The Skydrol sample
analysis program
How-to guide for your
complimentary analysis program
Welcome!
We are happy your company has chosen Skydrol
™
aviation
hydraulic fluids, the most advanced aviation hydraulic fluids
supported by recognized experts in phosphate-ester fluid
technology.
As a Skydrol customer, you are eligible for our Skydrol sample
analysis program at no extra cost. This program provides you
with free Skydrol sample kits. Each kit includes:
• A sample bottle (Nalgene, HDPE)
• Sample label
• Plastic bag (polyethylene)
• Box with return shipping address label
To ensure the quality and safety of the program, we have
established specific procedures and guidelines that must be
followed when using this service. Following these guidelines
ensures you get the best results from the program.
Because of safety concerns, the following will not be accepted
and will be discarded on arrival:
• Glass bottles
• Bottles that have leaked due to being made of incompatible
material or improper lid usage. One-click lids are not suitable.
NOTE: Incorrect sample bottles, incomplete labeling,
or insufficient packaging can be a safety hazard.
Our laboratory will reject samples that are not sent
in accordance with the following requirements.
In urgent situations, it may be acceptable to use alternative
packaging and another sample bottle if a Skydrol sample kit
is not immediately available. Make sure the sample bottle
material is compatible with Skydrol (HDPE is strongly
recommended) and the bottle is clean for safety and
quality purposes.
Why is analysis important?
During aircraft operations, hydraulic fluid is
subjected to an environment that, in time,
alters certain properties of the fluid. No two
types of aircraft hydraulic systems operate
under the same conditions. Heat, moisture, and
overall cleanliness affect the operating life limit
of hydraulic fluid. Therefore, the operating life of
Skydrol fluids is determined on the basis of both
physical and chemical properties rather than
by a fixed number of operating hours.
We suggest that you have your hydraulic fluid
analyzed periodically to ensure it meets airframe
manufacturer in-service limits. Eastman’s
technical service fluid sampling program offers
comprehensive analysis and evaluation of the
fluid with recommendations for corrective action
when required.
To order Skydrol sample kits, contact your local
Eastman customer service representative.
Sampling procedure
The following steps are general guidelines for obtaining a
proper sample from your aircraft while ensuring the safety
and quality of the results. These guidelines do not supersede
the aircraft maintenance manual (AMM) or the airframe
manufacturer’s recommended sampling procedure.
1. Pressurize and operate the hydraulic system for 10 to 15
minutes. During this time, operate various flight controls to
activate valves and thoroughly mix hydraulic fluid.
2. When taking a sample, wear proper personal protective
equipment.
3. Wipe off the sampling port with a lint-free cloth. Do
not use shop towels or paper products that could
produce lint.
4. Allow approximately 250 mL (1 pint) of fluid to drain. This
will purge any settled particles from the sampling port.
5. Insert the precleaned sample bottle under the fluid
stream and fill, leaving only a small space of air at the top.
Withdraw the bottle and cap immediately.
6. Close the drain valve.
7. Fill out the sample label as directed.
8. Service system reservoirs to replace the fluid that
was removed.
Labeling samples
Filling out labels completely and correctly is paramount
because they are the primary sources for identifying and
registering your samples in our system. We encourage
you to use the labels received with the sample kit and
complete all fields.
Use an ink pen, not a marker or pencil.
All the listed information should be in English. The requirements
for the sample label are as follows:
Packaging sample bottles
It is imperative that each sample bottle sent to our laboratory
for analysis be packed according to the following protocol:
1. Ensure that the bottle lid is tightly sealed.
2. Ensure that each sample bottle is separately labeled and
each label is filled out completely.
3. Apply the appropriate GHS label to the bottle. Contact
your local sales representative if assistance is needed.
4. Place the sample bottle inside the plastic bag and seal
the bag.
5. Put the bagged bottle into the box.
6. Include the completed label in the box—but not inside
the plastic bag (in case of accidental leakage, the label
will not be destroyed).
7. Ship the sample bottle to the designated laboratory.
NOTE: If your sample is considered hazardous for transport
or meets the definition of dangerous goods, do not use
the sample packaging provided. Select the appropriate
packaging, as it is the shippers responsibility to classify,
package, mark, and label hazardous materials for transport
pursuant to applicable dangerous goods regulatory
requirement (U.S. DOT, ICAO/IATA, IMDG, ADR, etc.).
Company/airline Required (e.g., ABC Airlines)
Aircraft type Required (e.g., A320, B737)
Aircraft registration
number (tail #)
Required (e.g., A-BCDE)
City/airport Required
MRO
Optional (if MRO sends sample
instead of airline)
Hours
Optional (total flight hours
of the aircraft)
Hydraulic system
identification
Required (e.g., 1, center, green)
Date of sample Required
Email Required
Remarks Optional
EAS-9543A 3/21
Although the information and recommendations set forth herein are presented in good faith, Eastman Chemical
Company (“Eastman”) and its subsidiaries make no representations or warranties as to the completeness or
accuracy thereof. You must make your own determination of its suitability and completeness for your own use,
for the protection of the environment, and for the health and safety of your employees and purchasers of your
products. Nothing contained herein is to be construed as a recommendation to use any product, process, equipment,
or formulation in conflict with any patent, and we make no representations or warranties, express or implied,
that the use thereof will not infringe any patent. NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS
OR IMPLIED, OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR OF ANY OTHER NATURE ARE
MADE HEREUNDER WITH RESPECT TO INFORMATION OR THE PRODUCT TO WHICH INFORMATION REFERS
AND NOTHING HEREIN WAIVES ANY OF THE SELLER’S CONDITIONS OF SALE.
Safety Data Sheets providing safety precautions that should be observed when handling and storing our products
are available online or by request. You should obtain and review available material safety information before
handling our products. If any materials mentioned are not our products, appropriate industrial hygiene and other
safety precautions recommended by their manufacturers should be observed.
© 2021 Eastman. Eastman brands referenced herein are trademarks of Eastman or one of its subsidiaries or are
being used under license. The ® symbol denotes registered trademark status in the U.S.; marks may also be
registered internationally. Non-Eastman brands referenced herein are trademarks of their respective owners.
Eastman Corporate Headquarters
P.O. Box 431
Kingsport, TN 37662-5280 U.S.A.
U.S.A. and Canada, 800-EASTMAN (800-327-8626)
Other locations, +(1) 423-229-2000
www.eastman.com/locations
Shipping
Ship Skydrol aviation hydraulic fluid samples to the
appropriate address for your region. If you are unsure
which address to use, contact your local sales manager
or technical service specialist.
Americas Asia Pacific Europe, Middle East, Africa
Eastman Chemical Company
In-service laboratory
702 Clydesdale Avenue
Anniston, Alabama 36201-5390
U.S.A.
SGS-CSTC Standards Technical Services
(Shanghai) Co., Ltd.
Attn: Chief chemist
Building C, No. 399, Shengxia Road, Pudong
New District, 201210
Shanghai, China
+86-18317189173
Eastman Chemical Company
FAO: Fluids Testing
QA Laboratory
Corporation Road
Newport
NP19 4XF
U.K.
For more information about the Skydrol sample analysis program, email
team.skydr[email protected] or visit Eastman.com/Aviation.
Results you can trust
These guidelines have been established to maintain the
safety of the sample analysis program, allow us to correctly
identify each sample, and provide the highest quality analysis.
By following these steps, you help us maintain the high
standards that your company expects from Eastman
Aviation Solutions. If you have questions or need more
information, contact your local sales manager or technical
service specialist. We appreciate your use of Skydrol aviation
hydraulic fluid and our complimentary Skydrol sample
analysis program.
