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IHP Micro Project

Hydraulic fluids are essential for the operation of hydraulic systems, serving functions such as power transmission, lubrication, and cooling. There are two main types of hydraulic oils: mineral-based and synthetic-based, each with specific advantages and applications. Key factors in selecting hydraulic oils include density, viscosity, and ISO grades, which determine the fluid's performance in various machinery and conditions.

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7 views11 pages

IHP Micro Project

Hydraulic fluids are essential for the operation of hydraulic systems, serving functions such as power transmission, lubrication, and cooling. There are two main types of hydraulic oils: mineral-based and synthetic-based, each with specific advantages and applications. Key factors in selecting hydraulic oils include density, viscosity, and ISO grades, which determine the fluid's performance in various machinery and conditions.

Uploaded by

indrajitbhise49
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Introduction on hydraulic fluids

The evolution of hydraulic systems has revolutionized how


we power and operate machinery, enabling us to harness
immense power with exceptional precision and control.
The hydraulic oils serve as a versatile medium to transmit
power, while simultaneously performing the critical functions
of lubrication, cooling, and protection of the system’s
components. The selection and utilization of the best
hydraulic oil from reputed Hydraulic oil manufacturers have a
profound impact on the overall efficiency and longevity of
the hydraulic system. Therefore, a comprehensive
understanding of hydraulic oils’ types, uses, and benefits are
indispensable for optimizing hydraulic system performance.

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WHAT IS HYDRAULIC OIL?

Hydraulic equipment produces lots of heat. Overheating is


often a result of inefficiencies of the system’s pumps and
motors. That may damage the internal components of the
hydraulic system.

That is where non-compressible hydraulic oil helps. It acts as


a medium that transfers power within hydraulic machinery.
Alternatively, hydraulic fluids can also have the role of
sealants, coolants, and lubricants in hydraulic equipment.

Hydraulic oils have a wide range of uses, including hydraulic


brakes, power steering systems, excavators, industrial
machinery, and so forth.

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Types of hydraulic fluids

MINERAL-BASED HYDRAULIC OILS


Mineral-based hydraulic oils are the most common base oil.
As their mere name says, they have a mineral (petroleum)
base. It is derived from the distillation of crude petroleum oil.
The process eliminates all harmful contaminants and
hydrocarbons. When using high-quality additive packages,
mineral-based hydraulic oils can be comparable to synthetics
in performance. These additives enable spotless
performance, protection, and lubrication.
Mineral-based oils consist of three subcategories. The first
group is traditional solvent-refined mineral fluids. The second
and third groups are hydrocracked mineral oils having fewer
Sulphur impurities and a higher viscosity rate.

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One of the main benefits of conventional hydraulic oils is
their cost-effectiveness. Thanks to their thermal stability and
anti-wear properties, they can endure the most demanding
working conditions. They have a wide range of uses in various
sectors, including mining, construction, forestry, etc.

Valvoline offers superior HVLP and HLP mineral-based


hydraulic oils. All conventional hydraulic fluids from our
selection consist of a top-quality mineral base and advanced
anti-wear additives. Based on their ISO viscosity grades, we
offer an extensive array of HVLP and HLP oils.

Mineral-based hydraulic oils offer enhanced protection


against rust, corrosion, and sludge foaming in damp working
environments. Moreover, their high oxidation stability allows
these fluids to resist chemical decomposition when exposed
to water. On the other hand, their filterability features
facilitate fast water separation.

Valvoline’s conventional hydraulic oils boast enhanced


lubrication and lower friction. As such, they have longer
reapplication intervals and reduce your maintenance
expenses.

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SYNTHETIC-BASED HYDRAULIC OILS
Synthetic hydraulic oils are chemically-produced base oils.
They consist of molecules precisely arranged to enhance oil
performance.
As such, they compensate for the deficiencies of mineral-
based hydraulic oils. For example, they offer high fluid
stability, lubricity, and biodegradability. Synthetic-based
hydraulic oils are a perfect choice for machinery operating in
extremely high/low temperatures or high pressures.
Some of the main drawbacks of synthetic hydraulic oils are
their higher price and incompatibility with certain seal
materials.
Now, synthetic-based hydraulic fluids can be classified into
the following categories:

PHOSPHATE ESTER-BASED SYNTHETIC HYDRAULIC OILS


Phosphate esters are a result of the reaction of phosphoric
acid with aromatic alcohols.
They provide numerous benefits, including excellent fire
resistance, thermal stability, and lubrication. Hydraulic
systems use them as incombustible base stocks.
Unfortunately, phosphate ester-based hydraulic fluids are
incompatible with many paints, adhesives, and sealant
materials. Another disadvantage of phosphate ester-based
synthetic hydraulic oils is their low viscosity and toxicity.

