Biodegradable hydraulic fluids are more environmentally friendly but need to be handled with care.

An environmentally friendly hydraulic fluid is a biodegradable, non-toxic fluid with low vapor pressure, stability, and long service life. These properties make it less harmful to the environment than traditional hydraulic fluids, which can be toxic and pollute the air and water.

The terms "environmentally friendly" and "food grade" have been confused ever since companies began developing alternatives to traditional lubricants and greases. Just because a formulation meets the criteria for one doesn't mean it meets the criteria for the other. 

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants (EAL) based on three criteria: biodegradability, marine and aquatic life toxicity, and bioaccumulation. We'll look at each of these as we dig deeper into finding the "secret sauce" that makes Renewable Lubricants' Bio-Food Grade Hydraulic Fluids both environmentally friendly and food grade.

Renewable Lubricants

Renewable Lubricants' Bio-Food Grade Hydraulic Fluids are made from renewable resources, such as vegetable oils, and are biodegradable, non-toxic to marine and aquatic life, and non-bioaccumulative. These fluids are safe for use in food processing and other applications where contamination is a concern.

In addition, Renewable Lubricants' Bio-Food Grade and Hydraulic Fluids are also energy-efficient and offer excellent wear protection. These fluids can reduce operating costs and extend the life of the equipment.

The first step:

The feedstock is the first step in determining whether a hydraulic fluid meets the EAL standard. Bio-based products, especially those made from vegetable oils, are inherently safer for the environment than petroleum-based products. This is because they are biodegradable and do not contain harmful chemicals. Bio-based products are also becoming more popular because they are renewable and sustainable.

Vegetable oils are a good source of fatty acids essential for adequately functioning hydraulic fluids. The fatty acids in vegetable oils help to lubricate and protect the components of hydraulic systems. They also help to reduce wear and tear on the system.

In addition to being safer for the environment, bio-based hydraulic fluids are also safer for employees. Petroleum-based hydraulic fluids can be acidic and harmful if they come into contact with the skin. Bio-based hydraulic fluids generally pose no problems with incidental skin contact.

Bio-based hydraulic fluids are a safe and sustainable alternative to petroleum-based hydraulic fluids. They are biodegradable, renewable, and do not contain harmful chemicals. Bio-based hydraulic fluids are also safer for employees and the environment.

Renewable Technology

Renewable Lubricants has developed a proprietary and patented technology that uses High Oleic Base Stocks (HOBS), which are agricultural biobased oils. The super high viscosity index of the Stabilized™ HOBS increases the viscosity past synthetic levels, improving the formula's thermal shear stability and increasing load capacity. The HOBS also has extremely low volatility, which increases the formula's flash and fire safety features, making it safer for employees.

In addition, HOBS is renewable and biodegradable, which makes them more sustainable than traditional petroleum-based lubricants. They also have a lower environmental impact, as they do not release harmful pollutants into the air or water.

Overall, Renewable Lubricants technology offers several advantages over traditional lubricants. It is more sustainable, has a lower environmental impact, and is safer for employees.

Renewable Lubricants developed the stringent IsoGreen filtration standard to ensure performance and long life, which meets or exceeds the Rexroth pump guidelines for hydraulic fluids.

Biodegradable

Biodegradability is the ability of a substance to break down into smaller molecules that can be used by microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi. Biodegradable lubricants are less likely to pollute the environment if they are released accidentally.

There are two main types of biodegradability: readily biodegradable and inherently biodegradable. Readily biodegradable products break down by 60 percent or more within 28 days. Inherently biodegradable products break down slowly but eventually break down completely.

Most industrial applications strive for readily biodegradable products because they are less likely to harm the environment. However, some inherently biodegradable products are also marketed as being biodegradable. It is important to read the label carefully to determine the type of biodegradability before using a product.

Bio-Food Grade™ Hydraulic Fluids are readily biodegradable, which means they will break down quickly and will not harm the environment.

Bioaccumulation

Bioaccumulation is the ability of a substance to build up in the tissues of an organism over time. Bioaccumulative lubricants can be harmful to humans and animals if they are ingested or absorbed through the skin.

Toxicity

Toxicity to marine and aquatic life is the ability of a substance to harm or kill fish, shellfish, and other aquatic organisms. Toxic lubricants can contaminate water supplies and harm wildlife.

Bio-Food Grade hydraulic fluids are a type of hydraulic fluid that is made from biodegradable and non-toxic materials. This makes them a safe choice for use in environmentally sensitive areas, such as agriculture and marine environments. Bio-Food Grade hydraulic fluids are also food grade, meaning they can be used in food processing equipment without the risk of contamination. In addition to their environmental and safety benefits, Bio-Food Grade hydraulic fluids also offer excellent performance. 

They are oxidation resistant, meaning they will not break down over time. They are also shear stable and will not break down under high pressure. Bio-Food Grade hydraulic fluids are safe, reliable, and environmentally friendly for various applications.

The Final Way To Go

The third way to go is to use electric servo drives instead of hydraulic drives. Electric servo drives are more efficient and have a smaller environmental impact than hydraulic drives. They are also less likely to leak, which can be a major safety hazard.

Businesses are calling attention to this now because they believe that electric servo drives are the best option for many applications. They have personal experience with the benefits of electric servo drives, as they were once drenched in hydraulic oil from a burst hose during a machinery demonstration. Thus they believe that electric servo drives are a better choice for both the environment and safety.

The machine builder that had to clean up the hydraulic oil spill would have saved a bundle in waste-disposal costs if they had used electric servo drives instead of hydraulic drives. Electric servo drives are also more efficient, which would have saved the machine builder money on energy costs.