Hydraulic Oil. Don’t forget to lubrucate!

A hydraulic oil expert provides some guidance

Hydraulic oils are the most important component of any hydraulic system and play an important role in ensuring the functioning of the equipment. They prevent premature wear of parts and contribute to the normal operation of machines at various humidity and ambient temperatures.

Hydraulic systems are used in metallurgy and energy, in metalworking and the production of plastic products, in handling and woodworking equipment, in construction, manufacturing, agricultural machinery, automotive, etc. They are used in the processing of scrap metal, waste paper and solid household waste.

Main functions of the hydraulic fluid:

Power transmission is the main purpose of using hydraulic fluid. Efficient transmission of hydraulic power requires a fluid that does not compress and flows easily in the hydraulic circuit.

Lubrication – Equipment used in hydraulic systems is typically manufactured with high precision and all moving parts must be properly lubricated to minimize friction and wear.

Protection – the system must be protected against corrosion.

Cooling – the fluid must dissipate any heat generated in the hydraulic system.

Ability to withstand the conditions that exist in the system – The hydraulic fluid must be resistant to heat and oxidation and must not degrade to form deposits and sludge.

The fluid must have hydrolytic stability and also quickly separate water and be easily filtered to remove solid impurities.

Types of hydraulic oils by application

Industrial. Designed for the operation of industrial equipment, automatic lines, road construction equipment, other machines and mechanisms used in conditions of medium and low loads in normal thermal conditions. It is a hydraulic base oil with a minimum of additives.

Fireproof. It is used in metallurgy and other industries where the operation of mechanisms occurs at high temperatures. At the same time, the oil must retain its performance characteristics, not decompose with the formation of deposits and not cause corrosion of metals. To ensure the required characteristics, special additives are used.

Arctic. It is used in the hydraulics of equipment that is operated in the North. This oil must retain all basic properties at sharply negative temperatures (down to -60 ° C) in order to ensure a cold start of equipment without preheating. Moreover, this hydraulic oil is multigrade and can be used in regions with moderate climatic conditions without seasonal changes.

Oil quality physicochemical indicators.

The viscosity index is used as a universal indicator characterizing the main physicochemical indicators of oils.

Viscosity index is a relative dimensionless value that characterizes the degree of viscosity change depending on temperature. It is calculated or found according to tables and nomograms depending on the values ​​of the kinematic viscosity at 40 ° C and 100 ° C.

According to the viscosity index, oils are divided into:

• low-index (<80);

• average index (= 80-90);

• high-index (= 90-100 and higher).

The higher the viscosity index, the better the quality of the oil, the less the viscosity depends on temperature changes. Most petroleum (mineral) base oils have a viscosity index of 0 to 100, and thickened multigrade oils have a viscosity index of more than 100.

All of these factors must comply with DIN 51524, ISO standards.