Working fluids are fluids in a closed system that facilitate functions such as heating, cooling, and electricity generation. Designers choose fluids based on their properties and systems’ needs. Examples include refrigerant in a refrigerator, steam in a steam engine, and hydraulic fluid in vehicle brakes. Some fluids are dangerous and require caution. Outdated fluids have been banned due to health and safety concerns.
A working fluid is a fluid within a closed system that facilitates its function, such as heating, cooling, or electricity generation. A simple example is the coolant in a refrigerator. The refrigerant passes through a series of tubes and switches between different states in response to changes in temperature. This allows for heat transfer away from the refrigerator to keep the contents fresh and at a stable temperature.
Working fluids can take many forms. When designers develop a system, they consider the most appropriate working fluid for their needs. The fluid must have certain characteristics such as reliable performance within a certain temperature range, minimal corrosive properties and so on. Material data tables can provide information about the different fluids available and their properties to help designers decide the best choice for their needs. It may be possible to run a system with different types of fluids, or it may have a design that only allows for a very specific fluid formulation.
The steam engine is another example of a system that relies on a working fluid. Heating water turns it into steam, building pressure and creating energy to make electricity or drive a motor. The engine in this case needs a constant supply of new water, as the steam evaporates as it moves through the engine. Other working fluids operate in a closed state and should not be topped up unless the system has a leak.
Hydraulic systems also rely on a working fluid. Vehicle brakes use hydraulics to convert driver foot pressure into enough energy to stop the car. The pressure of the working fluid determines the effectiveness of the brakes. A hole in the system can create a leak, lower pressure, and make the car harder to stop, as the system doesn’t have enough pressure to apply the brakes. Similar hydraulic assist systems can be seen on heavy doors in some settings to make them easier to operate.
Some working fluids are potentially dangerous. It may be necessary to drain a system in an enclosed space to capture fluid and prevent contamination. Operators should also exercise caution when working around the fluid and should wash skin thoroughly after interacting with it so that skin irritations do not develop. Older systems may use outdated working fluids that have been banned by authorities in response to health and safety concerns, such as Freon in older refrigeration systems.
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