Biodegradable Lubricants — What’s Good for the Planet is Good for Your Power Plant
Resource from: CBCC Likes:3037
Jun 14,2011
(June 13, 2011)
Biodegradable lubricants are not only better for the environment, but perform better, according to Gareth Rees, Market Development Manager with Vickers Oils in Leeds, UK.
Biodegradable lubricants, when properly formulated perform better than conventional mineral-based lubricants, Rees says. “What makes them better is their ability to breakdown quickly if, through accidental or operational discharges, they enter the environment.”
A biodegradable lubricant should biodegrade—that is break down—at least 60% within 28 days in the internationally recognized OECD 301 A-F tests (for comparison, a conventional mineral based lube oil will biodegrade only about 20% in that period). Further, a good biodegradable lubricant should also be non-toxic (not harmful) to aquatic life and should ideally be based on renewable resources, as opposed to petroleum.
Rees says they are made differently. “The difference lies in the selection of the base fluids and also in the additives, all of which should be carefully screened for their ecological properties as well as for their normal performance properties. Thereafter, the actual method of manufacture is similar but of course it is important to avoid any contamination with non-biodegradable fluids.”
He says properly formulated biodegradable lubricants have the same qualities and offer the same benefits as other lubricants. “This can be proven by evidence of testing against industry standard requirements. In fact, in some cases, select ‘bio-lubes’ have outperformed conventional lubes so their use has been justified by the cost and performance benefits as much as the environmental benefits.
While these lubricants can usually be substituted directly for conventional lubricants, in some cases it may be necessary to use specific seals, paints and other components which have improved compatibility with bio-lubes. Rees says it’s it is important for users to follow the instructions given out by both the equipment manufacturers and by the bio-lubes suppliers.
Per unit biodegradable lubricants cost more, but Rees says this higher purchase cost can be more than offset by the extended fluid life and reduced equipment downtime. “One customer is still running a bio-hydraulic fluid in a crane after 1760 hours usage, whereas previously he had to change the conventional mineral hydraulic fluid every 400 hours or so.” He says. “He saves more money with every hour.”
Rees described the Vickers product line, and how the lubricants differ for the specific applications. “Vickers Oils has four ranges of biodegradable marine lubricants – HYDROX BIO for stern tube bearings, ECOSURE HSE high performance hydraulic fluids, BIOGEAR XP high performance gear oil and BIOGREASE EP2 grease. Each range has been tailored specifically for its application, drawing on more than 100 years’ knowledge of the marine industry and also on close relations with leading equipment manufacturers
Biodegradable lubricants are not entirely new. “Vickers Oils began sea trials with biodegradable lubricants in 1997 and commercialized them in 2002,” said Rees “We have now supplied to more than 1,000 vessels around the world.”
“We believe that there will be a growing demand for bio-lubes as the marine industry recognizes that they provide a practical alternative to more environmentally damaging, conventional, mineral oils,” he said.
(CBCC)
【CBCC News Statement】
1.The news above mentioned with detailed source are from internet.We are trying our best to assure they are accurate ,timely and safe so as to let bearing users and sellers read more related info.However, it doesn't mean we agree with any point of view referred in above contents and we are not responsible for the authenticity. If you want to publish the news,please note the source and you will be legally responsible for the news published.
2.All news edited and translated by us are specially noted the source"CBCC".
3.For investors,please be cautious for all news.We don't bear any damage brought by late and inaccurate news.
4.If the news we published involves copyright of yours,just let us know.
1.The news above mentioned with detailed source are from internet.We are trying our best to assure they are accurate ,timely and safe so as to let bearing users and sellers read more related info.However, it doesn't mean we agree with any point of view referred in above contents and we are not responsible for the authenticity. If you want to publish the news,please note the source and you will be legally responsible for the news published.
2.All news edited and translated by us are specially noted the source"CBCC".
3.For investors,please be cautious for all news.We don't bear any damage brought by late and inaccurate news.
4.If the news we published involves copyright of yours,just let us know.
Previous Hevi-Rail: Linear Bearing of all Trades in Heavy Industrial Market
Next 6th Visit from Southernmost UBC Family Members (pic)
Next 6th Visit from Southernmost UBC Family Members (pic)
BRIEF INTRODUCTION
Cnbearing is the No.1 bearing inquiry system and information service in China, dedicated to helping all bearing users and sellers throughout the world.
Cnbearing is supported by China National Bearing Industry Association, whose operation online is charged by China Bearing Unisun Tech. Co., Ltd.
China Bearing Unisun Tech. Co., Ltd owns all the rights. Since 2000, over 3,000 companies have been registered and enjoyed the company' s complete skillful service, which ranking many aspects in bearing industry at home and abroad with the most authority practical devices in China.
