Development and Application of Advanced Emulsion Hydraulic Fluids

The attendant hazards associated with the transmission of power in high fire risk environments necessitated the introduction of fire-resistant hydraulic fluids. Early water-based fluids, although fire-resistant, were generally of poor stability or lubricity, limiting the extent to which they could be applied. Advanced emulsion-based hydraulic fluids have now been developed which combine good fire resistance with good stability and lubrication performance.

This paper discusses the requirements for emulsion-based fire-resistant hydraulic fluids, the development of advanced fluids, and the field performance of such fluids.