Resources for bio-based lubricants

Bio-Lub Canada Earns First Carbonfree Certification for Bio-Hydraulic Fluid

2013-02-26T10:26:03-06:00

Bio-Lub Canada Inc. recently earned the first Carbonfree certification for bio-hydraulic fluid from Carbonfund.org and NSF Sustainability, a division of NSF International. As a result, industries that utilize hydraulic processes, such as automobile, construction machinery, excavation, farming, forestry and others, now have access to an environmentally friendly, carbon-neutral ISO 46 hydraulic fluid.

By earning Carbonfree certification for its BLC-710 bio-hydraulic fluid, Bio-Lub will be able to help environmentally conscious organizations reduce their carbon footprint and impact on the environment. The bio-hydraulic fluids are made from vegetable oils derived from a renewable source and are also USDA certified as 96-percent biobased under the BioPreferred program.

"We at Bio-Lub are e

What You Should Know About Environmentally Friendly Lubricants

2013-01-02T14:28:22-06:00

Buzzwords like biodegradable, bio-based, eco-friendly, renewable, non-toxic, green, etc., are often heard echoing throughout industry. Over time, these words have become powerful tools and selling points for lubricant manufacturers and marketers. However, they can also be misleading.

Along with legislative compliance, one of the reasons for this recent green initiative is the growing awareness and demand to use more environmentally safe products. The fact that petroleum-derived mineral stocks have finite resources has also created a pressing need to find alternative/renewable sources.

While there is no universally accepted definition for environmental safety, factors like biodegradability, eco-toxicity, bio-accumulations and renewability must be taken into consideration when accounting for the safety of the environment. Lubricants, by virtue of being petroleum based, have been classified as being of environmental concern. In the past, large quantities of industrial lubri

Emerald Biofuels to Produce Honeywell Green Diesel at Louisiana Facility

2012-05-17T08:51:56-05:00

UOP LLC, a Honeywell company, recently announced that it has signed an agreement to license technology to Emerald Biofuels LLC to produce Honeywell Green Diesel at a facility in Louisiana.

Emerald is expected to use Honeywell's UOP/Eni Ecofining process technology to produce 85 million gallons per year of Honeywell Green Diesel from non-edible, second-generation oils and animal fats. Unlike biodiesel, Honeywell Green Diesel is a drop-in replacement for traditional diesel. Chemically identical to petroleum-based diesel, Honeywell Green Diesel can be used in any proportion in existing fuel tanks without infrastructure changes.

Emerald is an Illinois-based transportation fuel company that focuses on building renewable diesel refineries that produce environmentally friendly transportation fuels at prices competitive to petroleum-based fuels. International Alliance Group (IAG) will provide engineering, procurement and construction services for the project.

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Plews Unveils UltraLube Greases for Rail Curves and Switch Plates

2012-04-17T11:02:32-05:00

Plews Inc. recently introduced UltraLube Rail Curve Greases and Switch Plate Lubricants featuring a biodegradable formula that is ideal for use in environmentally sensitive areas near waterways. Formulated from U.S.-grown vegetable oils, the bio-based greases and lubricants are available in high-viscosity and low-viscosity formulations.

The UltraLube Rail Curve Greases contain advanced extreme-pressure additives to guard against wheel and rail wear. Both the high-viscosity and low-viscosity formulations are available with added molybdenum disulphide for enhanced protection. All formulations reduce friction and wear between the track and wheel flange, and their lubricity helps improve train fuel efficiency.

The greases are formulated to resist port plugging in wiping bars and provide longer carry down track from the lubricator. They also offer better gauge face coefficient of friction and less migration to the top of the rail than petroleum-based grease.

Recomm

ELM to Offer Contract Blending of Greases and Lubricants

2012-03-06T09:03:11-06:00

Environmental Lubricants Manufacturing Inc. (ELM) recently announced its decision to offer contract blending and packaging services to the industry in addition to handling the manufacturing for its branded and private label customers.

“ELM has an excess production capacity of between 5 to 10 million pounds at this time, and we would like to put that to good use,” said Alan Burgess, ELM’s operations manager. “We’ve found that offering these new services is a win-win. We’re very pleased to be able to offer these services as a viable option for businesses that don’t have a need for huge batch orders and can’t wait for weeks on end to get their orders delivered.”

Since 2000, ELM has been the only U.S.-based manufacturer and packager exclusively focused on bio-based lubricants and greases. Historically, ELM manufactured and packaged its proprietary and private label products for leading lubricant retailers in the United St

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Biodegradable Lubricants

2012-02-16T09:38:31-06:00

Vegetable oils can be used as lubricants in their natural forms. They have several advantages and disadvantages when considered for industrial and machinery lubrication. On the positive side, vegetable oils can have excellent lubricity, far superior to that of mineral oil. In fact, their lubricity is so potent that in some applications, such as tractor transmissions, friction materials must be added to reduce clutch slippage.

