How to select the adapted hydraulic oil?
All quality hydraulic fluids must be capable of fulfilling the following functions:
- Transmit power: transfer of a kinetic or potential energy (movement or pressure)
- Lubricate and protect: protection against wear on surfaces in contact
In order to best fulfil these functions, a hydraulic fluid must have a certain number of properties, summarised below:
- right viscosity and little variation in viscosity in relation to temperature
- low compressibility (rapid deaeration and low foaming)
The viscosity grade has to be chosen depending on the in-service temperature. Actually, the in-service lubricant has to maintain a viscosity higher than 10-15 cts in order to lubricate the pump. OEM’s recommendations have to be followed.