fluctuations or spikes to 85° C are
By Rob Profilet
Lubrizol Corp. not uncommon. However, when you
operate at temperatures above 85° C
for extended periods, you definitely
How well do will shorten the life of the oil because
the oxidation process is accelerated.
Every 10° C increase in temperature
you know doubles the oxidation rate and cuts the
life of the oil in half.
your What does oxidation do?
Oxidation occurs when hydrocar-
hydraulic fluid?
bon molecules are converted to car-
boxylic acids. The rate of this process
increases with higher temperatures
and the presence of certain metals,
including wear particles. Over time,
Keep your hydraulic fluid oxidation byproducts can form var-
nish, which can result in sticking
running healthy with servo valves or sludge, which can in
these tips turn clog filters and suction strainers.
In situations where oxidation is se-
vere, it is best to change the fluid im-
I n this month’s MRO, Rob
Profilet from Lubrizol Corp.
answers pertinent questions
mediately.
What types of fluids are
about how to keep your hydrau- available?
lic oil running smooth and efficiently Many different hydraulic fluids are
over a long period of time. Profilet How long should hydraulic on the market. The base fluid com-
is commercial manager of hydrau- oil last? prises about 99% of the formulation in
lics and gear oils and is located at The answer depends on many fac- most non-viscosity modified formula-
Lubrizol’s headquarters in Wickliffe, tors. Although the life of a hydraulic tions and has a great impact on the
Ohio. oil really depends on many variables, lifetime of the fluid. The base fluid,
including quality of oil, operating con- in combination with antioxidants, de-
What’s different now from ditions, and potential contamination, a termines the oxidation resistance of a
20 years ago? good quality hydraulic oil should last new, clean fluid. Hydraulic fluids are
It’s no secret demands on hydrau- at least 6 months if conditions are not tested for resistance to oxidation by
lic oil have increased in the past 20 severe. With monitoring and a good the Turbine Oil Oxidation Test ASTM
years. Systems are generally smaller, oil analysis program, the hydraulic D943. The test measures the time in
so less oil is used. Pumps have been fluid could last much longer. hours for the acid number of the fluid
tasked to produce as much or more In the simplest case, some OEMs to increase to 2.0 when exposed to
output, resulting in higher operating recommend when to drain the oil. In water, heat, and oxygen with a metal
pressures. Smaller oil volume and other situations, the answers are not catalyst present. Some OEMs or end
higher pressures result in higher oil as clear. users require that fluids last at least
temperatures. Hotter oil temperatures 1500 hours in this test. Some fluids
mean an increase in oxidation rates How do temperatures last over 5000 hours in this test.
and more thermal stress on the addi- impact oil life?
tive system. At the same time, end us- The operating temperature of an What role does
ers want to spend as little as possible application provides good informa- contamination play?
for fluid that lasts as long as possible tion about the potential life of the oil. Contamination in hydraulic fluids
and maintains a high level of protec- Fluid temperatures in most industrial is very common and can cause numer-
tion for the equipment. applications are around 60° C, and ous problems. Water, air, dirt, fuel,
0807H&P50-52.indd 50 8/28/07 9:36:41 AM
and other hydraulic oils or lubricants generation, which can lead to pump on extending the life of your oil:
can all act as forms of contamination. loss. 1. Choose a good quality hydraulic
Water contamination is very com- Dirt, metal particles, and soot are oil from a reputable lubricant manu-
mon. Used oil analysis often will common hydraulic oil contaminants. facturer who can provide good techni-
show levels of 500-1000 ppm water in Metal particles can accelerate the oxi- cal support as needed.
hydraulic fluid taken from an indus- dation process, and all of these solid 2. Monitor operating conditions.
trial application. Water is detrimental contaminants can cause abrasion or Keep the fluid clean, cool, and dry.
because it does not lubricate as well as surface fatigue on machine surfaces. Maintain filtration, and use clean lines
oil and can cause wear. In some cases, Fuel contamination introduces sev- to transfer hydraulic fluids into your
it also can react with the additive eral changes, including lower flash equipment.
system to form acids that can cause point, lower viscosity, and increased 3. Analyze your used oil. How of-
yellow metal corrosion. Of course, vapor pressure. The viscosity change ten will depend on your system. Keep
water also leads to rust of component alone creates lower film strength, a watchful eye on your system and
surfaces and can increase the rate of hampering lubrication efficiency. change the oil when oxidation and/
oxidation, decreasing the oil life. or contamination become excessive.
Air contamination also can result How can oil life be Monitor the particle counts and make
in oxidation, which can increase oil maximized? adjustments to the filtration system as
viscosity. Over time, oxidation can Operating conditions, the type of needed to keep particle counts low.
lead to varnish, a lacquer that coats fluid used, and potential sources of
surfaces and causes servo valves to contamination all can influence the For more information, e-mail
stick. Even worse, air contamination lifetime of the oil. Although there may
[email protected] or
can cause pumps to cavitate as air in not be a single answer to how long call (440) 943-4200.
the oil rapidly dissolves from heat your oil may last, here are three tips
Copyright © 2007 by Penton Media, Inc.
The Lubrizol Corporation
29400 Lakeland Blvd.
Wickliffe, Ohio 44092
www.lubrizol.com
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