Vegetable oils also have a very high viscosity index (VI). For example, a VI of 223 is common for vegetable oil, compared to 90 to 100 for most mineral oils, about 126 for polyalphaolefin (PAO) and 150 for polyglycol. Viscosity index can be defined as a frequently used measure of a fluid’s change of viscosity with temperature. The higher the viscosity index, the smaller the relative change in viscosity with temperature. In other words, oi

Controlling Degradation in Biodegradable Greases

2012-01-23T09:11:24-06:00

During lubricant operation, temperature, pressure and load are the main factors influencing degradation. To monitor this degradation process in lubricating oils, industry has defined specific test methods involving correct sampling and analytical techniques to provide efficient information on the correct oil change interval. Applying these condition monitoring practices to lubricating greases is much more complex, especially when they are ester-based biodegradable greases. This explains why industry relies on time-based intervals (preventive maintenance) for grease-lubricated system procedures.

In order to establish a correct maintenance protocol, it is important to understand how the degradation process occurs in biodegradable and mineral greases, and to identify adequate control parameters, limits and sampling frequency (or regreasing frequency).

Oxidation Process

To evaluate the different techniques, a mineral grease and a biodegradable grease were oxidiz

DuPont, NexSteppe to Collaborate on Feedstocks for Renewable Industry

2012-01-04T11:36:56-06:00

DuPont and NexSteppe have entered into a collaboration to develop advanced feedstocks for biofuels, biopower and biobased products. The collaboration will focus on the development of new sweet sorghum and high biomass sorghum hybrids, which will create additional feedstock options for these evolving industries.

Under the agreement, DuPont has made an investment in NexSteppe and will provide knowledge, resources and advanced technologies to help the company accelerate the breeding and commercialization of new hybrids of these crops in the United States and Brazil.

“We’re using science-based innovation and collaboration to develop scalable, sustainable feedstock options for the biobased industries,” said John Bedbrook, vice president for DuPont Agricultural Biotechnology. “Collaborations like this one with NexSteppe will provide new opportunities for growers to address the rising demand for secure, environmentally sustainable and affordable alternat

Contamination of Biobased Hydraulic Oils with Mineral Oil

2011-12-29T09:06:49-06:00

During the last decade, demand for biobased hydraulic fluids has increased, especially for applications in mobile equipment and in close-to-water stationary installations like movable bridges. Motivation for the change comes both from users being more conscious about environmental risks and from government policies to create new markets for agricultural products.

One of the major obstacles in this market conversion is the sensitivity of biobased ester fluids or biodegradable fluids (bio-oils) to contamination with traditional mineral hydraulic oils. Typical situations involve either incomplete flushing during conversion from mineral oil to bio-oil or lack of attention during maintenance and refilling. This has been motivation to analyze the contamination effects in more detail.

Effects of Contamination

With mineral oil contamination levels reaching several percent, problems like excess foam generation, poor air release or filter clogging have been reported d

Using Biodegradable Lubricants in Farm Equipment

2011-11-01T10:54:11-05:00

With 3,000 acres of farmland and 200 pieces of farm equipment, Penn State University’s College of Agriculture has an ideal situation for researching new technology of interest to farmers. However, fluid spills due to line breaks often occur here and must be cleaned up using a strict protocol enforced by the Penn State Environmental, Health and Safety Department (EHS) and the state’s Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). Over the years, numerous hydraulic fluid spills have resulted in clean-up costs ranging from a few thousand dollars to $20,000. This was incentive to convert to more expensive biodegradable hydraulic fluids.

Conversion to biodegradable fuels and lubricants has been an ongoing effort at Penn State since 2003. All farm equipment hydraulic fluids were changed out to biodegradable fluid. Biodiesel fuel studies resulted in conversion of all diesel farm equipment to B20, and currently some tractors are using B100.

A field test was initiated,

Sprayon Announces New Eco-Grade Multi-Metal Protectant

2011-08-30T10:55:42-05:00

Sprayon Products recently introduced the LU 787 Eco-Grade Multi-Metal Protectant to its line of industrial lubricants and protectants.

The light amber-colored protectant is a heavy-duty, biodegradable, dry-film corrosion preventative that penetrates into cracks and crevices of metal surfaces.

Formulated with 100-percent vegetable oils, Sprayon LU 787 Eco-Grade Multi-Metal Protectant offers an environmentally friendly alternative to mineral oil-based products. This unique protectant provides 24 months of outdoor protection and can be washed off with standard soap and water but does not come off in the rain.

An excellent water-displacer and rust inhibitor, the protectant is designed for use on mild steel, aluminum, stainless steel, galvanized steel, chrome p

Improving Vegetable Oil Properties for Lubrication Methods

2011-08-03T14:47:33-05:00

The inherent problems of vegetable oils, such as poor oxidation and low-temperature properties, can be improved by attaching functional groups at the sites of unsaturation through chemical modifications. In this article, you will see how functionalization helps overcome these disadvantages.

Five branched ester structures were prepared from commercially available methyl oleate and common organic acids. These branched esters are characterized as alpha-hydroxy ester derivatives of methyl oleate. Pour-point and cloud-point measurements have shown that this derivatization improved low-temperature properties over olefinic oleochemicals. The derivatization also increased thermo-oxidative stability, measured using Pressurized Differential Scanning Calorimetry (PDSC).

Tribological behaviors were evaluated as additives in hexadecane and polyalphaolefin, using four-ball and ball-on-disk configurations. These derivatives have good anti-wear and

RelaDyne and BioBlend Announce Distribution Agreement

2011-01-11T09:01:16-06:00

RelaDyne Inc. on January 11 announced a distribution agreement with BioBlend, a manufacturer of industrial and commercial lubricants that are high-quality “green” products in demand for boosting equipment reliability in wide-ranging climates and also meeting high environmental standards of responsibility.

