FIRE RESISTANT

HYDRAULIC
By PRASAD FLUIDS
SANAP
15OIL1016
 What is a fire-resistant fluid?

Fire-resistant hydraulic fluids are

specially formulated lubricants that

are more difficult to ignite and do not

propagate a flame from an ignition

source. Fire resistant should not be

confused with fire proof, as fire

 TYPES OF FIRE RESISTANT
FLUIDS

OIL & WATER EMULSIONS

WATER POLYMER SOLUTIONS

ANHYDROUS SYNTHETICS
CLASSIFICATION BY INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS
ORGANIZATION
HFAE Oil-in-water emulsions, typically with more than 80% water
content

HFAS
Synthetic aqueous fluids, typically with more than 80% water
content

HFB Water-in-oil emulsions, typically with more than 40% water

content

HFC
Water polymer solutions, typically with more than 35% water
content (also known as glycol solutions).

HFDR synthetic anhydrous fluids composed of phosphate esters

HFDU
synthetic anhydrous fluids other than phosphate esters.
Examples include polyol esters and polyalkalene glycols
 Summary of fire-resistant categories and applicable
operating temperatures
WATER
ANHYDROUS
BASED
VISCOSITY
COMPARISON IN
mm2/sec
 Need for Fire Resistance

• A typical petroleum based hydraulic fluid has flash point that range from 150 to 315 degrees
Celsius and an auto ignition temperature of 260 to 400 degrees Celsius.
• However, when hydraulic fluid is accidentally discharged under high pressure an easily
ignited fine oil mist is sprayed over the surrounding area.
• When the mist reaches an ignition source the result can be a torch-like ball of fire.

Possible hazardous situations

• Any evidence of hydraulic oil leakage at the surface of a flexible hose or its junction with the
metal and couplings
• Any blistering or abnormal deformation to the outer covering of a hydraulic hose
• Hydraulic oil leakage at any threaded or clamped joint that cannot be eliminated by normal
tightening or recommended procedures; and/or
• Evidence of excessive abrasion or scrubbing on the outer surface of a hose, rigid tube, or
hydraulic fitting.
 Mechanism of Fire Resistance

• A typical petroleum based hydraulic fluid has flash point that range from 150 to 315 degrees
Celsius and an auto ignition temperature of 260 to 400 degrees Celsius.
• However, when hydraulic fluid is accidentally discharged under high pressure an easily
ignited fine oil mist is sprayed over the surrounding area.
• When the mist reaches an ignition source the result can be a torch-like ball of fire.

Possible hazardous situations

• Any evidence of hydraulic oil leakage at the surface of a flexible hose or its junction with the
metal and couplings
• Any blistering or abnormal deformation to the outer covering of a hydraulic hose
• Hydraulic oil leakage at any threaded or clamped joint that cannot be eliminated by normal
tightening or recommended procedures; and/or
• Evidence of excessive abrasion or scrubbing on the outer surface of a hose, rigid tube, or
hydraulic fitting.
 WATER GLYCOL

• It has water and glycol in the ratio of 1:1.

• This fluid has excellent low temperature properties and good viscosity
temperature behavior, with normal operating temperatures of 120°F-130°F
(49°C to 54°C).
• Operating temperatures above 150°F (65.5°C) can cause water evaporation
from the solution, which increases the viscosity and decreases the fire
resistance of the fluid.
• However, it is very good for low-temperature applications as it possesses
high antifreeze characteristics
• To ensure proper water content, and corrosion protection, fluid must be
monitored on a regular basis in close tolerance systems.
• Seals, hoses, and packing designed for use with petroleum fluids can be
easily adapted for use with water glycol.
• Performance considerations may require derating a system pumps
maximum allowable pressure.
 WATER IN OIL EMULSIONS

• This fluid has poor low temperature properties because the dispersed
water phase can freeze, and in some products irreversibly destroy the
emulsion stability (although some products can contain antifreeze
additives).
• Normal operating temperature ranges from 120°F - 130°F (49°C - 54°C).
Operating temperatures above 150°F (65.5°C) can cause water
evaporation from the solution, which increases the viscosity and
decreases the fire resistance of the fluid.
• These fluids are compatible with most seals and gaskets, and with hoses
designed for use with petroleum fluids.
• Performance considerations may require derating a system pumps
maximum allowable pressure and speed, and in some cases changing
the type of pump.
 OIL IN WATER EMULSIONS

• This emulsion has water as the main phase, while small droplets of oil
are dispersed in it.
• Generally, the oil dilution is limited, about 5%; hence, it exhibits the
characteristics of water.
• Its limitations are poor viscosity, leading to leakage problems, loss in
volumetric efficiency and poor lubrication properties.
• These problems can be overcome to a greater extent by using certain
additives. Such emulsions are used in high-displacement, low-speed
pumps (such as in mining applications).
 POLY ESTER

• Most of these fluids have an operational temperature limit of 175°F, but

some can be used at temperatures above 200°F.
• It is suitable for high-temperature applications, since it exhibits good
viscosity and lubrication characteristics. It is not suitable for low-
temperature applications.
• They are easily adaptable to hydraulic systems designed originally for
oil based fluid, especially since pump derating is not required, and
lubrication is comparable to oil based fluid. Temperature/viscosity
behavior is not compromised by use.
• Compatible with seals, gaskets, and hoses made from nitrile and
fluorocarbon.