Machinery Lubrication magazine published by Noria Corporation
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/136253
HYDRAULICS By F rancesc A lomar Belmonte , L ubrizol Solutions for Technology Clean Hydraulic H OIL Needs Hydraulic equipment owners and operators expect superior performance from their investment. When it comes to their business, they are looking for the three "E"s: economy, efficiency and environment. As regulatory requirements increase and equipment design changes, hydraulic oil technology must continue to evolve to keep pace. Developing the right additive technology to meet the industry's changing needs requires additive suppliers to take into account all the variables — from the expectations for modern equipment and fluids to the possible results of poor oil performance. By obtaining an accurate picture of the hydraulic equipment landscape, additive formulators can deliver the right solutions. Expectations Today's hydraulic machinery works hard. It is expected to be highly reliable with minimum downtime and cost-effective operation. The expectation of a safe working environment also dictates that hydraulic systems operate with low equipment noise. Perhaps the most important expectation is efficiency. Hydraulic systems are expected to deliver responsive and precise movement with maximum efficiency. When valves become stuck or are unable to respond immediately to commands, they can have an impact on operational efficiency and result in costly repairs. As the expectations on hydraulic equipment increase, so do the demands on the hydraulic fluid. Hydraulic fluids are expected to protect the entire system while transferring fluid power efficiently, even as systems become more compact and encounter harsher environments with extreme temperatures. Despite these increased performance requirements, hydraulic fluids are required to last longer while still being cost effective. Equipment Conditions Long considered the workhorse of manufacturing and construction, hydraulic equipment is trusted with delivering the power that moves industry forward. Today, the stakes are high and getting higher. In response to new regulations and the drive for improved efficiency and economy, equipment is changing in ways that have not been seen for decades. For example, the hydraulic system pressure and hydraulic pump power-to-weight ratio continue to increase. Under these conditions, oil temperatures can reach 115 degrees C at the extreme. Other equipment modifications that will have a significant impact on hydraulic fluids include: • Servo-electric motors to improve hydraulic system efficiency • Increased hydraulic oil tank turnover • Minimized hydraulic system fill volumes • Closed-loop hydraulic systems Oil Conditions As is the case with hydraulic equipment, hydraulic oils are also seeing tougher conditions. Higher temperatures are a given, as are higher oil pressures and shear rates. The fluid works much harder and much hotter as it cycles rapidly through the reservoir 20 May - June 2013 | www.machinerylubrication.com