Table of contents
What makes the SFM series stand out as a medium-pressure filter?
The SFM series from STAUFF is a filter solution specifically designed for the medium-pressure range up to 280 bar, which reliably protects hydraulic systems whilst being significantly lighter than comparable high-pressure filters.
This enables the targeted design of hydraulic systems and filtration solutions, taking into account only the pressure rating that is actually required. Users thus save on weight, reduce the installation space required and improve cost-effectiveness, without having to compromise on safety or filtration performance.
This approach is particularly crucial in mobile hydraulics. Components must be high-performance, but must not be unnecessarily heavy or oversized. The SFM series addresses this trade-off by combining protective function with optimised design.
Why is the correct filter design crucial?
Filtration is a central component of hydraulic system design. Its role is to remove particles from the oil, protect sensitive components and thus ensure the overall availability of the machinery
In doing so, developers are often faced with a trade-off: a filter must provide reliable protection whilst remaining compact, lightweight and cost-effective.
Practical selection therefore means:
matching the filter precisely to the pressure range and flow rate
not to resort to high-pressure solutions across the board
to consider system requirements on a case-by-case basis
If a high-pressure filter is used when it is not necessary, this results in avoidable drawbacks in terms of design, weight and cost. This is precisely where medium-pressure filters such as the SFM series offer a sensible alternative.
Technical specifications of the SFM series in detail
The SFM series is designed as an in-line medium-pressure filter for mobile and industrial applications and features a clear technical specification:
maximum working pressure: 280 bar
maximum flow rate: up to 100 litres per minute
Sizes: 10, 15, 21 and 26
Housing: carbon steel
Coating: standard powder coating
Seal material: NBR as standard (common alternatives available on request)
Compatible with mineral oil-based and biodegradable fluids
The sizes allow for precise adaptation to flow rate and installation space. Filter elements from STAUFF’s tried-and-tested SE series are used for filtration, offering a range of filter media and mesh sizes.
Areas of application and practical requirements
The SFM series is designed for typical mobile hydraulic applications, including:
agricultural machinery
forestry machinery
municipal vehicles such as road sweepers
compact construction machinery
These applications place high demands on the system:
varying load conditions
severe vibrations
dirt-laden environments
Temperature fluctuations
The filter must therefore not only be suited to the hydraulic performance, but also be mechanically robust, easy to integrate and maintenance-friendly.
Safety and proven durability
The SFM series has been tested under realistic conditions to ensure its operational suitability.
The results clearly show:
Burst pressure well above the target specifications
Safety factor well over three times the working pressure
Successful impulse tests involving millions of load cycles
These verified safety margins are crucial, as they ensure that the filter operates reliably even under dynamic loads. At the same time, the design allows for weight reduction without compromising safety.
Corrosion protection and surface treatment
A key component of the filter’s robustness is the surface treatment of the housing.
The SFM series utilises powder coating as an integral part of the housing design. This process offers several advantages:
high protection against corrosion and mechanical stress
durable, uniform coating
improved adhesion thanks to prior phosphating
This protection is particularly crucial in mobile applications, as components are constantly exposed to external influences such as knocks and impacts, moisture, dirt, UV radiation and temperature fluctuations.
Maintenance and contamination monitoring
Monitoring the condition of the filter is crucial for the reliable operation of a hydraulic system.
The SFM series offers a visual contamination indicator with temperature compensation for this purpose.
This feature ensures that:
temperature-induced pressure increases are not misinterpreted as contamination
false alarms are avoided
maintenance intervals can be planned correctly
This distinction is a key factor in reliable system monitoring, particularly during cold starts and under varying operating conditions.
The importance of high-quality filter elements
Alongside the housing, the filter element in particular determines the performance of the filtration system.
Typical characteristics of the elements used:
various filter media such as glass fibre, stainless steel or paper
Filter fineness ranging from a few micrometres to the coarse range
multi-layer construction
The pleated structure increases the effective filter area, which:
the dirt-holding capacity increases
filtration performance is improved
Clean hydraulic fluid is a key prerequisite for system availability, as contaminants are one of the main causes of failure.
FAQs
When should a medium-pressure filter be used instead of a high-pressure filter?
A medium-pressure filter is appropriate when the actual operating pressure of the hydraulic circuit is below the high-pressure requirements. This allows weight and costs to be reduced without compromising the protective function.
What advantages does the SFM series offer in mobile hydraulics?
The SFM series combines low weight with sufficient pressure resistance and enables application-specific design of hydraulic systems.
For which machines is the SFM series suitable?
Typical applications include mobile machinery such as agricultural and forestry machinery, municipal vehicles and road sweepers.
Why is filtration so important for hydraulic systems?
Contaminants in the oil lead to wear and breakdowns. Effective filtration increases the service life and availability of the entire system.
How does the contamination indicator support maintenance?
It indicates the condition of the filter element and enables timely replacement without being affected by temperature-related factors.
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