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Firexx HF-A Pdf
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Product DescriptionFeatures and BenefitsApplicationsTypical PropertiesHealth and Safety 

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)
AppearanceBright and ClearMilky 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





Exxon Mobil Corporation
3225 Gallows Road
Fairfax, VA 22037
1-800-44Exxon (443-9966)

Due to continual product research and development, the information contained herein is subject to change without notification.
Typical Properties may vary slightly.  This product data sheet is based on global product data sheets for use with products purchased in the U.S.
© 2007 Exxon Mobil Corporation.  All rights reserved.
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