What happens to Skydrol when it comes in contact with a heat source?

Skydrol, which is a type of hydraulic fluid used primarily in aerospace applications, has unique properties when exposed to heat sources. When Skydrol comes into contact with a heat source, it can indeed flash, meaning it can produce a flame or ignite momentarily. However, it does not spread fire as readily as some flammable liquids would.

The reason for this behavior lies in the chemical composition of Skydrol. It is designed for high performance in aircraft systems and has a relatively high flash point, which means that while it can produce flammable vapors when heated, it does not continue to burn or propagate flames easily. This characteristic is crucial for ensuring safety in environments where hydraulic fluids may be subject to heat, as it limits the potential for a dangerous fire incident spreading throughout an aircraft.

Understanding this property of Skydrol is critical for handling and safety practices in aviation maintenance and operation, as it highlights the importance of following proper procedures when dealing with hydraulic fluids in proximity to heat sources.