Engineering Bulletin – EB 99009A

Hydraulic Operating Fluid

Recommendations

Scope

This engineering bulletin defines the hydraulic operating fluid recommendations by Hydril for application
in blowout preventers (BOP) and control systems. These recommendations are based upon the tests
and findings to date.

Recommendations

Based upon the testing to date by Hydril and others, we have found two hydraulic fluids that seem to
work successfully in the blowout preventers and control systems. They are:
• Houghton Offshore's Stack-Magic 200
• WW Canning's Erifon HD603 HP

Based upon our findings, we offer the following maintenance recommendations:

• The recommended concentration of hydraulic fluid is between 2% and 5% (higher concentrations

provide for improved lubricity),
• Hydraulic fluid should be mixed with clean fresh water,
• The fluid should be maintained at a pH of 8.5 or higher,
• Mono-ethylene glycol should be added when freezing is a possibility,
• An appropriate system cleaner should be used when changing fluids.

Discussion
The recommendations stated above are a result of Hydril's preliminary testing and observations. Some
of the things which need to be considered when selecting a hydraulic operating fluid are:

• Lubricity (anti-wear and galling factors) of the fluid,

• Compatibility with materials used in BOP and control system,
• Biodegradability of the fluid,
• Resistance to microbiological attack,
• Resistance to foaming.

HYDRIL® is a registered trademark and service mark of Hydril Company.

© 1999 Hydril Company.

All Rights Reserved.
Kenneth Young, P.E.
22 October 1999 Page 1 of 1 Manager, PC Engineering

LATEST REVISION Printed on : Mon Sep 30 01:48:56 EDT 2013