Two biodegradable hydraulic lubricants based on re-growing industrial crops have been designed by REPSOL and tested in single machine components that allow to lubricate machine equipment in warm and cold countries.
Laboratory test results carried out by TEKNIKER correlated well with bench testing carried out by HEF and field tests in an excavator carried out by LIEBHERR. Simulation of critical wear components of the earth moving machine is possible at the laboratory level. Biodegradability of the oils is higher than 90% (OECD 301F, CEC L33 A-93) and toxicity EC50 is bigger than 100mg/l (OECD 202), since measurements carried out by TEKNIKER.
The cold version has an optimal response in the earth moving machine after 2500 hours. Hydrolytic behaviour of the new lubricant is very good. In order to improve the stability of the oil with time at low temperatures, it has been necessary to mix re-grown oils with synthetic lubricants. Appropriate addition of a related gear oil has been developed by RHEIN CHEMIE.
In the lifecycle analysis of the sunflower, seeds growth should be performed without pesticides.ate,