Product Description
Discontinued - Call 1-800-44-Exxon for replacement product.
Firexx HF-A oil-in-water emulsion provides outstanding fire resistance and
excellent emulsion stability for low-pressure applications where anti-wear
properties are not critical. Firexx HF-A meets MSHA 30-10-3 and Westfalia.
Features and Benefits
- Excellent fire resistance: The presence of 95% water keeps Firexx HF-A from burning or propagating fire.
- Emulsion stability: Firexx HF-A maintains excellent emulsion stability in water with hardness up to 250 ppm CaCO3, which provides extra protection against oil-water separation under adverse conditions.
- Excellent paint compatibility: Firexx HF-A closely matches the properties of mineral-based hydraulic fluids.
Applications
Firexx HF-A is a fire-resistant hydraulic oil concentrate that produces a
milky emulsion when mixed at a 95/5 water/oil ratio. It is intended primarily
for low-pressure hydraulic systems where anti-wear properties are not
essential; for example, hydraulic presses and central accumulator hydraulic
systems using plunger or centrifugal pumps designed for water operation.
Special Considerations The following factors are important in the use
of Firexx HF-A:
Proper temperatures Store Firexx HF-A
between 4°C (40°F) and 54°C (130°F). Temperatures above the maximum may cause
excessive water evaporation, increasing the fire hazard. Firexx HF-A has been
designed to resist freeze/thaw cycles, but excessive exposure to temperatures
below 4°C (40°F) can result in phase separation. Temperatures below freezing
(0°C /32°F)) should be avoided.
Compatibility with
seals Nitrile and neoprene seals and packings normally used for
petroleum oils are satisfactory, as are fluorinated elastomers and silicones.
Butyl and ethylene-propylene elastomers swell in contact with the oil in
emulsion fluids.
Compatibility with fibers Firexx
HF-A is incompatible with certain types of cork, paper, leather, asbestos and
synthetic fibers that soften and swell in the presence of water.
Compatibility with other hydraulic fluids Even small amounts of
water/glycol fluids or synthetics can cause severe phase separation.
Fluid maintenance Firexx HF-A holds particulates in suspension more
readily than petroleum oils and so should be protected by adequate filtration.
Use filters of metal, cellulose and inorganic media, do not use diatomaceous
earth.
CONTROLLING BACTERIA Like all water/oil
emulsions, Firexx HF-A can be attacked by bacteria introduced by air, water,
dust or other sources. Bacteria can cause an offensive odor, darken the
emulsion and impair its rust-preventive qualities. Bacteria can also promote
oil-water separation. It is important to monitor emulsions for
bacteria periodically and take corrective action to maintain good system
performance. There are four approaches to controlling bacteria:
Improving plant cleanliness Avoid contamination of the hydraulic fluid
with dirty water, grime, food or refuse. Keep the machinery and work areas
clean.
Aerating the emulsion Odor-producing bacteria
grow only in an oxygen-free environment, making aeration an effectivecontrol
strategy. Aeration will most likely require retrofitting the hydraulic system
with special equipment.
Maintaining proper pH It is
extremely important to maintain the pH of the emulsion above 8.5. If the pH of
Firexx HF-A falls below this level, restore it with borax or liquid caustic
soda. Do not use soda ash, which can destabilize the emulsion.
Treating with bactericide Firexx HF-A contains a bactericide for
initial resistance to objectionable odors; this bactericide should be
replenished over time.
MAINTAINING WATER CONTENT
Maintaining the correct water/oil ratio (95% water minimum for Firexx HF-A) is
essential to continued optimum performance of any water-based hydraulic fluid.
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Typical Properties

Firexx HF-A
| 
Concentrate
| 
Finished Fluid (Oil-in-Water Emulsion)
|
| Appearance | Bright and Clear | Milky White Fluid |
| Pour Point, °C (°F) | | 0 (32) (Freezes) |
| Viscosity, cSt @ 40 °C | 80 | - |
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Health and Safety
Health studies have shown that many petroleum hydrocarbons pose potential
human health risks that may vary from person to person. As a precaution,
exposure to liquids and vapors of petroleum products should be minimized.
Oils and greases in contact with skin can result in removal of skin oils and
plugging of sweat glands and hair follicles. This may lead to skin irritation
or dermatitis. Accordingly, good personal hygiene should always be practiced.
Oils and greases should always be removed from the skin promptly. Soiled
clothing should not remain in contact with the skin.
Oils and
greases are readily removed from the skin by waterless hand cleaners followed
by washing with soap, water, and a soft skin brush. They can be removed from
clothing by dry-cleaning or by washing with laundry detergents. Where repeated
skin contact occurs, protective skin creams, such as silicone-base creams,
applied to clean hands prior to contact may be beneficial.
If
petroleum products contact the eyes, flush the eyes with fresh water until the
irritation subsides.
WARNING: "Empty" containers retain
residue (liquid and/or vapor) and can be dangerous. Do not pressurize, cut,
weld, braze, solder, drill, grind, or expose such containers to heat, flame,
sparks, or other sources of ignition; they may explode and cause injury or
death. Do not attempt to clean since residue is difficult to remove, and even
a trace of remaining material constitutes an explosive hazard. "Empty" drums
should be completely drained, properly bunged, and promptly returned to a drum
reconditioner. All other containers should be disposed of in an
environmentally safe manner and in accordance with governmental regulations.
Additional important health and safety information on this product can be
found in the Material Safety Data Sheet which is available online at
www.exxon.com or by contacting Exxon Branded Lubricants, ExxonMobil Lubricants
and Petroleum Specialties Company, North America Technical Services - MSDS, 3225
Gallows
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