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Return Line Filter: The Ultimate Guide

Return Line Filter: The

Ultimate Guide
In today’s guide, you will learn both the basic and
advanced concepts of return line filters.

It will help you choose the best return line filter for
your system, preventing costly and unnecessary
system contamination.

Among the key things, you will learn here include

definition, symbol, function, installation, and
criteria for selecting a return line filter.

Let’s have a look.

Return Line Filter Basics

This section covers the most basic concepts of
return line filters.

Even before you think of buying return line filters,

here are a few things you should know:

· What is the return line filter?

Return line filter refers to a type of filter that is
common in open loop applications.

They serve the function of filtering the fluid before

it flowing back to the hydraulic reservoir.

Return Line Filter

Return line filter – Photo courtesy: Modern

industrial hydraulics

By doing this, return line filters help in keeping the

reservoir clean by removing all the dirt particles.

Also, filtering the fluid before it flows into the

hydraulic system enhances the operational
efficiency of your application.

· Return line filter symbol

Return line filter symbol offers a clear
representation of every component and their
function.

It is, therefore, crucial to understand these

symbols since they will aid in understanding
return line filter components and how they work.

These symbols are essential in depicting the fluid

flow on the return line filter as well as the
components that make up a return line filter.

Thee symbols need to adhere to the industry

standards such as DIN24300, ISO1219-1, and
ANSI Y32.10.

Here is a look at these symbols for better

understanding.

Return line filter symbol

Return line filter consisting of a bypass valve and

an electrical clogging indicator

There are different characteristics that a return

line filter represent.

That is, the function, the number of connections,

the operating principle of the return line filter as
well as the switching position

It is therefore vital that when coming up with a

return line filter, you consider all the components.

Also, the function of the bypass valve is to prevent

the fluid from flowing backward before filtration
takes place.

· Return Line Filter Function

As we have seen earlier, the essential function of
a return filter is to filter the fluid before it returns to
the hydraulic reservoir.

Hydraulic filter

However, a return line filter serves other functions

including:

· Filtration of your fluid

There are several contaminants present in your
fluid which can hurt the fluid performance.

Some of these contaminants are small in size to

be seen by the naked eye.

However, you can increase the performance of

your fluid through filtration by using a return line
filter.

The availability of different filter element sizes for

your return line filter makes them ideal for fluid
filtration.

· Ensures the smooth flow of

your fluid
Imagine how many times you would have to stop
your hydraulic system from removing the
contaminants that hinder its operations.

Perhaps it will take you long to finish a particular

task.

However, you can eliminate these disruptions by

using a return line filter which filters all these
contaminants.

This results in a smooth flow of your fluid in a

hydraulic system.

· Protection of the hydraulic

system
A return line filter protects your hydraulic system
by filtering unwanted particles from your fluid.

This has the effect of extending the productive life

of your hydraulic system.

Where to Install a Return Line Filter

There are several factors that you need to
consider before selecting where to install your
return line filter.

They include the hydraulic system cleanliness

requirements and the location of the component
that needs protection.

Servo
Valve

PressureFier
1-5Micron
NoBy-pass

RetumLineFiter
3-25Micron
15-50PSIBy-pass

SuctionStrainer
40-150Micron
1-3PSIBy-pass

Return line filter with by-pass valve

You may also consider the pressure of your

application before deciding where to locate your
return line filter.

Different types of return filters are available for

different location points.

However, in practice, you can install your return

line filter either on the inside of your reservoir or
in-line with your reservoir.

Always consult with your manufacturer before

deciding on the perfect location of your return line
filter.

Types of Return Line Filters

Even though return line filters have a basic
working principle, there are different types that
you can find in the market.

You, therefore, need to select the model that best

fits your application.

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VA
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VA=cloggingindicator

Return line filter with clogging indicator

For better understanding, let’s have a look at the

different types of return line filters available.

