Esso Firexx HF-C

Esso Firexx HF-C 46 is a premium quality water-glycol type fire-resistant hydraulic fluid. It consists of a blend of water, propylene glycol and selected additives in combination with high viscosity polyglycol thickeners. This formulation provides outstanding Fire resistance and excellent low temperature properties. It is fully approved as a Group I, HF-C fluid by the Factory Mutual group. It is ideal for a variety of industry applications as well as for many low-temperature operations. Firexx HF-C 46 meets the Denison HF-4 standards and works best where operating pressures do not exceed 2000 psi / 140 bar.

The polyglycol component in Firexx HF-C 46 provides significant inherent lubricity and shears stability, while additives give it high film strength and enhanced anti-wear properties. A high viscosity index makes Firexx HF-C 46 effective over a wide range of operating temperatures. Firexx HF-C 46 provides excellent rust inhibition in both liquid and vapour phases. It also inhibits corrosion of yellow metal parts. It is compatible with most O-rings, gaskets and seals, including nitrile and neoprene seals and packings normally used for petroleum oils, except items made from polyurethane, leather or cork materials. It is compatible with fluorinated elastomers, silicones, butyl and ethylene-propylene elastomers. Like other water/glycol fluids, Firexx HF-C 46 exhibits high resistance to bacterial growth. Firexx HF-C 46 is the fluid of choice for many medium pressure industrial hydraulic applications.

Features and Benefits

Firexx HF-C 46 is a leading member of the Esso brand of FIREXX less hazardous and fire resistant hydraulic fluids products, recognised for their high quality and reliability, as well as performance capabilities in tough conditions. This family of products is manufactured to the strictest quality standards. Firexx HF-C 46 offers the following advantages:

• Firexx HF-C 46 strongly resists combustion and will not propagate a flame when ignited.
• Excellent low temperature fluidity gives smooth hydraulic performance and easier start-up at temperatures down to -18ºC.
• Unlike other types of water-based fluids, Firexx HF-C 46 can withstand successive freeze/thaw cycles without component separation.
• Firexx HF-C 46 provides excellent hydraulic pump wear protection in a wide variety of medium-pressure industrial applications
• The good heat transfer capability of Firexx HF-C 46 will typically allow the system to operate 5-10ºC cooler than systems using mineral oil.

Applications

Firexx HF-C 46 with most standard hydraulic system components in mineral oil service. As with all other water/glycol fluids, Firexx HF-C 46 is not compatible with typical type paints; however, epoxy or resin-based paints are suitable. Firexx HF-C 46 should not be mixed with other type fluids. While it is compatible with other water-glycol type products, admixtures may detract from the properties of the Esso brand product. Excessive loss of water can cause abnormally high viscosity and, ideally, water content should be maintained between 39% and 43%. Make-up water should be distilled water, soft de-ionised water or boiler condensate, and hardness should not exceed 5 ppm. Operating temperatures should be limited to a maximum of 50ºC and bulk fluid temperature to a maximum of 54ºC in order to control water loss.

Firexx HF-C 46 works best when operating in medium pressure applications mot exceeding 2,000 psi / 140 bar. It is used in a wide variety of steel mills, automotive and metal industry applications. Specific applications include:

• Forging systems
• Die-cast machines
• Billet casting equipment
• Welders, loaders, lathing operations and trim presses

Specifications and Approvals

FIREXX HF-C 46 has the following builder approvals
Factory Mutual, Group I HF-C Fluid
Denison HF-4

Typical Properties

FIREXX HF-C 46
Viscosity, ASTM D 445
cSt @ 40ºC	41.5
Viscosity Index, ASTM D 2270	175
Specific Gravity, ASTM D 1298, 15.6ºC/15.6ºC	1.089
Pour Point, ºC, ASTM D 97	-30
Water Content, ASTM D 1744	43
PH	9.5
Colour, visual	Red