Properties of Fluids

Introduction
The single most important material in a hydraulic system is the working fluid itself. Hydraulic fluid characteristics have a crucial effect on equipment performance and life. It is important to use a clean, high-quality fluid in order to achieve efficient hydraulic system operation.

Primary functions of a hydraulic fluid

To transmit power To lubricate moving parts To seal clearances between mating parts To dissipate heat

Required properties of Hydraulic fluids

Good lubricity Ideal viscosity Chemical and environmental stability Compatibility with system materials High degree of incompressibility Fire resistance Good heat transfer capability Low density Foam resistance Non toxicity Low volatility Inexpensive Ready availability

Viscosity Index
Relative measure of change in viscosity with respect to temperature change. Viscosity index is computed by

where L Viscosity in SUS of 0 VI oil at 100oF(or) 38oC U Viscosity in SUS of unknown VI oil at 100oF(or) 38oC H Viscosity in SUS of 100 VI oil at 100oF(or) 38oC SUS (or) SSU Saybolt Universal Seconds (SUS)

Viscosity Index
Relationship between Viscosity in SUS and cS
, t 100 SUS

, t >100 SUS

cS Centistokes cP - Centipoises

Properties of fluids
Oxidation stability Demulsibility ability to separate rapidly from moisture and successfully resist emulsification. Lubricity Rust prevention Pour point temperature at which an oil will congeal Flash point temperature at which a liquid gives off vapour in sufficient quantity to ignite momentarily or when a flame is applied Fire point the minimum temperature at which the hydraulic fluid will catch fire and continue burning. Neutralization number measure of acidity or alkalinity of a hydraulic fluid.

Exercises
A 8 litre sample of oil is compressed in a cylinder until its pressure increases from 0.7MPa to 2.7MPa. If the bulk modulus equals 80MPa, find the change in the volume of oil. [Ans. -0.002m3] An oil has a viscosity of 80SSU at 38oC. Find the corresponding viscosity in cP. The specific gravity of oil is 0.9. [Ans. 0.014 Ns/m2 (or) 14 cP] A sample oil is tested with a 0 VI oil and a 100 VI oil whose viscosity values at 38oC are 400 and 150 SSU respectively. If the viscosity of the sample oil at 38oC is 220 SSU, what is the VI of sample oil? [Ans. 80 VI]