ISSN: 1546-962X
CODEN: JAIOAD
Published Online: 5 January 2009
Page Count: 9

Effects of Contamination of Biobased Hydraulic Fluids with Mineral Oil

Theissen, Heinrich W.
IFAS Institute for Fluid Power Drives and Controls, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen,

(Received 28 November 2007; accepted 12 November 2008)

Abstract

There are many occasions for biobased hydraulic fluids to be contaminated with mineral oil, caused either by incomplete flushing during conversion from mineral oil to bio-oil, or by carelessness during maintenance and refilling. With high contamination levels, problems like foaming, poor air release, or filter clogging have been reported. In experiments at IFAS (Institute for Fluid Power Drives and Controls) of RWTH Aachen University, relevant properties of biobased oils contaminated with different levels of various mineral oils have been analyzed. It was found, that the degree of deterioration correlates not to the amount of mineral oil added, but to the amount of metals introduced through the mineral oil’s additives. Deterioration effects may take several hours or days to develop. The effects are specific for different bio-oil products. As a practical consequence, some changes in quality control, product documentation, and standardization are recommended.

Keywords:
bio-oil, biobased lubricant, biodegradable hydraulic fluid, hydraulics, mobile hydraulics, foam, filter, clogging, contamination, ISO 15380, German Market Introduction Program for Biobased Lubricants

Paper ID: JAI101598
DOI: 10.1520/JAI101598
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