Biolubricant success at the Eden Project

This article reports the use of plant-based hydraulic fluids, specifically in moving machinery, in the dusty construction site conditions of the Eden Project, an environment conservation research centre in south-west England. The principal sources of biolubricants are renewable and harvestable materials such as seed crops and their derivatives. Vegetable oils have advantages of anti-wear characteristics, energy saving, low toxicity and emissions, good solvent powers, and biodegradability. The recent cost increase for mineral oil has encouraged the use of plant-based alternatives. At the Eden Project a range of vehicles and equipment used engine, transmission and bearing greases, and also plant-based hydraulic fluids. None of the test hydraulic fluids had to be changed over almost two years, and no mechanical problems were reported. Tests tracked changes in viscosity and any contamination, but found excellent stability. Low levels of metal wear were found compared to similar equipment using mineral oil. (A)

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/03059421
• Authors:
  • Lea, C
• Publication Date: 2006-6

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: 51-52
• Serial:
  • QUARRY MANAGEMENT
  • Publisher: QMJ PUBLISHING LTD
  • ISSN: 0305-9421

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Alternate fuels; Field tests; Hydraulics; Lubrication; Stability (Mechanics); Tests; Vegetation; Wear
• Geographic Terms: United Kingdom
• ITRD Terms: 5431: Hydraulics (fluid); 6226: In situ; 3839: Lubrication; 2417: Renewable energy; 5930: Stability; 6255: Test; 8119: United Kingdom; 2488: Vegetation; 5293: Wear
• Subject Areas: Vehicles and Equipment; I96: Vehicle Operating Costs;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 01043781
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport Research Laboratory
• Files: ITRD
• Created Date: Mar 9 2007 8:23AM