Contaminants in hydraulic system are things foreign in the system - things that do not belong there. Particulate Contaminants Particulate contaminants are the most common, measurable and controllable. Particulates can originate inside or outside hydraulic systems. Metal particles resulting from component wear are generated inside the system. Dirt, sand, rag fibers, etc. are contaminants that invade the system from the outside.
Contaminants accelerate wear and multiply as they move through hydraulic systems.
Abrasion, fatigue and silting are three ways that particulate contaminants can rob efficiency and performance from hydraulic Systems. Abrasive particles scrape metal from hydraulic components. Wear metal is created, multiplies, and travels to other parts of the system for more damage. Repeated high-pressure stress loads cause metal to chip or break from components and contaminate. The result is jamming and sticking between valve components and reduced system efficiency.