If motion takes place between surfaces in contact, friction tends to oppose the motion. When pressure forces the liquid of a hydraulic system between the surfaces of moving parts, the liquid spreads out into a thin film which enables the parts to move more freely. Different liquids, including oils, vary greatly not only in their lubricating ability but also in film strength. Film strength is the capability of a liquid to resist being wiped or squeezed out from between the surfaces when spread out in an extremely thin layer. A liquid will no longer lubricate if the film breaks down, since the motion of part against part wipes the metal clean of liquid.

Lubricating power varies with temperature changes; therefore, the climatic and working conditions must enter into the determination of the lubricating qualities of a liquid. Unlike viscosity, which is a physical property, the lubricating power and film strength of a liquid is directly related to its chemical nature. Lubricating qualities and film strength can be improved by the addition of certain chemical agents.

Chemical stability is another property which is exceedingly important in the selection of a hydraulic liquid. It is defined as the liquids ability to resist oxidation and deterioration for long periods. All liquids tend to undergo unfavorable changes under severe operating conditions. This is the case, for example, when a system operates for a considerable period of time at high temperatures.

Excessive temperatures, especially extremely high temperatures, have a great effect on the life of a liquid. The temperature of the liquid in the reservoir of an operating hydraulic system does not always indicate the operating conditions throughout the system. Localized hot spots occur on bearings, gear teeth, or at other points where the liquid under pressure is forced through small orifices. Continuous passage of the liquid through these points may produce local temperatures high enough to carbonize the liquid or turn it into sludge, yet the liquid in the reservoir may not indicate an excessively high temperature. Liquids may break down if exposed to air, water, salt, or other impurities, especially if they are in constant motion or subjected to heat. Some metals, such as zinc, lead, brass, and copper, have undesirable chemical reactions with certain liquids.

These chemical reactions result in the forma-tion of sludge, gums, carbon, or other deposits which clog openings, cause valves and pistons to stick or leak, and give poor lubrication to moving increases more rapidly. As these deposits are formed, certain changes in the physical and chemical properties of the liquid take place. The liquid usually becomes darker, the viscosity increases and damaging acids are formed. The extent to which changes occur in different liquids depends on the type of liquid, type of refining, and whether it has been treated to provide further resistance to oxidation. The stability of liquids can be improved by the addition of oxidation inhibitors. Inhibitors selected to improve stability must be compatible with the other required properties of the liquid.

An ideal hydraulic liquid should be free from acids which cause corrosion of the metals in the system. Most liquids cannot be expected to remain completely noncorrosive under severe operating conditions. The degree of acidity of a liquid, when new, may be satisfactory; but after use, the liquid may tend to become corrosive as it begins to deteriorate.

Many systems are idle for long periods after operating at high temperatures. This permits moisture to condense in the system, resulting in rust formation.

Certain corrosion- and rust-preventive additives are added to hydraulic liquids. Some of these additives are effective only for a limited period. Therefore, the best procedure is to use the liquid specified for the system for the time specified by the system manufacturer and to protect the liquid and the system as much as possible from contamination by foreign matter, from abnormal temperatures, and from misuse.

Flashpoint is the temperature at which a liquid gives off vapor in sufficient quantity to ignite momentarily or flash when a flame is applied. A high flashpoint is desirable for hydraulic liquids because it provides good resistance to combustion and a low degree of evaporation at normal temperatures. Required flashpoint minimums vary from 300F for the lightest oils to 510F for the heaviest oils.

Fire point is the temperature at which a substance gives off vapor in sufficient quantity to ignite and continue to burn when exposed to a spark or flame. Like flashpoint, a high fire point is required of desirable hydraulic liquids.

Toxicity is defined as the quality, state, or degree of being toxic or poisonous. Some liquids contain chemicals that are a serious toxic hazard. These toxic or poisonous chemicals may enter the body through inhalation, by absorption through the skin, or through the eyes or the mouth. The result is sickness and, in some cases, death. Manufacturers of hydraulic liquids strive to produce suitable liquids that contain no toxic chemicals and, as a result, most hydraulic liquids are free of harmful chemicals. Some fire-resistant liquids are toxic, and suitable protection and care in handling must be provided.

