Switching from a mineral oil to a water-based or synthetic hydraulic fluid with fire-resistant properties is an effective way to improve the safety of your facilities. Using fire-resistant lubricants is a cost-effective option compared with installing mechanical fire-suppression equipment.

However, care must be taken to ensure the conversion is carried out correctly. It is important to review OEM requirements to confirm the compatibility of a lubricant with system components (including seals, hoses and filters). Even when using compatible lubricants, a small quantity of mineral oil can impair the fire resistance and stability of the new hydraulic fluid.

Similarly, when converting from one fire-resistant fluid category to another, the lubricants must not come into contact. Mixing incompatible lubricants can result in equipment failure. Even hydraulic fluids from the same category, but from different suppliers, should not be mixed unless you can clearly establish their compatibility. Be sure to consult with suppliers when looking to switch to an alternative hydraulic fluid.