FIRE-RESISTANT HYDRAULIC FLUIDS

The hazards associated with the flammability characteristics of hydraulic fluids are well known. These fluids are required to function in high pressure hydraulic systems in the presence of a variety of ignition sources. significant research and development activity has been directed toward the development of fire resistant hydraulic fluids to minimize these hazards. Three fire resistant hydraulic fluids have successfully been developed to meet this requirement. Two of these are MIL-H-83282 and MIL-H-87257, which are synthetic hydrocarbon based hydraulic fluids compatible with MIL-H-5606 and MIL-H-5606 systems materials and designs. The third is AS1241, which is phosphate ester based and is not compatible with MIL-H-5606 or its systems or materials. The advantages of these three fluids are presented and discussed.