FLUID MANAGEMENT FLUID MANAGEMENT
MILLERS OILS
How to successfully manage your hydraulic oil
SELECT THE RIGHT FLUID FOR THE APPLICATION There are many types of hydraulic fluid , the key variables being viscosity , viscosity index , base oil type and anti-wear additive type . Viscosity is the most crucial property – if the viscosity is too high ( i . e . the fluid is too “ thick ”), your equipment will run less efficiently due to reduced mechanical efficiency , which will result in excessive energy consumption and heat generation . If the viscosity is too low then the film strength of the oil will not be strong enough , resulting in increased friction from metal-to-metal contact , and premature component wear .
For outdoor hydraulic equipment , or systems operating at high pressure or over a wide range of temperatures , then a high viscosity ( HV ) index fluid may be required . The viscosity of oil decreases as temperature increases , however an HV fluid uses additives to minimise this variation .
For the majority of industrial hydraulic applications , fluids using mineral oil offer reliable protection against corrosion and wear . However for more arduous operations where greater oxidation resistance and thermal stability is required , and unplanned down-time comes at a premium , synthetic oils provide inherently better protection and longer oil life . Today there is also a growing requirement for biodegradable product for use in environmentally sensitive applications , as well as fire resistant fluids for improved safety .
The majority of anti-wear additive technology is zinc-based which performs well and is also very cost-effective . However zinc can cause chemical reactions with certain component materials , e . g . yellow metals and silver . Zinc additives should also be avoided in environmentally sensitive applications as they are non-biodegradable .
Millers Oils always recommends checking the original equipment manufacturer ’ s specification to ensure the oil meets the requirements , then considering any additional benefits for your specific application with the technical help desk team .
ENSURE THE SYSTEM IS CLEAN When used oil is drained from a system during an oil change , there will still be sludge and other contaminants remaining in the tank and pipes . Millers Oils recommends a full drain and oil flush before refilling with new oil . In cases with heavy varnish and lacquer , a non-manual cleaner such as Milliclean 1000T can be added at 20 % sump capacity 48 hours before the planned oil drain , whilst the equipment is still in operation . This will lift lacquer , varnish and sludge from the tank and pipework , which will then be removed on flushing to ensure that you get the full life from your clean oil , and reducing risk of blockages and failures .
Milliclean 1000T : the bottom portion of this inspection panel was in contact with circulating oil containing Milliclean 1000T and all lacquer and varnish has been removed . The top portion was above the oil level and shows the original level of contamination .
ENSURE THE OIL IS CLEAN Depending on your application , sometimes even new oil isn ’ t clean enough . Check the original equipment manufacturer ’ s ISO oil cleanliness specification – the oil may require filtration down to a certain particle count to avoid wear , damage and blockages on precision equipment . Millers Oils offers initial fill filtration services , as well as remedial filtration work to keep oil within specification to extend drain intervals .
CONDITION MONITORING In many industrial applications , the sump is often filled with oil then left to run throughout the year . Actuators , valves and other components can start to stick or wear , without the maintenance department knowing there ’ s a problem . If the oil isn ’ t sampled regularly , it ’ s impossible to know whether everything is running smoothly , or if the machine is on the verge of a costly break down .
Frequent oil sampling keeps the maintenance department informed of not only the condition of the oil but also the machine components , allowing maintenance to be planned around production – saving both time and money . Millers Oils offers oil sample analysis kits for industrial applications . Analysis reports are sent directly to your inbox and include comments on viscosity , contamination , additive levels and wear metals , as well as recommendations from our technical team .
Millers Oils is a leading manufacturer and independent blender of oils and lubricants , operating since 1887 in Brighouse , West Yorkshire . The company prides itself on its award-winning innovation and its independence which allows maximum flexibility to meet customers ’ needs .
For more information about Millers Oils products and fluid management services visit www . millersoils . co . uk or call 01484 713201 .
For further information , please visit www . millersoils . co . uk
62 PECM Issue 51