Suction filtration reliably protects pumps and system components from damage. By retaining coarse impurities, the suction filter ensures a clean oil supply in the hydraulic system. Different designs meet specific requirements. Screen filters with a mesh size of 40 to 280 µm trap coarser particles. And working filters made of paper or non-woven material offer additional protection with a fineness of up to 16 µm(c).

ARGO-HYTOS suction filters can be used for a wide range of applications. Our solutions in the field of suction filtration are suitable for both open and closed circuits. They are used in the suction line of pumps in hydraulic or lubrication systems. They also ensure the protection of filling pumps in hydrostatic drives.

Learn all about suction filters in this article and discover the benefits of suction filtration for maximum system performance!

How does suction filtration work and what makes suction filters efficient?

Suction filtration performs several crucial tasks in a hydraulic system. The main function of suction filters is to protect pumps and components from harmful particles. These can enter the system through abrasion or external influences such as repairs or oil refills.

Full-flow filtration in the suction line ensures that all impurities are reliably filtered out. The results are greater system cleanliness and reliable pump operation.

In order to maximize wear protection, high-quality filter elements are used for suction filtration. They fulfil their task reliably, even with demanding cleanliness requirements.

Coarse screen elements retain larger particles up to 280 µm. Finer working filters made of cellulose or glass fiber fleece down to a fineness of 16 µm(c). This keeps the hydraulic circuit clean and significantly extends the service life of pumps and system components.

Filter maintenance is a key issue for suction filtration. Regular replacement prevents a dirty filter element from obstructing the oil flow or impairing system performance. For suction filters with a sealing point to the environment, we recommend replacing the filters every 2,000 operating hours or after two years at the latest. This depends on the operating conditions. The finer the filter, the more important this becomes.

A clogging indicator offers clear advantages. It signals the optimum time to change the filter, which avoids unnecessary downtimes and maximizes the service life of the filter.

Screen filters can also be cleaned. The elements can be cleaned and reused using ultrasonic baths, special cleaning agents or mechanical brushing. However, cleaning should not be carried out more than 2–3 times. It is then advisable to replace the filter that has been cleaned several times by a new filter.

Which options improve the efficiency of suction filtration?

Suction filtration can be adapted to individual system requirements using specific options. Clogging indicators ensure that the optimum time for a filter change is not missed. They continuously measure the pressure loss at the filter element and signal when it exceeds a set value.

Optical indicators allow the degree of contamination to be determined on site. Electrical clogging indicators also transmit a signal to the control system. Combined indicators offer the advantages of both variants. They enable predictive maintenance, which minimizes downtimes and optimizes the service life of the system.

A bypass valve ensures additional operational safety during suction filtration. In the event of a heavily contaminated filter element or increased viscosity (e.g. during cold starts), the valve opens automatically to allow the oil to flow. This is also the case when the filtration reaches its limits.

This reliably protects the pump from cavitation, while the oil flow is guaranteed at all times. A bypass valve provides reliable protection for the entire system, especially under demanding operating conditions.

Extension pipes offer flexible options for adjusting the installation depth of the suction filter. Extensions of up to 500 mm allow the filter to be optimally positioned in the tank. This not only makes installation easier, but also ensures smooth operation in systems with oil tanks of different sizes.

Magnetic system: In suction filters with a magnetic system, the ferromagnetic particles first flow through the influence of a strong magnetic field and are separated there. This protects the filter element and increases the service life.

These options make the use of suction filters more efficient, reliable and adaptable. They ensure that the system remains optimally protected and efficient even under changing conditions.

How does the design influence the performance of suction filters?

The design of a suction filter has a significant influence on its efficiency and performance in the hydraulic system. The correct design of the filter can minimize pressure losses, optimize filtration performance and significantly extend the service life of the pump. The flow principle, choice of material and design are decisive for efficiency.

A key factor is the star pleating of the filter material. Suction filters often have star-pleated filter elements, as this results in a very large filter surface, very low pressure losses and an exceptionally long maintenance interval.

The choice of material also influences the function. Filter housings made of reinforced plastic offer high resistance to shocks and vibrations with a low dead weight. Stainless steel mesh screens ensure a long service life and consistent filtration quality even under high loads.

Advantages of an optimized suction filter design

• An even oil flow reduces pressure losses.
• Robust materials ensure durability.
• A magnet system maximizes filter utilization.
• A compact design saves installation space.
• Durable screen mesh ensures stable filter performance.

It all depends on the right filter fineness

The choice of the right filter fineness has a direct influence on the performance and reliability of a hydraulic system. Each system has different requirements in terms of oil cleanliness. This depends on the type of components, the operating conditions and the desired service life. While coarse filter elements retain coarser impurities, finer elements ensure that even the smallest particles are reliably removed from the oil.

Screen filter elements with a mesh size of 40 to 280 µm are particularly suitable for pump protection. In this area, they fulfill the function of basic protection by retaining coarse particles such as metal abrasion or larger dirt inclusions.

This filter stage is particularly important in systems that are operated under harsh conditions or are filled with oil after repairs. It prevents coarser impurities from entering the pump and causing damage or cavitation.

For more demanding applications, filter elements made of paper or fleece are used, which achieve a fineness of up to 16 µm(c). They reliably filter out even the finest particles and thus guarantee the highest cleanliness classes. Especially in precise control systems or modern high-pressure pumps, this filtration stage prevents premature wear and increases the efficiency of the entire system.

Incorrect filter fineness adjustment, on the other hand, can lead to problems. A filter that is too coarse allows dirt particles to pass through, damaging the components in the long term. If the filtration is too fine, the pressure loss in the system increases. This impedes the oil flow and increases the risk of cavitation.

Contact the experts at ARGO-HYTOS now

A reliable, durable and efficient hydraulic system starts with the selection of the right components. Choosing the right type of filter, the optimum filter fineness and the integration of additional options such as clogging indicators or bypass valves requires technical expertise. A deep understanding of your individual requirements is also necessary. This is where the experts at ARGO-HYTOS come into play.

Thanks to decades of experience in hydraulic technology, we can offer you tailor-made solutions that are a perfect fit for your hydraulic system. Our specialists analyze the conditions of your systems and help you to use suction filters optimally. In doing so, they not only take into account the requirements for filtration performance and pressure loss, but also the cost-effectiveness and long-term reliability of your systems.

Whether you are optimizing an existing system or planning a new project, individual advice pays off. From the selection of the right filter elements to the integration of additional options such as contamination indicators or extension pipes, ARGO-HYTOS is at your side. We offer you precise, efficient and tried-and-tested solutions.

Contact our experts now for a no-obligation consultation. Together, we will ensure that your systems work cleanly, efficiently and trouble-free. Put your trust in our expertise! Rely on filtration solutions that provide optimum protection for your hydraulic systems and extend the service life of your components in the long term!