Hydraulic fluids on the test bench

Hydraulic fluids have a decisive influence on the wear properties of hydraulic components. With the PFE-019-Rxxx fluid test bench from Bosch Rexroth, additive and lubricant manufacturers can now test the behavior of fluids and their interaction with the key components, the pump and the motor, under realistic operating conditions. Thanks to its compact dimensions, the plug-and-play solution can be easily integrated into industrial environments and can be used as soon as all media are connected.

The relevant standards, DIN 51524, ISO 15380 and ISO 12922, only outline the minimum requirements for hydraulic fluids. They do not reflect the improved performance of hydraulics and the associated higher requirements for hydraulic fluids. With Bosch Rexroth's new PFE-019-Rxxx fluid test bench, additive and lubricant manufacturers can now benefit from a solution that takes these increased requirements into account and tests the hydraulic fluids under realistic operating conditions. 

The test bench replicates all the latest requirements of a hydrostatic drive. For this, the test uses a combination of a swashplate hydraulic pump (A4VG) and a bent axis hydraulic motor (A6VM) and contains rotational speed change and load simulations. Fluids are tested at high pressures in different cycles over several hundred operating hours, both at high temperatures and at low viscosities.

The plug-and-play solution can be easily integrated and used immediately after all media are connected. Users can easily operate the fully automated test bench using a modern user interface with HMI from Bosch Rexroth. Measured value recording and prepared sequence programs for fluid testing in accordance with RDE 90235 from Bosch are already included. On request, the test bench can be equipped with remote access that provides the customer with professional support when performing test and service tasks. 

Fluid testing in accordance with RDE 90235 

If a hydraulic fluid complies with all requirements of the RDE 90235, it will be added to the Bosch Rexroth Fluid Rating List . The rating procedure goes far beyond the minimum requirements of the corresponding fluid standards and is suited to all mineral-oil-based hydraulic media, environmentally acceptable media, and fire-resistant hydraulic fluids. 

The rating procedure allows lubricant and additive manufacturers to have the performance of their hydraulic fluids rated impartially and independently of the application case. A practically rated hydraulic fluid helps machine manufacturers and operators to reduce the maintenance and downtime costs of their machines and systems and improve operating reliability.