Biodegradable lubricants

Biodegradable lubricants
Recently, awareness of the detrimental environmental consequences that result from mineral-based lubricants entering the environment has increased globally. A number of countries now restrict their own use of mineralbased lubricants, particularly in environmentally sensitive areas. They have achieved this by substituting mineral-based products with environmentally considerate lubricants (ECLs). Moreover the decision to switch to ECLs in these countries was not driven solely by environmental considerations, but also by performance. This fact sheet aims to clarify issues that relate to the effects, performance and costs of ECLs in relation to traditional mineral-based lubricants.

Is there an alternative to oil for hydraulic and lubricating purposes?

No, unfortunately there is no alternative. However, different types of lubricant can be used that do not have the same detrimental effects on the environment as traditional mineral oils. These alternatives are much less polluting if accidentally spilled. They are known by a variety of names, such as biolubes, environmentally friendly oils, green oils or environmentally considerate lubricants (ECLs).

What exactly are environmentally considerate lubricants?

ECLs are biodegradable and non-toxic lubricants that are environmentally friendlier alternatives to traditional mineral oil lubricants. They fulfill the same function as mineral oils, while reducing the environmental effects associated with spillage and leakage. They can be synthetic ester-based lubricants or vegetable (e.g. rapeseed or sunflower) based. The adverse effect they have on the environment is much smaller as the speed by which they degrade is significantly greater than traditional mineral oils.

How does oil pollution affect the environment?

Oil has the ability to form a film on the surface of rivers and lakes, which can drastically reduce the level of oxygen in the water, and so make it difficult for fish to feed and breathe. A litre of oil released into the environment can cover an area the size of a football pitch and contaminate as much as one million litres of water. Contamination by oil can also make water unfit for irrigation and render sewage works inoperable. Oil has the potential to coat micro-organisms, plants and animals with which it comes into contact. Magistrates now impose heavy fines for such pollution offences, which, when added to the costs of cleaning up the pollution and the subsequent bad publicity, can cost companies thousands of pounds.

What applications can ECLs be used for?

ECLs are particularly useful for open system and total loss applications, for which the potential for pollution is greatest, such as chainsaws. They are also suitable as lubricants for closed systems, from which oil may escape during normal operation and through accidental spillage, as with hydraulic equipment. There are a host of other applications, such as mould-release agents and greases.

What about warranties and guarantees?

This is probably the single most important question. It is vital that the use of an ECL must not invalidate original equipment manufacturer (OEM) plant guarantees and warranties. Users can easily ensure this by insisting that potential ECL suppliers and OEMs liaise closely with each other to ensure the lubricant is fit for the purpose and that warranties and guarantees will be upheld.

Is the impact on the environment exaggerated?

No, fuel and oil contamination is a common and highly visible form of pollution. It accounts for more than onequarter of all pollution incidents: over 5000 such incidents occur across England and Wales each year. Once a fuel or oil enters fast-moving rivers or streams it becomes very difficult to contain.

How much do ECLs cost?

Synthetic ester-based hydraulic oils cost significantly more than their mineral oil equivalent. The amount will depend on the type, with saturated ester-based oils being more expensive, but with better performance than unsaturated varieties. Vegetable-based oils, as used on chainsaws, can cost about twice as much as mineral oils. Despite the initial higher cost, large cost savings can be made by end-users switching to ECLs, and these savings can make ECLs a costeffective, environmentally friendlier alternative to mineral oils.

Other issues to be aware of

ECLs will mix with mineral oil and will continue to function even if contaminated by mineral oil, but the environmental benefit will be lost. Cross contamination should therefore be avoided. It is important to store ECLs correctly, as moisture contamination promotes the degradation process.

Where can ECLs be purchased or further information obtained?

A significant number of lubricant manufacturers produce different forms of ECLs. For the most up-to-date information contact the British Lubricant Federation, who have a list of the majority of potential suppliers (www.blf.org.uk). When maintained and used effectively, ECLs can be beneficial both in terms of reducing environmental impacts and in improving the long-term performance of equipment. The Environment Agencys experience has demonstrated that the switch to ECLs can be achieved without increasing costs in the long term. The Oil Care Campaign asks that you consider this alternative for the sake of the environment, to improve your own environmental performance and in the interests of your own competitive advantage.

So why purchase ECLs?

If ECLs are used correctly, the oil can last throughout the lifespan of the machine. There is consequently no machine down time and no loss of earnings incurred from annual oil changes. The reduced number of oil changes means less oil needs to be purchased, which minimises costs and saves on disposal charges. Investing in ECLs may therefore be the most costeffective and efficient option in the long term. As a result of the improved lubricating and operational performance properties of synthetic ester-based oils compared to mineral oils, many users have reported that expensive component failure, such as of pumps, valves and seals, has been reduced dramatically. Companies that use ECLs promote a better public image, which could also be commercially advantageous.

Case Study Environment Agency

The Environment Agency has adopted a unique strategy for ECLs in the UK and Europe. It is taking a long-term pro-active approach in an effort to change short-term attitudes to oil pollution. The Environment Agency has decided to replace all mineral-based lubricating oils with ECLs in its chainsaw and major hydraulic equipment. Vegetable-based oil is now used for all chainsaw equipment and saturated synthetic esters are used as hydraulic oils in its fleet of construction plant and fixed installations, which operate in environmentally sensitive areas e.g. in or near rivers. It is estimated that, for its own fleet of over two hundred 360 hydraulic-operated tracked excavators, ECLs, whilst bringing environmental benefits, are cost neutral over their lifetime compared to traditional mineral oils. The Environment Agency's basic requirements are that the lubricant must be approved by the OEM, and must be biodegradable and non-toxic according to the recognised OECD tests. Other companies are now following the Environment Agencys lead, such as Forestry Commission, Local Authorities and Network Rail. For further information contact Frank Jackson on 01925 653999 or John Mitchell on 01132 312448. Alternatively go to www.environment-agency.gov.uk/oilcare

If ECLs can last so long, how can their condition and effectiveness be checked?
Most lubricant suppliers and OEMs offer an oil-condition monitoring service whereby a sample of oil is taken from the equipment, at regular intervals, and chemically analysed by the supplier. A report is sent to the user that indicates the condition of the oil and often includes an assessment of the internal condition of the hydraulic system.

How is the oil disposed of when it has reached the end of its useful life?
Current practice is to treat waste synthetic ester-based oil the same as waste mineral oil and, as such, they can be stored together with other waste oils before being collected for recovery by an appropriate person, note these oils should not be mixed with vegetable based oils. In future it would be worth checking with your supplier or producer, who will be aware of the necessary requirements and will be able to guide and help you to ensure that all of the waste oil is dealt with in a proper manner.