Feedback on experiences with "Environmentally Friendly" hydraulic oils

[MikeEinhorn]

Hello All,

I am interested in hearing peoples feedback on their experiences with different environmentally friendly hydraulic oils. We are working on a project that will use hydraulic actuators over the water in a marine environment. In the past we have used a synthetic ester based oil called Panolin with good results. The biggest drawback for that oil was the high initial cost and the fact that it can react with some Buna seals (according to the mfg but we have not yet had that experience). Two other products I am looking at now is another synthetic oil called Royal Purple and a vegetable based oil called Bio Hydran.

Has anybody had experiences with these two products they'd care to share. I am especially interested in feedback on the vegetable stock oils.

Our application is a basic open circuit low pressure arrangement with low usage and don't expect to see operating temps over 130 deg F.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[hydtools]

I've not used either but did have a Terresolve, now RSC Bio Solutions, product tested with success
in mobile power units for hydraulic tools.

https://rscbio.com/products/category/envirologic/

Ted

 

[MikeEinhorn]

Hi Ted. I wasn't familiar with that product. Have you guys been using the product out in the field and if so for how long? Looks like that product is also an ester based oil

Thanks,
Mike

 

[hydtools]

Mike,
it was 14 years ago that I was involved. However, my previous employer is still recommending using Envirologic 132 where biodegradable fluid is desired for use with mobile handheld hydraulic tools. Also listed are Clarion(CITGO) Green Bio 32, Exxon Mobil EAL 224H, Chevron Clarity AW32, Shell Naturelle HF-32.
I know customers using hydraulic tools underwater were interested in biodegradable fluids.

Ted

 

[romke]

The first generation biodegradable hydraulic oils were based on natural esters. Those had some drawbacks: they were susceptible to hydrolysis and also were not suitable for use at higher operating temperatures because they suffered from oxidation. Nowadays most biodegradable oils are based on either synthetic esters or natural esters that have been chemically treated to make them more stable.

Fluids that meet the VDMA HEES specification usually perform quite well, although it still requires good housekeeping practices (avoiding water ingress and excessive operating temperatures).

Most of the previously named fluids fall in the VDMA HEES category.

More information can be found here:

https://safety4sea.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/IMCA-Understanding-Biodegradable-Lubricants.pdf