LUBRICATION FUNDAMENTALS

AND
FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Eco Friendly Lubricants

Ken Brown, P. Eng., FSTLE

Eco Fluid Center Ltd.

February 10, 2009

Old Mill, Toronto
WHY?
What is a green lubricant?
Environmentally friendly lubricants first
came on to the market in the mid 1980’s. It
is generally recognized that these
lubricants should have two main
characteristics; low toxicity and high
biodegradability.

For example, if a lubricant washed out into

the waterways, it should not be toxic to
aquatic life, and it should biodegrade in a
short period of time.
In addition, a viable environmentally
friendly lubricant has to give an acceptable
level of performance compared to existing
mineral-based products.

The product must also be satisfactorily

long-lasting within the equipment to
eliminate both the need for frequent
replacement and the problems of disposing
of the product.
Reducing environmental impact used to
consider just the lubricant itself. Then it
became the lubricant life cycle from raw
materials to end of life.

Now more focus is being placed on the

complete process including facility (plant)
construction, raw materials, intermediate
compounds during manufacturing, the
energy consumed and maintenance
activities.
The correct choice might be synthetic
lubricants, it might be different additives,
and in other cases it could be biodegradable
products and/or products with less
environmental impact.

A decision matrix has been proposed for a

European Community environmental
evaluation.
What Is Needed?
 Good from start to finish
Try to extend the life so that less waste oil
is generated. Mineral oil based industrial oils
seldom wore out, so in order to get the best
out of the oil and of the oil-lubricated
equipment, one goal was to keep the oil
clean and dry.

This can be more important with some

‘green’ fluids that can shear down, require
fresh additives and/or which are sensitive to
water.
For self-contained sumps, this can be as
simple as ensuring that make-up oil is
added properly, that the breathers are
adequate and working, and that any
cloudiness, such as from water, is
corrected.

Desiccant breathers, sealed reservoirs or

dry air purge might be required with
some ester based fluids.
For circulating oil systems, it is also
important to make sure that the make-up
oil is not a source of contaminant.

In most cases, effective use can be made

of inexpensive but good equipment to
remove dirt and/or water. These can be
either off-line or on-line filtration and
either continuous or as required.
 CONDITION MONITORING
An important aspect of extending the
lubrication service life is condition
monitoring. This serves a number of
purposes. First, it ensures that the right
lubricant is in place. When starting a test
program it is often found that oil of the
wrong viscosity has been used. Such tests
can also determine if the right oil type is
being used.

What is required can be different with ‘green’

lubes.
When testing the oil it can be determined
what is required to keep it in good
condition. This can be filtration, purification,
sweetening, or, with large systems, re-
inhibition with additives.

The advantage is that if you do not have to

change it, uptime is maximized and waste
oil generation is minimized. With less
handling of the lubricants you also reduce
the risk of leaks.

With premium priced ‘green’ lubes better

fluid maintenance can be more cost
effective.
 ‘Green’ Certification

The G-7 Countries’ Certification Programs

are comprised of six official
environmental labeling agencies
incorporated by seven countries.

They use rigorous, objective

environmental testing without the biases
of marketing departments or
manufacturers’ associations.
The official environmental labeling agencies
are the following:
Environmental Choice (Canada),
Green Seal (U. S. A.),
Eco Mark (Japan),
Ecolabel (United Kingdom and Italy),
NF Environment (France), and
Blue Angel (Germany).
 Canadian Eco Certification

The Environmental Choice Program was

created by Environment Canada in 1988
and is the official environmental labeling
agency of Canada.
In 1995, a Canadian private sector
company called TerraChoice
Environmental Services Inc. assumed
responsibility for the delivery of the
program.

