Hydraulic systems rely on the right type of oil to function efficiently, and choosing between different hydraulic oils, such as No. 32 and No. 46, can significantly impact performance.
Understanding the importance of hydraulic oil viscosity is crucial for ensuring that machinery operates smoothly, efficiently, and with a longer lifespan.
Hydraulic oils come in different numbers, like No. 32, No. 46, and No. 68. Each one is good for different jobs because they have different thicknesses. No. 32 is the thinnest, No. 46 is a bit thicker, and No. 68 is the thickest. You pick the right one based on what your machine needs.
This article will delve into the differences between hydraulic oils No. 32 and No. 46, highlighting their specific uses and the factors to consider when selecting the appropriate oil for your machinery.
Understanding the Importance of Right Hydraulic Oil Viscosity
Imagine driving a car with the wrong engine oil: the car doesn’t run smoothly, parts break down faster, and it costs more to fix. The same thing happens with hydraulic systems. It’s really important to know how thick or thin hydraulic oil should be to make sure everything works well and lasts a long time.
Hydraulics have been used for thousands of years. The word “hydraulic” comes from the Greek words for water (hydro) and pipe (aulos). At first, people used water in hydraulic systems, but it caused problems. So, they started using oil, which works much better.
Hydraulic fluid’s main job is to move power from one place to another, but it also has other important tasks. Picking the right hydraulic fluid can help machines work better and save money.
Viscosity means how thick or thin a liquid is. It’s the most important thing to think about when choosing hydraulic fluid. The right viscosity helps the whole hydraulic system work well. It makes the pump more efficient, which saves energy and money.
Hydraulic fluid needs to work well in different temperatures. When it’s cold, the fluid should stay thin enough to flow easily so machines start quickly and don’t wear out as fast. When it’s hot, the fluid should stay thick enough to protect the pump and stop it from overheating.
Viscosity Index (VI) tells us how much the fluid’s thickness changes with temperature. A high VI means the fluid works well in both hot and cold temperatures.
Multi-viscosity fluids usually have a high VI, which makes them good for machines that work in different temperatures. Using fluids with a high VI can help machines work better and save money.
What Is Hydraulic Oil Viscosity?
When it comes to hydraulic oils, viscosity tells us how thick or thin the oil is and how easily it flows. This is really important for hydraulic systems. If the oil is thick (high viscosity), it moves slowly and is harder to push through. If the oil is thin (low viscosity), it flows easily and quickly.
Viscosity is measured in Centistokes (cSt) at specific temperatures like 40°C or 100°C. We always need to know the temperature because it affects how thick or thin the oil is. Scientists use a tool called a viscometer to measure this in the lab.
Picking the right viscosity is super important. If you use the wrong one, it can damage the machine or make it not work right.
How Viscosity is Measured?
The thickness of hydraulic fluid is measured in Centistokes (cSt) at specific temperatures like 40°C or 100°C. We always need to know the temperature because it affects how thick or thin the fluid is. Scientists use a tool called a viscometer to measure the fluid’s thickness in a lab.
Understanding the Differences: Hydraulic Oil 32 Vs. 46
| 32 Hydraulic Oil | 46 Hydraulic Oil |
| 32 hydraulic oil is called “32” because it has a viscosity of 32 when measured at 40 degrees Celsius. | 46 hydraulic oil is called “46” because it has a viscosity of 46 when measured at 40 degrees Celsius. |
| It is thinner and flows more easily. | It is thicker and flows less easily. |
| It works well in cooler temperatures because it’s not too thick. | It’s better for warmer temperatures because it’s thicker. |
| It’s often used in machines with small, delicate parts. | It’s used in bigger machines that handle heavier loads. |
AW-32 is good for cold weather, and AW-46 is better for older machines in not-too-hot weather. Both types of oil are great for keeping your equipment working well.
Hydraulic oil 32 works better in cold weather because it’s thinner and flows more easily. Hydraulic oil 46 is thicker and works better in warm weather. So, the big difference is that 32 is for cold places, and 46 is for warm places.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Hydraulic Oil
Here are the main things to think about when picking hydraulic oil:
- Viscosity
How thick or thin the oil is really matters. If the oil is too thick, it’s hard for it to move around in the machine, making it work slowly and not very well. It can also make extra heat. If the oil is too thin, it might leak and not protect the machine properly, which can cause damage.
It would be best if you choose the right thickness based on how much weight the machine will handle and the temperatures it will be used in. This way, you can find the best oil for your machine.
