How Timet Achieved Cleaner Hydraulic Fluid with OFS

Timet (Titanium Metals Corporation) has been a leader in titanium production since 1950, supplying aerospace, military, and industrial markets. With high-performance applications, keeping hydraulic systems running smoothly is critical, and that starts with clean hydraulic fluid.

The Challenge: Contaminated Hydraulic Fluid

Timet’s hydraulic systems required ISO 16/14/11 cleanliness. While they purchased oil meeting this standard, after handling and delivery, it routinely tested at 18/16/13, falling short of spec.

Contaminated hydraulic fluid can cause equipment wear, unexpected downtime, and costly repairs, a serious concern for an operation producing critical titanium components.

The Oil Filtration Systems Solution

Timet turned to Oil Filtration Systems (OFS) for help. OFS provided:

• An 80 GPM Variable Flow Filter Skid

• A LPA-2 Portable Laser Particle Counter

At first, results were frustrating. ISO readings dropped to 24/22/17, showing worse contamination than before. 

A site visit by OFS Regional Sales Manager Derick Harper uncovered the problem:

1. The new oil was stored in an old, outdoor tank with a sediment layer that had never been flushed.

2. Oil was being drawn from and returned to the same spot, preventing circulation.

3. Extra hoses were used to reach the tank, but they collapsed under suction, limiting flow.

With guidance from OFS Technical Sales Supervisor Paul Spicer, Timet made three key changes:

• Separated suction and return lines in the tank to improve circulation

• Upgraded hoses for consistent flow

• Monitored filter pressure to prevent clogging from the extremely dirty starting fluid

The Results: Hydraulic Fluid Cleanliness Exceeding Expectations 

Once these adjustments were made, improvements came quickly. Hydraulic fluid ISO cleanliness went from 24/22/17 to 14/13/10, exceeding Timet’s required 16/14/11 standard.

The benefits were clear:

• Hydraulic systems ran more reliably

• Risk of downtime decreased

• Filtration became faster and more efficient

With the contamination addressed, hydraulic fluid cleanliness not only met but exceeded expectations.

Key Takeaways

Solving fluid contamination isn’t just about equipment, it’s about expert guidance, proper setup, and attention to detail. OFS helped Timet identify hidden challenges and implement a strategy that produced lasting results.

When dealing with critical hydraulic systems, the right filtration approach can save time, reduce costs, and protect equipment. At OFS, we combine advanced equipment with hands-on expertise to tackle even the toughest contamination challenges. If you’re dealing with dirty hydraulic oil, slow filtration, or inconsistent ISO cleanliness, let us help you get your systems running more efficiently.