Environment Canada continues to

provide ultimate accountability for
environmental labeling practices in
Canada, while TerraChoice is financially
and operationally responsible to
Environment Canada.
What is considered ‘green'
and by who?
• Wall Paints: ”The Blue Angel because
low in emissions“
•Small-scale Cogeneration Units: ”The
Blue Angel because energy-efficient“
•Office Printers and Multifunction
Devices: ”The Blue Angel because
resource-saving and low in emissions“
• The product has a reduced impact on
the aquatic environment and the soil
during use.
• CO2 emissions are reduced.
• The product contains high percentage of
renewable raw materials.
• The product does not contain certain
hazardous substances (e.g. R-phases).
• The product guarantees a high level of
performance.
ISO 15380:2002

Lubricants, industrial oils and related

products (class L) -- Family H (Hydraulic
systems) -- Specifications for categories
HETG, HEPG, HEES and HEPR
 Specifications or Report requirements
for categories HETG, HEPG, HEES and HEPR

Characteristics Units Min Test

methods
Biodegradability % 60 ISO14593 or
ISO 9439
Toxicity a
Acute fish toxicity, 96 h, LC50 mg/l 100 ISO 7346-2
Acute Daphnia toxicity, 48 h, EC50 mg/l 100 ISO 6341
Bacterial inhibition, 3 h, EC50 mg/l 100 ISO 8192
NOTE: The biodegradability and aquatic toxicity tests should be performed
according to Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).
a: Water-soluble fluids shall be tested according to the test method cited.
Fluids with low water solubility shall be tested using water accommodated
fractions, prepared according to ASTM D6081
MYSID SHRIMP

(MYSIDOPSIS BAHIA)
 WHICH TOX TESTS?

REFERENCE:
MIL-PRF-18458C TYPE II GREASE, WIRE
ROPE – EXPOSED GEAR, 5 JULY 2002

SECTION 4.4.8 AQUATIC TOXICITY:

STATIC NON-RENEWAL, 48-HOUR MYSID
(MYSIDOPSIS BAHIA) ACUTE TOXICITY
TEST IN SEAWATER PER EPA/600/4-
90/027F. LD50 1000 ppm minimum
 Specifications or Report requirements
for categories HETG, HEPG, HEES and HEPR

Viscosity Grade Density

Colour Appearance
Ash Content Flash Point
Viscosity -20, 0, 40 & 100°C
Pour Point Low Temp Fluidity (7days)
Acid No. Copper Corrosion
Rust Prevention Foam
Air Release Water Separation
Elastomer Comp. Oxidation Stability
FZG Load Carrying Vane Pump Wear
 Specifications or Report requirements
for categories HETG, HEPG, HEES and HEPR

Many of the tests are not given limits but

are to be reported or “as agreed between
the supplier and end user”.
For the standard performance related
tests those such as for wear are identical
but for some of the physical
characteristics tests and the oxidation
testing there are differences. These
differences are in the tests required and
the limits.
 Specifications or Report requirements
for categories HETG, HEPG, HEES and HEPR

Load Carrying Capabilities

Units 22 32 46 68

FZG,A/8, stage na 10 10 10 DIN 51354-2

3/90, min
Vane pump IP 281,
Ring mg 120 120 120 120 CETPO
RP67H,
Vane mg 30 30 30 30
DIN 51389-2
 Specifications or Report requirements
for categories HETG, HEPG, HEES and HEPR

The specification also contains information on

what should be checked when considering
changing fluid types and also what should be
done after changing fluids.
The latter includes targets for residual fluid
(½-2%) as well as the periods between oil
and filter changes. With all four fluids they
recommend filter changes after the first 50
hours.
 Specifications or Report requirements
for categories HETG, HEPG, HEES and HEPR

To determine the fluid changes they

suggest monitoring the fluid by testing
for the following; water content and
solid particle contamination as well as
viscosity, neutralization number, FTIR
and spectrographic analysis.
Native oils (vegetable)
 Vegetable Oils
Crop-based or native oils or vegetable oils
are the oldest known lubricants and were
rediscovered in the early 70’s. These include
rapeseed, canola, sunflower and soya oils.

