Hydraulic oil lubricates hydraulic systems to transmit power in bulldozers, cranes, lifts and other equipment. It also contains additives to prevent rust, oxidation and foaming. Each type of hydraulic equipment has its designated temperature range where the oil works best. Today’s quality hydraulic oils contain additives to improve thermal stability and oxidation resistance, extending a system’s lifespan. This can significantly reduce maintenance costs.
Why Hydraulic Oil?
Hydraulic oil Charlotte, NC, in addition to lubricating moving parts and transmitting power, also helps to reduce wear, rust and corrosion in hydraulic systems. This specialized fluid is ideal for a wide range of applications and operating temperatures and can be customized with different additive packages to match the requirements of each system. Hydraulic oils must be thermally stable as they are often exposed to extreme pressure fluctuations and wide temperature variations. Additionally, they should be free of contaminants to prevent clogging and foaming. Some hydraulic fluids are even biodegradable for environmental concerns and fire safety regulations.
Additionally, hydraulic fluids must have hydrolytic stability. This means the additives can resist interactions with water to avoid forming acids that can create sludge deposits or clog filters and valves, causing costly downtime. Hydraulic fluids can be tested for this by sending a sample to a laboratory. This ensures that the hydraulic oil is suitable for use and can protect expensive machinery from damage or failure.
Viscosity
Viscosity is the resistance of a fluid to flow. Hydraulic oil with a higher viscosity will be thicker and take longer to pass through the system, while oil with a lower viscosity will flow faster. As temperature changes, the viscosity of a hydraulic oil will change. This is why you must use an oil with the correct thickness for your application. An incorrect density can cause damage to your equipment and result in poor performance. Hydraulic oils are often formulated with additives to better suit specific applications. For example, hydraulic oil with anti-wear agents is a great choice for machines that experience heavy loads and high speeds. Other desirable properties of hydraulic oils include rust inhibitors and foam suppressants. The latter is especially useful for reducing sea motion sickness in cruise ship operations. Some hydraulic oils also contain demulsifier additives to promote water separation from the hydraulic fluid.
Temperature Range
Hydraulic oil can operate within a certain temperature range. This is important because hydraulic systems are often used in extreme environments that will be impacted by temperature changes. Using a hydraulic fluid that isn’t compatible with the environment can lead to damage and poor results in function. For instance, if the hydraulic fluid is too cold, it can cause pressure spikes. This is why using synthetic hydraulic oil with a high viscosity index that can operate at cold temperatures is essential. It’s also important to regularly test your hydraulic oil to ensure it is still usable and has yet to deteriorate. This will help you avoid expensive repairs or replacements of your equipment. You can get your hydraulic oil tested at a laboratory that will give you a report on the condition of the fluid. They can even recommend the best hydraulic oil for your specific equipment. They can also advise you on any other tests that may be necessary.
Biodegradable
Hydraulic oil is a lubricant used in hydraulic systems to transmit power. Traditional hydraulic oils are made from mineral oil, a petroleum product. Mineral oil is not biodegradable, meaning it can take hundreds or even thousands of years to break down in the environment. This can pose a serious environmental threat if hydraulic oil leaks into the soil or water. Biodegradable hydraulic oils are a more environmentally friendly alternative to mineral oil. They are made from vegetable oils or other renewable resources and can break down in the environment within a few months or years. This makes them a much safer choice for use in environmentally sensitive areas. Biodegradable hydraulic oils are also just as effective in performance as mineral oil. They can provide the same level of lubrication and protection for hydraulic systems. Additionally, biodegradable hydraulic oils are often less toxic than mineral oil, meaning they are less likely to harm humans or animals if exposed.
