Abstract
Hydraulic fluids for the most part are considered to be much less flammable than middle distillate fuels. Petroleum-based hydraulic fluids have high flash points, while water-based hydraulic fluids (because of their high water content) are definitely nonflammable. The major problem with water-based hydraulic fluids is corrosion. Petroleum-based fluids are much less corrosive and thus equipment lifetime is considerably increased. However, some petroleum-based hydraulic fluids have been observed to be a fire safety hazard in situations where high-pressure leaks can result in aerosol formation. These fire hazards cannot be adequately explained based solely on flash point considerations of the hydraulic fluids alone.