Custom Search
 
  

 
PHOSPHATE ESTER FLUID SAFETY.

As a maintenance person, operator, supervisor, or crew member of a ship, squadron, or naval shore installation, you must understand the hazards associated with hydraulic fluids to which you may be exposed.

Phosphate ester fluid conforming to specification MIL-H-19457 is used in aircraft elevators, ballast valve operating systems, and replenishment at-sea systems. This type of fluid contains a controlled amount of neurotoxic material. Because of the neurotoxic effects that can result from ingestion, skin absorption, or inhalation of these fluids, be sure to use the following precautions:

1. Avoid contact with the fluids by wearing protective clothing.

2. Use chemical goggles or face shields to protect your eyes.

3. If you are expected to work in an atmosphere containing a fine mist or spray, wear a continuous-flow airline respirator.

4. Thoroughly clean skin areas contaminated by this fluid with soap and water.

5. If you get any fluid in your eyes, flush them with running water for at least 15 minutes and seek medical attention.

If you come in contact with MIL-H-19457 fluid, report the contact when you seek medical aid and whenever you have a routine medical examination.

Naval Ships Technical Manual, chapter 262, contains a list of protective clothing, along with national stock numbers (NSN), for use with fluids conforming to MIL-H-19457. It also contains procedures for repair work and for low-level leakage and massive spills cleanup.

PHOSPHATE ESTER FLUID DISPOSAL.

Waste MIL-H-19457 fluids and refuse (rags and other materials) must not be dumped at sea. Fluid should be placed in bung-type drums. Rags and other materials should be placed in open top drums for shore disposal. These drums should be marked with a warning label stating their content, safety precautions, and disposal instructions. Detailed instructions for phosphate ester fluids disposal can be found in Naval Ships Technical Manual, chapter 262, and OPNAVINST 5090.1.

Silicone Synthetic Fire-Resistant Fluids

Silicone synthetic fire-resistant fluids are frequently used for hydraulic systems which require fire resistance, but which have only marginal requirements for other chemical or physical properties common to hydraulic fluids. Silicone fluids do not have the detrimental characteristics of phosphate ester fluids, nor do they provide the corrosion protection and lubrication of phosphate ester fluids, but they are excellent for fire protection. Silicone fluid conforming to MIL-S-81087 is used in the missile holddown and lockout system aboard submarines.

Lightweight Synthetic Fire-Resistant Fluids

In applications where weight is critical, lightweight synthetic fluid is used in hydraulic systems. MIL-H-83282 is a synthetic, fire-resistant hydraulic fluid used in military aircraft and hydrofoils where the requirement to minimize weight dictates the use of a low-viscosity fluid. It is also the most commonly used fluid in aviation support equipment. NAVAIR 01-1A-17 contains additional information on fluids conforming to specification MIL-H-83282.

WATER-BASED FIRE-RESISTANT FLUIDS

The most widely used water-based hydraulic fluids may be classified as water-glycol mixtures and water-synthetic base mixtures. The water-glycol mixture contains additives to protect it from oxidation, corrosion, and biological growth and to enhance its load-carrying capacity. Fire resistance of the water mixture fluids depends on the vaporization and smothering effect of steam generated from the water. The water in water-based fluids is constantly being driven off while the system is operating. There-fore, frequent checks to maintain the correct ratio of water are important.

The water-based fluid used in catapult retracting engines, jet blast deflectors, and weapons elevators and handling systems conforms to MIL-H-22072.

The safety precautions outlined for phosphate ester fluid and the disposal of phosphate ester fluid also apply to water-based fluid conforming to MIL-H-22072.

CONTAMINATION

Hydraulic fluid contamination may be described as any foreign material or substance whose presence in the fluid is capable of adversely affecting system performance or reliability. It may assume many different forms, including liquids, gases, and solid matter of various composition, sizes, and shapes. Solid matter is the type most often found in hydraulic systems and is generally 

referred to as particulate contamination. Contamination is always present to some degree, even in new, unused fluid, but must be kept below a level that will adversely affect system operation. Hydraulic contamination control consists of requirements, techniques, and practices necessary to minimize and control fluid contamination.

CLASSIFICATION

There are many types of contaminants which are harmful to hydraulic systems and liquids. These contaminants may be divided into two different classesparticulate and fluid.

Particulate Contamination

This class of contaminants includes organic, metallic solid, and inorganic solid contaminants. These contaminants are discussed in the following paragraphs.

ORGANIC CONTAMINATION. Organic solids or semisolids found in hydraulic systems are produced by wear, oxidation, or polymerization. Minute particles of O-rings, seals, gaskets, and hoses are present, due to wear or chemical reactions. Synthetic products, such as neoprene, silicones, and hypalon, though resistant to chemical reaction with hydraulic fluids, produce small wear particles. Oxidation of hydraulic fluids increases with pressure and temperature, although antioxidants are blended into hydraulic fluids to minimize such oxidation. The ability of a hydraulic fluid to resist oxidation or poly-merization in service is defined as its oxidation stability. Oxidation products appear as organic acids, asphaltics, gums, and varnishes. These products combine with particles in the hydraulic fluid to form sludge. Some oxidation products are oil soluble and cause the hydraulic fluid to increase in viscosity; other oxidation products are not oil soluble and form sediment.

METALLIC SOLID CONTAMINATION. Metallic contaminants are almost always present in a hydraulic system and will range in size from microscopic particles to particles readily visible to the naked eye. These particles are the result of wearing and scoring of bare metal parts and plating materials, such as silver and chromium. Although practically all metals commonly used for parts fabrication and plating may be found in hydraulic fluids, the major metallic materials found are ferrous, aluminum, and chromium particles. Because of their continuous high-speed internal movement, hydraulic pumps usually contribute most of the metallic particulate contamination present in hydraulic systems. Metal particles are also produced by other hydraulic system components, such as valves and actuators, due to body wear and the chipping and wearing away of small pieces of metal plating materials.

INORGANIC SOLID CONTAMINATION. This contaminant group includes dust, paint particles, dirt, and silicates. Glass particles from glass bead peening and blasting may also be found as contaminants. Glass particles are very undesirable contaminants due to their abrasive effect on synthetic rubber seals and the very fine surfaces of critical moving parts. Atmospheric dust, dirt, paint particles, and other materials are often drawn into hydraulic systems from external sources. For example, the wet piston shaft of a hydraulic actuator may draw some of these foreign materials into the cylinder past the wiper and dynamic seals, and the contaminant materials are then dispersed in the hydraulic fluid. Contaminants may also enter the hydraulic fluid during maintenance when tubing, hoses, fittings, and components are disconnected or replaced. It is therefore important that all exposed fluid ports be sealed with approved protective closures to minimize such contamination







Western Governors University
 


Privacy Statement - Copyright Information. - Contact Us

Integrated Publishing, Inc. - A (SDVOSB) Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business