Hydraulic Fluid Qualities

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Hydraulic Fluid QualitiesA Presentation by Quaker

Chemical

© 2013 Quaker Chemical Corporation. All rights reserved.

Finding the Right Balance

Designers of hydraulic systems are constantly under pressure to generate machines, accessories, fluids, and more that improve effectiveness and efficiency. With operating procedures reaching higher forces, speeds and temperatures, this can often become fairly difficult. The following slideshow provides a list of qualities that top class hydraulic fluids ought to include.

© 2013 Quaker Chemical Corporation. All rights reserved.

Viscosity

A fluid’s viscosity requirements are determined by the maximum andminimum temperature of the system, as well as the load it willbe operating on. Viscosity is the single most important factorwhen selecting a hydraulic fluid. It doesn’t matter how goodthe other properties of the oil are if the viscosity grade is notcorrectly matched to the operating temperature range ofthe hydraulic system.

Several variables must be considered when choosing thecorrect fluid viscosity grade for a hydraulic system: »Starting Viscosity at minimum ambient temperature

»Maximum expected operating temperature

»Optimum viscosity range for the system’s components

© 2013 Quaker Chemical Corporation. All rights reserved.

Anti-wear

Wear is the unavoidable result of metal-to-metal contact. Thedesigner's goal is to minimize metal breakdown through anadditive that protects the metal. By comparison, friction isreduced by preventing metal-to-metal contact through theuse of fluids that create a thin protective oil or additive filmbetween moving metal parts.

Compounds are frequently added to hydraulic fluid to reducewear. The pump is the critical element in any hydraulic system,and each pump type has different requirements/regimes for wearprotection.

© 2013 Quaker Chemical Corporation. All rights reserved.

Rust and Oxidation Inhibitors

Rust and oxidation naturally occur when workingwith practically all metals. The process is onlysped up when fluids are brought into contact withthe surfaces. To prevent this from occurring, manyhydraulic fluid types have additives that slowoxidation considerably. These additives bothprotect the metal and contain anti-oxidationchemicals that help prolong fluid life.

© 2013 Quaker Chemical Corporation. All rights reserved.

Water Retention

While it is true that great amounts of excess watercan be removed from a hydraulic system bydraining your sump regularly, small amounts ofwater can become entrained. To speed up theseparation of water from the hydraulic fluid,demulsifiers should be added. To be sure you havethe right percentage, the water should be able toleave the fluid without taking anything with it.

© 2013 Quaker Chemical Corporation. All rights reserved.

Fire-Resistance

Fire-resistance is important in hydraulic fluids,especially in high-temperature or hazardousapplications. Three common types of fire-resistantfluids are: High Water Content Fluids (HFA), WaterGlycol Fluids (HFC) and Synthetic Water FreeFluids (HFD-U, predominantly polyol esters).

© 2013 Quaker Chemical Corporation. All rights reserved.

Contact Quaker Chemical

To learn more about our hydraulic fluids product line or if you have any questions, feel free to visit

quintolubric.com or contact Quaker Chemical at [email protected].

© 2013 Quaker Chemical Corporation. All rights reserved.