Research Grants Allow FRA to Advance Use of Bio-Based Fuels and Lubricants

2010-12-02T14:20:54-06:00

U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood on December 2 announced two research grants totaling $766,562 intended to advance the use of bio-based fuels and lubricants with the goal of cleaner air and decreasing the nation’s dependence on fossil fuels.

Organizations Seek Renewed Focus on Biofuel Technologies

2010-10-25T08:18:08-05:00

Federal biofuels policy should focus on helping companies commercialize promising technologies for advanced biofuels and bio-based products. The Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO) on October 21 commended the Obama Administration’s commitment to helping rural economies and reducing U.S. dependence on foreign oil by building a robust domestic biofuel and bio-based manufacturing sector. BIO joined the Algal Biomass Organization and the Advanced BioFuels Association in a letter to President Obama thanking the Administration for the important programs announced today and outlining key policies needed to help companies bring advanced biofuels out of the lab and to the marketplace.

History Channel to Feature Innovative Technology Behind Production of Bio-Based Grease

2010-09-21T13:41:22-05:00

A University of Northern Iowa patent-pending technology will be filmed this week for a segment of "Modern Marvels" on the History Channel. UNI researchers worked with an Iowa-based industrial microwave company to make bio-based grease by using microwaves, which is not only safer, but cuts manufacturing time and improves product quality. This discovery and UNI-National Ag-Based Lubricants Center director Lou Honary – a co-inventor of the technology – will be featured in the segment for the popular documentary television series, which celebrates ingenuity, invention and imagination.

UNI Lubricant Center Receives Grant to Study Bio-Lubricant Applications

2010-08-27T15:24:34-05:00

Congressman Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) on August 18 secured $370,000 for the University of Northern Iowa’s National Ag-Based Lubricant Center (NABL). NABL, the country’s leading bio-lubricant research center, will use the funds to conduct a study of the widespread use of bio-based products in the freight and passenger rail industry.

Case Study: Pizza Plant Goes All In

2010-08-06T13:44:17-05:00

Bio-lubes: Alternatives to Fossil-Based Oils Are on the Way

2010-03-04T14:22:32-06:00

The federal government defines bio-lubes, or bio-based lubricants, as “composed, in whole or in significant part, of biological materials or renewable domestic agricultural materials (including plant, animal and marine materials) or forestry materials.” These lubricants are considered more environmentally responsible than those based on mineral oil derived from the fossil sources of crude oil or coal; their use is meant to reduce the carbon footprint.

Plews/Edelmann Introduces LubriMatic Green Lubricants and Greases

2010-03-03T14:11:52-06:00

Plews/Edelmann, a division of Tomkins Industrial and Automotive, now offers LubriMatic Green, a family of premium-quality bio-based products that include a variety of spray lubricants, penetrants and greases. These lubricants are formulated from renewable, biodegradable vegetable oils and have four times the natural lubricity of petroleum-based products. They are less likely than traditional lubricants to “thin down” at high temperatures so they provide lower equipment operating temperatures.

Food Grade Lubricant Selection

2010-02-14T16:17:48-06:00

S.T.L. Lubrifiants Receives Funding from Government of Canada for ENVIROSYS

2010-02-05T17:06:25-06:00

The Honorable Denis Lebel, Minister of State for Canada Economic Development, on February 5 announced the awarding of $90,375 in non-repayable funding to S.T.L. Lubrifiants. Granted under the Community Adjustment Fund, this financial assistance will enable the firm to produce ENVIROSYS, a lubrication system for use in the forest industry.

The Basics of Food-grade Lubricants

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

This article explains the basic differences between H1, H2 and H3 lubricants, their requirements and formulations, as well as proper lubricant selection, which is critical to food safety and machine reliability.

Improving Oven Chain Lubrication

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Chains operating at high temperatures can be lubricated in two different ways: with a liquid lubricant, or with a solid lubricant suspended in a carrier fluid. Whether solid or liquid, the lubricating film physically separates contacting metal surfaces, thereby reducing friction and wear.

Fluid Film Lubrication
Fluid film lubrication is the regular oil film lubrication used in most ambient temperature applications. This type of lubrication can also be used at higher temperatures, provided that you take into account the decreased viscosity of the fluid (thinner oil film), the increased oxidation rate of the oil (can leave varnish and sludge), and the volatility of the oil (as it evaporates, there is less oil with which to lubricate).

A variety of synthetic base oils (polyalphaolefins [PAO], esters, silicones) enable lubrication at higher temperatures than petroleum oils. They have the sa

Soy Lubricants Answer the Call For Safer Products

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Soy-based lubricants offer an alternative to traditional petroleum-based oils and greases in the marketplace. With funding support from the United Soybean Board (USB) and soybean checkoff, a U.S. farmer investment organization, soybean oil has the potential to provide lubrication for many industries including the automotive, industrial and marine markets.

The attractiveness of soy-based lubricants is driven primarily by environmental concerns, performance and economics. The regulation of environmentally sensitive areas, growing regulatory pressure to reduce or eliminate certain emissions of petroleum lubricants and federal legislation passed in Section 9002 in the 2002 farm bill all call for the use of biobased products.

