Reolube Fluids
Fire Resistant Electro Hydraulic Control (EHC) & Turbine Lubricants
Reolube fluids are fully formulated lubricants that have high fire point, flash point, and auto ignition temperatures as well as extraordinarily low vapor pressures making them very difficult to ignite. Their low heats of combustion make them self-extinguishing lubricants. Reolube fluids are suitable for use at pressure greater then 7000 psi.
| Types of Phosphate Ester Controls Fluids | |||||
| Brand Name | Type | Desirable Features | |||
| Great Lakes Reolube | Supresta Fyrquel | ||||
| EHC | HYD | EHC | HYD | ||
| Turbofluid 46XC and OMTI | 220X | EHC-N (Stauffer EHC) | 220N | Trixylenyl Phosphate Ester (TXP) | Lowest air release times, best hydrolytic stability and good overall |
| Turbofluid 46B (Durad EHB) | HYD 46B | EHC-S | 220 | Butylated Phenol Phosphate Ester (TBPP) | Best bulk oxidation resistance |
| Turbofluid 46 | HYD 46 | - | - | Isopropyl Phenol Phosphate Ester (IPPP) | Better hydrolytic stability then butylated synthetics |
| - | - | EHC | - | Blend of Butylated Phenol and Trixylenyl Phosphate Ester | A compromise of the natural and synthetic |
Reolube Fluid Sampling / Testing
Routine fluid sampling and testing is an essential part of fluid condition monitoring. For this to be effective requires consistent sampling from the right location. It also is very important that the correct lab tests are being done and that the results get back in time. In addition, the test results have to get back to the right person.
In most cases Forsythe provides fluid testing as one part of customer service. This requires that the fluid samples be sent to our on-site lab. The lab has years of experience in testing phosphate ester fluids and can provide excellent service with some results often available within one working day.
| Reolube Turbofluid Phosphate Ester Tests | |
| Color | Scale goes from 0 (clear) to 8 (black). Some darkening in service is typical although a rapid change is of concern. |
| Appearance | No visible oil (on top), water (on top), particles, fibres or cloudiness. Specific gravity of Turbofluids is about 1.13. |
| Viscosity | Fluid is an ISO VG 46. Viscosity should not normally vary if the make-up is the same viscosity. A sudden change may be the result of contamination or degradation. |
| Acidity/TAN/Neutralization No. | As fluid is used, acidic compounds can be formed. Normally controlled at <0.1 mg KOH/g by purification media such as fullers earth, Selexsorb, activated alumina or IX. Too high at any time can lead to later problems and shortened fluid life. |
| Water Content | Esters can hydrolyse so the water content has to be controlled. Excessive water can also reduce the effectiveness of most purification media. |
| Particle Count | Too high can lead to shorter fluid lives, servo and or solenoid valve problems with sticking and screen/filter blockage. Resample and determine source if still high. |
| Mineral Oil Content | Even a little can impair fire resistance, soften EPR or butyl seals and/or shorten fluid life. GE acid method also shows some degradation byproducts. |
| Resistivity | Must be kept high to prevent electro-kinetic wear of servo-valve spools. Normally controlled by the purification media. |
| Trace Metals | High amounts of Mg, Ca or Na may be from the purification media. Can lead to the formation of soaps and/or gels and have a negative effect on foaming and/or air release times. |
Sampling
Proper sampling is essential if the fluid test results are to be meaningful and if full benefit is to be realized from fluid condition monitoring. It is very important that the samples be taken using the correct procedures, using the same procedures each time and from the same location. It is easy to do correctly, but simple things such as not flushing out enough fluid or touching the sampling valve at the wrong time will affect the results. If a detailed procedure is not available, please contact Forsythe.
Forsythe provides sample kits free of charge which include sample bottles and the packaging to return the sample. You can request sample kits using the Sample Bottle Request Form. If rinsing is required do not blow out or flush with water or use anything except the fluid to be sampled. Then only fill the container a little over 3/4 full. This is to allow room for proper agitation when splitting the sample and for expansion and/or rough handling. A 500 ml or pint bottle is usually sufficient for the standard tests. Include two bottles or a 1L bottle if in doubt or if the fluid is in poor condition.
Please mark on the bottle or include with the bottle the following information; station, unit, turbine supplier, sample date, sample point (e.g. valve number or location) and name of sampler. If a first time sample or if there have been changes, include information about to whom the results should be sent and both their phone and fax number. E-mail addresses can also be helpful.
Forsythe maintains a history of your systems lab results & recommendations for easy tracking of fluid condition.
Packaging
Tape the outside of the cap to the neck and then put the bottle in a plastic bag. Tape the end of the bag or use a 'Zip-Lock' type bag and then pack it in a suitable box or tube type shipping container.
Do not pack in granular 'kitty litter' type absorbent material because this can contribute to false high particle counts. Using the Forsythe supplied shipping packaging no fill is necessary.
Courier
All the major companies take fluid samples. Typically they ask what the sample contains because of concerns about leaks and flammability. It is usually sufficient to say that it is a hydraulic oil.
Important: The flash point of these fluids is higher than for mineral oils so that the same procedures can normally be used. The criteria for the US DOT (Department of Transportation) is if the flash point is above 141° F (60° C). Phosphate esters have much higher, this is better, flash points and for Turbofluid 46B (was called Durad EHB) it is 455° F (235° C). Sending samples of mixed phosphate ester fluids should also not be a problem because the flash points for all the others usually used are >141° F (60° C). Consequently, they are considered to be 'non flammable'.
Further, in the MSDS it is given that for 'non-bulk', such as samples, the US DOT (Department of Transportation) Classification is 'Not Regulated'.
Very Important: If shipping from the US make sure that an International Waybill is used. Please provide all the required data, including the amount of fluid, that it is a sample for testing with no commercial value, and that it is not for resale. For the value of the sample $1.00 is usually appropriate. This is because the shipment can be delayed or even returned if taxes or duty have to be paid. Lastly, the country of origin for GLCC Turbofluids is the UK.
Address
Ship to the following:
Forsythe Lubrication Associates
120 Chatham Street
Hamilton, ON
L8P 2B5
Attention: Lab Manager
Phone: (905) 525-7192
The phone number should be included both on the waybill and on the package.
Reolube Turbofluid Reolube HYD