
Shell Water-Glycol S2 CX

Reducing the risk of fire hazards
Minimise the risk of fire in high-pressure hydraulic systems with Shell Water-glycol S2 CX, a fire-resistant fluid that provides high protection against corrosion and pump wear – and is specifically designed to operate at system pressures up to 4,000 psi.
Industrial operations that require high-pressure hydraulic systems and extreme temperatures face an increased risk of fire – creating additional potential hazards for the people running them.
So, it is vital that equipment used for applications such as die casting, welding and hot metal pressing uses hydraulic fluids that can handle the pressure.

Performance Advantages
Deliver peak performance
Using fire-resistant lubricants is a cost-effective option compared with installing mechanical fire-suppression equipment. With a 42–44% water content, Shell Water-Glycol S2 CX is an HFC type, fire-resistant hydraulic fluid designed for use in industrial equipment operating in areas subject to fire hazards, including in the steel, aluminium, die-casting, mining, glass and tunnel boring industries. It has a higher ignition temperature and lower flammability than mineral oils, and its glycol (diethylene glycol) content enables the fluid to be used in all seasons.
The fluid uses an innovative friction modifier to provide excellent pump lubricity, which can help to extend equipment service life and reduce maintenance costs. In the Vickers V-104 vane pump test, only 10–15 mg of wear was recorded after 100 hours at 2,000 psi and 65°C (ASTM D7043).
As an FM Approved Fire-Resistant industrial fluid, Shell Water-Glycol S2 CX
- Featuring a high level of anti-wear protection, Shell Water-Glycol S2 CX is engineered to offer increased resistance to mechanical shear and has a stable viscosity that helps to protect components against wear.
- Provides corrosion protection to a wide variety of metals, including aluminium, copper, brass, cast iron, steel and others commonly used in hydraulic systems.
- Water based hydraulic systems have been traditionally used in underground mining applications and in the high temperature areas of steel mills and foundries

Environmental Advantages
Protect your equipment and the environment
As the name implies, water-glycol fluids consist of a solution of water, ethylene or diethylene glycol, a thickener and an additive package. The additive system contains anti-wear protection, as well as corrosion resistance, metal passivation, oxidation resistance, antimicrobial properties, seal in hose compatibility, and a pink or red dye to aid in identification.
The development of water-glycol hydraulic fluids has been driven by a multitude of changes impacting industry. For example, environmental concerns have pushed the industry to look for fluids that are biodegradable1, less harmful to the environment and more easily cleaned up.
- Lower clean-up costs: Water-based hydraulic systems hold the potential for tremendous cost savings at the plant level due to lower associated clean-up costs.
- Safety: The inherent fire resistance of the fluid increases safety.
- Wear protection: The incorporated additive packages reduce wear and tear on equipment, helping to maximise the life of equipment.

Service Life Advantages
Lower operating costs and reducing downtime
Shell Water-Glycol S2 CX helps to minimise fluid maintenance, extend pump life and reduce reconditioning requirements. It does this through its high shear stability, along with its superior vapour phase and solution corrosion protection, compared with traditional water-glycol fluids.
The fluid uses an innovative friction modifier to provide excellent pump lubricity, which can help to extend equipment service life and reduce maintenance costs. In the Vickers V-104 vane pump test, only 10–15 mg of wear was recorded after 100 hours at 2,000 psi and 65ºC (ASTM D7043).
- Lower clean-up costs: Water-based hydraulic systems hold the potential for tremendous cost savings at the plant level due to lower associated clean-up costs.
- Rust and corrosion protection: Water-glycol fluid formulations incorporate additives that reduce rust and corrosion in systems, further helping to extend service life of both the equipment and fluid itself.
- Predictable service life: Water-glycol fluid formulations can be tested and monitored to measure fluid life, giving operators insight as to when replacement may be needed.
Excellent fire-resistance coupled with good cost and performance makes water-glycol fluids a good choice for many industrial applications.
Shell Water-Glycol S2 CX specifications
Method | Shell Water-Glycol S2 CX 46 | |
---|---|---|
ISO fluid type | ISO 67 43-4 | HFC |
Colour | Visual | Red |
Kinematic viscosity at 40°C, mm 2/5 | ISO 3104 | 46 |
Viscosity index | ISO 2909 | 196 |
Density at 15°C, kg/m³ | ISO 12195 | 1080 |
pH | 9.5 | |
Water content, % | ASTM E203 | 42 – 44 |
Pour point | ISO 3016 | -50 |
Four-ball wear test, mm | ISO 20623 | 0.60 |
These characteristics are typical of current production. Although future production will conform to Shell’s specifications, variations in these characteristics may occur. |
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A high-performance phosphate ester (HFDR) self-extinguishing fire-resistant fluid, Shell Turbo S5 DR features a high flash point, high fire point and high auto ignition temperature. It can be used as the hydraulic fluid in electrohydraulic governor controls (EHC) systems in steam and gas turbines.
Disclaimers:
1 Shell Fire Resistant S1 DU, S2 DU and S3 DU are biodegradable by greater than 60% after 28 days in the OECD 301B Carbon dioxide evolution test.