Why Biodegradable Hydraulic Oil is becoming a more popular alternative
For hydraulic systems to operate with a consistency in productivity, the use (and selection) of hydraulic fluid is important. Critically, traditional fluids are known to contain toxic-based chemicals that are fatal to the environment, with governments – for the most part – universally enacting regulations aimed at safeguarding the environment. This has resulted in industry having to evolve and as such mitigate their impact; their solution being the invention of Biodegradable Hydraulic Oils.
A change in practices
Typically, non-conformity to these government enacted regulations carry significant fines and remediation costs for violators. Thus, these regulations have influenced changes in conventional practices – impacting designers and users of hydraulically powered equipment – especially when operating in wetlands and other environmentally sensitive areas. To this end, fluid suppliers have responded by proposition of eco-friendly biodegradable fluids based on a variety of chemistries such as Biodegradable Hydraulic Oils.
What exactly are Biodegradable Hydraulic Oils?
Biodegradable Hydraulic Oils are fundamentally designed for use with hydraulic systems that are employed within environmentally sensitive areas. Formulated using a readily renewable bio-base; Biodegradable Hydraulic Oils contain properties that allow for rapid biodegrade, and are commonly described as being a non-toxic, biodegradable, ashless, anti-wear hydraulic fluid; that both meets and exceeds the viscosity requirements of most hydraulic pump and equipment manufacturers. However, these biodegradable hydraulic fluids do require specific design considerations due to their unique characteristics. Their reaction with equipment components and various other materials must be taken into account, with indicators of inadequate conversion to biodegradable fluids being leaking seals, increased operating temperatures and severe foaming.
Irrespective of these considerations, Biodegradable Hydraulic Oils are wildly respected, and don’t just serve as an environmentally friendly alternative. They offer sublime lubrication, high ageing resistance, and low evaporation losses. They allow for precise conversion throughout operating systems to components, and overall offer consistent stability.