Search Results

Although considerable research has been performed to quantitatively compare the relative fire-resistance afforded by different hydraulic fluids in various industrial applications, new standards reflecting these developments is still incomplete. The objective of this paper is to provide an overview of the classical tests that have, and are currently, used to quantify relative fire safety of fluids. This will be complemented by a discussion of recent test developments that could be incorporated into future standards.

Thickened water-glycol hydraulic fluids, which are generally suitable for use at system pressures of < 34.5 MPa have been used by the fluid power industry for over forty years. The principle reason for the use of this class of fluids is their outstanding fire safety properties. However, when higher system pressures are encountered and fire safety is required, a polyol ester or phosphate ester based fluid is usually selected. Recently, a proprietary, thickened water-glycol based fluid has been developed for use at system pressures of up to 34.5 MPa. The fire safety and performance testing results of this fluid will be described in this paper.