- Anti-Wear
Hydraulic oil needs special chemicals to help protect the machine parts from wearing out. If the parts wear out too quickly, it can cause breakdowns and expensive repairs, which can slow down work and cost a lot of money.
Some oils have additives like zinc dithiophosphate (ZDDP) that create a layer to protect the parts. But ZDDP can be harmful to fish and doesn’t break down easily, so it’s not always the best choice for places where we need to be careful about pollution. Other types of additives are better for the environment and easier to get rid of.
Just remember, even the best oil won’t fix problems if the machine is poorly designed or has the wrong parts.
- Anti-Oxidation
Some parts of a hydraulic system, like vane and gear pumps, need protection from wear, while other parts, like piston pumps, need extra protection against rust and oxidation. If you have different types of pumps in one system, you should choose oil that works well for all of them.
When hydraulic oil gets old, it can change and become less effective. The oil might turn dark, start to smell bad, and form gunk. This gunk can make the machine work worse and wear out parts faster, especially if the parts are made of soft metals.
- Anti-Foaming
Two main kinds of foam can happen in hydraulic oil: surface foam and air bubbles. Both can make the hydraulic system work poorly.
Surface foam happens when air leaks into the system through the tank. Good design of the tank, frequent checking for leaks, and the use of special chemicals can usually fix this.
Air bubbles happen when air mixes with the oil, which can cause a banging noise and damage parts. Using the wrong oils and chemicals can make this worse.
Special chemicals can help with surface foam, but if used too much, they might make air bubbles worse. The thickness of the oil also affects foaming. Thicker oil can help slow down bubbles, making them less of a problem.
Choosing the right hydraulic oil involves looking at several things. The oil’s thickness and what it’s made of, including any special chemicals, affect how well it works in extreme temperatures, stops wear and rust, and avoids foam.
The goal is to make sure both the oil and the machine parts last a long time. To do this, you need to pick oil that fits your machine’s needs and the environment where you’re using it.
Benefits of Using the Correct Hydraulic Oil
Hydraulic oil has many great benefits. One of the best things is that it can be better for the environment. It also helps carry heavy loads and protects machines in tough conditions because it prevents wear and rust.
What exactly is hydraulic oil, and where is it used? What other benefits does high-quality hydraulic oil offer for machines and their owners? The Fubex Lubricants team has answers to these common questions about hydraulic oil.
- Better Machine Performance
The right hydraulic oil helps your machines work better and more smoothly in different temperatures. It helps avoid problems like rust and sludge.
- Longer Life for Equipment
Good hydraulic oil keeps your machines in good shape for a longer time, so you don’t have to fix them as often.
- Improved Efficiency
Using the right oil makes machines work better and use less fuel. For example, one type of oil helped a machine work 12.4% better and used 10.6% less fuel.
- Lower CO2 Emissions
Good hydraulic oil helps machines use less fuel, which means they produce less CO2. This is important because CO2 taxes are increasing.
- Cost Savings
The right oil can save you a lot of money by reducing energy and maintenance costs, especially in tough places like remote areas. For example, using high-quality oil saved a mine $1.1 million a year.
Bottom Line
Selecting the correct hydraulic oil is essential for optimising machine performance, extending equipment lifespan, and reducing operational costs. Hydraulic oils, such as No. 32 and No. 46, offer distinct benefits depending on the operating temperature and machinery requirements.
Using high-quality hydraulic oils like those from Fubex Lubricants ensures better efficiency, lower maintenance costs, and improved environmental sustainability.
Choose Fubex Hydraulic Oil to maximise your machine’s potential and enjoy the benefits of enhanced performance and cost savings. Contact us today to learn more about our premium hydraulic oils and how they can benefit your operations.
FAQs
Q1: What happens if I use the wrong viscosity hydraulic oil?
Ans: If the hydraulic oil is too thin, it can cause problems. It might get dirty, which makes the machine parts wear out faster and not work as well. Also, the parts won’t be protected properly while the machine is running.
Q2: Can I mix hydraulic oil 32 and 46?
Ans: AW-32 and AW-46 have the same special ingredients, so you can mix them if you need an oil that’s in between the thickness of 10 and 20. It’s also fine to mix them when you’re starting a new system.
Q3: How often should I change my hydraulic oil?
Ans: You should change hydraulic oil every 2,000 to 3,000 hours of use, or as the manufacturer advises. This is because dirt, water, and other things can get into the oil and cause the machine parts to wear out faster.