The 2002 farm bill instructs U.S. federal agencies to use environmentally preferable biobased products when such products are readily available, are reasonable in cost and meet identified performance standards. Changes ar

Food-grade Greases

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Food-grade greases are used in various food-processing equipment and other industrial equipment applications. These include plain and rolling element bearings, joints, linkages and slides, centralized lubrication systems and enclosed gearboxes. Food-grade greases must not only perform the same technical functions as any other lubricant, they have other demanding requirements including:

Resisting degradation from food products, chemicals, water and steam.
Exhibiting a neutral behavior when in contact with elastomers and plastics.
Being physiologically inert, odorless, tasteless, nontoxic and harmless.

Strict Guidelines
In addition to these demanding properties, incidental food contact lubricants in the United States and other countries must comply with the U.S. Code of Feder

How to Make Your Food or Beverage Facility Successful

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Food-grade, food-plant, NSF certified, FDA listed, USDA registered - the list of lubricant terms is endless. Sifting through the terminology, standards and best practices for properly lubricating machines can be overwhelming for facility managers. However, correctly lubricating equipment is essential to any operation's success. Choosing and implementing the right lubrication program will ensure that a plant operates safely and efficiently, in addition to making it more profitable.

Figure 1. Bottling is One Application for H1 Lubricants

The Low-down on Lubricants for Food and Beverage
The first thing maintenance managers need to under

Soybean Oil Offers High Performance, Low Environmental Impact

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Using plant-derived oils like soybean oil as a form of lubrication is nothing new to companies that operate and maintain machinery. The idea of using soy as a replacement for petroleum has been around for decades and is becoming increasingly important due to volatile petroleum prices and heightened concern with dependency on foreign sources of petroleum. Soy also adds natural lubrication to machinery and enhances engine performance.

The United Soybean Board (USB) and the soybean checkoff, a research and promotion program funded by U.S. soybean farmers, recognizes the importance of developing soy-based lubricants. USB works to fund and promote industrial uses for soy that inspire the creation of innovative soy-based products and technology. U.S. soybean farmer funding enables numerous companies to take part in the research, development and promotion of new uses for soy in an effort to help develop soy-based products such as lubricants, plastics, coat

What You Need to Know About Food-grade Lubricants

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

What's required for food-grade lubricants, and what isn't? Winding your way through the labyrinth of regulations and registrations that impact nonfood compounds, such as lubricants, can be tedious. Here's a quick tour.

Lubricant Categories
There are three main categories of lubricants used in the food industry.

H1 lubricants - Lubricants that could have incidental food contact are sometimes referred to as "above the line" lubricants. These may be used on food-processing equipment as a protective antirust film, as a release agent on gaskets or seals of tank closures, and as a lubricant for machine parts and equipment in locations where the lubricated part is potentially exposed to food. The amount used should be the smallest needed to accomplish the desired technical effect on the equipment. If used as an antirust film, they must be removed from the equipment surface. Ing

Food Lubricant Safety Audits - Is Your Facility Long Overdue?

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Making Good Environmental Choices for Lubricants

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Making good environmental lubricant choices does not have to compromise equipment reliability or functionality. This article discusses several options to consider.

Switching to Food-grade Lubricants - Provides Safety Solution

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Optimizing Food Plant Efficiency and Safety - Opportunities for Synthetic Food-grade Lubricants

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Biodegradable Hydraulic Fluids Prove Beneficial - Fire Resistance a Plus

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Environmentally Friendly Lubricants - Biodegradable or Nontoxic

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Over the last decade and possibly longer, biodegradation has been the predominant yard stick to measure how lubricants rate for being environmentally friendly. It was thought that the more completely a lubricant decomposes to harmless hydrogen-carbon-oxygen compounds, the better the lubricant will be for the environment. While a high degree of biodegradation can be a lubricant benefit, biodegradation alone does not provide a complete picture of how a lubricant impacts the environment. Consideration should also be given to different ways a lubricant impacts the environment.

For example, consider a lubricant that will be 100 percent degraded in 28 days. Is it still environmentally friendly if it is toxic and destroys or alters a significant portion of plant or animal life during the degradation process?

First, how

Biodegradable Grease for All Bearing Applications

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Food-grade Lubricants Reduce Contamination Threats for Food and Beverage Manufacturers

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Biodegradable Oils - How to Apply and Maintain

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Understanding Food-Grade Lubricants

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Food Safety
Health and safety are priorities for food, drink and drug manufacturers. Standards of cleanliness and hygiene are as important on the shop room floor as in hospital operating rooms. But when it comes to production equipment, lubrication keeps the business of feeding and healing the nation on track.

Lubricant leakages and maintenance are an inevitable part of all industries. Lubricants do not discriminate against the materials with which they come into contact. So the food-processing and pharmaceutical industries have additional challenges in selecting the right lubricants to do the job. This article looks at the previous, current and future standards relating to lubrication in this industry.

