New Biodegradable Hydraulic Fluid Meets Requirements for Performance and Sustainability
Chevron has developed a new biodegradable hydraulic fluid, the Clarity Bio EliteSyn AW. Growing demand for sustainable solutions which do not hinder hydraulic fluid performance as well as increasing environmental regulations were key drivers for its development, said Rebecca Zwetzig, Sector Manager for Chevron Industrial Lubricants.
She said it was important for the company to create a fluid capable of meeting the highest level of environmental standards while not compromising on the performance associated with traditional synthetic hydraulic fluids. “Many of the biodegradable fluids out there today are lacking the ability to be durable,” she explained.
Zwetzig said the base oils for biodegradable hydraulic fluids, also referred to as environmentally approved lubricants (EAL), are typically vegetable or ester. Although vegetable base oils are a good option because they are renewable, she said they also tend to have a shorter lifespan as they break down in high temperatures and oxidize rapidly. Esters, on the other hand, last longer and are similar to a synthetic oil but do not play well with various polymers which can lead to issues with seals and other rubber components in a machine.
To provide both performance and biodegradability, Chevron chose to use a different type of base oil – a renewable synthetic base stock. This enables it to be readily biodegradable, meaning 60% or more of the fluid breaks down within 10 days, as well as meet performance requirements for oxidation stability, hydrolytic stability, seal compatibility, and more.
In this interview with Power & Motion, Zwetzig discusses the technology behind Chevron’s new biodegradable hydraulic fluid, the applications in which it can be used and how it fits in with the growing focus on sustainability in various industries.
