Phosphate ester fluids are special synthetic lubricants with unique fire-resistant properties. The chemical makeup does not allow enough vapor or energy to be produced to sustain a flame. For this reason, phosphate ester hydraulic fluid is the fluid of choice in electro-hydraulic control systems.
Fire-Resistant Properties
Phosphate ester hydraulic fluid is the most fire-resistant of the most popular non-aqueous synthetic base stocks in use. The ignition temperatures are high, oxygen stability is excellent, and vapor pressures are very low. This makes it difficult to burn and its low combustion temperature produces self-extinguishing fluids.
A number of organic phosphorus compounds, such as phosphates, phosphonates, and phosphites are used in additives for a wide variety of lubricant formulas. They are used in anti-wear additives, stabilizers, metal passivators, extreme pressure additives, and antioxidants.
Hydraulic Applications
Phosphate ester hydraulic fluid is still primarily used because of its fire-resistant properties. While inhibited phosphate esters have great oxidation stability and relatively good anti-wear properties, they unfortunately have a moderately low hydrolytic stability, low viscosity index, as well as an extreme aggressiveness toward a number of conventional coating and sealing materials. These weaknesses impede the use of phosphate ester to special applications when there is a high requirement for fire resistance.
Phosphate ester hydraulic fluid features excellent fire resistance capabilities, good thermal stability, a pour point range from -13°F to -137°F and awesome boundary lubrication properties. This makes it the ideal choice for fire-resistant industrial hydraulic fluid, aviation hydraulic fluid, and more.