Wha

The Continuing Evolution of Food-Grade Lubricants

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

New Lubrication Commandments - Conserve Energy, Protect the Environment

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

It seems counterintuitive that lubricants selected to optimize wear control may not be optimum when it comes to energy conservation. In fact, in view of today’s growing pressure to reduce demand on nonrenewable energy resources and increase operating profits, we are definitely facing a shift of emphases from past lubrication objectives. Energy-conserving lubrication offers motivation on several fronts. Consider the following:

1. When energy consumption is economized, equipment operating costs come down, translating to a boost in business profits, regardless of whether the energy source is renewable (hydro, solar, wind) or non-renewable (coal or petroleum). For

Biodegradable/Biobased Lubricants and Greases

2010-01-01T00:00:00-06:00

Kluber Gear Oils Target Food Service, Packaging Industries

2009-10-27T00:00:00-05:00

Klüber Lubrication, a worldwide manufacturer of specialty lubricants, now offers two innovative gear oils for the food service and packaging industries. The lubricants are Klüberoil NH1 G 1 US Series and Klüberoil NH1 G 4 US Series.

Klüberoil NH1 G 1 US Series is a mineral white oil, while the Klüberoil NH1 G 4 US Series is a synthetic version. Both series of lubricants are ideal for the lubrication of production equipment in beverage canning, bottling operations, meat and poultry processing, dairy operations, fruit and vegetable processing, bak

ExxonMobil Offers NSF H1 Lubricants for Food Machinery

2009-10-22T00:00:00-05:00

Providing companies in the pharmaceutical, food and beverage processing and packaging industries with machinery lubricants that are uniquely designed to help enhance equipment efficiency and maximize productivity, ExxonMobil has introduced its new, synthetic NSF H1 registered Mobil SHC Cibus Series.

Ideal for the full spectrum of hydra

Plews/Edelmann Introduces LubriMagic Bio-based Lubricant

2009-10-13T00:00:00-05:00

Plews/Edelmann, introduces LubriMagic, a premium-quality bio-based all-purpose lubricant and penetrant. Made from a vegetable-based formula, LubriMagic is biodegradable and has four times the natural lubricity of petroleum-based products.

LubriMagic is ideal for hundreds of construction and building applications. It provides superior lubrication on nuts and bolts, rollers or hinges, electric power tools, construction machinery and much more. In addition, it is also an effective rust inhibitor. Because it is made from vegetable oils, it is an en

Second-Generation Biofuels Head Toward Commercial Success

2009-10-05T00:00:00-05:00

The utilization of second-generation bio feedstock, such as agricultural residue, forest residue and black liquor, is currently limited to power generation in combined heat and power (CHP) plants or regeneration units. Second-generation bio feedstock has been extensively researched in order to produce liquid fuels for transportation. Over time, technological advances are poised to make second-generation biofuels commercially viable.

New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (http://www.ch

New Lubricant for Food Machinery Is Clean, Clear and Non‐Tacky

2009-09-04T00:00:00-05:00

Unique to food and beverage manufacturers is the need for a machinery lubricant that is clean, translucent and approved for incidental food contact, as well as non‐tacky for frequent washdown of equipment. Sheerplex food grade lubricant – a new multipurpose premium grease created by Lubrication Engineers Inc. – meets all of these needs and more.

Sheerplex lubricant is NSF

Focus on Lubricants Helps Egg Processing Plant Meet Food Safety Regs

2009-08-26T00:00:00-05:00

Each week, six million eggs pass through the Burnbrae Farms processing plant in Strathroy, Ontario. That’s 1.2 million eggs that are washed, graded and packaged there daily.

“We are concerned about two things,” says senior plant supervisor Alex Davenport. “You have to make sure the eggs are safe and you don’t want the machines to stop.”

Burnbrae Farms is a family owned and operated company dedicated to the processing and distribution of eggs and egg products throughout Canada. They are committed to providing consumers with pro

Lubricant for Food Machinery is Clean, Clear and Non-Tacky

2009-08-17T00:00:00-05:00

Unique to food and beverage manufacturers is the need for a machinery lubricant that is clean, translucent and approved for incidental food contact, as well as non-tacky for frequent washdown of equipment. Sheerplex food grade – a new multi-purpose premium grease created by Lubrication Engineers Inc. – meets all of these needs and more.

Sheerplex lubricant is NSF H1 registered, Kosher Pareve certified, and cleared for use in USDA-inspected

Eco-friendly Grease Based on Ricin Oil and Cellulose Derivatives

2009-07-10T00:00:00-05:00

A team of researchers from the University of Huelva has developed an environmentally friendly lubricating grease based on ricin oil and cellulose derivatives, according to the journal Green Chemistry. The new formula does not include any of the contaminating components used to manufacture traditional industrial lubricants.

Read the full article from Azom.com by clicking on the link below:

DoD Program Aims to Create New Biodiesel Fuel

2009-07-01T00:00:00-05:00

Ever imagine filling up the fuel tanks on a military aircraft with french fry grease? That's exactly what Air Force officials could do someday if a Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency research program proves successful.

DARPA is the Defense Department's scientific agency that pushes the envelope toward what Anthony J. Tether, its longtime previous director, described as "the far side" of science and technology development to support military requirements.

Research Identified Optimum Sealing Compounds for Biofuels

2009-07-01T00:00:00-05:00

Biofuels present some significant challenges when specifying seals, as their chemical make-up can affect the sealing integrity of elastomers. Standard laboratory tests indicate that typical FKM and FVMQ compounds are compatible with biofuels. However, when sealing materials are tested in conditions reproducing those seen in service, it becomes evident that specialized formulations are required to ensure integrity and long service life.

