EMKA Paper 1/2024

On the Proper Use of Lubricants in Highly Sensitive Ecosystems.

Introduction

Work processes in forestry are globally crucial for the sustainable use of natural resources and the protection of these highly sensitive ecosystems. As CO2 sinks, our forests are one of the most important levers for creating a climate-friendly world. The following discusses the significance of lubricant optimization in forestry and how the proper use of lubricants can help minimize environmental impacts, increase efficiency, and simultaneously extend the lifespan of equipment.

The Challenge

The forestry industry operates in sensitive environments where the use of machinery and equipment is essential. At the same time, the protection of the surrounding ecosystems is of utmost priority, similar to that in water protection areas. Lubricant optimization plays a central role in meeting these seemingly contradictory requirements.

• The use of conventional lubricants can lead to significant environmental impacts, especially when they are used in large quantities with losses.

• The frequent use of forestry machines under extreme conditions leads to increased wear on components. Effective lubricants are crucial for extending maintenance intervals.

•  Forestry machines are often energy- and friction-intensive. Optimizing lubricants can help reduce energy consumption, thereby improving the ecological balance.

For lubricant optimization

Lubricant optimization is possible not only in terms of the formulation of the lubricant but also regarding the reduction of different lubricants used in a working process. In this context, the integration of nanoparticles and additive technologies is certainly not as important as the option to use biodegradable lubricants, as they clearly reduce the risk of environmental impacts.

According to the Federal Environment Agency, the following composition should be considered when declaring a lubricant as biodegradable: At least 70% by weight (wt.%) of the lubricant should consist of readily biodegradable substances. The EU Ecolabel for lubricants describes a tolerance range of 20-60% in tests based on oxygen consumption or CO2 production. This allows for a derived inherent biodegradability of readily biodegradable substances (Decision (EU) 2018/1702).

While precise control of friction properties protects equipment, especially under extreme conditions, it does not address secondary and tertiary issues such as material management, maintenance intensity, or inventory management. Controllability and practical usability are the most important criteria for lubricant optimization. Therefore, the reduction of lubricants can be coupled with a range of biodegradable products as additional requirements to minimize environmental burdens. This enables practical application that consistently relies on readily biodegradable elements.

From Practice: EMKA Hydraulic oils Hydrostar AOH

Forestry machines operate under extreme conditions, ranging from intense stress to variable temperatures and different environmental requirements. EMKA has developed an environmentally friendly multi-grade hydraulic oil based on synthetic polyalphaolefins, which has proven to be the perfect solution for specialized applications in forestry by meeting the requirements of HLP 32-68 with a single, advanced hydraulic oil.

The wide viscosity range (HLP 32-68) accommodates various forestry machines. The rationalization of grades allows for the use of a single lubricant to environmentally transition machines from different applications. Consequently, wear protection, extended service life, stability under extreme conditions, and environmental compatibility go hand in hand with simplified logistics.

Conclusion

The optimization of lubricants, in conjunction with rationalization, is a key factor for sustainable and environmentally friendly use of machinery in highly sensitive working environments. By purposefully adjusting lubricants, we can increase efficiency, minimize wear, and simultaneously protect natural ecosystems. In particular, reducing the number of lubricants to a manageable quantity enables responsible usage. The practical example shows that while conventional lubricants require numerous different products, the Hydrostar series allows for the operation of machinery fleets with just one lubricant.

Integrating such products into the forestry sector is not only ecologically responsible but also leads to long-term profitability and resilience in this important industry.

Further information:

https://www.amz.de/innovative-schmierstoffe-aus-bretzfeld

https://umweltbundesamt.de/publikationen/umweltzeichen-blauer-engel-fuer-biologisch