Hydraulic Fluid Quality Information

1. 1
Hydraulic Fluid Qualities
A Presentation by Quaker Chemical
© 2013 Quaker Chemical Corporation. All rights reserved.

2. Finding the Right Balance
Designers of hydraulic systems are constantly
under pressure to generate machines, accessories,
fluids, and more that improve effectiveness and
efficiency. With operating procedures reaching
higher forces, speeds and temperatures, this can
often become fairly difficult. The following
slideshow provides a list of qualities that top class
hydraulic fluids ought to include.
© 2013 Quaker Chemical Corporation. All rights reserved.

3. Viscosity
A fluid’s viscosity requirements are determined by the maximum and
minimum temperature of the system, as well as the load it will
be operating on. Viscosity is the single most important factor
when selecting a hydraulic fluid. It doesn’t matter how good
the other properties of the oil are if the viscosity grade is not
correctly matched to the operating temperature range of
the hydraulic system.
Several variables must be considered when choosing the
correct fluid viscosity grade for a hydraulic system:
»Starting Viscosity at minimum ambient temperature
»Maximum expected operating temperature
»Optimum viscosity range for the system’s components
© 2013 Quaker Chemical Corporation. All rights reserved.

4. Anti-wear
Wear is the unavoidable result of metal-to-metal contact. The
designer's goal is to minimize metal breakdown through an
additive that protects the metal. By comparison, friction is
reduced by preventing metal-to-metal contact through the
use of fluids that create a thin protective oil or additive film
between moving metal parts.
Compounds are frequently added to hydraulic fluid to reduce
wear. The pump is the critical element in any hydraulic system,
and each pump type has different requirements/regimes for wear
protection.
© 2013 Quaker Chemical Corporation. All rights reserved.

5. Rust and Oxidation Inhibitors
Rust and oxidation naturally occur when working
with practically all metals. The process is only
sped up when fluids are brought into contact with
the surfaces. To prevent this from occurring, many
hydraulic fluid types have additives that slow
oxidation considerably. These additives both
protect the metal and contain anti-oxidation
chemicals that help prolong fluid life.
© 2013 Quaker Chemical Corporation. All rights reserved.

6. Water Retention
While it is true that great amounts of excess water
can be removed from a hydraulic system by
draining your sump regularly, small amounts of
water can become entrained. To speed up the
separation of water from the hydraulic fluid,
demulsifiers should be added. To be sure you have
the right percentage, the water should be able to
leave the fluid without taking anything with it.
© 2013 Quaker Chemical Corporation. All rights reserved.

7. Fire-Resistance
Fire-resistance is important in hydraulic fluids,
especially in high-temperature or hazardous
applications. Three common types of fire-resistant
fluids are: High Water Content Fluids (HFA), Water
Glycol Fluids (HFC) and Synthetic Water Free
Fluids (HFD-U, predominantly polyol esters).
© 2013 Quaker Chemical Corporation. All rights reserved.

8. Contact Quaker Chemical
To learn more about our hydraulic fluids product line or if
you have any questions, feel free to visit quintolubric.com or
contact Quaker Chemical at info@quakerchem.com.
© 2013 Quaker Chemical Corporation. All rights reserved.