Trelleborg Sealing Solutions has been working with the automotive manufacturers since biofuel technology was in its infancy. Recognizing the issues in finding the right seals for biofueling systems, it conducted in-depth research on the suitability

Change to Biofuels Increases Demands on Fuel System, Seals

2009-07-01T00:00:00-05:00

The changeover to biofuels increases demands on a vehicle’s fuel system and the various seals contained within.

It seems more and more likely that the use of fossil fuels is heading down a dead-end street. Global warming, rising oil prices and the overwhelming dependency on oil make it a less than viable option for the future.

The introduction of such biofuels as ethanol and biodiesel, with their inherent potential to significantly reduce CO2 emissions, appeared to be the sustainable solution. But the eco-euphoria gave way to alarming reports about the side effects of biofuel production, such as deforestation, rising food prices and even food shortages.

Castor-oil Plants Genetically Altered to Produce Bio-lubricants

2009-06-25T00:00:00-05:00

Almeria-based researchers, led by Federico García Maroto, have genetically altered the castor-oil plant so as to use it as a factory to produce bio-lubricants.

Read the full article from Science Daily by clicking on the link below:

Biodegradable Hydraulic Fluid Helps Robot’s Golf Game

2009-05-27T00:00:00-05:00

Science, chemistry, renewable resources, philanthropy and robots – each is involved with The Dow Chemical Company's launch of a new biodegradable, partially renewable bio hydraulic fluid.

DOW SYMBIO is a new offering for hydraulic equipment operators that is made from more than 50 percent canola oil and advanced polyalkaline chemistry from Dow. Hydraulics provide the "muscle" for everything from car brakes, to elevators, dockside cranes and even high school robots. Dow donated material resources – including DOW SYMBIO – to the Midland, Mich., ro

Students Make Biodiesel from Waste Vegetable Oil

2009-05-26T00:00:00-05:00

A group of Virginia Tech students have produced more than 200 gallons of biodiesel as part of a senior design project for the department of mechanical engineering. The Virginia Tech Bio-Fuels group (http://www.vtbiofuels.com/) is putting the fuel to direct use, running two pickup trucks on the liquid in a bid to not only stave off the use of foreign-bought oil but also to be environmentally friendly.

The B100 biodiesel is made from waste vegetable oil (WVO) obtained from local restaurants and processed in a nondescript warehouse along Virginia T

SKF Dry Lubrication Boosts Line Efficiency in Food and Beverage Apps

2009-05-01T00:00:00-05:00

The latest dry lubrication technology from SKF, a leading knowledge engineering company, is enabling line efficiency to be optimized safely and cost effectively across a diverse range of food and beverage applications. A dry film of lubricant is distributed by a central system, minimizing lubricant consumption and eliminating the cost and operational implications of using water-based lubricants.

Effective lubrication is vital to the productivity of food and beverage production lines, but manual lubrication and conventional automated systems can escalate operational costs, contaminate products and present a hazard to line operators.

By comparison, the latest dry lubrication systems provide a safe, efficient and cost-effective solution. By limiting the moisture present on the production line, the systems optimize line efficiency and ensure product quality, while at the same t

Info on Food-Grade Penetrating Lubricant

2009-04-23T00:00:00-05:00

White Lightnin is a unique para-synthetic penetrating lubricant. White Lightnin is suitable for environmentally sensitive areas due to its ability to do its job while still being biodegradable. Its para-synthetic formula allows it to penetrate rust, corrosion, and moisture quickly and safely to free corroded parts, loosen nuts and aid in the disassembly of mechanical components. White Lightnin also meets FDA regulation 21CFR 178.3570 allowing it to be used on equipment in food processing and packaging plants, bottling plants, etc., in food contact areas.

Access this 3-minute, 5-second video by clicking on the link below.

LubriMatic Green Products Grease the Wheels of Progress

2009-04-21T00:00:00-05:00

Plews/Edelmann, a division of Tomkins Industrial and Automotive, is promoting the annual celebration of Earth Day by touting the benefits of LubriMatic Green, a premium-quality line of bio-based lubricants. Formulated from renewable vegetable oils grown in the U.S., LubriMatic Green products contain no zinc or chlorine, providing a safe, easy-to-use alternative to petroleum-based lubricants.

"The success of Earth Day is dependent on a billion acts of green choices that individuals can make every day to improve the environment, such as carpooling to work, usin

NREL Helps Set Stringent Biodiesel Standards

2009-04-21T00:00:00-05:00

Most drivers don't have a clue about the percentage of free glycerin or Group I and II metals in the biodiesel they are pumping into their tanks. But if their vehicles sputter in the breakdown lane, questions about the quality and reliability of renewable fuel blends could idle a new industry before it gets started.

NREL Principal Engineer on Fuel Performance Robert McCormick says biodiesel quality is improving rapidly in the United States, with large producers consistently meeting specifications. However, some small producers still have trouble meeting nation

Biolubricants as a Key 21st-Century Technology

2009-04-20T00:00:00-05:00

Biolubricants have a higher preformance value than conventional petroleum lubricants. They last longer, don't evaporate at the same rate and leave more lubricating film on load bearing surfaces. With more than 100 million gallons of hydraulic fluid dripping on North America every year, biolubricants offer an immediate solution to remediating the toxic effects on our land, waterways and water tables.

Access this 8-minute, 20-second video by clicking on the link below.

