What causes hydraulic oil to turn black?
Hydraulic oil is an indispensable working medium in the hydraulic system, and its performance directly affects the operating efficiency and life of the equipment. However, in actual use, the blackening of hydraulic oil is a common problem. This article will analyze the causes, effects and solutions of hydraulic oil turning black, and attach relevant data for reference.
1. Common causes of hydraulic oil turning black

Blackening of hydraulic oil is usually caused by the following factors:
| Reason | Specific instructions |
|---|---|
| oxidation reaction | When hydraulic oil is exposed to high temperatures or air for a long time, it reacts with oxygen to form oxides, causing the color to darken. |
| contaminants mixed in | Impurities such as dust, metal particles, and moisture enter the oil and accelerate the deterioration of the oil. |
| Additive failure | The antioxidants, anti-wear agents and other additives in the hydraulic oil are exhausted and lose their protective effect. |
| High temperature operation | The equipment has been overloaded for a long time and the oil temperature is too high, resulting in carbonization. |
2. The impact of hydraulic oil turning black
Blackened hydraulic fluid can cause the following problems:
| influence | Consequences |
|---|---|
| Decreased lubrication performance | Increase equipment wear and shorten the life of parts. |
| System clogged | Sediments clog filters or valves, causing hydraulic system failure. |
| Reduced efficiency | Changes in oil viscosity affect the power transmission effect. |
3. Solutions and preventive measures
To address the problem of hydraulic oil turning black, the following measures can be taken:
| measures | Operation suggestions |
|---|---|
| Change oil regularly | According to the equipment manual, it is recommended to replace the hydraulic oil periodically. |
| Enhance filtering | Install a high-precision filter element and clean the fuel tank and pipelines regularly. |
| Control oil temperature | Avoid long-term overload operation and install a cooling device if necessary. |
| Choose high quality oil | Choose hydraulic oil with better oxidation resistance and thermal stability. |
4. Detection standards for blackening of hydraulic oil
The following indicators can be used to determine whether the hydraulic oil needs to be replaced:
| Test items | normal range | abnormal behavior |
|---|---|---|
| Color | Transparent or light yellow | dark brown or black |
| viscosity change rate | ≤10% | significantly increase or decrease |
| Acid value (mgKOH/g) | ≤0.5 | More than 1.0 |
5. Summary
The blackening of hydraulic oil is the result of a combination of factors and needs to be avoided through regular maintenance and scientific management. If any abnormality in the oil is found, it should be detected and replaced in time to ensure stable operation of the hydraulic system. Reasonable selection of oil, controlling the working environment, and strengthening filtration and maintenance are the keys to extending the service life of hydraulic oil.
(The full text is about 850 words in total)
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