Flame-retardant fluids and special liquids
Flame-retardant fluids that are used in industrial systems and applications where there are high requirements in terms of fire safety or explosion protection.
These fluids are designed to minimise the risk of ignition even at high temperatures or in contact with hot surfaces. In industrial systems and applications where there are high fire safety requirements, flame-retardant or fireproof fluids are often used. These fluids, such as HFDR, DOT (brake fluid), HFC or HFA offer a high level of fire protection as they have been developed to minimise the risk of ignition even at high temperatures or when in contact with hot surfaces. Their use is particularly important in areas where both fire protection and explosion protection play a central role.
HFDR (ester of orthophosphoric acid)
HFDR fluids are esters of orthophosphoric acid and therefore offer a high level of fire protection. HFDRs are also known under the brand names Skydrol and MobilTM HyJetTM. Skydrol and MobilTM HyJetTM are fireproof hydraulic fluids and are used in the aviation sector, among others. They consist of a phosphate ester which protects the hydraulic components against corrosion and erosion damage, with different additives depending on the application.
Brake fluids such as DOT soften many plastics, paints and adhesives, which is why ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) are usually used as sealing materials. BIERI tests all EPDM/PTFE products on their in-house HFDR test bench before delivery.
DOT (Department of Transportation-approved Fluids/ brake fluid)
DOT fluids are approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and fulfil the strict safety requirements regarding fire protection and water absorption.
DOT-certified hydraulic fluids, also known as brake fluids, are used particularly often in the aviation and automotive sectors, for example in brake and suspension systems, where high pressure stability and fire safety are required.
Brake fluids such as DOT soften many plastics, paints and adhesives, which is why ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) are usually used as sealing materials.
BIERI tests all EPDM/PTFE products on their in-house HFDR test bench before delivery.
HFC (Water Glycol Fluids)
HFC fluids are water-based glycol fluids and are classified as flame-retardant hydraulic fluids. They typically consist of approx. 35-45 % water and 55-65 % glycol and additives.
HFC fluids are very common in the steel and aluminium industry, in metal processing and in hydraulic machine control systems as they offer a relatively high level of fire safety, making a positive contribution to fire protection.
The flame-retardant HFC fluids are not compatible with all materials and sealing materials. In addition, the lubricity and viscosity is often lower compared to conventional hydraulic fluids. This means that the materials used must be adapted to the requirements of the flame-retardant hydraulic fluids.
BIERI has a specialised product range for use with HFC up to 1000 bar / 15 000 psi – please contact us if required.
HFA (High Water Content Fluids)
HFA fluids consist of a very large proportion of water (usually over 90 %) and a small proportion of additives. This means that they make a significant contribution to fire protection. These fluids are increasingly used in the mining industry, in rolling mills and in other applications involving high temperatures and pressure.
The fireproof HFA fluids are not compatible with all materials and sealing materials. In addition, their lubricity and viscosity are lower than those of conventional hydraulic fluids. This means that the materials used must be adapted to the requirements of the flame-retardant hydraulic fluids.
BIERI has a specialised product range for use with HFA – please contact us if required.
