Performance Measurement: hydraulic test stand
Hydraulic oil is crucial for energy transmission in hydraulic systems. It fulfils the primary functions of lubrication and cooling, as well as protection against corrosion, wear, and deposits. For a hydraulic system and energy transmission to function optimally, the viscosity of the fluid should typically be in the range of 32 to 68 cSt.
The selection of hydraulic fluid is of great importance, as it serves as the connecting element for all hydraulic components. The quality and cleanliness of hydraulic oil are essential for the operational safety, efficiency, and lifespan of the system. The fluid must be precisely tailored to the specific application to ensure safe and reliable operation. Given the increasing demands on machinery and systems, the quality requirements for hydraulic oils are continuously rising.
Typically, hydraulic fluid consists of 90-95% base oil and 5-10% additives. The right additive formulation can unlock the full performance potential of the base oil. Therefore, careful selection of both the oil and the appropriate additives is crucial for the functionality of a hydraulic fluid.
To test the performance of our esters, we developed a hydraulic test stand consisting of a reservoir, a heat exchanger, and an axial piston pump. Parameters such as pump pressure, volume, temperature, and runtime are variable and adjustable.
The ester is put into the system without additivation. At specified intervals, we take samples for the analysis of certain parameters. After the runtime is completed, all values measured at the beginning are assessed again. The results provide valuable insights into the stability of the ester, potential attack mechanisms, and any wear due to reduced lubrication capability.
In our measurement series, we were able to gain interesting insights. In addition to our esters, we also tested a classic DITA (Diisotridecyladipate), both without additivation and in a finished formulation. Please get in touch with our product manager Nadine Flügel if you are interested in the results.
