Hydraulic Fluid: Why It Matters

The aerospace industry has revolutionized the way we travel, transport goods and explore the outer limits of Earth. With that being said, the many vital components for functionality in any kind of aircraft are extremely important because of obvious reasons. Just like any other type of machinery, hydraulic fluid is a key aspect in the proper function of various components like aircraft flight control systems. With that being said, not all fluids are the same. For an example, a car and a truck are completely different vehicles which means a certain type of hydraulic fluid can be completely different than another.

Many fluids are formulated in different ways, therefore they work differently and have properties that are not the same. For instance, some fluids are made to be biodegradable so it does not harm the environment and others have special properties that make them fire resistant. Fire resistance is one of the most important properties in these types of fluids because they work with mechanical components that heat up and cause friction. Fire resistant hydraulic fluid is typically the number one liquid used by aerospace manufactures because it lessens the chance of harm.

However, it can also be designed to work with water reciprocating piston pumps to provide effective protection against corrosion, rust and microorganism growth. There are many uses for hydraulic fluid like in lifts, power steering systems, hydraulic brakes and even garbage trucks. How do you think that mechanical arm picks up dumpsters and crushes garbage? The fluid is vital for proper function and it helps components that work under high pressure operate properly.

For years, chemical manufactures have been improving hydraulic fluid for increased safety, effectiveness and eco-sustainability. Only a few manufactures produce such high quality fluids and if you are in need of some, you should conduct research on the manufacturer to make sure you get the best product on the market. Finding the balance between price and performance is key and when you combine the two, you will end up with the best solution for your needs.

Learning about the 'behind the scenes' components may shed light on to other things you may not have thought about. The proper use of hydraulic fluid may be just as important as the design of the aircraft. Think about it: without it, how could it properly operate and function? Those small and overlooked components serve a huge purpose.