Fire-resistant fluids

The largest volume of hydrauHc fluids are mineral oils containing additives to meet specific requirements. These fluids comprise over 80% of the world demand (ca 3.6 x 10 L (944 x 10 gal))- In contrast world demand for fire-resistant fluids is only about 5% of the total industrial fluid market. Fire-resistant fluids are classified as high water-base fluids, water-in-oil emulsions, glycols, and phosphate esters. Polyolesters having shear-stable mist suppressant also meet some fire-resistant tests. 

The compressibihty and thermal conductivity of mineral oils is compared to fire-resistant fluids in Table 3. All good hydrauHc fluids must resist compression, and many fire-resistant fluids can operate at a lower temperature than mineral oils because of improved thermal conductivity. 

Fire-Resistant Fluids. The total 1992 usage of fhe-resistant fluids amounted to over 151,000 (4 ... 

Except for fire-resistant fluids, synthetic lubricants have not captured a significant portion of the general lubricant or hydrauhc markets, primarily because the cost is two to four times that of other premium lubricants. However, development of satisfactorily formulated products continues. 

Fluids for Hydraulic Transmissions-Fire Resistant Fluids—Classifications, Provisional Recommendation RP7.7H, European Oil HydrauHc and Pneumatic Committee, 1976. 

K. G. Henrikson, Fire-Resistant Fluids and Mobile Equipment, Farm Constmction and Industrial Machinery Meeting, SE, Milwaukee, Wise., 1965. 

Liquid phosphate esters, eg, tricresyl phosphate [1330-78-5] are one of two types of fire-resistant hydraulic fluids (qv). Fire-resistant fluids account for less than 10% of the total fluids market. Phosphoms-based fluids generally are stable at high temperatures in addition to being fire resistant. Approximately 10,000 t of organophophoms compounds were used in hydraulic fluids in 1994. The manufacture of these materials consumed ca 4000 t of POCI3. 

These systems must be inherently reliable and safe, particularly from the point of view of fire protection, and fire-resistant fluids can be used for control systems in order to reduce this risk. Fire-detection and fire-fighting systems should always be provided for any turbogenerator installation. 

Four main factors enter into the selection of a fire-resistant fluid ... 

Synthetic fire-resistant fluids have been developed to replace petroleum-based fluids for many applications. Although there are several types of these less hazardous fluids, the only synthetic fluids discussed in this profile are phosphate esters and polyalphaolefins. The phosphate esters are tertiary esters of orthophosphoric acid, 0=P(0H)3, and may be triaryl, trialkyl, and alkyl/aryl. The polyalphaolefins are usually based on 2-decene and contain a mixture of oligomers (dimers, trimers, etc.). 

In 1991, 12.5 million gallons of fire resistant fluids (probably including water-in-oil emulsions) were sold this is the lowest sales volume since 1985 (NPRA 1992). No detailed breakdown of water-in-oil emulsion hydraulic fluids was provided in NPRA (1992). 

Some applications of the synthetic fluids are motor oil, trucks, marine diesel, transmissions and industrial lubricants, aviation and aerospace lubricants, fire-resistant fluids, and greases. Specifications for several military lubricants can be met only by a synthetic product. All commercial and military jet aircraft engines use synthetic lubricants, in addition to the space shuttle, NASA, and nuclear submarines. 

Fire-resistant fluids A major application of PAGs involves their use in fire-resistant fluids. Industrial sectors such as steel production, die casting (where leaks in high-pressure hydraulic lines can create serious fire hazards) and mining (where the consequences of fire are catastrophic) have generated a large demand for these types of hydraulic fluids indeed many countries now legislate their use. Fire-resistant fluids have been classified by several international bodies ... 

Hydraulic fluids used close to a potential source of ignition such as a hot surface are a serious fire hazard. In such circumstances, phosphate esters are used particularly for their inherent fire resistance and where their moderate cost can be borne. Fire-resistant hydraulic fluids are the largest volume use of phosphate esters in addition they give lubrication equal to that of formulated hydrocarbon fluids. Other requirements such as viscosity or thermal stability can be met by appropriate choice of substituents. Industrial fire-resistant fluids are often required to operate at sustained... 

Uoyd B. (May 2003) Heated Debate Erupts Over Fire Resistant Fluids. Lubes n Greases, 9(5), 14. 

Although they are not elastomers, other phosphazenes also offer potential In areas requiring heat and fire resistance. Mixed fluoroalkoxy - aryloxy substituted cyclic phosphazenes are currently attracting Interest for fire resistant fluid applications (46). In other studies, cyclophosphazene matrix resins have been prepared which have potential for high temperature adhesive applications (47) and as composite matrix materials (48). These studies serve to further demonstrate the enhanced thermal stability and fire resistance which can be achieved with these phosphorus - nitrogen systems. 

D. A. Kane, P. J. Bieberlch, M. J. "Synthesis and Evaluation of Phosphazene Fire Resistant Fluids," Defense Technical Information Center, Cameron Station, Alexandria,... 

PROPERTIES OF SPECIAL INTEREST High-cost items for commercialization, but this is less critical where they have potential applications as biomaterials such as soft denture liners, blood-compatible parts (prostheses), drug-related release agents and the like. Other more mundane uses encompass fire-resistant paint additives, agrichemicals, and herbicides, proofing of textiles of diverse kinds, lubricants, and fire-resistant fluids (as low molecular weight and cyclic compounds), and many more possibilities. 

The pumping unit is the source of the pressurized hydraulic fluid used to power the press. Most hydraulic presses are designed to operate on petroleum-based hydraulic fluid. Where the possibility of fire is a concern, fire retardant and fire-resistant fluids are available however, certain fluids such as phosphate ester and high-water-base fluids will require special design considerations regarding their use. The pumping unit typically consists of a reservoir on which are mounted the essential hydraulic components ... 

When using hydraulic power tools, use approved fire-resistant fluids that will retain operating characteristics at the most extreme temperatures. Never exceed the manufacturer s recommended safe operating pressure for hoses, valves, pipes, filters, and other fittings. Ensure that all lever and ratchet jacks, screw jacks, and hydraulic jacks contain a device that stops them from jacking up too high. Mark the manufacturer s load limit in a prominent place on the jack. Never use a jack to support a lifted load. 

Petroleum and related products— Determination of the corrosion resistance of water-containing fire-resistant fluids for hydraulic systems Structural steels with improved atmospheric corrosion resistance Liquefied petroleum gases—Corrosiveness to copper—Copper strip test... 

Guidelines for Derating the Life of Ball-Bearings when Used with Fire Resistant Fluids, Ass. Hydraulic Equipment Manufacturers (1977)... 

As a result of additive technology, a suitable petroleum-based lubricating oil can be found for most apphcations. Exceptions can exist where fire-resistant fluids are required or extreme temperature conditions exist. There are a variety of fire-resistant fluids available which may replace petroleum oils in hazardous situations. These include the following ... 

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