UNiSEL (KMD 2223)

Fluid Power Application

(Physical Properties of Hydraulic Fluids)

Hydraulics & Pneumatics KMD 3133

By,

Mohd Darnalis A.Rahman

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Learning Objectives
Upon completing this chapter, students should be able to:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Explain the primary function of hydraulic fluid. Define the term fluid. Distinguish between a liquid and a gas. Appreciate the properties desired of a hydraulic fluid. Define the terms weight, density and specific gravity. Understand the terms pressure, head, and force. Differentiate between gage pressure & absolute pressures. Calculate the force created by a pressure. Apply Pascal Pascals law to a hydraulic system. Understand the terms kinematic viscosity and absolute viscosity. viscosity. 11. Convert viscosity from one set of units to another set of units. 12. Explain the difference between viscosity and viscosity index.
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Hydraulics Fluid - Introduction

Understanding hydraulic fluid characteristics have a crucial effect on equipment application, performance and life. Important to use clean, clean, highhigh-quality fluid in order to achieve efficient hydraulic system operation. Modern Hydraulic Fluids are complex compounds that have been carefully prepared. In addition to having a base fluid, special additives helps to provide desired characteristics.

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darnalis '10

UNiSEL (KMD 2223)

Hydraulics Fluid - Introduction

Essentially, hydraulic fluid has (4)four primary functions:

1. Transmitting power. 2. Lubricating moving parts. 3. Seal clearances between mating parts. 4. Dissipating heat.

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Hydraulics Fluid - Introduction

Justifying the primary functions and make it practical from a safety & cost point of view, a hydraulic fluid should have the following properties:
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. Good Lubricity Ideal viscosity Chemical & environmental stability Compatibility with system materials High degree of incompressibility Fire resistance Good heatheat-transfer capability Low density Foam resistance NonNon-toxicity Low volatility Inexpensive Ready available
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Hydraulics Fluid - Introduction

In reality - no single hydraulic fluid possesses all of the mentioned desirable characteristics. Fluid power designers must select fluid that comes the closest to being ideal overall for a particular application. Must be change periodically
1. 2.

Quality indicator
1. 2. 3.

Depends on operating conditions. When viscosity & acidity increase due to fluid breakdown or contamination. Viscosity. Water content. Foreign particle contamination level.

This chapter will be examining, The physical properties of fluids dealing with the mechanics of fluid flow.
Density, Pressure, compressibility, viscosity, and viscosity index (VI).
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darnalis '10

UNiSEL (KMD 2223)

Fluids Liquids

Fluid refers to both gases and liquids Liquids for a given mass, will have a definite volume independent of the shape of the container. container. It will assume the shape of the container. container.

Figure 2-2 Page 36

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Fluids Liquids

Considered to be incompressible (volume doesn doesnt change with pressure changes) Somehow, the change in volume due to pressure change is so small that it can be ignored for most engineering applications. Assumption of incompressibility will be discussed later.

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Fluids Gases

Gases fluids that are readily compressible. Volume will vary to fill the vessel containing them.

Figure 2-3 Page 36

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darnalis '10

UNiSEL (KMD 2223)

Fluids Gases

Unlike liquids, it have a definite volume for a given mass, the volume of a gas will increase to fill the vessel that contains it. Greatly influenced influenced by pressure which they are subjected. Increase in pressure causes the volume to decrease. Air is the only gas commonly used in fluid power systems due to inexpensive and readily available.
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Fluids Gases

1. 2. 3.

Advantages of air as a power fluid;

Fire resistant Not messy Can be exhausted back into the atmosphere.

1.

Disadvantages

2. 3. 4. 5.

Due to compressibility not suitable for accurate positioning & rigid holding application. Due to compressibility tends to be sluggish. sluggish. Air can be corrosive (contains O2 and H20) Lubricant must be added to lubricate valves & actuators Not advisable to use if pressures are greater than 250 psi. psi. (Explosion dangers involved if components such as air tanks should rupture. Air can store large amount of energy as it is compressed)

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