Ronnzoil Offers Biodegradable, Non-Petroleum-Based Hydraulic Fluids

2009-04-07T00:00:00-05:00

Ronn Motor Company Inc. announced on April 7 that the company is entering the bio-lubricant market with its proprietary Ronnzoil Hydraulic Fluids, the first in a broad range of "green," biodegradable, eco-friendly, non-petroleum-based, improved performance engine oils & lubricants.

Ronn Maxwell, CEO of Ronn Motors, stated, "Industry analysts project the demand for bio-based lubricants to advance 8.9 percent per year to 23 million gallons in 2012, or roughly 11 percent of the $2.4 billion lubricant market in the United States. We believe inc

Thermo Fisher Scientific Enables Reliable Biodiesel Analysis

2009-03-26T00:00:00-05:00

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. has incorporated unique capabilities in the iCAP 6000 Series of ICP emission spectrometers to achieve dependable monitoring of elemental contaminants in biodiesel. The dedicated radial plasma view configuration of the system provides enhanced analytical capabilities for important elements such as sulfur and phosphorus while the enhanced matrix tolerance (EMT) torch and swing frequency RF generator easily handle organic matrix samples and ensures improved stability.

BASF Expands Line with Biodegradable Hydraulic Fluid

2009-02-27T00:00:00-06:00

BASF Corporation is expanding its portfolio of low toxicity and biodegradable hydraulic fluids with the introduction of Plurasafe H2O-K hydraulic fluid, a new product designed for equipment used in marine and water-sensitive applications.

"High heat and pressure can cause many types of equipment to leak hydraulic fluids into the environment," said Rebecca Hollis, business manager of performance chemicals for BASF in North America. "This is especially true in marine applications, including boats and dock operations, where hydraulic leaks can affect oceans, lakes, rivers and streams."

Plurasafe H2O-K fluid is a proprietary product that is designed to protect the entire hydraulic system against wear and corrosion damage. This unique formulation has low aquatic toxicity and is readily biodegradable.

Applications for Plurasafe H2O-K hydraulic fluid can include recreational

IPC Meets the Needs of Food And Beverage Industry

2009-02-25T00:00:00-06:00

The food and beverage industry is one of the most demanding when it comes to quality control of both clean and contaminated areas. International Products Corporation (IPC) has the solutions to meet the needs of the food and beverage industry with their line of temporary rubber lubricants designed specifically for incidental food contact as well as NSF registered cleaners for a variety of applications from process equipment and labware to filter membranes. P-80 Emulsion IFC and P-80 THIX IFC Temporary Assembly Lubricants for incidental food contact are used in the pump, appliance and food processing industries and meet FDA regulations which control lubricants used in incidental food contact applications.

Time is Coming for the 'Holy Grail' of Biofuels

2009-02-16T00:00:00-06:00

Mark Stowers explains how agricultural waste, transformed into ethanol, will turbocharge the U.S. economy, boost its energy security, and help save the planet, too. The research director for POET, the nation’s largest ethanolmaker, based in Sioux Falls, S.D., says that despite bad economic news and major obstacles, the time is near for cellulosic ethanol, dubbed the holy grain of biofuels.

Read the full article from the Christian Science Monitor by clicki

Choosing the Right Lubrication at Food Plants

2009-02-16T00:00:00-06:00

The list of terms maintenance managers need to know to make their food manufacturing facilities successful, are seemingly endless. Trying to filter through terms like good-grade, food-plant, NSF certified, FDA listed, USDA registered; standards and best practices for properly lubricating machines can be overwhelming for facility managers. Correct lubricating equipment, however, is essential to any operation's success. Choosing and implementing the right lubrication program will ensure that a plant operates more safely and efficiently, in addition to making it more profitable.

Food and Medical K1 Lube Units Conform to FDA Standards

2009-02-13T00:00:00-06:00

NSK's patented Food and Medical K1 Lubrication Units act as a maintenance-free lubricant and are FDA approved for use in food processing equipment and medical devices, where cleanliness and safety are paramount. The units, which allow long-term, maintenance-free operation when used with an NSK ball screw or linear guide, now feature refined materials that conform to strict standards set by the US Food and Drug Administration.

Food and Medical K1 Lubrication Units incorporate porous synthetic resins that retain a large quantity of lubricating oil to ensure steady application as the unit moves along the rail or shaft surface. The unit's molded design prevents oil from being dispersed into surrounding areas making it especially effective under hygienic conditions.

Food and Medical K1 Lubrication Units have been tested to provide lubrication for ball screws and linear guides for

Spectro Releases Product for Analysis of Environmental or Industrial Samples

2009-02-11T00:00:00-06:00

The SPECTRO GENESIS simultaneous ICP-OES spectrometer from Spectro Analytical Instruments GmbH has been designed to offer a truly cost-effective alternative to flame AA or sequential ICP-OES for those requiring fast, reliable analysis of environmental or industrial samples.

For those new to the ICP-OES technique, pre-installed, factory calibrated methods for industrial and environmental analyses offer a truly painless introduction – SPECTRO GENESIS is the first and only ICP-OES spectrometer to offer this facility. The high speed of analysis, wi

Biofuels Can Provide Sustainable Solution to Petroleum Dependence

2009-02-10T00:00:00-06:00

An in-depth study by Sandia National Laboratories and General Motors Corporation has found that plant and forestry waste and dedicated energy crops could sustainably replace nearly a third of gasoline use by the year 2030.