Rapeseed oil is a triglyceride and consists of

a fatty alcohol, the tribasic glycerin and three
monobasic long-chain carboxylic acids (fatty
acids). The fatty acids include oleic, linoleic
and linolenic, palmitic and stearic acids.
 Vegetable Oils

In the ISO classification systems these are

known by the abbreviation HETG (hydraulic
oil environmental triglyceride).

Still used but tend to have poor oxidative

stability and poor low temperature
characteristics.
 Polyglycols
Polyalkylene glycols have been used for
almost fifty years because they had good
characteristics at very high and low
temperatures. There are many types with
polybutylene and ethylene oxide/propylene
oxide commonly being used for environmental
applications.

They can be soluble in water, which is good in

some applications but can also restrict their
use when spill clean-up is required.
 Polyglycols

In the ISO classification systems these are

known by the abbreviation HEPG (hydraulic oil
environmental polyglycol).

Tend to have good lubricating characteristics

and shear stability. You have to consider
compatibility with seals, hoses, paints and
filter elements as well as preventing any
accidental mixing with mineral oil based
products.
 Synthetic esters

Unsaturated Esters - These are mainly made

from modified animal fats and vegetable
oils. Examples include TMP esters or
trimethylpropane esters, also known as
oleic acid esters or trioleates.
 Synthetic esters

In the ISO classification systems these are

known by the abbreviation HEES
(hydraulic oil ester synthetic).

Show better low and high temperature

characteristics than vegetable oils. SG
remains high at about 0.918.
 Synthetic esters
Saturated Esters - These have reportedly been
available since the mid 80’s and are formed
during the reaction of alcohols with carboxylic
acids.

Also called HEES but tend to have better

oxidative stability.
 PAO’s and Others
A fourth classification is HEPR. These are
hydraulic oil environmental polyalphaolefins
and related products. These includes PAO’s
and hydrotreated oils. For biodegradability
normally only the low viscosity oils are
suitable.

In some countries mineral oil based products

that have a recycled component or other eco
attributes are also allowed.
THE EUROPEAN ECO-LABEL CATALOGUE
LUBRICANTS, HYDRAULIC FLUIDS -
CANADA

DIESTERlub 2T Plus
NOVANCE France
DIESTERlub CSL 100 & CSL 150
DIESTERlub Hydro 46

INTERFLON Netherlands
ECO Lube H46 (200 & 30L)

HLP SYNTH E15, E22, E32, E46 & E68

PANOLIN Switzerland
TURWADA S 220 LL
TURWADA SYNTH E 46
DIESTERlub 2T Plus is a formulated refined
vegetable oil for a best lubrication of
terrestrial 2 stroke engines.
DIESTERlub CSL 150 is a vegetable lubricant
designed for a better lubrication of chain saw
formulated from refined vegetable oils,
particularly stable against oxidation.
Canadian EcoLogoM

Bicycle Chain Lubricants must:

• Meet all applicable performance standards, including

rust protection, wear and tear, and viscosity levels;
• Be safe to use (not labeled as poisonous or
infectious);
• Have low aquatic toxicity (LC50 or EC50 no lower than
1,000 mg/l for fish, crustaceans and algae OR LC50 or
EC50 no lower than 2,500 ppm according to the
Microtox™ test);

plus
EcoLogoM, bicycle chain lubricants must:

The former and;

• Be biodegradable;
• Not contain more than 5% additives, more than 3% of
non-biodegradable additives, or more than 0.1%
petroleum oil additives and
• Not contain organic chlorine or nitrite compounds,
lead, zinc, chromium, magnesium or vanadium.

No products available at the moment.

