The word "fluid" refers to something that flows and can describe a gas or a liquid. A hydraulic system is the transmission of power by means of a liquid. While hydraulic fluid's most important function is power transmission, it has four other important functions: lubrication, sealing, contaminant removal, and heat transfer. A hydraulic system has components with close moving parts. The hydraulic fluid is used to lubricate the rotating or sliding surfaces. The fluid also functions as a seal within the components to minimize internal leakage. Microscopic particles are continually being generated within the system as surfaces move past each other. If these particles are not removed, they will generate even more particles. The hydraulic fluid carries these particles away to the filtration system for removal. Heat that is generated by the inefficiencies of the system must also be carried away to where it can be removed (see figure 1).
展开▼
