CASE STUDY NO.

1
▪ Discuss and explain why does hydraulics seals and packings are refrained to be re-used
again once being removed within the system.
▪ Discuss and explain why does the intermixing of the aircraft hydraulic fluids are not
allowed? What are the possible effects that it can make to the system? Explain also the
procedures in handling hydraulic fluid contamination.

I. Introduction
The purpose of this study will discuss the reason behind seals and packings being
refrained to be re-used after removal in the system. This study will also provide
explanations on why aircraft hydraulic fluids cannot be interchanged and/or intermixed,
and on procedures in handling hydraulic fluid contamination.

II. Summary
Hydraulic seals and packings, similar to disposable spoon and forks, needs to be
replaced and/or replenished once used. The reason being is because re-using those will
compromise the structural integrity it can provide.
Aircraft hydraulic fluids must not be intermixed for the separate properties will not
be able perform its expected performance which might lead to a system failure.
Proper fluid selection, proper fluid handling and storage, and system maintenance are
the prevalent procedures in handling hydraulic fluid contamination.

III. Discussion
The primary concern why hydraulic seals and packings are refrained to be re-used
again is because of the integrity of its structure. The re-used hydraulic seals and packings
will not be able to perform its maximum potential structural integrity; hence, will jeopardize
the aircraft itself, and possibly the souls on board by simply starting the root cause of
leakage within the system. That is why if there are cases that the hydraulics seals and
packings need to be removed for further services within the system, new sets of those have
to be installed. In other words, hydraulics seals and packings have to be treated as
disposable materials, that needed disposal after one usage.
Intermixing of the aircraft hydraulic fluids, similar to our day-to-day life is like
intermixing baby oil and vegetable oil. As we all know, baby oil and vegetable oil are both
oils but with different properties; thus, have different purpose. Baby oil and vegetable oil
cannot be intermixed for it will compromise the primary purpose of each oil. Similar to
aircraft hydraulic fluids, they cannot be intermixed for the primary property of each
hydraulic fluid’s composition might be compromised and will not be able to be work up to
 its expected performance. If in case that the aircraft hydraulic fluid will be intermixed, it
might lead to a system failure.
Handling hydraulic fluid contamination is extremely vital to the system because it will
help maintain the condition of closed or sealed system, prevent accumulation of solids or
slides in the system, and help maintain the performance of valves. The first procedure
involves proper fluid selection. As mentioned in the previous paragraph, aircraft hydraulic
fluid cannot be intermixed because it will not be able to perform its ideal properties. The
second procedure involves proper fluid handling and storage. This procedure covers readily
available sealed containers which should be carefully and routinely checked. The last
procedure involves system maintenance. This procedure concerns flushing of all old fluid
leading to cleaning prior to replenishing it with new or replacement fluid.

IV. References
Babcock, W., & Battat, B. (n.d.). Reducing the Effects of Contamination on Hydraulic
Fluids and Systems. Retrieved April 14, 2021, from
https://www.machinerylubrication.com/Read/957/hydraulic-fluids-contamination