TROUBLESHOOTING EQUIPMENT
Basic Troubleshooting
The troubleshooting guides that follow provide possible causes and actions to take on common operational issues that may arise.
When possible, refer to the specific BLAC INC. equipment instruction manual as it contains additional information on proper hand valve and manual bypass/isolation valve positioning for both normal (automatic) operation as well as for manual operations used for component setup/calibration, maintenance, and hydraulic fluid filling operations.
For further assistance on the issues listed or other situations that are encountered, please contact BLAC INC.
Slide Valve Actuator (Electro-Hydraulic)
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Loss of Hydraulic Pressure (minor loss)
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Cause:
There is an open bleed or bypass valve.
Action:
Verify that bleed and bypass valves are closed.
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Loss of Hydraulic Pressure (major loss)
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Cause:
The motor to pump drive coupling is broken or not coupled.
Action:
Confirm if coupling is broken and replace (see Note) as required.
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Fluid Overheating
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Cause:
Relief valve is passing.
Action:
Check relief valve setpoint and adjust higher as required.
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Cause:
Pump wear is present or pump failure occurred.
Action:
Replace the pump (see Note) as required.
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Cause:
The handwheel bypass valve(s) at the control manifold and/or cylinder isolation manifold (if provided) is in the incorrect position.
Action:
Put the hand valves into the correct position for normal (automatic) operation. Refer to the manifold labels, hydraulic schematic and/or instruction manual for details.
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Cause:
The directional hand valve at the control manifold and/or cylinder isolation manifold (if provided) is in the incorrect position.
Action:
Put the hand valves into the correct position for normal (automatic) operation. Refer to the manifold labels, hydraulic schematic and/or instruction manual for details.
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Cause:
If there is a reservoir heater(s), the associated temperature transmitter/switch controlling the heater(s) may have failed.
Action:
Replace the temperature instrument as required.
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Cylinder Not Responding
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Cause:
The Lock-in-Place solenoid valve is not opening. A solenoid valve opens when its electromagnetic coil creates a magnetic field that pulls on a core or plunger, which is connected to a diaphragm or seat.
Action:
Check any servo relays and the solenoid valve coil. The Lock-in-Place solenoid is typically normally closed (opens when energized).
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Position Command-Feedback Deviation (Loss of Tracking) is Enabled
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Cause:
The slide valve may be in manual instead of automatic control.
Action:
Verify the system is in automatic control and that the slide valve or servo valve is not sticking. Refer to the manifold labels, hydraulic schematic and/or instruction manual for details.
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Cause:
The delay time setting for command-feedback deviation may be insufficient.
Action:
Contact BLAC INC. to see if adjusting the command-feedback deviation delay time is recommended. Although an option, adjusting delay timers after a system has been running for significant time may only mask a related issue.
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Cause:
There is a lack of response from the servo valve which may indicate failure due to fluid contamination.
Action:
Take a fluid sample and verify fluid cleanliness.
Verify the controller output to the servo. Replace the servo (see Note) as required after discussion with BLAC INC.
Verify the controller output to the servo. Replace the servo (see Note) as required after discussion with BLAC INC.
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Loss of Feedback
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Cause:
The feedback device/transducer has failed.
Action:
Verify the feedback output failure and replace (see Note) as required.
If the system has two (2) feedback devices, then after matching command signal to the working feedback device signal, use the selector switch to go from the bad to the good feedback device.
If the system has two (2) feedback devices, then after matching command signal to the working feedback device signal, use the selector switch to go from the bad to the good feedback device.
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High Enclosure Temperature Alarm
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Cause:
There is a component failure causing excessive heat.
Action:
Verify enclosure components are operating properly. Consider other alarms and operating conditions in the investigation.
If provided, verify vortex cooler (proper air flow, clean filter) or air conditioner operation.
If provided, verify vortex cooler (proper air flow, clean filter) or air conditioner operation.
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Cause:
The enclosure heater (if provided) has failed or inadvertently had its setpoint changed to be on continuously.
Action:
Adjust setpoint or turn off enclosure heater and contact BLAC INC. for replacement.
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Cause:
There may be abnormally high ambient temperature conditions due to environment or nearby process.
Action:
Reduce the external heat source if possible using a heat shield.
Note:
Any component failure must have an assumed reason for that failure. As most hydraulic system failures are caused by fluid contamination, a fluid sample analysis and evaluation should preceed any replacement of items such as solenoid valves or pumps.
If the cause of the problem is not established, replacing that component may only lead to another premature failure.
When fluid contamination is determined to be the problem, immediate action must be taken to eliminate it or further component failure is imminent. Contact BLAC INC. immediately for assistance.
Any component failure must have an assumed reason for that failure. As most hydraulic system failures are caused by fluid contamination, a fluid sample analysis and evaluation should preceed any replacement of items such as solenoid valves or pumps.
If the cause of the problem is not established, replacing that component may only lead to another premature failure.
When fluid contamination is determined to be the problem, immediate action must be taken to eliminate it or further component failure is imminent. Contact BLAC INC. immediately for assistance.
