Hydraulic filters are a crucial element of any system using hydraulic power and are designed to filter oils, water or other liquids, within a hydraulic installation application. Hydraulic systems have an increased risk of contamination due to wear of components, ingression from seals or low quality liquid. Proper filtration is necessary to keep the system clean and prevent the hydraulic installation from increased wearing.Hydraulic Filter TypesThere are several types of hydraulic filter available on the market and the filter element type very much depends on the location within the hydraulic system.The most common filters are:Return filters are downstream from all components, and filter the hydraulic fluid before it returns it back to the tanksIn-line hydraulic filters are a filter element designed to use directly on the line and usually protect an individual component or a set of componentsSuction filters are fitted onto the suction line and protect pumps from possible course contamination. The elements of a suction filter are usually metal meshes or metal grids that are capable of the filtration of larger size objects.