Do Hydraulic Fluids in Hydraulic Pumps Freeze?
If you operate hydraulic machinery in cold weather or cold environments, there are changes in how hydraulic system components function in colder temperatures. As temperatures drop and become colder, the hydraulic fluid will start to thicken into a gel. While the fluid does not actually freeze, the gel becomes thicker and thicker the colder it gets.
As such, it will not flow as easily through the system. If you were to start up machinery and start using the hydraulics immediately, it could damage the system. The congealed fluid does not flow as quickly as it does when warm.
The suction of the pump will result in cavitation at the pump (air being drawn from the fluid creating air bubbles inside the system). In turn leading to inefficient operation of multiple components ultimately leading to system failure..
If you must operate hydraulic machinery in cold weather, it is better to start the engine on the system and allow it time to warm up. As the engine warms up, the heat it emits will also heat up the hydraulic fluid so it is no longer a gel. It is also vital to monitor the condition of the oil to make certain that the dissolved water content is minimized and well below 500ppm.
If you have accidentally damaged hydraulic equipment in cold weather and need replacement pumps, motors, or other parts, please feel free to contact White House Products Ltd. at +44 (0) 1475 742500 today!
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