Atlas Copco Power Pack Bio Oil is a biodegradable hydraulic oil developed specifically for Atlas Copco power packs.
Bio hydraulic oil is a type of hydraulic fluid derived from renewable biological sources, such as plant oils or animal fats. It is designed to be an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional mineral-based hydraulic oils. Bio hydraulic oils typically have improved biodegradability and lower toxicity, making them a better choice for operations in sensitive environments where spills or leaks could pose significant ecological risks, such as in forestry, agriculture, marine, and mining industries.
These oils are formulated to provide the necessary lubrication, heat dissipation, and energy transfer required for hydraulic systems while also offering improved environmental safety. In comparison to mineral oils, bio hydraulic oils often provide better biodegradability, less environmental impact in case of leaks, and reduced overall toxicity.
- Design:
The design of bio hydraulic oil takes into account several key factors to ensure its performance and environmental benefits:
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Viscosity: Bio hydraulic oils are designed to have a viscosity range that is comparable to traditional hydraulic oils. The viscosity must remain stable under different temperature conditions to ensure proper lubrication and performance of the hydraulic system. The oil is often formulated with viscosity modifiers or synthetic esters to maintain consistency and performance in varying temperatures.
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Lubrication Properties: Bio hydraulic oil needs to provide excellent lubrication for the moving parts in the hydraulic system, reducing wear and tear on components. This is achieved by adding specialized additives that improve the oil’s frictional properties and wear resistance.
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Biodegradability: A key feature of bio hydraulic oils is their ability to biodegrade more quickly in the event of spills. The oil is made from renewable resources like vegetable oils (e.g., rapeseed oil, soybean oil, canola oil), which break down naturally in the environment. The oil should be formulated to meet standards for biodegradability, such as OECD 301B or CEC L-33-A-94.
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Oxidation Stability: Bio hydraulic oils must be stable under high temperatures and pressure to prevent degradation. The oil is designed with antioxidants to resist oxidation, which can lead to the formation of sludge, varnish, and corrosion within the hydraulic system.
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Corrosion Resistance: Additives are included to enhance the oil’s ability to resist corrosion, particularly in systems that operate in harsh conditions where moisture or contamination might be present.
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Demulsibility: Bio hydraulic oils are designed to effectively separate from water, which helps in preventing emulsions that can negatively affect the system’s performance and increase the risk of corrosion.
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Additives:
- Antioxidants to prevent oxidation and degradation.
- Anti-wear agents to reduce friction between moving parts.
- Corrosion inhibitors to protect the metal surfaces in the hydraulic system.
- Biocides to inhibit microbial growth in the oil, preventing the formation of sludge.
- Anti-foam agents to prevent the formation of foam, which can lead to poor system performance.
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- Applications:
- Forestry Equipment: Forestry machinery like logging trucks, harvesters, and skidders use bio hydraulic oils to ensure safe operation in environmentally sensitive areas, reducing the impact of potential spills on soil and water.
- Agriculture: Tractors, combine harvesters, and other farm machinery operate with bio hydraulic oil to reduce the environmental risks associated with hydraulic fluid leaks or spills, particularly in sensitive agricultural ecosystems.
- Marine Industry: Bio hydraulic oils are ideal for use in marine applications, such as winches, cranes, and other hydraulic equipment on boats, ships, and offshore platforms. These oils reduce the ecological impact if there’s any leakage into the water.
- Construction and Mining: Bio hydraulic oil is used in heavy equipment like excavators, bulldozers, and loaders, where hydraulic systems are exposed to extreme conditions. Using bio hydraulic oil can improve the sustainability profile of construction and mining operations.
- Renewable Energy: Wind turbine hydraulic systems and other renewable energy installations use bio hydraulic oils to maintain performance while ensuring reduced environmental risks in case of system failures or maintenance operations.
- Automotive: In some cases, bio hydraulic oil is used in the hydraulic systems of vehicles, including those used for lifting, braking, or other power transmission tasks, in a bid to reduce their carbon footprint.
- Industrial Applications: Industrial hydraulic systems, including those used in presses, production lines, and other heavy machinery, benefit from bio hydraulic oils due to the growing demand for sustainable products.
- Materials: The primary base oil used in bio hydraulic fluids is vegetable oil. These oils are biodegradable, renewable, and less toxic to the environment compared to mineral oils. However, their stability and performance need to be enhanced with additives. Additives such as zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP) or phosphorous-based additives are included to reduce wear on hydraulic system components. Common antioxidants used are phenolic compounds and secondary amines. These protect the oil from oxidative degradation at high temperatures. Barium-based or zinc-based corrosion inhibitors prevent rust formation on metal parts exposed to water or moisture.
- Configurations: A broad temperature range from -15 °C to 80 °C or 5 ºF to 176 ºF. 1.32 US Gallons/5 Liters