· Tank mounted return line filters

As the name suggests, the design of tank
mounted return line filters allows for the
installation and fitting on hydraulic fluid tanks.

Here, their primary function is to filter solid

particles from the fluid ensuring clean fluid flow.

Alternatively, a tank mounted return line filter can

function as a bypass filter for your hydraulic
system.

A tank mounted return line filter consists of

various components which work in hand to ensure
smooth filtration of your hydraulic fluid.

These components include a filter bowl, a cover,

filter element, bypass valve, a maintenance
indicator, and an electronic switching element.

Also, depending on the size of your tank mounted

return line filter, you may have a breathing filter, a
surge protection unit and a return pipe.

The working of these components is similar to that

of a regular return line filter.

· Double tank mounted return line

filters
Double tank mounted return line filter is a type of
filter that consists of two return filters joined
together using a bypass valve.

These filters are ideal for mounting on hydraulic

fluid tanks with a large operating capacity.

They function just like any other return line filter

with the only difference being their operational
capacity.

The fact that they double to allow for

simultaneous filtration of your fluid ensuring
continuous operation of your application.

When clogging happens on one return line filter,

the bypass valve closes directing the fluid to the
other filter.

This allows you to clean the clogged return line

filter while the operation of your application
continues.

Double tank mounted return line filters are ideal

for an application that requires a continuous flow
of fluid or larger applications.

· T-types return line filters

T type return line filter gets its name from its
shape which is like a T.

Their design allows them to be a perfect fit for

filtration of fluid with low pressure.

The reason for this is because fluid flows into the

return line filter creating a high pressure which
aids in fluid filtration.

There are different sizes of T type return line

filters available for selection depending on the
size of your application.

It is vital that you select one that fits your

application to avoid incidents of not having
enough pressure for filtration to take place.

Criteria for Selecting Return

Line Filter System
There are several return line filters available for
your selection depending on your application.

However, you need to consider several factors

before picking one.

SW36
10
holedrilledinthetank
coveronlyonversion
withbreatherfilter

typecodelabel
100
93

62
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ventscreworclogging
indicator(typeVR)

918 b1
d1

inlet
outle

Return line filter design – Photo courtesy: Hydac

Among these considerations include:

· Maximum pressure
The maximum pressure a return filter can handle
during the filtration process is a vital factor when
selecting your return line filter.

Too much pressure past the given limit has the

effect of causing rupture to your filter element.

Also, it may have the effect of your pocket filter

not filtering well as a result of too much fluid
passing at a given time.

As such, when selecting a return line filter, you

need to ensure that the pressure of your return
line filter matches that of your hydraulic system.

· Flow rate
The flow rate of your return line filter is a crucial
factor that you must take into account.

Different return line filters have different flow

rates.

When selecting a return line filter, you need to

ensure that it has the same flow rate as that of
your hydraulic system.

A flow rate ensures uniform flow of your fluid at a

given point over time which maximizes the
filtration process.

By having the correct flow rate for your return line

filter, you can ensure maximum filtration of your
fluid.

· Size of your return line filter

element
The size of the return line filter element plays a
vital role in determining which return line filter to
select.

As you know, not all the contaminants have the

same size; as such, you need to pay attention to
the size of the filter element.

The size of the filter element will determine the

filtration level of the fluid.

· Filter ratings
Every return line filter has a rating that determines
how effective it is at filtering your fluid.

You need to consider this when selecting a return

filter for your fluid.

This is what will determine the effectiveness of

your filtration and also have an impact on the flow
of your fluid.

· Dirt holding capacity

The dirt holding capacity is another consideration
that you need to consider when purchasing your
return line filter.

Dirt holding capacity – Photo courtesy: Eaton

It is vital to note that a larger dirt holding capacity

minimizes the number of times you have to stop
your application for unclogging purposes.

On the other hand, a small dirt holding capacity

return line filter implies that you will have to
interrupt your application frequently.

