During the work on this first issue of the year, one concept has repeatedly surfaced in discussions about operational reliability: the importance of well-established maintenance routines. Several contributors emphasized the need to reduce the human factor by implementing standardized working methods that are easy to follow. Operational reliability is also a relatively broad concept, encompassing everything from modern preventive maintenance to the ability to refurbish components locally in order to avoid extended downtime while waiting for newly purchased parts.
At the same time, development is moving rapidly forward, and significant support can be gained from various digital tools. At HYDAC, further steps have been taken in their condition monitoring systems for hydraulic systems. They now use machine learning and elements of AI to analyze the large volumes of data collected by smart sensors throughout the systems. The new development is that they assess not only the remaining useful life of the oil but also its content, which provides insights into the overall health of the system and which components may need replacement.
An essential part of maintaining operations is ensuring that maintenance is carried out continuously. Many companies address this by signing service agreements with suppliers to support preventive maintenance. Hägglunds is one example, operating service vehicles throughout Sweden that visit customers regularly to perform testing and necessary measures to keep systems running. It was interesting to learn how comprehensive a service agreement can be. One aspect that may not always be considered is ensuring that spare parts stored at customer sites are also kept in proper condition.
One of the most critical components to maintain in good condition in a hydraulic system is the oil. Anders Pettersson, who divides his time between serving as a senior lecturer at Luleå University of Technology and working with R&D at Volvo CE in Eskilstuna, explains several reasons why oil loses its functional properties. Well-developed routines and proper training for all employees are essential so that everyone knows what needs to be done and when. Great care must be taken to ensure that any oil entering the system is completely clean.
Another compelling article focuses on Roccoil, which uses a Swedish-developed technology to purify industrial oils. The company restores oils to like-new condition, and oils can be purified multiple times without losing functionality. The ability to purify industrial oils is not only beneficial for customers from both a sustainability and financial perspective, but also advantageous from a societal standpoint. In times of crisis, reducing dependence on imported oils can be crucial. If oils already available domestically can be purified, operations can continue for extended periods.
Finally, it was a pleasure to conduct the profile interview with Jan-Åke Johansson, who has now retired after a lifelong career dedicated to hydraulics. The interview demonstrates how much can be achieved through curiosity and a willingness to embrace challenges. He has worked in Czechoslovakia behind the Iron Curtain refurbishing hydraulic systems and helped establish training centers in Norway. Above all, however, he has been deeply committed to education at Projekthydraulik, taking great satisfaction in seeing students reach moments of understanding.
Enjoy the reading!
