August 13, 2024 Toxic Lubricants Exposed & Why EALs Are a Must

The environmental hazards of traditional lubricants and why Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants (EALs) are necessary.

By Travis Johnston, Co-Founder and COO of Aropha

So many industries today rely heavily on lubricants and hydraulic fluids for optimal performance – i.e., manufacturing, construction, shipping, mining, agriculture, and aerospace, to name a handful. Many of these substances – unfortunately – pose significant environmental risks – especially in sectors like hydropower and maritime transport, where equipment operates near water bodies.

Of course, the challenge is in balancing operational efficiency with environmental stewardship. This is the case across many other sectors and situations today in a world that is more and more conscious of environmental impact. As industries continue to evolve, more sectors are recognizing (or being forced to recognize due to regulations and legal pressures) the need to address the environmental impact of these substances — especially when they are used in applications adjacent to nature.

Gaining in popularity as a viable solution to these concerns are Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants (EALs). EALs address ecological issues while at the same time ensuring that industrial equipment operates at peak efficiency.

Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants (EALs) – An Understanding

EALs are lubricants that meet rigorous criteria and must undergo thorough testing to demonstrate compliance in three key areas: biodegradability, toxicity, and bioaccumulation.

Some lubricants on the path to meeting these standards are referred to as Environmentally Friendly Lubricants (EFLs). While not fully certified as EALs, EFLs represent a step in the right direction for environmental protection in industrial lubrication.

A Critical Role

EALs offer significant advancement in mitigating harmful environmental impacts and safeguarding aquatic wildlife. Which means, industries can dramatically reduce their ecological footprint, by utilizing these products… without compromising operational efficiency.

Moreover, many EALs bring an additional layer of sustainability by being formulated without relying on nonrenewable resources. Not only does this enhance environmental credentials — it aligns with broader sustainability goals and resource conservation efforts.

Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants

The foundation of any EAL is its base oil, which plays a crucial role in determining the lubricant’s overall biodegradability. Three primary types of base oils are commonly utilized in EAL formulation:

1. Bio-Based or Vegetable Oils
   These oils are sourced directly from nature, typically from various plants, and undergo minimal processing. That means they offer superior biodegradability, and low toxicity, not to mention — performance advantages. Popular options include grapeseed, canola, soybean, and sunflower oils.
2. Synthetic Esters
   Created through chemical synthesis using bio-based materials, synthetic esters offer the ability to fine-tune lubricant properties for specific industrial applications. Across a wide temperature range, they provide exceptional performance across a wide temperature range, not to mention… high viscosity index, built-in corrosion protection, and compliance with biodegradability and toxicity standards.
3. Polyalkylene Glycols (PAGs)
   Despite their possible petroleum-based origins, PAGs have carved out a significant niche in the EAL market – combining superior viscosity characteristics and corrosion protection together with high biodegradability and water solubility. Which makes them suitable for applications requiring exceptional temperature stability and corrosion resistance while maintaining environmental compliance.

Challenges in EAL Adoption

While EALs offer significant ecological benefits, their adoption and implementation face several hurdles:

1. Ongoing Research and Development – Many EALs are still in the refinement stage, balancing eco-friendliness with industrial efficacy
2. Production Complexities and Costs – Manufacturing EALs can be expensive and technically challenging, potentially driving up costs
3. Market Competition – EALs must compete with well-established, often less expensive petroleum-based products
4. Compatibility with Existing Infrastructure – EALs must be formulated to be compatible with existing systems designed for petroleum and mineral oil lubricants

Despite the challenges, the move towards Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants (EALs) is picking up speed. Government regulations and industry efforts are moving towards sustainable solutions… but there’s still a long way to go. We don’t just need greater awareness of the long-term advantages of eco-friendly lubrication — we must have continuous innovation and supportive policies.

So, what’s the bottom line? The time is now – industry professionals and decision-makers must recognize the importance of EALs in modern industrial operations, particularly as the sustainable lubricant market rapidly expands. It’s not just about compliance… it’s about setting the standard for responsible industrial practices that will protect not only your business, but our environment as well!

About the author:
Travis Johnston, Co-Founder and COO, currently leads the revenue-generating activties and operations at Aropha Inc., a fast growing early-stage startup advancing the development of biodegradable products through artificial intelligence and automation. Johnston has always been drawn toward physical innovations that will have a meaningful impact on the world, business operations, and entrepreneurship. This has let Johnston contribute to and scale hard tech advancements for his entire career.

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