Microfluidics Microfluidizer LM20 - Replacing Hydraulic Oil; Servicing Hydraulic Suction Strainer

MANUAL.LM20 Revision C January 2023 Page 29 of 52
4.3 Replacing Hydraulic Oil
With the exception of changing oil, repair or disassembly of the hydraulic components requires special
tools and training. Call our Customer Service Dept. at 1-800-370-5452 for further instructions.
! "CAUTION": Oil must be replaced if it becomes overheated (hotter than 150°F, 65°C) or contaminated.
Failure to do so will damage the hydraulic pump and/ or other hydraulic components.
• Always use clean, filtered hydraulic oil.
• Filter the oil through a 10-micron (or finer) filter as it is added to the reservoir.
• Never return spilled oil to the reservoir.
• Protect the Microfluidizer equipment from dirty and dusty environments.
• Keep the reservoir filler breather cap in place at all times.
NOTE: When draining oil, do not crack the hydraulic fitting to break the vacuum since this adds
contaminants. Instead remove the filler/breather cap
4.3.1 Servicing Hydraulic Suction Strainer
The hydraulic power unit is protected from contamination by a suction strainer. The suction strainer is
located inside the reservoir. To clean the oil reservoir and suction strainer proceed as follows:
1. Drain the oil from the reservoir and discard. To facilitate drainage, remove the filler/breather
cap.
2. Remove the 4 bolts that fasten the reservoir to the motor/pump adapter.
3. Pull the reservoir from the motor/pump adapter.
4. Remove the suction strainer from the oil tube attached to the pump.
5. Wipe out the inside of the oil reservoir with Stoddard solvent or high flash point mineral spirits.
Do this only in an area that is well ventilated. Clean out any debris that may have collected
inside the reservoir.
6. Locate magnet and clean.
7. To clean the suction strainer, wash it in high-flash point mineral spirits or Stoddard solvent. Do
this only in an area that is well ventilated.
8. Use safety glasses and blow compressed air (50 psig maximum) from the inside to the outside
of the strainer.
9. Dry the strainer thoroughly before reinstalling it.
10. Replace the cover and fill the reservoir with oil that has been filtered through a 10-micron (or
finer) filter.