Anti-Wear Synthetic
Hydraulic Oil
TBI ISO 32/46
Biodegradable Hydraulic Oil
Hydraulic Oil Comparisons
One term that can be used to
characterize hydraulic lubricants is
variety. Hydraulic oils are sold by
virtually every oil company and
encompass a wide range of viscosities
and performance characteristics. There
is also a broad range of hydraulic oil
quality in the market-place. Some
hydraulic oils are actually sold
wholesale at less then $l per gallon,
while certain specialty fluids can
command prices of $60 or more.
Hydraulic oils are used in a wide range
of applications and in demanding
environments, including beneath the sea
and outer space. They are used in
virtually events industrial and
agricultural field from manufacturing
and farming to mining. All of these
lubricants require different performance
characteristics.
The
most commonly used hydraulic oils are
anti-wear (AW) and rust and oxidation
inhibited (R & O) oils. There are also
biodegradable hydraulic oils that are
used in more sensitive areas, as well as
fire-resistant hydraulic oils that are
used where there is a fire safety issue.
High
performance hydraulic-oils are usually
PAO-based synthetic oils such as the
AMSOIL AW Series and RC Series or
the global SHC 500 Series oils. These
oils are characterized by a wide
operating temperature range, and in the
case of the AMSOIL products, very
high wear resistance as is evidenced by
independent testing results. These oils
are designed to last several times
longer and operate in much higher
temperatures than conventional mineral
hydraulic oils.
Biodegradable hydraulic oils are made
using a vegetable base such as rapeseed
or synthetic esters. Rapeseed type oils
such as Texaco's Biostar®: have a much
shorter useful life when compared to
synthetic biodegradables such as
AMSOIL TBI, which may last up to 10
times longer.
Fire-resistant fluids are also being
marketed such as Mobil Pyrogard 53, a
synthetic phosphate ester with a flash
point of 243 degrees C or 470 degrees F.
Note, however, that AMSOIL AWH
(1SO-32) has a flash point of 244
degrees C or 471 degrees F.
On the
lower end of the hydraulic oil spectrum
are mineral oils made with paraffin base
oils. These oils are not designed for
long life and usually have a minimal
additive package. These are typically
used in systems that have a lot of leaks
and can often be found in mining and
agricultural applications.
Other
mineral hydraulic oils use naphthenic
base stocks and have an improved
additive system for slightly longer life
and better protection.
Synthetic hydraulic oil should be
considered as a replacement for
mineral-based hydraulic oil due to its
higher operating temperature
capabilities, reduced wear and increased
lubricant life. |
