Hydraulic Suction Filters — Pump Inlet Protection & Cavitation Prevention
Hydraulic suction filters are designed to trap and remove large impurities from the hydraulic fluid before it reaches the pump. To ensure maximum pump inlet protection, install them directly in the suction line, below the minimum fluid level of the reservoir.
During new equipment commissioning or system start-up, contaminants such as metal flakes, rust, and debris can enter the hydraulic fluid. Suction strainers serve as the first-line safety filters, preventing these large particles from damaging pumps and other downstream components. This extends the life of both pumps and finer return-line or pressure filters.
Why Proper Sizing Matters
Suction filters must be correctly sized to prevent pump cavitation. Selecting a filter element that matches the pump’s flow rate and NPSH requirements ensures adequate oil supply. An undersized element can restrict flow, starve the pump, and lead to premature failure.
Key Functions of Suction Filters
- Prevents large solids from entering the hydraulic circuit
- Extends downstream filter life and maintenance intervals
- Reduces equipment wear and protects critical components
- Minimizes damage from iron filings, rust, and debris
Suction Filter Specifications
- Available in inline or tank-mounted configurations
- Flow rates up to 1000 l/min (model-dependent)
- Operating temperature: -20 °C to +100 °C
- Recommended for mineral oil-based hydraulic fluids
- Connection standards: BSP (ISO 228) or NPT (ANSI B1.20.1), sizes 3/8”–3”
- Optional magnetic bars for ferrous particle capture
- Integrated bypass valve (~0.2 bar / 3 PSI) minimizes pressure drop
Suction Strainers / Submerged Elements
Submerged pump suction filter elements are installed inside the tank on the suction line. Constructed from wire mesh (commonly 125–149 μm), these suction strainers protect pump inlets and are also available in finer meshes (50–100 μm) or with optional magnetic columns for enhanced metal particle capture.
Variants may include bypass valves and magnetic inserts. Choose mesh size and accessories based on contamination level, operating environment, and maintenance intervals.
Spin-On Suction Filters
Spin-on suction filters feature an aluminum head with one or two replaceable spin-on elements. Suitable for inline or flange mounting, they allow quick servicing and element replacement. These are ideal for mobile hydraulic systems and industrial lubrication applications with flow rates up to 150 l/min.
External Suction Filter Assemblies
For compact tanks or remote pump setups, external suction filter assemblies are ideal. Designed for inline or tank-wall mounting, these units handle flows up to 700 l/min and can include clogging indicators, easy-access housings, and service ports.
How We Help
Our engineering team provides expert guidance in selecting the most suitable suction line filter elements, clogging indicators, and accessories to match your system’s contamination profile, operating environment, and uptime targets.
Our team shall recommend the most-optimum solution possible, listed herewith for your application with the best-suited Filter Elements and Clogging Indicators to overcome contamination challenges and ensure machine availability with cost savings.
FAQ
Suction filters are installed directly in the pump’s suction line to capture large solid contaminants before they enter the hydraulic circuit. They protect pumps and other critical components from premature wear and extend system service life by preventing contamination-related failures.
Our suction filters are engineered for both mobile and industrial hydraulic applications. They prevent pump damage, extend the lifecycle of downstream filters, and minimize downtime, delivering cost-effective and reliable protection.
They capture impurities such as rust, dirt, and metal flakes during pump startup and operation. This prevents contaminants from being pulled downstream into sensitive components, ensuring smooth and reliable hydraulic pump performance.
We supply a wide range of suction filter designs, including:
- Suction strainers
- Spin-on suction filters
- Suction filter assemblies with different micron ratings and flow capacities
Yes. We supply suction filters with micron ratings typically ranging from 50–125 µm, allowing customization based on hydraulic system cleanliness requirements.
- Flow rates up to 1000 l/min
- Operating temperature range: -20 °C to +100 °C
- Connection options: BSP or NPT
- Optional features: magnetic bars and bypass valves
Suction filters can be installed inline or tank-mounted. For optimal pump protection, they should always be placed below the reservoir’s minimum fluid level.
By trapping large contaminants before they reach finer downstream filters, suction filters extend filter service intervals, minimize unplanned downtime, and reduce overall maintenance costs across hydraulic systems.
We provide high-quality Hydraulic Suction Filters from trusted manufacturers including Hydac, Bosch Rexroth, ARGO-HYTOS, STAUFF, MANN, MAHLE, EPE, HENGST, FILTREC, MP Filtri, and Donaldson, ensuring clean oil intake, reliable protection, and long service life for hydraulic systems.