Just read about this the other day and I still don’t understand
1. what hydraulic fluid exactly is and what it’s for
2. why it can be so dangerous when you mess with it
In: 11
Hydraulic systems work on the principle that fluid can’t be compressed. Hydraulic fluid is a specific type designed for these systems. The reason it’s dangerous is because hyrdaulic fluid is often under high pressures and can ‘squirt’ out of the system very hard and fast
Straight up room temp unpressurized hydraulic fluid isn’t inherently more dangerous than any other industrial liquid.
The issue comes with what it’s used for. Hydraulic fluid is used in systems that use pressure (think – the brakes in your car). Normal water can’t really compress, so that’s where hydraulic fluid comes in. The fluids can get hot and when hot and pressurized, they can inject fluid under your skin. This can lead to severe tissue damage and even death.
Edit – grammar
Hydraulic fluid can be most any fluid. Liquids don’t compress like air and are useful for brakes, jacks, lifts, and similar items. When it’s pumped into the expansion chamber it doesn’t compress so raises the ram/lift in a consistent and predictable manner.
Most hydraulic fluid is an oil. Doesn’t cause rust, self lubricates, and doesn’t have issues with seals or hoses made for it.
Most petroleum oils are toxic to humans.
It isn’t easy to catch on fire but messy when it is.
If there is a leak it could allow a heavy opbjecto to fall, or if a car or motorcycle brake, it could be the reason for an accident.
Here’s a great video that tells you what happens when it goes under your skin and what it does to apples and hotdogs.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFId_NB6Ar8&ab_channel=AvE](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nFId_NB6Ar8&ab_channel=AvE)
It’s water or mineral oil mixed with other chemicals to improve certain properties(fe. mineral oil is used because it doesn’t boil as easily as water).
Idk what you mean by “mess with”, but typically hydraulic systems are under very high pressure. If the container breaks, that’s kind of a bomb. Typically they’re also quite hot and some are made from oil which might ignite when in contact with the rest of the machine(hot parts or electricity).
Break fluid is pretty toxic.
Not that it needs to be. But the fluid chosen is good for the job but just happens to be super bad.
And it destroys pavement, if i remember correctly
The most common hydraulic fluid is mineral oil (99% mineral oil plus additives). There are many other kinds of hydraulic fluids in use. Hydraulic fluids, depending on what they’re made up of, can be dangerous for a number of reasons: they get very hot during use, they’re flammable, they’re under a great deal of pressure and therefore a leak or a hose break can physically hurt or kill people, other hydraulic fluids are toxic to either touch or breathing in. Hope this answered your question I’m sure someone with more experience will put a better answer in.
Actually, in bad cases, the fluid messes with you.
In hydraulic devices, fluid is compressed to several hundreds ATM of pressure. If there is a break of pressurized fluid conduct, it will come out at that pressure and if close enough, will cut human flesh like knife. Even if it just squirts through skin, it is in your system and that is a very bad place to store hydraulic fluid. Fluid itself as is i just oil with additives, pressure is what makes it dangerous.
Aside from the other answers regarding pressurised fluids and the general nastiness of hydrocarbons, some hydraulic fluids produce toxic fumes.
Large amounts of these particular fluids leaked into confined or small spaces may present a respiratory hazard to workers.
Do a Google image search for “hydraulic injection injuries ” very graphic images… be forewarned…
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