EcoLogoM, Lubricant - industrial, re-refined
To be authorized to carry the EcoLogoM, re-
refined industrial lubricating oils must:

• Meet all applicable performance standards;

• Contain a minimum of 55% by volume of re-
refined oil;
• Not contain more than 5 ppm each of organic
halides, benzo(a)pyrene and
benzo(a)anthracene;
• Ensure that all by-products of the re-refining
process are diverted from disposal through
reuse, recycling, or energy recovery; and
• Be identified as not for automotive use.
EcoLogoM, Lubricant - industrial, re-refined

Forsythe Lubrication Associates Limited

Dow Chemical Canada Inc.
H. L. Blachford Ltd./Ltée
 EcoLogoM synthetic industrial lubricants
Must:
• Be safe to use (not labeled as poisonous or
infectious, and have a flash point greater than
190°C);
• Have low toxicity to aquatic organisms (LC50 greater
than 1,000 mg/ on fish, crustaceans and algae);
• Not contain more than 5% additives;
• Meet all applicable performance standards, including
rust protection and viscosity levels;

plus
 EcoLogoM synthetic industrial lubricants
The former and;

• Not contain more than 3% of additives that are not

biodegradable;
• Not contain more than 0.1 % petroleum additives,
organic halides, nitrite compounds, lead, zinc,
chromium, magnesium or vanadium; and
• Demonstrate a low tendency for foaming and
oxidation stability.
 EcoLogoM synthetic industrial lubricants

Magna Chemical Canada Inc.

LubeCorp Inc.

Prolab Technolub
The Blue Angel – Eco-Label
Was the first environment related label for
products and services. It was created in
1978 and considers itself as a market-
conforming instrument of environmental
policy designed to distinguish the positive
environmental features of products and
services on a voluntary basis.

Today, about 10,000 products and services

in 80 product categories carry the Blue
Angel eco-label.
The Blue Angel-labeled products are
readily biodegradable, free from water-
endangering substances and, hence, they
noticeably ease the impact on soil,
groundwater and water bodies.

In the 90’s about 5% of the hydraulic

liquids were Blue Angel eco-labeled. In
2005 the percentage of bio-hydraulic oils
rose to 9% for stationary applications
(primarily hydroelectric power plants,
locks, dams, etc.) and to 19% for mobile
applications (e.g. agricultural equipment;
construction machinery and forest
equipment).
 RAL-UZ 79
Rapidly Biodegradable Hydraulic Fluids

http://www.blauer-engel.de/en/products_brands/
vergabegrundlage.php?id=83
 RAL-UZ 79
Rapidly Biodegradable Hydraulic Fluids

The hydraulic fluids must not contain any substances1 which

are listed in Annex I to Directive 67/548/EEC2 and which are
classified according to Section 4a, Gefahrstoffverordnung3
(Ordinance on Hazardous Substances) as “very toxic“ (T+) or
„toxic“ (T) and/or which according to Annexes III and VI to
Directive 67/548/EEC must be marked with the following Risk
Phrases:

• R 45 (may cause cancer),

• R 46 (may cause heritable genetic damage),
• R 48 (danger of serious damage to health by
prolonged exposure),
• R 68 (possible risk of irreversible effects);
 RAL-UZ 79
Rapidly Biodegradable Hydraulic Fluids

3.1.1.2 classified as carcinogenic in accordance with

EC Category Carc. Cat.1, Carc.Cat.2 or Carc.Cat.3 or
mutagenic according to EC Category Mut.Cat.1,
Mut.Cat.2 or Mut.Cat.3 or reprotoxic according to EC
Category Repr. Cat.1, Repr. Cat. 2 or Repr.Cat.3;
3.1.1.3 classified in TRGS 9054 as carcinogenic,
mutagenic or reprotoxic substances ;
3.1.1.4 classified in the MAK Value List5 as:
- cancerogenic working materials - Category 1, 2 or 3;
- germ cell mutagenic working materials - Category 1,
2, 3A or 3B;
- teratogenic working materials in the column
“pregnancy“ in group A or group B;
 RAL-UZ 79
Rapidly Biodegradable Hydraulic Fluids

