Environmentally friendly products

With a continued global focus on environmentally friendly products, it's important to understand what constitutes an environmentally acceptable lubricant. Below is a brief guide submitted by Grantham Industrial Lubricants to assist in making better decisions when purchasing these types of products.

An environmentally acceptable lubricant can be defined using the following parameters:

• Reduced impact on the aquatic environment and soil during use
• Reduced CO2 emissions in manufacturing
• High percentage of renewable raw materials
• Limited use of hazardous substances
• High technical performance

EAL products can include the following:

• Hydraulic fluids
• Greases
• Metalworking fluids
• Gear lubricants
• Chain lubricants

Biodegradable products can be based on the following:

• ISO-L-HETG: TRIGLYCERIDE (VEGETABLE BASE)
• ISO-L-HEES: SYNTHETIC ESTER (NON-VEGETABLE BASE)
• ISO-L-HEPG: PAG BASE (TYPICALLY FRF)
• ISO-L-HEPR: OTHER, PRIMARILY PAO BASE (SYNTHESISED HYDROCARBON)

The MotulTech Rubric Bio 46 and Bio Synt 46 hydraulic products are HEES type fluids, based on synthetic esters. Please do not confuse these products with the HETG (vegetable-based) fluids, which have several drawbacks (but are cheaper):

• Limited temperature range, <60°C
• Highly acid degradation products (can damage hydraulic hoses, paint)
• Unpleasant odour
• Sludging and filter blockage

Bio 46 is not compatible with vegetable or mineral oils. However, Bio Synt 46 is compatible with most mineral oils and synthetic esters. Because Bio Synt 46 is a synthetic product, it has the following advantages:

• High degree of biodegradability
• High viscosity index, hence, a “long-life” fluid
• Excellent hydrolytic stability (stable in the presence of moisture)
• Very good lubricity and filterability
• Outstanding oxidation stability
• Non-toxic, low odour
• Good rust and corrosion protection
• High anti-wear capability

MotulTech is launching several biodegradable greases, gear oils, MWFs and slideway oils in 2020 that meet the increasing demand to reduce adverse effects on the environment. 

For further information, please contact Andre Jooste on 0422 480 413.