Table of Content:
Difference between the two types of hydraulic oils
How do hydraulic systems function?
Industries where these oils are used
Properties of hydraulic fluids
They deal with the heat issue of hydraulic machines
The incompressible nature of these oils
The importance of the viscosity of these liquids
Have you ever felt pressurized to choose the right hydraulic oil for the machines that you are using? In that case, you would also know that there is an abundance of information out there in this context in books and on the internet. Well, this sheer volume of information can prove to be too much for you. This is why we have tried to present that information to you in a manner that is easy for everyone to follow. We will try to tell you all that you need to know regarding these oils.
What is hydraulic oil?
This type of oil can be described as a non-compressible fluid that can be used to transfer power within hydraulic equipment and machines. Hydraulic oil is also referred to as hydraulic fluid. These oils are generally of two kinds – mineral or synthetic-based. Even though this useful liquid is normally used to transfer power it can also act as a sealant, a lubricant, and a coolant within equipment and machines.
Difference between the two types of hydraulic oils
Most hydraulic oils are either synthetic or mineral based. Mineral-based oils are derived from fractions of crude oil while synthetic oils are made by using base fluids that are produced chemically. Synthetic hydraulic oil can be created in such a way that it imparts superior physical properties compared to mineral oils. For example, they can provide you with high-temperature performance, oxidation stability, and biodegradability.
How do hydraulic systems function?
The most important role of these oils in these systems is to transfer power from one end of these systems to another end by using different hydraulic components. When you apply an external force to such non-compressible fluid from a piston within the cylinder the oil gets pushed through the system and in the end produces a force on another part of the system. This part is also known as the target end. This leads to massive action or movement in hydraulic oil. This output is then used to achieve the result and drive performance.
When you apply force to the object it may produce compression. The best thing about these oils is that they are non-compressible. This means that the fluid or liquid cannot be compressed at all. By and large, all liquids can be compressed to some degree but with these oils, it comes to nil. Gases can also be compressed, and this is why they cannot be used in hydraulic systems.
Industries where these oils are used
We have already mentioned some uses of hydraulic oil. Apart from that they are used in a wide range of industries because of the huge array of benefits that they provide. They are used in forklift trucks and stackers to power the forks so that they can lift heavy goods. In the case of wood or log splitters, they are used to power the ram mechanism of those machines. As far as agricultural vehicles and machines they are used to operate hydraulic brakes and systems such as boom arms.
Properties of hydraulic fluids
The characteristics and properties of hydraulic oil are vital components in how capable your hydraulic system is when it comes to working within the operating conditions where you want to use it. This is especially true of oils being used for commercial or industrial purposes. So, the following are some desirable traits of such oil:
- It must be non-compressible.
- It must be thermally stable within your preferred operating temperature range.
- It must resist fire.
- It must not corrode the system you are using it in
- It must not wear the system down.
They deal with the heat issue of hydraulic machines
This is a great quality of hydraulic oil. Hydraulic machines produce a lot of extra heat even during normal operation. This often happens because of issues with the components themselves such as motors and pumps. If you do not have a way to carry heat away from such components, they might overheat rather easily, and this can damage the internal components & seals. This is especially when the local viscosity is low. When the oil returns to the reservoir it passes through a cooler that helps maintain an optimal temperature range.
The incompressible nature of these oils
This is a sterling aspect of hydraulic oil. Thanks to this quality they do not change their density even when they are put under pressure, and this is why they are referred to as incompressible fluids. Since they do not compress these forces are transmitted via the fluid with only minimal loss. Both these oils and water are incompressible but hydraulic oils are used because they also possess the quality of lubricity to help with the sliding of major components, reducing corrosion, and sealing. This property lets them be pumped into cylinders.
The importance of the viscosity of these liquids
When it comes to hydraulic oil physical properties such as density and specific gravity are important for its use and composition. However, when you think of the design and system compatibility of these oils their viscosity becomes the key factor. To put it simply, viscosity is the resistance of a fluid to flow. In these cases, the viscosity class is identified using VG numbers. The higher the class number the more suitable it is for extreme outdoor usage. There are five main classes here:
- VG 2
- VG 10
- VG 32
- VG 150
- VG 1500
Conclusion
We have already talked about mineral-based and synthetic-based hydraulic fluids. Apart from that you have several other variations of hydraulic oil – low-temperature fluid, bio-based fluids, and AW (anti-wear) hydraulic fluids. The low-temperature hydraulic fluids have ash-less technology that provides them with extended life and protects them from wear. Bio-based hydraulic fluids are readily biodegradable and can be used safely in ISO (International Organization for Standardization) 46 hydraulic systems. AW, hydraulic fluids are made using petroleum-based fluids. They also commonly contain zinc, an additive that prevents wear and tear, and also protects the hydraulic pump where the fluid is being used.
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What Makes Up a Great Hydraulic Oil & How to Buy One
What Are The Different Ways That Hydraulic Fluid Can Be Used?