3.1.2 classified in the „Verwaltungsvorschrift

wassergefährdender Stoffe“6 (Administrative
Regulation on the Classification of Substances
Hazardous to Waters) as amended, in Water Hazard
Class 3;
3.1.3 or which according to scientific knowledge must
be classified in one of the categories under para.
3.1.1.2 either as carcinogenic, teratogenic or
mutagenic or have sensitizing or other chronically
damaging properties or which as such or as their
impurities or decomposition products are apt to cause
considerable risk or considerable disadvantage for the
public.
 RAL-UZ 79
Rapidly Biodegradable Hydraulic Fluids

Biodegradability and Eco-Toxicity of the

Ingredients
3.5.1 Basic Substances
Ingredients accounting for more than 5
percent by weight are considered as
basic substances.
Basic substances of hydraulic fluids must
- each by itself - be biodegradable by at
least 70%.
 RAL-UZ 79
Rapidly Biodegradable Hydraulic Fluids

Biodegradability

CO2- Evolution Test (OECD 301 B, EC C.4-C)

Manometric Respirometry Test (OECD 301 F, EC C.4-D)
Closed Bottle Test (OECD 301 D, EC C.4-E)
Modified MITI-(I)-Test (OECD 301 C, EC C.4-F)
CO2-Headspace-Test (ISO 14593)
BODIS-Test (ISO 10708)
 RAL-UZ 79
Rapidly Biodegradable Hydraulic Fluids

Ecotoxicity
A substance or a mixture of substances shall be
proven by the tests A, B, C, F.
A) Test for acute toxicity on daphnia (OECD 202 Part
I, EC C.2)
B) Test for acute toxicity on fish (OECD 203, EC C.1)
C) Algae test (OECD 201, EC C.3)
D) a 21-day daphnia test (OECD 202 Part II)
E) a long term fish test (OECD 204 or 210)
F) a growth test on vascular plants. (OECD 208)
G) a fish embryo test (DIN 38418-6)
 RAL-UZ 79
Rapidly Biodegradable Hydraulic Fluids

Plus, information on bacterial toxicity, an

estimation of the bio-accumulative potential,
and limits on any polymers that might have been
used.
The hydraulic fluids must meet the technical
minimum requirements under ISO 15380.
A check showed that seventy eight products
from twenty six suppliers are approved.
 Blue Angel Eco-label Annual fee

Annual Sales Annual Fee Fee

(in Million Euros) (in Euros)* Category
≤0.25 270.00 1
0.25 up to 1.0 540.00 2
>1.0 up to 2.5 1080.00 3
>2.5 up to 5.0 2110.00 4
>5.0 up to 15.0 3050.00 5
>15.0 up to 25.0 4500.00 6
>25.0 6000.00 7

*plus value-added tax (VAT)

 ASTM D 6046 – 02 (Reapproved 2006)

Standard Classification of Hydraulic Fluids

for Environmental Impact

1. Scope
1.1 This classification covers all unused fully
formulated hydraulic fluids in their original form.
 Overview of Extended
Classification
Categories of Environmental Impact

Environmental Environmental Ecotoxicity Bioaccumulation

Compartment Persistence

Fresh Water Pw Tw Bw
Marine Pm Tm Bm
Soil Ps Ts Bs
Anaerobic Pa Ta Ba
 A SPILL IS STILL A SPILL!

1.6 This classification addresses releases

to the environment which are incidental
to the use of a hydraulic fluid. The
classification is not intended to address
environmental impact in situations of
major, accidental release.
Nothing in this classification should be
taken to relieve the user of the
responsibility to properly use and
dispose of hydraulic fluids.
ultimate biodegradation test; a test
which estimates the extent to which the
carbon in a material is converted to CO2
or methane, either directly by
measuring the production of CO2 or
methane, or, for aerobic biodegradation,
indirectly by measuring the
consumption of O2.
ASTM D- D6046 Tests of Biodegradability in
Aerobic Aquatic Environments

