Hydraulic oil is a fluid lubricant which is used in hydraulic systems for transmitting force and power. Hydraulic oil is formulated from high quality base oils and a balanced additive system that satisfies a variety of hydraulic equipment requirements. Hydraulic oil using an effective balance of metallic detergents combined with inhibitors helps to control oxidation, wear, corrosion, and rusting of hydraulic system.
Uses of Hydraulic Oils
The hydraulic oils have multitude of applications and usage. They increase the component life reducing downtime and are compatible with other engine oils used in hydraulic applications. They are good in hydraulic systems that encounter wide ambient temperatures, systems containing gears and bearings with anti-wear properties and industries including: agriculture, construction, trucking, mining and quarrying.
Hydraulic Oil Properties
The following properties are important for hydraulic oils:
» Low temperature sensitivity of viscosity
» Thermal stability
» Chemical stability
» Low compressibility
» Good lubrication
» Hydrolitic stability. That is the oil should have the ability to retain properties in the high humidity environment.
» Low pour point
» Water emulsifying ability
» Filterability
» Rust protection
» Oxidation protection
» Low flash point
» Cavitation resistance
» Low foaming
» Compatibility with sealant materials
Check out our article
Hydraulic Oils: Types and Suitability to know more about the types of hydraulic oils used in hydraulic system.
Hydraulic Oil Maintenance
The hydraulic oil should be kept clean ensuring good filtration and
prevention of external as well as in-house impurities. The care of
hydraulic oils starts before they are used into the system. The
following points need to be kept into mind:
»The oil barrels during need to be kept horizontal to prevent
water or other contaminants from collecting.
»The gasket inside the bung should be kept wet for an effective
use as an airtight seal.
»The oil inside the barrel can get contaminated by ingress of
airborne moisture or rust formation inside the barrel wall in the
air space above the fluid. The oil from barrel needs to be
pre-filtered before it is put to use in the system.
Change of Oil
When oil changes are effected, the system has to be thoroughly flushed
to remove the old oxidised oil; partially oxidised oil is an effective
catalyst for the oxidation of fresh oils. Flushing is done with same oil
or with flushing oil at 40°-50°C and should be continued till
the filter is seen without any trace of contaminants.
Know more about oil cleanliness in our article
Oil-cleanliness has a major effect on wear within equipment. 