Fluid Power World

  • Home
  • Technologies
    • Hydraulics
      • Cylinders & Actuators
      • Filtration/Contamination Control
      • Fittings, Couplings & Adapters
      • Fluids
      • Fluid Conditioning
      • Hose & Tubing
      • Pumps & Motors
      • Related Technologies
      • Sealing
      • Sensors & Gauges
      • Valves & Manifolds
    • Pneumatics
      • Air Preparation & Regulation
      • Compressed Air Technologies
      • Cylinders & Actuators
      • End Effectors & Grippers
      • Fittings, Couplings & Adapters
      • Hose & Tubing
      • Sensors
      • Vacuum
      • Valves & Manifolds
  • Engineering Basics
  • Trending
  • Resources
    • Digital Issues
    • Pneumatics Tech Toolbox
    • Podcasts
    • Subscribe to Fluid Power World Print Magazine
    • Videos
    • Webinars / Digital Events
    • White Papers
  • Women in Engineering
    • Women in Fluid Power
    • Women in Engineering
  • Design Guide Library
  • Classrooms
    • Pneumatics Classroom
  • SUBSCRIBE

New biodegradable fluid meets environmental and performance standards

By Rachael Pasini | October 23, 2024

Share

A closer look at Chevron’s Bio EliteSyn AW biodegradable hydraulic fluid.

Biodegradability requirements aim to minimize environmental harm from hydraulic fluid discharges and apply to any environmentally sensitive industry and application, especially near bodies of water. Image: Chevron

Concern continues rising over stern tube leakages and operational discharges that were once considered part of normal operation in marine vessels. A popular 2010 study estimated that marine shipping vessels leak 4.6 to 28.6 million liters of lubricating oil from stern tubes annually and introduce 32.3 million liters from other discharges and leaks.1

As a solution, environmentally acceptable lubricants (EALs) are designed to minimize the harm that discharges or leaks can cause to wildlife and the environment. These lubricants meet specific environmental performance standards, such as biodegradability, non-toxicity, and low bioaccumulation potential. EALs are commonly used in industries operating in ecologically sensitive areas, including marine, agriculture, forestry, and construction, where lubricants can come into direct contact with the environment.

Organizations, including the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), European Union Ecolabel, and International Maritime Organization (IMO), set regulatory requirements and guidelines for such fluids. One relatively recent update includes the EPA’s Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA), which aims to reduce the environmental impacts of normal operational discharges from regulated vessels. Final requirements and details are underway, but the maritime industry is seeking solutions now that meet performance requirements.

Though more favorable for ecosystems, EALs can degrade faster than mineral-based lubricants from oxidation and extreme temperatures. Testing is imperative to ensure an EAL’s performance. Image: Chevron

While EALs have significant environmental benefits, they also present performance challenges, higher costs, and compatibility issues compared to traditional mineral-based lubricants. Oxidation is an important consideration, as biodegradable fluids are inherently more susceptible to oxidation than conventional mineral oils, leading to faster degradation. Thermal stability is also a concern, as EALs can break down faster when exposed to high temperatures and extreme heat or cold.

Thus, as regulations and markets push for more sustainable solutions that minimize harm, manufacturers are researching and developing more hydraulic fluid solutions that meet environmental and operational requirements. For instance, Chevron added a new biodegradable hydraulic fluid called Clarity Bio EliteSyn AW to meet the evolving needs of the marine and construction industries in alignment with environmental regulations. The lubricant meets or exceeds government regulations for biodegradation, toxicity, and bioaccumulation limits, and it has a high level of renewable carbon of ≥ 90%.

The fluid underwent extensive testing, including the Turbine Oil Oxidation Stability Test (TOST), against synthetic and zinc-based hydraulic fluid and other EALs and biodegradable products on the market. The results showed that Clarity Bio EliteSyn AW achieved a TOST life of 10,000 hr, separated entrained air in 2.18 min, and had a total water acidity of 3.37 mg/KOH, performing better than its counterparts. The fluid withstands oxidation during high-temperature operation and resists water contamination, improving efficiency, reducing potential system and equipment damage, and improving productivity.