The goal of the "90-Billion Gallon Biofuel Deployment Study" was to assess whether and how a large volume of cellulosic biofuel could be sustainably produced, assuming technical and scientific progress continues at expected rates. The study was conducted over a period of nine months.

Green Oil Filters Save Money and the Environment

2009-02-10T00:00:00-06:00

New York state purchased a new, efficient oil filter to reduce its carbon footprint and add more green technology to its vehicles.

Read the full article from Government Technology magazine by clicking on the link below:

Oil is More Eco-Friendly, With the Help of Cows

2009-02-09T00:00:00-06:00

Motor oil would seem to be a good candidate for a green makeover, especially because Americans use so much of it, and often dispose of it improperly.

An automotive-products company in Stamford, Conn., says it has developed a way to make engine oil a bit greener. And the solution involves cows – thousands of them.

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Environmentally-friendly Options for Oil, Antifreeze

2009-02-02T00:00:00-06:00

Used motor oil comprises a significant portion of hazardous waste generated at vehicle repair facilities. Almost half of the oil that is recycled is burned as fuel. This has a bad effect on air quality. Rerefining oils will remove contaminants that will allow the oil to be reused. Rerefined oil is every bit as reliable as virgin oil.

Access this 5-minute, 23-second video by clicking on the link below.

Grease Among Health Problems at Peanut Butter Plant

2009-01-28T00:00:00-06:00

The health-inspection violations at the now-closed Blakely, Ga., plant, owned by Peanut Corporation of America, date back to 2006 and include dirty surfaces and grease residue, The New York Times reported.

Read the full article from U.S. News and World Report by clicking on the link below:

Petro-Canada Expands Food-Grade Lubricant Product Line

2009-01-28T00:00:00-06:00

Petro-Canada on January 28 announced the launch of PURITY FG Synthetic Compressor Fluid, a new addition to their extensive line of food-grade lubricants, greases and specialty fluids. PURITY FG Synthetic Compressor Fluid is a synthetic PAO-based product, scientifically formulated with selected additives and proven to protect against wear, oxidation, rust and corrosion while also providing greater wide temperature performance. The product meets the highest food industry safety standards, is registered by NSF as an H1 lubricant, and fits perfectly in HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point) and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) plans. All components comply with FDA regulation 21 CFR 178.3570 (lubricants with incidental food contact).

SUNRISE Shines on Efforts to Turn Crop Oils into Biofuels

2009-01-21T00:00:00-06:00

The area is affectionately known among “REAC 1” (Research Enterprise and Commercialization) builders and tenants as “Wayne’s World,” a reference to a classic – but worn – Saturday Night Live skit from the 1990s and a play on the name of Wayne Seames, University of North Dakota professor of chemical engineering.

But there’s no joking around when it comes to the work going on there or its official name. The SUNRISE Renewables Company, a new University of North Dakota spinoff, will be using the space as a fuels and chemical pilot facility to conver

Growth Seen in Environmentally Considerate Lubricants

2009-01-21T00:00:00-06:00

2008 saw rapid sales growth for Shell’s expanded range of Environmentally Considerate Lubricants (ECLs), Shell Naturelle. Latest figures show an impressive growth of 16 percent during the year as more and more organizations across the globe realize that the Shell Naturelle range combines outstanding performance with high levels of biodegradability and low ecotoxicity.

Food-grade Lubes Help OEM Keep Customers Happy

2009-01-19T00:00:00-06:00

In the food processing industry, achieving impeccable food safety is a shared responsibility. Not only is the food processor responsible, the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) is also. It’s a relief to know that there are OEMs – like ASGO, Lda. – out there manufacturing top-quality, food-safe machinery, and using advanced food grade lubricants when factory-filling and servicing. Since 1962, ASGO, Lda. has been building top-quality equipment for the food processing industry. Based in Ermesinde, Portugal, the company has grown to become a well-respected, international OEM. Their product range is built to suit small, medium and large industrial demands with the highest standard of quality and reliability. The Equipment ASGO, Lda. builds several pieces of food processing equipment, including grinders, filling machines, lifters and mixers. Each piece is constructed with food grade stainless

NSF Standard Covers Safe Practices for Food Equipment

2009-01-19T00:00:00-06:00

With food safety at the forefront of many consumers’ minds, food handling and processing organizations worldwide are turning to voluntary consensus standards to help them safely handle, process and store food products.

In an effort to help improve food safety practices, NSF International has published NSF/ANSI 2-2008, Food equipment, a rev

New Method Accelerates Stability Testing of Soy-based Biofuel

2009-01-15T00:00:00-06:00

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed a method to accelerate stability testing of biodiesel fuel made from soybeans and also identified additives that enhance stability at high temperatures. The results, described in a new paper,* could help overcome a key barrier to practical use of biofuels.

Both oxidation and heating can cause biodiesel to break down, adversely affecting performance. These two effects usually are analyzed separately, but NIST chemists developed a method to approximate both effects at the same

Testing Oil-based Grease vs. Organic Grease

2009-01-14T00:00:00-06:00

This is a test of normal oil-based grease vs. organic grease that contains no paraffin or oil by-products. The organic grease outperforms the oil-based grease by three times the pressure.

Access this 4-minute video by clicking on the link below.