A fluid with a specific gravity of less than 1.0 is desired when weight is critical, although with proper system design, a fluid with a specific gravity greater than one can be tolerated. Where avoidance of detection by military units is desired, a fluid which sinks rather than rises to the surface of the water is desirable. Fluids having a specific gravity greater than 1.0 are desired, as leaking fluid will sink, allowing the vessel with the leak to remain undetected.

Recall from chapter 2 that under extreme pressure a fluid may be compressed up to 7 percent of its original volume. Highly com-pressible fluids produce sluggish system operation. This does not present a serious problem in small, low-speed operations, but it must be considered in the operating instructions.

Foam is an emulsion of gas bubbles in the fluid. Foam in a hydraulic system results from compressed gases in the hydraulic fluid. A fluid under high pressure can contain a large volume of air bubbles. When this fluid is depressurized, as when it reaches the reservoir, the gas bubbles in the fluid expand and produce foam. Any amount of foaming may cause pump cavitation and produce poor system response and spongy added to fluids to prevent foaming. Minimizing air in fluid systems is discussed later in this chapter.

Cleanliness in hydraulic systems has received considerable attention recently. Some hydraulic systems, such as aerospace hydraulic systems, are extremely sensitive to contamination. Fluid cleanliness is of primary importance because contaminants can cause component malfunction, prevent proper valve seating, cause wear in components, and may increase the response time of servo valves. Fluid contaminants are discussed later in this chapter.

The inside of a hydraulic system can only be kept as clean as the fluid added to it. Initial fluid cleanliness can be achieved by observing stringent cleanliness requirements (discussed later in this chapter) or by filtering all fluid added to the system.

There have been many liquids tested for use in hydraulic systems. Currently, liquids being used include mineral oil, water, phosphate ester, water-based ethylene glycol compounds, and silicone fluids. The three most common types of hydraulic liquids are petroleum-based, synthetic fire-resistant, and water-based fire-resistant.

The most common hydraulic fluids used in shipboard systems are the petroleum-based oils. These fluids contain additives to protect the fluid from oxidation (antioxidant), to protect system metals from corrosion (anticorrosion), to reduce tendency of the fluid to foam (foam suppressant), and to improve viscosity.

Petroleum-based fluids are used in surface ships electrohydraulic steering and deck machinery systems, submarines hydraulic systems, and aircraft automatic pilots, shock absorbers, brakes, control mechanisms, and other hydraulic systems using seal materials compatible with petroleum-based fluids.

Petroleum-based oils contain most of the desired properties of a hydraulic liquid. However, they are flammable under normal conditions and can become explosive when subjected to high pressures and a source of flame or high tempera-tures. Nonflammable synthetic liquids have been developed for use in hydraulic systems where fire hazards exist.

Phosphate ester fire-resistant fluid for shipboard use is covered by specification MIL-H- 19457. There are certain trade names closely associated with these fluids. However, the only acceptable fluids conforming to MIL-H-19457 are the ones listed on the current Qualified Products List (QPL) 19457. These fluids will be delivered in containers marked MIL-H-19457C or a later specification revision. Phosphate ester in containers marked by a brand name without a specification identification must not be used in shipboard systems, as they may contain toxic chemicals.

These fluids will burn if sufficient heat and flame are applied, but they do not support combustion. Drawbacks of phosphate ester fluids are that they will attack and loosen commonly used paints and adhesives, deteriorate many types of insulations used in electrical cables, and deteriorate many gasket and seal materials. Therefore, gaskets and seals for systems in which phosphate ester fluids are used are manufactured of specific materials. Naval Ships Technical Manual, chapter 262, specifies paints to be used on exterior surfaces of hydraulic systems and components in which phosphate ester fluid is used and on ship structure and decks in the immediate vicinity of this equipment. Naval Ships Technical Manual, chapter 078, specifies gasket and seal materials used. NAVAIR 01-1A-17 also contains a list of materials resistant to phosphate ester fluids.

Trade names for phosphate ester fluids, which do not conform to MIL-H-19457 include Pydraul, Skydrol, and Fyre Safe.