Overview
EN ISO 20763:2004 - "Petroleum and related products - Determination of anti-wear properties of hydraulic fluids - Vane pump method (ISO 20763:2004)" defines a laboratory procedure to assess steel-on-steel anti-wear properties of hydraulic fluids using performance in a vane-type hydraulic pump. The method covers both anhydrous (mineral oil HM/HV and HFD fire‑resistant) and aqueous fire‑resistant fluids (HFA, HFB, HFC) within common viscosity classes ISO VG 32, 46 and 68. Tests are performance‑based and intended for fluids used where high‑speed sliding contacts occur (for example, inside vane pumps).
Key topics and technical requirements
- Test principle: Circulate approximately 70 L of test fluid for 250 hours through a specified vane pump and test cartridge; quantify wear by measuring mass loss of the 12 vanes and the ring.
- Measured parameters: vane/ring mass loss (primary), decrease in output flow, and mass loss of side bushings and rotor (control measures).
- Apparatus & conditions:
- Vane pump (examples: Vickers V‑104‑C‑10 / V‑105‑C‑10),
- Drive motor min. 11 kW, 1 440 r/min ±50 r/min,
- Flow range 10–45 L/min, relief valve rated 17 MPa,
- Temperature control ±2 °C and continuous monitoring of temperature, pressure, flow and fluid level.
- Sampling & sample size: large laboratory volume - roughly 100 L required; normally a full 205 L drum if available.
- Preparation & cleaning: detailed cleaning and flushing procedures for anhydrous vs aqueous fluids; selection and maintenance of test cartridge components; ultrasonic cleaning and solvent rinses.
- Precision & reporting: test duration, monitoring logs and mass measurements using an analytical balance (1 mg resolution) are specified to ensure reproducibility.
- Notes & limitations: method is confined to specified viscosity ranges; other viscosity classes can be tested but need different inlet viscosity conditions and have been less validated. Safety warning - hazardous materials and high pressures are involved.
Applications and users
- Practical uses:
- Comparative anti‑wear evaluation of hydraulic fluids,
- Supporting product development and formulation optimization,
- Quality control, batch verification and acceptance testing,
- Selection of fluids for equipment with high‑speed sliding contacts (vane pumps, hydraulic servos).
- Typical users:
- Lubricant and hydraulic fluid manufacturers,
- Independent testing laboratories and certification bodies,
- OEMs (hydraulic pump and mobile/industrial equipment manufacturers),
- R&D teams evaluating fire‑resistant or mineral oil hydraulic fluids.
Related standards
- ISO 3448 (viscosity classes, ISO VG),
- ISO 3104 (kinematic viscosity determination),
- ISO 3170 (manual sampling of petroleum liquids),
- ISO 3696 (water for analytical use),
- ISO 12922 (classification of aqueous fire‑resistant hydraulic fluids),
- ISO 4406 (contamination coding for hydraulic fluids).
Keywords: ISO 20763:2004, vane pump method, hydraulic fluids, anti‑wear properties, ISO VG 32 46 68, hydraulic fluid testing, vane‑type pump, steel‑on‑steel wear.
