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The primary purpose of a hydraulic fluid is to transmit power mechanically throughout a hydraulic power system. However, hydraulic fluids are also required to provide lubrication of contact surfaces within system components, sealing of equipment with tight clearances and removal of heat generated within the system. The hydraulic fluid must also protect system components against rust, oxidation and corrosion. In selecting a hydraulic fluid for an application, consideration must be given to the pressure, temperature and materials of the system An improperly selected hydraulic fluid can lead to inadequate system performance and premature failure of components, as well as the potential for fire or environmental impact in the event of loss of containment.

In this course, the student will study the basics of hydraulic fluid selection. The course will cover Chapter 4, "Hydraulic Fluids" in the US Army Corps of Engineers document EM 1110-2-1424, "Lubricants and Hydraulic Fluids".

The student must take a multiple-choice quiz consisting of ten questions at the end of this course to obtain PDH credits.

State Board Acceptance

This course can be used by professional engineers to fulfill PDH requirements mandated by state and provincial licensing boards. Decatur Professional Development is an approved provider of continuing education in all states that pre-approve course providers. In all other states that mandate continuing education for engineers, it is the individual engineer's responsibility to determine the suitability of activities for PDH credit. The state boards typically accept online* courses that cover technical, managerial** or ethical content and which are relevant to the practice of engineering. The course must have a clear purpose or objective with a content that will maintain, improve or expand the skills and knowledge of the licensee's field of practice. For questions about your mandatory PDH requirements, visit the website of your state licensing board.

*Online courses are accepted by all state licensing boards that mandate continuing education. Other than New York (which limits online courses to 18 PDH) and Iowa (which limits online courses to 6 PDH), there are no limits placed by other states on the number of hours that can be earned through online continuing education. Consult with your state licensing board if you have any questions about the acceptability of online courses.

**The New York State Board of Engineers does not accept general office management courses, but will accept project management courses that are offered by an approved provider and that are technical in nature and contribute to the engineer's professional practice.