B.39
Application Data
Fluid Cleanliness
Proper fluid condition is essential for
long and satisfactory life of hydraulic
components and systems. Hydraulic
fluid must have the correct balance of
cleanliness, materials and additives for
protection against wear of components,
elevated viscosity and inclusion of air.
Essential information on the correct
methods for treating hydraulic fluid is
included in Vickers publication
561;“Vickers Guide to Systemic
Contamination Control,” available from
your local Vickers distributor or by
contacting Vickers, Incorporated.
Recommendations on filtration and the
selection of products to control fluid
condition are included in 561.
Recommended cleanliness levels,
using petroleum oil under common
conditions, are based on the highest
fluid pressure levels in the system and
are coded in the chart below. Fluids
other than petroleum, severe service
cycles or temperature extremes are
cause for adjustment of these
cleanliness codes. See Vickers
publication 561 for exact details.
Vickers products, as any components, will
operate with apparent satisfaction in fluids
with higher cleanliness codes than those
described. Other manufacturers will often
recommend levels above those specified.
Experience has shown, however, that
life of any hydraulic components is
shortened in fluids with higher
cleanliness codes than those listed
below. These codes have been proven
to provide a long trouble-free service life
for the products shown, regardless of
the manufacturer.
System Pressure Level
bar (psi)
Product
<70 (<1000)
70-210 (1000-3000) 210+ (3000+)
Vane Pumps – Fixed 20/18/15 19/17/14 18/16/13
Vane Pumps – Variable 18/16/14 17/15/13
Piston Pumps – Fixed 19/17/15 18/16/14 17/15/13
Piston Pumps – Variable 18/16/14 17/15/13 16/14/12
Directional Valves 20/18/15 20/18/15 19/17/14
Pressure/Flow Control Valves 19/17/14 19/17/14 19/17/14
CMX Valves 18/16/14 18/16/14 17/15/13
Servo Valves 16/14/11 16/14/11 15/13/10
Proportional Valves 17/15/12 17/15/12 15/13/11
Cylinders 20/18/15 20/18/15 20/18/15
Vane Motors 20/18/15 19/17/14 18/16/13
Axial Piston Motors 19/17/14 18/16/13 17/15/12
Radial Piston Motors 20/18/14 19/17/13 18/16/13
Hydraulic Fluids
Materials and seals used in these valves
are compatible with antiwear hydraulic
oils, and non-alkyl-based phosphate
esters. The extreme operating viscosity
range is 500 to 13 cSt (2270 to 70 SUS)
but the recommended running range is
54 to 13 cSt (245 to 70 SUS).
Fluid Temperatures
For mineral oil:
Min. –20_C (–4_F). . . . . . . . . . . . .
Max. * +70_C (+158_F). . . . . . . . . . .
*
To obtain optimum service life from both
fluid and hydraulic system, 65_C (150_F)
normally is the maximum temperature.
Whatever the actual temperature range,
ensure that viscosities stay within
viscosities specified in the “Hydraulic
Fluids” section.