Ultimate Biodegradation Tests:

ASTM D 5864, Test Method for Determining the
Aerobic Aquatic Biodegradation of Lubricants - %
theoretical CO2
ISO 9439:1990, Technical Corrigendum 1, Water
quality—evaluation in an aqueous medium of the
“ultimate” biodegradability of organic compounds—
Method by analysis of released carbon dioxide - %
theoretical CO2
OECD 301B, CO2 Evolution Test (Modified Sturm Test)
-% theoretical CO2
OECD 301C, Modified MITI Test (I) - % theoretical O2
OECD 301F, The Manometric Respirometry Test - %
theoretical O2
ASTM D- D6046 Tests of Biodegradability in
Aerobic Aquatic Environments

Ultimate Biodegradation Tests: cont’d

Aerobic Aquatic Biodegradation Test 40 CFR

796.3100 - % theoretical CO2 US EPA
EUC C.4–C: Carbon dioxide (CO2) evolution - %
theoretical CO2
EUC C.4–D: Manometric Respirometry - % theoretical
O2
primary biodegradation test; a test
which follows the disappearance of a
test material by measuring some
attribute of the material.
ASTM D- D6046 Tests of Biodegradability in
Aerobic Aquatic Environments

Primary Biodegradation Tests:

CEC L-33–A-934, Biodegradability of Two-Stroke

Cycle Outboard Engine Oils in Water (Formerly L-33–
T-82) - % loss of extractable CH2 groups
 Environmental Persistence
Classification—Aerobic Fresh Water

Persistence Ultimate Biodegradation Test Results

Designation
% Theoretical CO2 % Theoretical O2

For Hydraulic Fluids Containing Less Than 10 Wt % O2

Pw1 ≥60% in 28 days ≥67% in 28 days

Pw2 ≥60% in 84 days ≥67% in 84 days

Pw3 ≥40% in 84 days ≥ 45% in 84 days

Pw4 <40% in 84 days <45% in 84 days

(12 weeks) (12 weeks)
 Environmental Persistence
Classification—Aerobic Fresh Water

Persistence Ultimate Biodegradation Test Results

Designation
% Theoretical CO2 or % Theoretical O2

For Hydraulic Fluids Containing 10 Wt % or More O2

Pw1 ≥60% in 28 days

Pw2 ≥60% in 84 days

Pw3 ≥40% in 84 days

Pw4 <40% in 84 days (12 weeks)

 Environmental Persistence
Classification—Aerobic Fresh Water

Persistence Primary Biodegradation Test Results

Designation % Loss of Starting Material

For All Hydraulic Fluids

Pw-C ≥80% in 21 days

Pw4 <80% in 21 days

 Acute Ecotoxicity Classification

Soil Water Loading Rate,

Designation Designation wppm LL50,
IL50, or EL50
Ts1 Tw1 >1000

Ts2 Tw2 1000-100

Ts3 Tw3 100-10

Ts4 Tw4 <10

Acute ecotoxicity in an aquatic
environment shall be tested with at
least three tests of acute toxicity, one
test being on a plant, one test on a
vertebrate, and one test on an
invertebrate appropriate for the
aquatic compartment.
Acute ecotoxicity in a terrestrial
environment shall be tested in at least two
tests of acute toxicity, one on an
invertebrate and one on a plant.
Tests on terrestrial vertebrates usually fall
under the category of mammalian toxicity
rather than ecotoxicity and so are not
included in this classification.
PLUS 14021
Environmental claims: A guide
for industry and advertisers
Developed in partnership with

