What is hydraulic oil & what’re its uses?

The systems via which energy, as well as power, are transferred are known as hydraulics. The fluids or oils that are used in these systems for the transfer are known as hydraulic fluids or hydraulic oils. They can reduce the resistance and high temperature between the machine components.

These systems are omnipresent- are seen in most industries all around the world. A wide range of machinery and equipment of various industries use hydraulics and requires hydraulic oils for their working.

They play several roles as a medium for transferring power, lubricant, sealant etc. Most importantly, this fluid can cool the equipment and eliminate the dirt particles. They have a higher capacity to load than other fluids and are also very environment friendly. Their properties to resist tear & wear and corrosion also make them stand out from other oils.

They can be hydraulic oils or power transmission oils based on their application.

Hydraulic oils are an important class of lubricating oils coming after engine oils. As they save energy, wear and tear of equipment and machines, they can increase the life of machines and also reduce the maintenance intervals and costs.

Hydraulic oils can be two major types, mineral as well as synthetic. Mineral hydraulic oils are originated from petroleum, while synthetic oils are artificially created.

Hydraulic oil’s acidic number

Hydraulic oil reduces the friction within solid surfaces to avoid corrosion and destruction of the parts of machines. These oils should be taken care of regularly.

The health of the oil can be evaluated by total acid number or concentration (TAN). Over a while, there will be fluctuations in the properties of hydraulic oil. Degradation occurs through oxidation, additive degradation etc. Weak organic acids are produced as a result of high temperatures.

As a result, a timely evaluation of hydraulic oils is very necessary. If not done, it may cause to form a viscous layer on the metallic surface.

Change in the TAN rate is very important. A steady change in acid number is found when there is oxidation. Dirty passages through which oil is passed, adding a different oil, variation in the Sulphur content present in the oil etc., can all end up in a rapid increase in the TAN value of the oil.

A high total acid concentration leads to deterioration of the equipment. It may result in corrosion due to slime and varnish. Because of all these reasons, hydraulic oils and lubricating oils should be checked in proper intervals of time.

How to remove TAN and purify hydraulic oil?

TAN can be removed by an efficient technology that employs an alumina filter. In this, porocel activated alumina balls are used to adsorb acid as well as all the oxidation products that are present in the oil. Activated alumina acts as an acid reduction material here.

Activated alumina derived from aluminium oxide is one of the most efficient adsorbents of gases and liquids, including oils. They are highly porous and shows tremendous surface area. It can be used in the purification as well as conditioning of industrial oils.

These activated alumina balls adsorb polar ions at a high rate on their surface. Even a single unit can adsorb a lot due to its surface area and highly porous nature. They have low bulk density, very good strength, low attrition loss and high adsorption capacity. Due to these exceptional qualities, they can withstand even high temperatures and the environment.

The highly porous activated alumina balls can purify oil in such a way that crystal clear oil will be obtained after the purification process.

By acting as a conditioning of the oil, and activated aluminium filter promotes the life of the oil. It will protect the metallic parts of the equipment from slime and varnish by keeping the TAN within acceptable limits and by absorbing moisture from the oil.

An off-loop process is used to apply the activated alumina. From the main reservoir, oil is passed to the off loop conditioning system, and then the oil is purified with porocel activated alumina. All these processes are done at a low flow rate to ensure maximum cleansing and adsorption of acids.

During this process, there is a long contact between aluminium balls and acids. Aluminium balls then will adsorb all the acid particles on their surface, reduce the TAN and purify the oil. Periodical tracking of the TAN rate in the hydraulic oil and maintaining the appropriate rate is necessary to protect the machines and equipment. Adopting an oil conditioning system using alumina balls is highly recommended that.

Sorbead India – are one of the top leading manufacturers of desiccants. We provide high-quality alumina balls and sieves of all sizes and diameters. We also supply customized orders all over India.