What Effects Will Low Temperature Environment Have On Hydraulic Rescue Tools?

Hydraulic rescue tools are key equipment in emergency rescue work and are widely used in emergencies such as traffic accidents, building collapses and natural disasters. These tools usually rely on hydraulic system drive to achieve high-intensity cutting, expansion and jacking. However, in low temperature environments, the performance of hydraulic rescue tools may be affected to a certain extent. This article will discuss with you the main impacts of low temperature environments on hydraulic rescue tools and countermeasures.

1. Changes in hydraulic oil performance

The core of the hydraulic system is hydraulic oil, and its viscosity will increase significantly under low temperature conditions. This change will have the following effects:

Decrease in fluidity: The hydraulic oil becomes viscous and the flow rate slows down, resulting in a decrease in the response speed of the hydraulic system.

Starting difficulties: At low temperatures, the hydraulic pump requires more energy to overcome the oil resistance, which may cause the equipment to start slowly or even fail to start.

Decrease in lubrication performance: High-viscosity hydraulic oil is difficult to form a uniform lubricating film on the metal surface, accelerating component wear.

Countermeasures:

Select special low-temperature hydraulic oil with better anti-condensation performance and low-temperature fluidity.

Before using in extremely cold areas, the hydraulic oil can be preheated by heating equipment to improve fluidity.

2. Degradation of seal performance

Seals made of rubber or synthetic materials are widely used in hydraulic rescue tools to prevent hydraulic oil leakage. Low temperatures can cause the following problems with these seals:

Material hardening: At low temperatures, seals become stiff and difficult to fit tightly, increasing the risk of leakage.

Embrittling and rupture: Some materials lose toughness in extreme low temperatures and are more likely to break.

Countermeasures:

Choose low-temperature resistant sealing materials, such as fluororubber (FKM) or polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE).

Check the condition of seals regularly and replace them in time if they are aged or damaged.

3. Increased brittleness of metal parts

Metal parts of hydraulic rescue tools (such as blades, telescopic rods, etc.) may experience a decrease in strength and toughness at low temperatures:

Material embrittlement: Low temperatures can change the crystal structure of some metal materials, increasing the risk of fracture.

Degraded fatigue performance: Continuous low-temperature environments can accelerate the accumulation of fatigue in metal parts and affect the service life of the tool.

Countermeasures:

Choose low-temperature resistant metal materials, such as low-alloy steel or stainless steel.

Maintain and test key components regularly to ensure their reliability under low-temperature conditions.

4. The stability of electrical components is affected

Some hydraulic rescue tools are equipped with electronic control components for monitoring and adjusting operating parameters. At low temperatures, these components may have the following problems:

Decrease in battery capacity: Low temperatures reduce the discharge efficiency of the battery and shorten the continuous working time of the equipment.

Increase in sensor error: Low temperatures may cause the sensor sensitivity to decrease, affecting the accuracy of the rescue operation.

Countermeasures:

Use lithium batteries or other special power sources that are adapted to low temperature environments.

Calibrate sensors regularly to ensure their accuracy at low temperatures.

Low temperature environments have a significant impact on the performance and service life of hydraulic rescue tools, mainly manifested in decreased fluidity of hydraulic oil, degradation of seal performance, increased brittleness of metal parts, and decreased stability of electrical components. To ensure the smooth progress of rescue work, the rescue team should select equipment and materials suitable for low temperature conditions according to the characteristics of the environment, and take necessary preheating, maintenance and inspection measures.