Selecting The Correct Hydraulic Oil - Hydraulics & Pneumatics

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NEWS
Selecting the Correct

Hydraulic Oil
Jan 18th, 2020
Pump type, viscosity index, and operating
temperatures are among the key factors.
R. David Whitby
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Hydraulic systems used to transmit power
H efficiently over relatively short distances are
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In complex and precise machines. Using the right
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hydraulic fluid is essential to achieving the optimum
performance and lifetime from the system. But how do
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you know which is the correct fluid to use?
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Unfortunately many applications for hydraulic
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20 equipment are different and there are many
N
Pr differences between hydraulic systems, so choosing
the right fluid is not easy. In addition to the type of
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Co equipment, the severity of the duty cycle and the
Co operating temperature range are important factors.
Ju
20 The first selection criterion is the type of pump. Vane
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Pr pumps provide a steady fluid flow but can suffer high
rates of wear between the vanes and the cam ring if a
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W suitable antiwear oil is not used. Piston pumps are
G more durable and can produce much higher operating
Ju pressures but are relatively complex and expensive.
20
N Gear pumps are less expensive, easier to lubricate, and
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can cope with higher amounts of contamination, but
H are the least efficient and can only provide relatively
In low pressures.
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Ju Hydraulic equipment used indoors under normal

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service conditions generally use a conventional
H antiwear hydraulic oil with the appropriate viscosity.
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The most commonly used viscosities are ISO 32, 46, or
68, since these are able to lubricate and protect the
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Co system under the normal range of operating
temperatures. Fluid viscosity should be low enough to
optimize energy efficiency and fluid flow while high
enough to minimize wear and optimize servo-valve
operation. The viscosity should ideally be between 160
and 13 cSt over the operating temperature range, as
many equipment manufacturers recommend this

range of viscosity for full-load operations.
Hydraulic equipment used outdoors—the majority of

hydraulic systems—have different challenges. These
systems tend to have higher pressures, more severe
duty cycles, and more extreme operating
temperatures, in addition to having to cope with
water, dust, and dirt. The hydraulic fluid needs to
function well at low temperatures for easy start-up
during winter while maintaining sufficient viscosity at
high temperatures to protect during severe duty or in
the summer.
The ideal hydraulic fluids for these applications have a

higher viscosity index (VI) than a conventional
antiwear fluid, much like a multigrade engine oil.
Conventional hydraulic fluids generally have a VI of
around 100. By comparison, a multigrade hydraulic
fluid should have a VI of at least 140. There are fluids
with a VI higher than 200 for use in temperature
extremes where the viscosity must remain steady.
Antiwear Fluid Benefits
There are several benefits of using a good-quality,

high-VI antiwear fluid, including maintaining a more
consistent viscosity as temperature changes so the
system continues to perform properly; having
improved cold-weather operation so the equipment
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experiences fewer problems with cavitation,
sluggishness, drift or shudder; and maintaining
viscosity at high temperatures to protect system
components and maintain overall efficiency. These
fluids also provide greater mechanical and volumetric

effectiveness, which improves energy efficiency and
reduces fuel consumption and can be used year-round
without needing to be changed.
Most hydraulic fluids are based on good-quality

mineral oils, containing appropriate antiwear,
oxidation and corrosion inhibition, antifoam and, if
required, VI-improving additives. Synthetic oils may
provide better oxidation stability but are significantly
more expensive.
Occasionally special applications require special

hydraulic fluids. Environmentally sensitive
applications (forestry, agriculture, horticulture) may
need to use biodegradable hydraulic oils: vegetable oil
based for low pressures and temperatures or synthetic
esters for higher pressures and temperatures. Where
there are fire or explosion hazards (underground coal
mines, steel works, glass-making), fire-resistant fluids
are likely to be required: water-based fluids for low
pressures and temperatures or phosphate esters for
higher pressures and temperatures. Finally it is very
important to follow hydraulic equipment
manufacturers’ or major users’ specifications or
recommendations.
When choosing a hydraulic fluid, ask the supplier

if it is approved or recommended by the equipment
manufacturer. Also ask for performance information
against the international or national specifications.
The fluid should be delivered clean and water-free so
it will perform at its best. It’s very important to
conduct used oil analysis as recommended by the

supplier to determine when the oil may need
maintenance or replacing.
David Whitby is chief executive of Pathmaster

Marketing Ltd. in Surrey, England. You can reach
him [email protected]. This
article first appeared in Tribology & Lubrication
Technology (TLT), the monthly magazine of the
Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers, an
international not-for-profit professional society
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FLUID POWER HYDRAULIC HYDRAULIC PUMPS & CYLINDERS & DATA

LATEST FROM NEWS

Selecting the Correct

Ju Hydraulic equipment used indoors under normal

many equipment manufacturers recommend this

Hydraulic equipment used outdoors—the majority of

The ideal hydraulic fluids for these applications have a

Antiwear Fluid Benefits

There are several benefits of using a good-quality,

fluids also provide greater mechanical and volumetric

Most hydraulic fluids are based on good-quality

Occasionally special applications require special

When choosing a hydraulic fluid, ask the supplier

conduct used oil analysis as recommended by the

David Whitby is chief executive of Pathmaster

VOICE YOUR OPINION!

This site requires you to register or login to post a comment.

By submitting this form and personal information, you understand and

As part of our services, you agree to receive magazines, e-newsletters and

You can unsubscribe from our communications at any time by emailing

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