Chevron Clarity bio hydraulic fluids
Chevron’s new Clarity Bio EliteSyn AW hydraulic oil can withstand oxidation at high temperatures. Image: Chevron

“Clarity Bio EliteSyn AW performs impressively across a range of demanding applications. The product performs exceptionally well in mobile hydraulic systems, bringing everything of a traditional product but with added elements of efficiency and productivity with the benefit of being bio-based and biodegradable. It even handles high-demanding operations at pressures exceeding 5,000 psi, making it a top choice for operators looking for reliability under tough conditions,” said Zach Sutton, Lubricants Industrial and Services Specialist at Chevron. “The unique formulation also makes it ideal for servovalves, systems using multi-metal components, and where precision is critical. The compatibility and consistent performance of Clarity Bio EliteSyn AW in these settings help achieve smooth operations without compromising on protection or durability and make converting over easy. And finally, in marine hydraulic equipment applications that require specialized solutions, Clarity Bio EliteSyn AW has been able to meet these unique challenges head-on. Its performance in harsh marine environments reinforces its versatility and reliability across industries.”

The new product provides seal compatibility so customers can transition easily without changing equipment seals. This compatibility advantage helps simplify the adoption process, reducing downtime and operational disruptions. The fluid also exhibits low toxicity to wildlife, making it desirable for applications near water or areas with potential wildlife impact. It complies with the EU Ecolabel, EPA Vessel General Permit (VGP), Swedish Standard for EALs, and the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) definition of “readily biodegradable” in which a majority will break down within 28 days.

The Clarity Bio EliteSyn AW is formulated from a 100% renewable, bio-based synthetic base oil that delivers all the performance of a conventional mineral-based lubricant and is available in ISO grades 32, 46, and 68.

Chevron Lubricants
chevronlubricants.com

1Etkin, D.S. 2010. Worldwide analysis of in-port vessel operational lubricant discharges and leaks. Proc. 33rd Arctic and Marine Oilspill Program Technical Seminar: p. 529-554.


Filed Under: Components Oil Coolers, Featured, Fluids, Sealing & Contamination Control Tips, Technologies, Trending
Tagged With: chevron
 

Current Digital Issue

  Easier access to more of our content Every other month, readers of Fluid Power World have access to our beautiful print and digital editions, where we share a selection of the best fundamentals content, technology news, case studies, and technical articles that cover the gamut of hydraulics and pneumatics system design. But we only…

Subscribe!

Fluid Power World is written by engineers for engineers engaged in designing machines and or equipment in Off-Highway, Oil & Gas, Mining, Packaging, Industrial Applications, Agriculture, Construction, Forestry, Medical and Material Handling. Fluid Power World covers pneumatics, mobile hydraulics and industrial hydraulics.

Fluid Power Design Guides

fluid
“fpw
EXPAND YOUR KNOWLEDGE AND STAY CONNECTED
Get the latest info on technologies, tools and strategies for Fluid Power Professionals.

RSS Featured White Papers

  • Moving fluid power forward
  • High-force linear motion: How to convert from hydraulic cylinders to electric actuators and why.
  • A technical comparison: Performance of pneumatic cylinders and electric rod actuators
Fluid Power World
  • Hose Assembly Tips
  • Mobile Hydraulic Tips
  • Pneumatic Tips
  • Sealing & Contamination Control Tips
  • About us
  • Contact Us

Copyright © 2024 WTWH Media LLC. All Rights Reserved. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of WTWH Media
Privacy Policy | Advertising | About Us

Search Fluid Power World

  • Home
  • Technologies
    • Hydraulics
      • Cylinders & Actuators
      • Filtration/Contamination Control
      • Fittings, Couplings & Adapters
      • Fluids
      • Fluid Conditioning
      • Hose & Tubing
      • Pumps & Motors
      • Related Technologies
      • Sealing
      • Sensors & Gauges
      • Valves & Manifolds
    • Pneumatics
      • Air Preparation & Regulation
      • Compressed Air Technologies
      • Cylinders & Actuators
      • End Effectors & Grippers
      • Fittings, Couplings & Adapters
      • Hose & Tubing
      • Sensors
      • Vacuum
      • Valves & Manifolds
  • Engineering Basics
  • Trending
  • Resources
    • Digital Issues
    • Pneumatics Tech Toolbox
    • Podcasts
    • Subscribe to Fluid Power World Print Magazine
    • Videos
    • Webinars / Digital Events
    • White Papers
  • Women in Engineering
    • Women in Fluid Power
    • Women in Engineering
  • Design Guide Library
  • Classrooms
    • Pneumatics Classroom
  • SUBSCRIBE