Industrial Hydraulic Oil- A Basic Guide
Industrial hydraulic oil is the cornerstone of any hydraulic machine. Naturally, such machines generate sizable quantities of heat and this may lead to issues with their motors and pumps while damaging internal hydraulic system components also.
This is where an industrial hydraulic oil helps greatly in working as a transfer medium, whereby power is transferred within the machinery seamlessly. Alternatively, these fluids may also function as coolants, sealants, and even lubricants. Thus, they have multiple uses in hydraulic brakes, excavators, power steering systems, and other industrial machinery.
All such fluids come with chemical additives fused to base oils. The additives help in enhancing the overall performance of these base oils while also boosting the overall performance of the components of hydraulic systems alongside. They can also work to enhance overall foaming resistance and corrosion resistance attributes while coming with water-resistance features. A majority of systems function with several types of fluids including multi-grade engine oil, automatic transmission fluids, and other regular anti-wear oils. Which grade should you choose? This will depend on your usage and equipment type.
Choosing the right industrial hydraulic oil grade- Viscosity grade concept
The viscosity grade is often the same name as the industrial hydraulic fluid grade. This is the most essential aspect when you choose any hydraulic fluid or oil. This is the be-all and end-all since the other properties will not make a difference if the viscosity grade does not sync with the system’s operational temperature range. Choosing the wrong grade will mean that your hydraulic system components become vulnerable to degradation or quick damage.
How to choose the right industrial hydraulic oil grade?
How can you choose the best possible industrial hydraulic oil grade? Here are some pointers that you should keep in mind:
- The starting viscosity that happens at the minimum ambient temperature.
- The expected maximum operating temperature is determined by the maximum ambient temperature.
- The optimum and permissible viscosity range for the components of a hydraulic system.
Here are the average values for viscosity requirements at permissible and optimum levels for specific components:
| Component Type | Minimum Permissible Viscosity (cSt) | Minimum Optimum Viscosity (cSt) |
| Axial Pistons | 10 | 16 |
| External Gears | 10 | 25 |
| Internal Gears | 20 | 25 |
| Vanes | 25 | 25 |
| Radial Pistons | 18 | 30 |
When is multi-grade industrial hydraulic oil necessary?
In case your hydraulic oil has to function at freezing or chilly temperatures or even in tropical conditions during summer, then multi-grade industrial hydraulic oil will be a necessity for you. This will help maintain proper viscosity levels with permissible restrictions throughout a diverse spectrum of operating temperature ranges. If the viscosity of the fluid can be upheld throughout the optimal range, which is usually between 25-36 centistokes, then the total hydraulic system’s efficiency will naturally get a massive boost.
This will mean that in specific circumstances, the usage of these types of oils will lead to lower consumption of power for the system in question. This will mean lower consumption of fuel for any mobile hydraulic machinery as well. However, the VI or viscosity index should be carefully scrutinized, especially while dealing with mobile equipment which may have a smaller reservoir.
Turbulent flow and high shear rates may lead to scenarios where the molecular bonds are destroyed. When you choose, ensure that the minimum permissible viscosity values of the manufacturer are scaled up a minimum of 30% for making up for this aspect.
When is mono-grade hydraulic oil necessary?
You should use mono-grade industrial hydraulic oil in case of any system with a narrower range of operating temperature and also for maintenance of the optimal levels of fluid viscosity. These are situations where you should use a mono-grade option instead of multi-grade oil.
Where to find the best industrial hydraulic oil?
You can check out the diverse product line-up available at L&T-SuFin. There are oils, fluids, and products in almost every crucial category, ranging from construction to equipment and electrical. You can also get finance and logistics support with your purchases here. Read more on the available oil options along with other aspects while buying.