Using water as hydraulic fluid

[MD500E]

I have a project where we need to operate a hydraulic cylinder under water in a pool. We cant run the risk of leaking hydraulic fluid and contaminating the water. I was wondering what would result from trying to run distilled water in a hydraulic system. I figured that there would be at the very least some lubrication issues, mainly in the pump. I was even thinking of using a power washer style pump. Only other idea I had was using a waterproof linear actuator. Any Thoughts?



Kevin

 

[MLimpert]

I work in the carwash industry, and obviously oil and water don't mix for us either. We use a couple of different products that are water/glycol based and the benefit is they won't damage or spot a car's finish if a motor starts to leak.



One product is Conoco FC Fluid-D:

http://www.matweb.com/search/SpecificMaterial.asp?bassnum=WCON048



Another is called "AquaBlue"

http://www.moderncarcare.com/articles/151Profi2.html



Either of these products will not contaminate water to the extent that oil would. I think there would be some serious corrosion issues if you ran water by itself.



HTH



Matt

 

[CumminsBu]

How about a Pneumatic cylinder? or a Bio degradable hydraulic fuild that is vegetable based?

www.thebestoil.com/tbi. asp?engine=adwords!1502&keyword=%28biodegradable+hydraulic+fluid%29&match_type=

 

[HoleshotHolset]

I happened to see a puller a while back who (based on my quick visual observations... ) uses his water injection system for the engine to pressurize a hydraulic cylinder that lifts the body off the frame. With a couple of ball valves, you can easily control where the pressurized water will go - either the engine or the body lift cylinder.



The puller and the truck will go unnamed - just in case this is proprietary info or whatever. (I don't think this is any kind of big secret... )



Matt

 

[Rotty]

You could use a pressure washer as the "hydraulic pump", should be good for 2000-3000psi.

For a cylinder ????

 

[DJW]

Huge Hydraulic Dock Cranes are powered by Water, the heaviest lifting devices are water operated, the reason, cost, supply and self lubricating, some devices use city water pressure to operate hydraulic presses in plants, a very convenient source of supply and power. Water as Air can be used as a power source such as an air driven water pump or fan, or a water powered water pump or air compressor, water the original fluid drive.

 

[MD500E]

Thanks for the info guys. I like the idea of the car wash hydraulic fluid. That way I could use a hydraulic pump/valve setup off of an above ground car lift. Simple and compact. Thanks for the help.



Kevin

 

[Spooled-up]

I have a project where we need to operate a hydraulic cylinder under water in a pool.

Just curious, but what are you using the cylinder for in a pool?

 

[MD500E]

We are working on a custom pool project where the bottom is adjustable for depth.

 

[HoleshotHolset]

We are working on a custom pool project where the bottom is adjustable for depth.

Make sure that the signs posted beside the pool indicate when it is safe/not safe to dive...



Matt