In a hydraulic system, what is the primary method of generating contamination due to wear and tear?

In a hydraulic system, internally generated contamination is a significant concern primarily due to wear and tear that occurs on various components over time. As mechanical parts such as pumps, valves, and cylinders operate, they experience friction and stress, which can lead to degradation of materials. This wear can produce particles and debris that mix with the hydraulic fluid, ultimately compromising the fluid's effectiveness and the system's overall performance.

Internally generated contamination is different from other types of contamination, such as ingress, which involves external particles entering the system, or hydrolysis, which refers specifically to the chemical breakdown of hydraulic fluids in the presence of water. Contaminant build-up, on the other hand, can occur as a result of both internally generated particles and external sources, but it does not specifically refer to the wear and tear process itself.

Understanding that internally generated contamination stems from wear helps in implementing preventive measures, such as routine maintenance and monitoring, to ensure the longevity and reliability of hydraulic systems.