has ultrasonic bath cleaning facilities on-site – a process that is essential to maintain the longevity of hydraulic cylinders and valves.

It is important to note that cleanliness is instrumental to the performance of hydraulic equipment. Many people do not appreciate this consideration begins with design – and not the process of cleaning or flushing at assembly. In order to maintain cleanliness in operation, the equipment design must be capable of sustaining the required level of cleanliness.

The selection of the correct materials for sliding contact and bearing loads encountered within hydraulic cylinders is essential. Steel to steel moving parts are not acceptable. Such considerations are paramount at Schoolhill Hydraulic Engineering, where we have in-house design expertise, but this is often overlooked by other manufacturers.