Description:

The Castrol BioBar range of high specification hydraulic oils are intended as drop-in replacements for conventional mineral oils in equipment where there is a risk of accidental spillage or leakage and consequent environmental pollution.

Hydraulic systems are found throughout an offshore installation - on cranes, drill floor power units and hydraulic ring mains and are often located where leakage or spillage can escape into the marine environment. High flow rates, high operating pressures and extensive use of flexible hoses combine to make these systems vulnerable to rapid loss of fluid caused by chafe or mechanical damage.

Castrol BioBar contains selected additives ensuring good oxidation stability, good anti-corrosion and anti-wear properties and low aquatic toxicity. The combination of base oils used in Castrol BioBar endows it with a very high viscosity index and an extremely low pour point as well as giving excellent compatibility with elastomeric seal materials. The careful choice of the saturated synthetic ester enables the product to operate up to +120ºC system temperature.

The product level biodegradability of Castrol BioBar was measured in an extended OECD 306 (seawater) biodegradation test with a result greater than 60%, making it 100% more biodegradable than conventional mineral oils. This ensures its biodegradation should it enter the marine environment. The toxicity of Castrol BioBar was measured on 6 marine species and was found to be 100 times less toxic than conventional mineral oils. It also has > 50% less potential for bioaccumulation and > 30% of Castrol BioBar is derived from renewable sources.

Castrol BioBar is miscible with conventional mineral oil based hydraulic fluids. When changing from mineral oil based products to Castrol BioBar, the system should be drained to ensure that the mineral oil content of the refilled system is less than 5%. This is necessary to ensure that the maximum environmental benefit can be achieved.

Application:

Hydraulic systems and hydrostatic transmissions incorporating gear pumps, vane pumps, radial piston or axial piston pumps and motors where there is a perceived risk of ingress into the environment in the event of spillage or leakage.

Features and Benefits:

Castrol BioBar hydraulic fluids combine excellent protection, extended drain performance and versatility in Offshore operations to provide the following key benefits:

• High biodegradability, reduced bioaccumulation potential and low toxicity in comparison with conventional mineral oils to minimise environmental impact in the event of spillage or leakage.
• Good oxidation and hydrolytic stability.
• High shear stability.
• Compatible with all common seal materials (Nitrile, Viton, HNBR) allowing simple replacement of mineral oil in hydraulic systems.