Hydraulic Oil vs Mineral Oil - Everything You Should Know

Hydraulic Oil vs Mineral Oil – Everything You Should Know

If you have questions like:

What is hydraulic oil or hydraulic fluid? What are its applications?
What is mineral oil and what are its applications?
How are both different from each other?

You are at the right place. It is what we will be discussing here in this post.

So let us start with the two fundamental questions:

What is Hydraulic Oil?

Hydraulic oil is the medium that is used to transfer power in hydraulic machinery, for instance, heavy equipment. As the name suggests, it is a water-based oil, though it can also be synthetic-based.

Hydraulic oil can also act as a coolant, sealant, or lubricant in equipment and machinery.

What is Mineral Oil?

Basically, mineral oil is a byproduct, in liquid form, of the refining process of crude oil that is used to make petrol and various other petroleum products. It is also referred to as liquid paraffin, paraffin oil, or white oil.

It is a transparent and colorless oil, mainly composed of cycloalkanes and alkanes.

So what indeed is the difference between the two kinds of oils?

Well, you could say that both, hydraulic oil and mineral oil are entirely different sorts of oils in every aspect, be it their origins, composition, or uses and applications.

For a better understanding, let us take up their uses.

Applications of Hydraulic Oil

Following are seven examples of machinery and equipment which use hydraulic oil.

  • Forklift Truck

    These trucks use the hydraulic system to lift quite heavy items. So they require hydraulic oil to power the big forks.

  • Log Splitter

    Also known as a wood splitter, it is an equipment used to split firewood. The ram mechanism in it requires hydraulic oil to power it up so that it can cut logs with ease.

  • Automotive Lifts

    The hydraulic oil used in car lifts has high viscosity due to which they have an impressive power range. It aids the machinery in its performance as well as to improve safety.

  • Aircrafts

    The aviation industry uses hydraulic oil for the smooth functioning of the control systems. It is also used inside aircraft at aircraft jacks and hangar doors.

  • Air Tools

    Anti-wear additives in hydraulic oil are used for protection. So it is used in air compressors and air tools.

  • Tractors

    Tractors are used for agricultural purposes. Hydraulic oil is used to power this equipment and is essential for the operation of hydraulic brakes.

  • Marine Industry & Cruise Ships

    Hydraulic oil is widely used in the marine industry, especially in cruise ships for empowering stabilizers as well as for smooth functioning.

Applications for Mineral Oil

The several applications and uses of mineral oil are as follows:

  • Cosmetics

    Mineral oil is a common ingredient in the cosmetics industry. It is used in cold creams, baby lotions, cosmetics and skin-care products, and ointments.

  • Veterinary

    Mineral oil is used as a mild laxative for livestock and pets. It is also used in the vaccine for livestock. Further, mineral oil is used for poultry and beekeeping too.

  • Preparing Food

    Food-grade mineral oil is used to protect the quality of wooden bowls, chopping boards, and utensils. It is also used in food products with careful regulation. Especially, for confectionary, it is used for the glossy look.

  • Cell Culture

    Mineral oil with specific purity is used for the culture of embryos and oocytes in IVF and other associated procedures. It helps to reduce concentration and pH changes.

  • Mechanical, Electrical & Industrial

    Since it does not conduct electricity, mineral oil is used in various mechanical/industrial capacities as a thermal fluid and non-conductive coolant.

If you still have any queries regarding hydraulic oil, please contact us. Being well-known ENI hydraulic oil suppliers in India, we will aid you appropriately.