In industry, mineral oil is the standard hydraulic fluid. And it’s a dielectric medium that doesn’t conduct electricity. Yet, environmental experts search for less dangerous alternatives regarding spills and leaks. Among them, non-conductive oil is one of the best oils that provides excellent services in hydraulic systems but does not have conductivity.
Besides this, non-conductive hydraulic oil is designed with pure base oil and additive chemistry. It provides outstanding oxidative and thermal strength. Also, it delivers exceptional wear protection and decreases sludge and deposits.
Typically non-conductive hydraulic oils are used to fulfill the requirements of systems that operate around electrical or electronic applications. However, please keep reading to know what non-conductive hydraulic oil is and more important information.
Non-conductive Hydraulic Oil:
Non-conductive hydraulic oil is an anti-wear hydraulic fluid formulated to meet the requirements of systems operating around electrical applications. This oil especially meets all basic industry standards for outdoor and industrial oils.
Besides this, the valuable foam inhibitor can minimize foaming. The 38 KV dielectric power makes this oil an amazing non-conducting liquid. But usually, the minimum non-conductive value is 35 KV, and this oil contains over 3 KV. Because of this fantastic property, it’s an excellent choice.
You may not know dielectric strength is sensitive to moisture and pollution. After opening the container, the dielectric power is not expected to remain at its original value. That’s why you should tightly seal and store the container in a dry atmosphere. After poor storage, the initial dielectric strength can be reduced.
Non-conductive Hydraulic Oil Example:
Adequately, non-conductive oil dissipates static electricity much more slowly, enhancing static electricity accumulation risk. Non-conductive hydraulic oils are VM&P naphtha, cyclohexane, n-heptane, benzene, toluene, n-hexane, xylene, ethylbenzene, and styrene.
The CSB says standard bonding methods must be revised to prevent ignition from static electricity with non-conductive liquids.
Uses Of Non-conductive Hydraulic Oil:
You can use this Non-conductive hydraulic oil in outdoor and mobile hydraulic materials like aerial lifts, boom trucks, or cherry pickers. Moreover, you can use this type of oil where tool manufacturers recommend this oil.
This oil suits electrical conductivity or other concerns that preclude using zinc-containing oils. Without them, you can use this oil in all systems with vane, gear, and piston pumps. That means where you need to use premium anti-wear fluids, you can use this oil in this place.
Benefits Of Non-conductive Hydraulic Oil:
The benefits of non-conductive hydraulic oil are:
Oxidation Control:
The amazing oxidation and thermal stability decrease sludge and varnish while protecting critical elements and expanding oil and tool life.
Wear Protection:
Though it comes from exceptional anti-wear technology, it delivers superior protection. So if you use it, you can increase your equipment life.
Corrosion and Rust Protection:
Decreased maintenance because of excellent rust and corrosion resistance when moisture is present.
Foam-Control:
A particular anti-foam agent promotes the rapid breakdown of foam and decreases air entrainment.
High Viscosity Index:
The shear stability offers extraordinary viscosity stability. As a result, there are incompatible operations across a wide temperature range and drain interval.
Filterability:
Exceptional hydrolytic strength with rapid water separation protects against filter plugging and deposits.
Specifications Of Non-conductive Hydraulic Oils:
| Test | ASTM | Typical |
| API Gravity | D-1298 | 37.7 |
| Specific Gravity @ 60°F | D-1298 | 0.837 |
| Density @60°F | D-1298 | 6.97 |
| Color | D-1500 | 0.5 |
| Flash Point COC -°F | D-92 | 425 |
| Viscosity @ 40°C cST | D-445 | 22 |
| Pour Point, °C | D-97 | .21 |
| Foaming Tendency SEQ II | D-892 | 0/0 |
| Dielectric Strength, kv | D-877 | 38 |
Pros And Cons Of Non-conductive Hydraulic Oil:
Pros:
- Outstanding oxidative and thermal stability
- Incredible wear protection
- Reduces deposits and sludge
- Excellent non-conductive liquid
Cons:
- Early Deposits and sludge buildup
- Foaming
Dielectric Hydraulic Oil:
Dielectric hydraulic oils are used in hydraulic systems that need anti-wear (AW), anti-rust, anti-oxidation, and anti-foam properties. In particular, this oil suits mobile and stationary, utility aerial lift buckets and other tools. They are highly inhibitory against moisture and rust in both fresh and seawater. A zinc-free additive system meets or exceeds pump requirements.