It is therefore vital that you select a return line

filter that has the correct dirt holding capacity for
your application.

· Type of your fluid

Fluids have different characteristics which you
must consider when selecting your return line
filter.

These characteristics affect your return line filter.

For instance, the viscosity of your fluid affects

your return line filter since it affects the flow.

You, therefore, need to ensure you either have a

return line filter that has a large filter element of
has high pressure.

Also, the temperature can affect your return line

filter.

You need to ensure that your return line filter

meets the given temperature of your hydraulic
fluid.

If the temperature of your fluid is high, it is

advisable that you select a return line filter that
has a higher temperature than that of your fluid.

The purpose of this is to prevent the filter element

from rapturing which may lead to malfunctioning
of your return line filter.

It is therefore vital that you select a return line

filter that matches the characteristics of your fluid.

Return Line Filter Assembly –

Understanding Return Line
Filter Designs
Understanding the components of a return line
filter is crucial in knowing its assembling process.

Through this, you will be able to know how the

different parts work together in ensuring the
efficiency of a return line filter.

Different types of return line filters – Photo

courtesy: Fluiden

Here is a look at these components in detail.

· Return line filter head

This refers to the topmost of the return line filter
that is portable.

It serves as the mounting pad while installing on a

machine.

· Inlet and outlet points

On the filter head, you will find the inlet and outlet
points.

They are crucial points during the filtration of your

fluid since they serve as points through which the
fluid enters and exits the filter.

Dirty fluid flows through the inlet for filtration to

take place and clean fluid leaves via the outlet.

· Filter housing
The filter housing refers to the outer casing that
holds the components of the return line filter
together.

Different materials make up the filter housing.

However, an effective filter housing material is

one that can withstand the environmental stress in
which it operates.

· Filter element
The filter element refers to the inner part of the
return line filter where actual filtration takes place.

As fluid flows through the return line filter, it

passes through the filter element where filtration
of contaminants takes place.

· Dirt holding bowl

After filtration, clean fluid flows out of the return
line filter via the outlet while the contaminants flow
to the dirt holding bowl.

This happens continuously until the clogging

takes place on the filter element.

· Discharge valve
At the bottom of the return line filter is a discharge
valve that serves as the exit point of the
contaminants.

After filtration, you need to clean your filter to

remove the unwanted particles.

· Bypass valve
A bypass valve is a valve located between the
inlet and the outlet on the filter head.

The function of the bypass valve is to protect the

system in case your filter is clogged.

This allows you to clean your return line filter.

Working Principle of Return

Line Filters
The basic principle of how a return line filter works
is quite easy.

Once you have identified each part, you won’t fail

it understand how it works.

Working of hydraulic filters – Photo courtesy:

Machinery and Hydraulic

This is crucial not only when it comes to the

operation of the device but also during its
maintenance.

Here is a look at how this device works.

First, fluid flows into the return line filter via the
inlet which is mostly at the top but depends on the
design of your filter.

This flow is generally of high pressure that forces

the fluid into the filter element.

As it flows through the filter element, the filtration

takes place via the filter mesh.

It is therefore essential to consider the sizes of the

filter mesh before selecting a return line filter for
your application.

After filtration, the filtered fluid flows out of the

return line filter via the outlet while the
contaminants flow downwards to the dirt collecting
duct.

There are different sizes of the dirt collecting duct

for selection depending on the size of your
application.

The bypass valve available minimizes the risk of

having unfiltered fluid from flowing back to the
hydraulic system.

The filtration process continues until clogging

takes place.

At this point, you have to clean the filter element

and the filter itself.

There are several ways of cleaning your return

line filter.

However, the most common is the self-cleaning

backwash option.

It involves allowing the flow of water in reverse

through the filter element which removes all the
contaminants.

The contaminants flow to the dirt holding duct and

out through the drainage valve.

How to Install Return Line

Filter System
After purchasing a return line filter and before it
starts operation, you need to install it on your
application.
: