液压专业英语教程4.docVIP

Unit 4 Hydraulic Fluids In hydraulics, hyraulic fluids are usually divided into three categories—petroleum-base fluids , synthetic fluids ,and water. The first two fluids are used in “packaged-power devices.” Water is generally used as the hydraulic fluid in central hydraulic systems. The function of a good hydraulic fluid is threefold :(1) it is a means of transmission of fluid power ;(2) it is a means of lubrication of the fluid power system; and (3) it acts as a sealant. The selection of the proper hydraulic fluid is important, as it has a direct bearing on the efficiency of the hydraulic system, on the cost of maintenance, and on the service life of the system’s components. PETROLEUM-BASE FLUIDS Three basic types of mineral oils are used: (1) Pennsylvania, or paraffin-base oils; (2) Gulf Coast, or naphthenic and asphaltic-base oils ; and (3) Mid-Continent, or mixed-base oils. These contain both naphthenic and paraffin compounds. To obtain certain characteristics, chemicals are added to an oil. These chemicals are called additives. Additives cannot make an inferior oil perform as well as a good oil, but they can make a good oil perform even better . An additive may be in the form of an antifoam agent , a rust inhibitor, a film-strengthening agent, or and oxidation stabilizer. The user should not attempt to place additives in a hydraulic oil. That job is primarily for the oil manufacturer or refiner. SYNTHETIC-BASE FLUIDS Sine fire hazards are prevalent around certain types of hydraulically operated machines, especially where open fires are present, much research has been done to develop fire-resistant hydraulic fluids. These fluids are divided into two classifications synthetic-base mixtures and water-base fluids. Not all synthetic-base fluids are resistant. Synthetic-base fluids include chemical compounds, such as the chlorinated biphenyls, phosphate esters, or mixtures containing each. These hydraulic fluids are fire resistant, because a large percentage of pho