If you want to know what fire-resistant hydraulic lubricantsis? We invite you to read the following article in a short time.
Applications of fire-resistant hydraulic fluid
These fluids are used in situations where the hydraulic fluid has a high chance of coming into contact with the ignition source or in environments with very high temperatures.

In many cases, such as molding operations, steel industry hydraulics in the CCM section that are close to furnaces or presses, are examples of these conditions.

EHC or electrohydraulic control, which is used to manage and regulate steam input to turbines, is another case where the fluid will work under difficult temperature conditions. Therefore, EHC is also another application of these fire-resistant fluids.

Phosphate esters are the most common fluid used in these control conditions.However, many other fire-resistant fluids may be used in other cases. Of course, it is important to note that special attention should be paid to their compatibility with each other and their use.

What is fire-resistant hydraulic lubricants?

These materials are lubricants that are particularly resistant to fire and flame sources and will not spread the fire. Of course, there is a big difference between fire-resistant and non-flammable oils. Fluids in the first group still have the ability to ignite under certain conditions.

According to a standard classification, this set of fire-resistant hydraulic fluids is divided into the following groups:

Oil and water solution

Polymer water solution

Water-free synthetics

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) divides them more specifically into the following 4 groups:

HFAE – oil-in-water solution – contain more than 80% water.HFAS – Aqueous synthetic fluids – contain more than 80% water.
HFB – Water-in-oil solution – contain more than 40% water.
HFC – Aqueous polymer solutions – contain more than 35% water (glycol or water-glycol solutions).
HFDR – Waterless synthetic fluids that contain phosphate esters in their structure.
HFDU – Waterless synthetic fluids other than phosphate esters. Such as polyol esters and PAG.Change or conversion of fire-resistant fluids (fire-resistant)

The changes in question are defined and classified by ISO in the following 4 categories:

Change from mineral oil to water-based fluid (classified as HFAE, HFB or HFC)

Change from mineral oil to water-free synthetic fluid (HFD)

Change from water-based fluid to water-free synthetic fluid

Change from water-free synthetic fluid to water-based fluid such as HFC

The following are important and vital points in the context of these changes:

Compatibility of each of the components and compounds in the oil circuit with the fire-resistant fluid to be injected into the system as a replacement (seals, coatings, etc.)

Cleaning and disposal of waste materials (pipes, valves, tanks, etc.)

Safe flushing

Filling and inspection including specific and regular monitoring of the system and oil (possible filter clogging when shifting to HFC, which is also due to the cleaning properties that will lead to the removal of previously formed deposits.)

Switching from mineral oil to water-based fluids or water-free synthetic fluids
In this context, special attention should be paid to the replacement because trace amounts of residual mineral oil, despite compatibility, can carry the risk of incompatibility with the fire resistance or stability of the water-based fluid.

In a similar way, there will be a surface mixing between the mineral oil and the fluids in question. Therefore, a small amount of residual mineral oil will not have a significant impact on the performance of the HFD fluid, but it will somewhat disrupt the fire resistance properties of the material.

Switching from fire-resistant fluid to other types of these lubricants
If the system in question is currently operating using a specific type of fire-resistant lubricant, forget about replacing the fire-resistant fluid of another type and type.For example, mixing two water-based and water-free synthetic fluids will result in the formation of two phases, with a water layer and an oil layer as separate phases. This problem will cause pump failures and problems.

Mixing fluids of the same type is also not recommended unless the compatibility of both fluids has been largely established.

There may be many international brands on the market, but you should consult with experienced experts in this field to avoid possible problems and damages.

Manufacturers of both types of fluids and systems should provide advice on the type of seals, metal and colors used and the compatibility of all these items, because in each situation the material of these materials is different.

And Mehrtash Sepahan Company produces and markets the following products in this field:

Water-free synthetic hydraulic lubricants: FIROL-HFDU SERIES and FIROL-HFDR SERIES
Water-based hydraulic lubricants: FIROL-HFC SERIES