Hydraulic systems are power-transmitting systems that function by utilising pressurized liquid as a fluid for transmitting energy to produce movement. Hydraulics are one of the most efficient ways to create movement of loads on a repeatable basis. There are many examples of hydraulic systems in everyday life which include in vehicles and many industrial applications.

The majority of hydraulic systems utilise mineral hydraulic oil as a fluid of choice due to its relatively low cost and efficiency as a hydraulic fluid. However, there are many hydraulic applications in “hot” systems (such as industrial furnaces, steel making and industrial ovens) where hot material is processed, and ignition sources are plentiful. These environments carry a high risk of fire and require specialised fire-resistant hydraulic fluid.

To this end Quaker Houghton have developed the QUINTOLUBRIC and HOUGHTO-SAFE ranges of fire-resistant hydraulic fluids. These fluids are classified as HFC, the HOUGHTO-SAFE range, and HFDu, the QUINTOLUBRIC range of products.

HFC fluids are water glycol-based fluids and are the most widely used fire resistant hydraulic fluids in the market. The advantages of these fluids can be summarised as follows:

• Cost effective – price is comparable to mineral oil
• Excellent fire resistance – presence of water
• Good lubrication properties – presence of glycol
• Compatible with water – environmental benefit

Considerations with HFC fluids:

• Continual Maintenance – water can evaporate
• Possible component damage – corrosion and cavitation can occur

HFDu fluids are arguably the best fire-resistant alternative to mineral oil. These fluids are based on synthetic, organic ester technology with selected additives. They do not contain water, mineral oil or phosphate ester and the advantages of these fluids can be summarised as follows:

• Fire resistance – self-extinguishing flame
• Excellent lubrication – esters offers unparallel lubricity
• Miscible with mineral oil
• Enhanced system reliability
• Long service life
• Low system maintenance – identical components to mineral oil
• Environmentally friendly – esters are organic
• Approved by insurance – Factory Mutual approved

Considerations with HFDu fluids:

• Initial fluid investment is higher than mineral oil and HFC fluids

Both classes of fluids provide many different benefits to the end user. The decision is based on what is best for the application. The priority whether fire resistance, environmental impact, thermal stability, maintenance, or system reliability needs to be decided upon. The fluid that offers the lowest total cost of ownership needs to be selected for the application.

Watch the following video to realise how quickly accidents can happen. Keep your employees and business safe with Fire Resistant Hydraulic Oils.