Published in June 2008 by Canadian

Standards Association
 Product Life Cycle
Self-declared environmental claims,
including any explanatory statement, shall
be true not only in relation to the final
product but also shall take into
consideration all relevant aspects of the
product life cycle in order to identify the
potential for one impact to be increased in
the process of decreasing another.
CAN/CSA-ISO 14021, Clause 5.7 h)
Such considerations include;
• design of the product;
• extraction of any raw materials used in
the product or process;
• materials (including energy) used in
the production process;
• emissions created during production
(air, water, solid waste, etc.);
• toxicity of these materials and
emissions;
• environmental impacts of the
distribution system (including
packaging and transportation);
• environmental impacts that occur
during use of the product or service;
• durability, reusability, and recyclability
of the product;
• consumer packaging and its disposal;
and
• final disposal of the product.
Example:
The use of non-ozone-depleting gas for
refrigeration can have a negative impact on
the energy efficiency of refrigerators. If a
claim is made with regards to the use of
non-ozone-depleting gas, either the net
benefit must be verified or the reduction in
efficiency must also be clearly stated.
 Environmental Labeling

An environmental claim that is vague or non-

specific or which broadly implies that a
product is environmentally beneficial or
environmentally benign shall not be used.

CAN/CSA-ISO 14021, Clause 5.3

Claims such as “environmentally friendly”,
“ecological (eco)”, and “green” are
examples of vague claims and should be
reserved for products/services whose life
cycles have been thoroughly examined and
verified.
These imply that a product is
environmentally benign or is
environmentally beneficial. Without greater
specificity such far-reaching claims could
be misleading or deceptive.
 Free of ….

An environmental claim of "... free" shall only

be made when the level of the specified
substance is no more than that which would
be found as an acknowledged trace
contaminant or background level.

CAN/CSA-ISO 14021, Clause 5.4

 When biodegradable isn’t

To be biodegradable, degradable, or
photodegradable, most substances need
either light or oxygen, neither of which is
available if the product is placed in a landfill.
If package labeled as such ends up in landfill
or in disposal facilities that are deprived of
the conditions necessary to the degradation
process, the claim of biodegradability or
degradability could be false or misleading.
If substances that are harmful to the
environment are released during the
degradation process, the claim of
"degradable" should not be made.

Example: Cleaners containing phosphates

biodegrade totally and quickly; however, if
they reach rivers and lakes, they can have a
serious impact on aquatic life and can
promote massive algae growths.
Latest Engine Oils - ‘Green’?
Improved Fuel Efficiency
Reduced Wear
Reduced Emissions
Improved Volatility
Reduced Heavy Metals
Refillable Containers
 Summary
In many situations, it should be relatively
easy to make improvements by taking
advantage of the many options. This really
makes it a ‘win-win’ scenario, because not
only can the equipment run better, but there
can be less environmental impact.

In addition, going ‘Green’ can cost less in the

long-term when all the life-cycle factors are
taken into account.
 Summary

When considering ‘green’ lubricants there

are more factors than just the
biodegradability.

The toxicity has to be considered and the

specific tests will depend on the application.

The product also has to work!

 Summary
The application will also influence the type of
fluid used and take into account
characteristics such as whether or not the
fluid is soluble in water.

For example, if the fluid is soluble in water

then any oil skimmer type equipment will
have to be changed.

Similarly, if water is soluble in the fluid then

any coalescer type equipment will likely not
be effective.
 Summary

With different products the materials used

also have to be reviewed for compatibility
and this should take into account material
affects but also any different rheological
impacts on the equipment, especially the
pumps and filters.

Plus, the lubricant has to perform in the

application and in some cases if the life is
less this might not be suitable.
 Summary

In addition, ensure that the fluid changeover

is done properly and that the fluid and filter
element changes are properly addressed.
Changes might be required to the condition
monitoring testing and to the limits.

Lastly, ensure that what is done with the

fluid at its end of life is appropriate; re
recycling, incineration or using in other
applications.
 COMMENTS

There are a number of ways a product can be
‘green’ and there are almost as many certification
programs.

In Canada our process really just appears to be

getting going and to get it right will require more
involvement from suppliers and users.

Canada also appears to one of the few countries

where there have been almost no regulatory
requirements to use ‘green’ lubes.
THANK YOU