Four Most Common Hydraulic Fluids that Reign the Industrial Sector

Hydraulic fluids are the major reason behind the smoothness of hydraulic systems. Earlier water was used as the original fluid with the traditional cast iron component hydraulic systems. However, it was soon found that it has some major flaws. For instance, it would freeze as soon as the temperature drop. Where on the other hand, it would evaporate with hot climatic conditions. Although water is still used in various scenarios and applications, it will usually be emulsified with oil.

Apart from these, there are various other hydraulic fluids that are used for industrial purposes. Following are a few most commonly used hydraulic fluids-

Mineral oils – These days, refining mineral oil is used to make most typical hydraulic fluids. The purpose of using mineral oil is that it can usually handle extreme temperatures. But at the same time, these fluids suffer due to low flashpoint.

Mineral oils, furthermore, are formed as a result of refining crude oil. Their quality is further improved by adding certain materials. The non-inhibited refined mineral oil is categorized as HH. Whereas, HL has additives that make it anti-corrosion and anti-rust. HM, on the other hand, is a type that has additives for anti-wear along with the additives of the HL type.

Fire-resistant hydraulic fluids – For some cases, hydraulic fluids are made fire-resistant, manufactured from a variety of different materials combined together. In cases where there is are fire risks, these fire-resistant fluids are naturally used. Fire-resistant fluids, furthermore, have different types, including HFAE, HFAB, HRAS, HFC, and others. HFAE is basically oil in water emulsion, whereas, HFAB is a solution of 40% water in oil emulsion. HRAS, furthermore, is a chemical solution in water and HFC is a water polymer solution with water glycol.

Water/oil emulsions – The major substance here is oil which is used for around 60%. Chemicals are used to mix the water with the oil. During the contact between the fluid and a hot surface, the water would be vaporized thereby preventing the fire. In addition, the mixture also provides good lubrication properties.

Phosphate Esters or HFDR- These fluids are fire resistant and therefore do not ignite unless they reach an extremely higher temperature. However, the main problem is with this its tendency to be chemically active, owing to which it strips paint and destroys rubber. This, in turn, makes it necessary to apply certain shields to withstand the chemical action. Moreover, this fluid is also quite expensive.

The growing industrialization is increasing the demand for hydraulic fluids. And the market is expected to witness an elevation in the coming years. According to a report published by Allied Market Research, the hydraulic fluids market is anticipated to hit $12.4 billion by 2027. The growth in the automotive and sales sector and surge in popularity of mineral hydraulic fluids among consumers are the major reasons proliferating the market. But at the same time, the fluctuations in the cost of raw materials are coming out to hamper the market to a certain extent. Moreover, the manufacturing of bio-based hydraulic oil and further developments are expected to present an array of opportunities for the market players in the near future.

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