Skydrol 500B-4 Hydraulic Fluid

Skydrol 500B-4 is a standard-density, fire-resistant phosphate ester hydraulic fluid manufactured by Eastman for aircraft hydraulic systems. A Type IV aviation hydraulic fluid, Skydrol 500B-4 has a long service history in aviation and is formulated with an anti-erosion additive and acid scavenger to provide protection for hydraulic-system components.

Business Aircraft Consumables supplies Skydrol 500B-4 for aircraft maintenance, MRO, hydraulic-system servicing, workshops, and other aviation applications where this specific fluid is approved.

Skydrol 500B-4 Aircraft Hydraulic Fluid

Skydrol 500B-4 is a Type IV phosphate ester aviation hydraulic fluid and the standard-density member of the Skydrol Type IV product family. Eastman traces the Skydrol 500 series back to 1952, with the current Skydrol 500B-4 formulation incorporating the same anti-erosion additive and acid scavenger used in Skydrol LD-4.

The standard-density formulation provides a different physical-property profile from low-density Type IV fluids such as Skydrol LD-4. Skydrol 500B-4 is formulated for good erosion resistance and is also used in aviation workshops and indoor test stands.

Skydrol 500B-4 Features

• Type IV phosphate ester hydraulic fluid formulated for aviation hydraulic applications.
• Standard-density formulation for applications where this physical-property profile is specified.
• Anti-erosion additive designed to help protect hydraulic-system components.
• Acid scavenger incorporated into the formulation to provide additional component protection.
• Good erosion resistance for demanding aircraft hydraulic applications.
• Fire-resistant formulation developed for aviation hydraulic systems.
• Long service history within the phosphate ester aviation hydraulic-fluid category.

Skydrol 500B-4 Applications

Skydrol 500B-4 is used as an aircraft hydraulic fluid in hydraulic systems requiring a Type IV phosphate ester fluid. It is also used in aviation maintenance environments, including workshops and indoor hydraulic-system test stands.

Aircraft hydraulic systems can operate flight controls, landing gear, brakes, flaps, and other hydraulically powered equipment. The specific hydraulic fluid required depends on the aircraft, hydraulic system, and component approval requirements.

Always verify the required hydraulic fluid against the applicable aircraft maintenance manual, component maintenance manual, equipment documentation, or Qualified Products List before use.

Skydrol 500B-4 Technical Properties

The following values are typical properties published by Eastman. They are provided for technical reference and should not be used as a substitute for the manufacturer's current technical data sheet or sales specifications.

Skydrol 500B-4 vs. Skydrol LD-4

Skydrol 500B-4 and Skydrol LD-4 are both Type IV phosphate ester aviation hydraulic fluids, but they have different density characteristics. Skydrol 500B-4 is the standard-density formulation, while Skydrol LD-4 is formulated as a low-density fluid. Eastman's published data also shows differences in viscosity, density, specific gravity, and other physical properties between the two products.

Do not select between these fluids based solely on their Type IV classification. Use the specific fluid approved for the aircraft or component application. Eastman notes that fleet approvals can vary by aircraft model and that the applicable CMM or Qualified Products List should be consulted.

Skydrol 500B-4 Aircraft Approvals

Skydrol 500B-4 has documented industry and airframe approvals, but approval status varies by aircraft manufacturer and model. Eastman's current industry-approval information specifically identifies exceptions for certain aircraft, including the A320neo family, A350, A380, Boeing 787, Bombardier Global Express, and Gulfstream G6 series.

Always consult the applicable Component Maintenance Manual (CMM), Qualified Products List (QPL), aircraft maintenance documentation, or other approved technical source to confirm that Skydrol 500B-4 is authorized for the specific application.

Skydrol 500B-4 Shelf Life

Eastman's current shelf-life information lists 10 years for Skydrol 500B-4 in quart containers. Eastman's shelf-life table also indicates that Skydrol 500B-4 is available in other package configurations; refer to the manufacturer's current packaging-specific information for the applicable shelf life.

For a specific container, use the manufacturer's batch number, packaging date, product labeling, and current shelf-life documentation to determine the applicable expiration date.

Skydrol 500B-4 Handling and Safety

Skydrol 500B-4 should be handled according to the manufacturer's current Safety Data Sheet (SDS) and applicable workplace safety requirements.

Eastman describes Skydrol 500B-4 as less irritating to skin and less prone to form mists than other aviation phosphate ester fluids. Even so, appropriate personal protective equipment and safe handling procedures should be followed whenever working with aviation hydraulic fluids.

Skydrol 500B-4 Documentation

Refer to the manufacturer's current documentation for complete technical, safety, specification, and approval information:

• Skydrol 500B-4 Technical Data Sheet (TDS)
• Skydrol 500B-4 Safety Data Sheet (SDS)
• Skydrol 500B-4 Sales Specifications
• Skydrol aviation hydraulic fluid industry approvals
• Applicable aircraft and component maintenance documentation

Ordering Skydrol 500B-4

Business Aircraft Consumables supplies Skydrol 500B-4 hydraulic fluid for aircraft maintenance, MRO, workshops, and approved hydraulic-system applications. Select the required container size above to check current availability and pricing.

Before ordering, confirm the required fluid type and specific product approval against the applicable aircraft or component documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Skydrol 500B-4?

Skydrol 500B-4 is a standard-density, fire-resistant Type IV phosphate ester aviation hydraulic fluid manufactured by Eastman. It is formulated with an anti-erosion additive and acid scavenger for aircraft hydraulic applications.

What type of hydraulic fluid is Skydrol 500B-4?

Skydrol 500B-4 is a Type IV phosphate ester aviation hydraulic fluid.

What color is Skydrol 500B-4?

Skydrol 500B-4 is purple. Eastman's technical documentation describes it as a clear, oily liquid with a purple color.

Is Skydrol 500B-4 a low-density hydraulic fluid?

No. Skydrol 500B-4 is the standard-density formulation in the Skydrol Type IV product family. Skydrol LD-4 is the low-density Type IV formulation.

What is Skydrol 500B-4 used for?

Skydrol 500B-4 is used as an aviation hydraulic fluid in aircraft hydraulic systems requiring an approved Type IV phosphate ester fluid. It is also used in aviation workshops and indoor test stands.

Can Skydrol 500B-4 be used in any aircraft that requires Type IV hydraulic fluid?

No. A Type IV classification alone does not establish approval for every aircraft or component. Always verify the specific product approval in the applicable aircraft maintenance documentation, CMM, QPL, or other approved technical source.

What is the shelf life of Skydrol 500B-4?

Eastman's current shelf-life information lists 10 years for Skydrol 500B-4 in quart containers. Packaging-specific shelf life should be confirmed using current manufacturer documentation and the product's date and batch information.

Is Skydrol 500B-4 fire resistant?

Yes. Skydrol 500B-4 is a fire-resistant phosphate ester aviation hydraulic fluid. Eastman's sales specifications specify minimum flash-point, fire-point, and autoignition-temperature requirements for the product.