5
POLYOL ESTER-BASED SYNTHETIC HYDRAULIC FLUIDS
Polyol esters are made from the reaction of long-chain fatty
acids and synthesized alcohols. Similar to phosphate ester-
based oils, polyol ester-based synthetic hydraulic oils boast
impressive lubrication and fire resistance properties.
Polyol ester-based oils have a low pour point and impressive
flow characteristics. They are also biodegradable and eco-
friendly.

WATER-GLYCOL SYNTHETIC HYDRAULIC OILS


Water glycol synthetic hydraulic oils consist of up to 60% of
glycol and 38-45% of water. These fluids are also fire-
resistant, non-toxic, and biodegradable. Additive packages
increase their corrosion resistance, oxidation stability, and
anti-wear properties.
Synthetic hydraulic fluids with the water formulation
evaporate faster. Therefore, one of their disadvantages is
strict temperature limits. They operate in lower
temperatures, ranging from 0°C to 49°C.
Another issue is their compatibility with certain system
materials. The fluid is corrosive to zinc, cadmium, and non-
anodized aluminum. Chemical reactions with these metals
result in faster fluid degradation.

6
WHAT FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING
HYDRAULIC OILS?
As you can conclude from the hydraulic oil specifications
above, the ingredients and uses of these fluids vary. Their
selection directly impacts the overall performance of the
hydraulic system.
There are a few factors users should consider before
selecting hydraulic oil:

THE DENSITY OF HYDRAULIC OIL


The hydraulic oil density is the ratio of its mass to the volume
of space it occupies. It is expressed as grams per milliliter
(g/ml).

Density is a core property of hydraulic oils that impacts the


performance of hydraulic equipment. Hydraulic fluids with
higher density can allow contaminant suspension and
removal. That way, they enhance the hydraulic system’s
contamination control.

The density varies based on the type of hydraulic oil. For


example, mineral-based hydraulic fluid density ranges from
0.8 to 0.9 g/ml. That means these fluids float on the water.

7
HYDRAULIC OIL VISCOSITY
That is the single most significant characteristic of hydraulic
oils. Viscosity represents the resistance of these fluids to
temperature changes.

Hydraulic oil viscosity and temperature range are tightly


connected. When the temperature increases, the oil viscosity
plummets, and vice versa. Hydraulic oil viscosity is measured
in Centistokes at 40°C and 100°C.

That is why assessing the hydraulic oil viscosity index is


essential. If the fluid has a low viscosity index, temperature
changes will impact it more than highly viscous oils. Oils with
higher viscosity are thicker.

Hydraulic oil grades


ISO VG – ISO Grade (where ISO is the International Standards
Organisation) – the higher the VG number the more viscous
the fluid is. The VG number tells you which hydraulic oil is
thicker. This is sometimes referred to as the hydraulic oil
weight. At the same time, grades with a W next to them
indicate the weight (Unlike automobile engine oil which
refers to winter oil).

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AGMA Grade – American Gear Manufacturers Association –
Leaders in the standards of gear oils.

SAE – Society of Automotive Engineers

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In the UK, ISO VG is used mainly for grading hydraulic oil.
Below is a list of common hydraulic oil ISO grades and a
general guide to their applications:
• ISO 100 Hydraulic Oil – ISO VG 100 Hydraulic Fluid tends
to be used in industrial machinery with heavy loads.
• ISO 15 Hydraulic Oil – ISO VG 15 Hydraulic Fluid is
typically used in power steering and hydraulic brake
systems.
• ISO 22 Hydraulic Oil – ISO VG 22 Hydraulic Fluid is
generally used in airlines for air tools etc.
• ISO 32 Hydraulic Oil – ISO VG 32 Hydraulic Fluid is ideal
for use in high-powered machine tools.

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• ISO 46 Hydraulic Oil – ISO VG 46 Hydraulic Fluid is
normally required for industrial plant working under
high-pressure etc.
• ISO 68 Hydraulic Oil – ISO VG 68 Hydraulic Fluid is
designed for use in systems which require a large load-
carrying ability.

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