AW Hydraulic Oil:
AW hydraulic oil is a premium-grade anti-wear hydraulic oil for all hydraulic systems. All grades contain rust and oxidation inhibitors and useful anti-foam and anti-wear additives to release entrained air quickly.
Specifications Of AW Hydraulic Oil
| ISO viscosity | ASTM | 32 | 46 | 68 | 100 |
| Approximate SAE | 10w | 15 | 20 | 30 | |
| API Gravity Ibs/gal | ASTM D-287 | 31.6/7.26 | 30.7/7.26 | 29.7/7.31 | 38.9/7.35 |
| Viscosity 40°C @ cST | ASTM D-445 | 31.7 | 47 | 69 | 102 |
| Viscosity 100°C @ cST | ASTM D-445 | 5.3 | 6.9 | 8.7 | 11.7 |
| Viscosity Index | ASTM D-2270 | 98 | 102 | 97 | 103 |
| Flashpoint°F (°C) | ASTM D-97 | -38 (-39) | -33 (-36) | -27 (-33) | -22 (-30)| |
| Fire point, COC | ASTM D-92 | 445°F | 465°F | 475°F | 486°F |
| Flash point, COC | ASTM D-92 | 420°F | 440°F | 450°F | 460°F |
General Queries:
What Is Non-conductive Oil?
The non-conductive oil is made from low molecular weight and pure polydimethylsiloxane base oil. Usually, it’s treated with oxidation, anti-wear, rust additives, and a shear-stable thickener. It can provide ultimate protection over a broad temperature range from -85°F. 550°F (-65°C to 287.8°C).
Basically, this product is non-melting and contains high dielectric strength and low volatility. Besides, it is insoluble in methanol, dilute acids, water, ethanol, glycerin, glycol, acidic, mineral, and vegetable oils.
The properties of long service life and chemical resistance make it the best lubricant and sealant for many valves. It’s a precious oil for O-rings and other plastic and rubber applications.
What are the Applications Of Non-Conductive Oil?
Wherever you need non-conductive products, you should use non-conductive hydraulic oils. Typical uses include truck snorkels and cherry pickers. Since it comes with a high flash point, it can reduce the fire risk.
Similarly, you can use this non-conductive oil in various automotive, agriculture, marine, and industrial applications. Furthermore, you can also use it in disc brake calipers, pool equipment, gaskets and O-rings, brake hardware, valves, bushings, etc.
Is AW32 Hydraulic Oil Non-conductive?
Yes. AW hydraulic oil is an anti-wear non-conductive hydraulic oil. Mainly, it comes with incredible cold temperature flow characteristics. These products are used in hydraulic pumps and systems operating under varying temperatures and conditions.
The properties of AW32 hydraulic oils are low deposit formation, oxidation resistance, anti-foam, low pour point, and rust protection. They also have a valuable anti-wear agent to help decrease wear in high-pressure and high-speed gear and vane pumps.
Check: HLP 46 Vs AW 46 Hydraulic Oil
Final Word:
To conclude, Non-conductive hydraulic oil properties are good hydraulic strength and filter ability. Ergo, these properties ensure your hydraulic system’s ultimate product life and performance. Its maximum viscosity grades allow you to use this oil in any hydraulic system.
On the other hand, people who think about what type of hydraulic oil will be best. For them, we want to say, use this non-conductive hydraulic oil for your hydraulic system. After using it, you can see the results.
Check: Anti-Foaming Hydraulic Oil