Fixed Auxiliary Filtration Systems

Reliability Through Continuous Fluid Conditioning

Hydraulic Power Units (HPUs) are the central nervous system of industrial motion—responsible for controlling mission-critical operations in manufacturing, material handling, forestry, and process plants. Yet despite their rugged design, HPUs are highly vulnerable to the silent killer of hydraulic systems: fluid contamination. Studies from the National Fluid Power Association (NFPA) and industry leaders confirm that up to 82% of all hydraulic failures can be traced back to contamination—whether from particulate, moisture, oxidation byproducts, or varnish precursors.

As modern HPUs operate at higher pressures, tighter tolerances, and elevated temperatures, the impact of even microscopic contaminants is magnified. Elevated ISO cleanliness codes are directly linked to erratic valve behavior, actuator stalling, premature pump wear, and the breakdown of elastomeric seals. Compounding the issue, scheduled preventive maintenance (PM) intervals often fail to account for rapidly accelerating fluid degradation caused by thermal stress, leading to PM fade and unexpected downtime.

Traditional onboard return-line or pressure-line filters are not equipped to capture ultra-fine particles, nor do they remove water or oxidation residues effectively. These systems protect against catastrophic debris, but allow fine contaminants to circulate continuously—undermining system performance and shortening equipment life.

The Guardian Fixed Auxiliary Filtration System is purpose-built to address these shortcomings. Installed as a permanent, dedicated offline (kidney-loop) filtration circuit, it operates independently of the main hydraulic flow—ensuring continuous fluid conditioning even when the system is idle. Using high-capacity, depth-type filter elements, Guardian systems remove sub-micron particles, dissolved varnish precursors, and free or emulsified water from the fluid reservoir—delivering dramatic reductions in ISO codes and ensuring the hydraulic fluid meets or exceeds OEM cleanliness standards.

Each system is designed for 24/7 operation with robust pumps and motors rated for industrial duty cycles. Filter elements hold between 2–8 lbs of particulate, depending on system size, and deliver long service life between changeouts. Some models are equipped with moisture-absorbing media, while others include varnish-removal chemistries to combat oxidation at its root.

Benefits of a Fixed Guardian Auxiliary System include:

• Extended Component Life – Clean fluid reduces wear on pumps, valves, actuators, and seals.
• Lower Maintenance Costs – Reduce unplanned downtime and extend PM intervals.
• Improved Thermal Performance – Reduced varnish allows for better heat transfer and more stable fluid temperatures.
• Extended Fluid Life – Many users achieve 2x to 4x longer drain intervals.
• Environmentally Friendly – Fewer fluid changes mean less waste oil and lower disposal costs.
• Warranty Safe – Guardian systems do not alter OEM fluid dynamics and are fully compliant with warranty terms.

Whether retrofitting an older hydraulic system or designing a new HPU from the ground up, Guardian Fixed Auxiliary Filtration Systems deliver proven reliability gains and measurable ROI. With plug-and-play electrical packages, multiple filter housing sizes, and optional remote diagnostics, they can be seamlessly integrated into virtually any industrial hydraulic application.

The result? Stable ISO codes, reduced lifecycle costs, and optimized HPU performance—regardless of load, temperature, or duty cycle.