When hydraulic fluid gets too hot, it can lead to several detrimental effects that can compromise the efficiency and longevity of your hydraulic system.
What happens when hydraulic fluid gets too hot? 6 Key Effects to Know
1. Viscosity Changes
As hydraulic fluid heats up, its viscosity decreases. This means the fluid becomes thinner and less able to maintain the necessary pressure within the hydraulic system. This can lead to a drop in system efficiency and potential failure in the movement or control of hydraulic components.
2. Chemical Decomposition
High temperatures can cause the hydraulic fluid to break down chemically. This can lead to the formation of sludge and varnish, which can clog valves, filters, and small passageways in the hydraulic system, reducing its efficiency and potentially causing damage.
3. Increased Wear and Corrosion
The breakdown of hydraulic fluid can also lead to increased wear and corrosion of system components. This is because the protective additives in the fluid are consumed more rapidly at higher temperatures, leaving the metal surfaces exposed to more friction and potential corrosion.
4. Reduced Lubrication
With decreased viscosity and the breakdown of additives, the lubricating properties of the hydraulic fluid are compromised. This can lead to metal-to-metal contact in the system, which can cause significant wear and potentially catastrophic failure.
5. Risk of Cavitation
High temperatures can also increase the risk of cavitation, where the fluid vaporizes in areas of low pressure, forming bubbles that can collapse violently when they reach areas of higher pressure. This can cause significant damage to hydraulic components.
6. System Overload
If the hydraulic system is not designed to handle high temperatures, the increased heat can overload the system's cooling capacity, leading to even higher temperatures and a vicious cycle of overheating.
In summary, when hydraulic fluid gets too hot, it can lead to a range of issues from reduced system efficiency and increased wear to potential system failure. It is crucial to monitor and control the temperature of hydraulic fluids to ensure the longevity and proper functioning of the hydraulic system.
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