Novel Polyalkylene Glycol-Based Hydraulic Fluids

摘要

Most hydraulic equipment in operation today uses hydrocarbon-based lubricants. However, there are some applications and industries where the use of petroleum oils is often unacceptable. These can include industries where fire safety is critical, such as steel and aluminum processing, aerospace and mining. There are also increasing requirements for fluids with better environmental properties, such as in the construction and agriculture industries, where biodegradable and renewable fluids are preferred.1 In environments with potential ignition sources, hydrocarbon oils present a serious fire risk, and hence fire-resistant fluids are preferred and sometimes mandated. In industries such as mining, steel processing and aluminum die-casting, hot metal, open flames and sparks are all potential ignition sources. Even small leaks of a hydraulic fluid from a ruptured hose can have catastrophic consequences if fire-resistant fluids are not used. There are many examples of industry incidents where severe equipment damage and even loss of human life has occurred.