Uniqema launches new range of Priolube biohydraulic basefluids

Citation

(2001), "Uniqema launches new range of Priolube biohydraulic basefluids", Industrial Lubrication and Tribology, Vol. 53 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/ilt.2001.01853cad.007

Uniqema launches new range of Priolube biohydraulic basefluids

Uniqema launches new range of Priolube biohydraulic basefluids

Keywords: Esters, Base fluids

Uniqema has developed a new range of naturally based synthetic esters under the Priolube brand for use as basefluids in hydraulic equipment. The products offer exceptional performance with excellent environmental credentials.

Around the world there is an increasing awareness of the environmental impact of many lubricant formulations. Many regions have already restricted the use of mineral oil-based products and require the use of biodegradable fluids.

However, the use of environmentally friendly lubricants should not mean compromise in technical performance. Long lifetime for fluids and the equipment that they protect also contributes to environmental protection.

The Priolube range

The new Priolube products cover two specific market segments for hydraulic systems.

Oleate based synthetics

For mobile hydraulic systems in which fluid temperatures could increase up to 100°C, for example in the forestry industry, Uniqema has developed a range of oleate based esters. Using Uniqema's advanced ester technology and know-how two oleic based esters, Priolube 2088 and 2089, have been developed as ISO 46 grade fluids. These products offer:

• •

  full biodegradability to all major standards;

• •

  formulation from natural and renewable raw materials (> 80 percent);

• •

  long fluid lifetime due to good oxidative stability;

• •

  use in all climates due to excellent low temperature and viscosity properties.

Uniqema has also developed Priolube 1556 as an ISO 32 grade offering similar benefits.

High performance esters

In hydraulic systems where temperatures exceed 100°C, for example in construction equipment, hydraulic fluids need a high degree of oxidative stability as well as environmentally acceptable properties.

Uniqema has developed a range of highly oxidative and thermally stable synthetic esters, Priolube 1848 and 1849, as a new class of biodegradable ISO 46 grade fluids.

These products offer:

• •

  long fluid lifetime due to excellent oxidative stability in severe conditions;

• •

  biodegradability as defined by all major standards;

• •

  improved pump life due to good lubrication and demulsification properties;

• •

  applicable in all climates due to good low temperature and viscosity properties;

• •

  reduced downtime because of good long-term filterability.

In addition three other products have been developed with similar performance characteristics: Priolube 1850 is an ISO 32 grade complex ester, whilst Priolube 1847 and 1851 can be used as thickeners to upgrade lower viscosity basefluids to higher ISO grade products.

Elizabeth Walmsley, Global Vice President for Lubricants at Uniqema says: "Uniqema's exceptional know-how in this area has been key in achieving these new developments. Uniqema has also produced considerable application data that clearly demonstrates the exceptional performance and excellent biodegradability characteristics of these new basefluids."

Uniqema is a global business designed for a new era in specialty chemicals and is part of the ICI group of companies. Worldwide, Uniqema has more than 3,200 employees and sells products in over 100 countries. Global headquarters for Uniqema is in The Netherlands, Americas headquarters is in the US, New Castle, DE and Asia Pacific's headquarters is in Kuala Lumpur. Uniqema is a provider of effects and solutions for market sectors including health care, personal care, lubricants, crop protection, polymers, polymer additives, oilfield chemicals, textiles and industrial cleaning. More information on Uniqema activities can be found at: www.uniqema.com