Hydraulic Oil Analysis

Hydraulic systems are highly sensitive to fluid contamination. A single ISO cleanliness class improvement in hydraulic fluid can extend pump life by a significant margin. ORDNEX coordinates hydraulic oil sampling and particle count analysis through qualified UAE-based laboratory partners.

PURPOSE & ENGINEERING VALUE

Why Hydraulic Oil Analysis Matters

Hydraulic system failures are predominantly caused by fluid contamination rather than mechanical fatigue. Particle ingress, water contamination, and additive depletion each reduce the service life of expensive hydraulic components.

The ISO 4406 cleanliness code is the standard benchmark for hydraulic fluid cleanliness. Most hydraulic systems require a cleanliness level between ISO 16/14/11 and ISO 18/16/13 depending on component sensitivity.

Typical Sampling Intervals

·Deck machinery: every 500 operating hours
·Steering gear: every 6 months
·CPP hydraulic oil: every 500 hours
·Crane circuits: every 500–1,000 hours
·After system repair or filter change

Typical Report Turnaround

24 to 48 hours for standard particle count and viscosity analysis.

ORDNEX coordinates testing through qualified laboratory partners. Turnaround times are subject to laboratory capacity and sample condition.

TEST PARAMETERS

Analysis Parameters & Interpretation

Viscosity at 40°CConfirms the hydraulic fluid is within the specified viscosity grade. Deviation affects pump efficiency, valve response, and actuator speed.

Particle Count (ISO 4406)Quantifies contamination in three particle size ranges. The ISO cleanliness code directly determines whether the fluid is fit for purpose in the hydraulic circuit.

Water ContentWater above 0.1% causes cavitation, accelerates corrosion, and promotes bacterial growth in hydraulic reservoirs.

Acid Number (TAN)Rising acid number indicates fluid oxidation. Acidic fluid attacks pump internals, valve seals, and cylinder rods.

Wear Metals (ICP)Iron, copper, chromium, and aluminium trace the wear condition of pump internals, control valves, and cylinder assemblies.

Additive Depletion (ICP / FTIR)Phosphorus and zinc levels indicate anti-wear additive depletion. Additive-starved fluid accelerates pump wear.

Fluid Colour & AppearanceDarkening, haziness, or foaming indicates contamination, oxidation, or aeration problems requiring investigation.

Foam ResistanceMeasures the fluid's ability to release entrained air, which affects pressure response and actuator precision.

TYPICAL APPLICATIONS

Equipment Categories

·Deck machinery hydraulic power packs

·Steering gear hydraulic systems

·CPP propeller hydraulic oil

·Crane and davit hydraulic circuits

·Hatch cover hydraulic systems

·Offshore ROV hydraulic fluids

·Industrial press and machine tool hydraulics

·Mobile plant and crane hydraulics

INDUSTRIES SERVED

Operational Sectors

·Commercial Shipping

·Offshore Support Vessels

·Ports & Terminals

·Shipyards

·Industrial Manufacturing

·Naval & Coast Guard

·Oil & Gas Platforms

·Marine Contractors

Related Services

Lubricating Oil Analysis →Particle Count Analysis →Wear Metal Analysis →

LABORATORY INTAKE

Submit a Hydraulic Oil Analysis Request

Provide system type, fluid specification, operating pressure, and sample source. ORDNEX will coordinate collection and laboratory routing.