Characteristics of PAG Based Bio-Hydraulic Fluid

Abstract Regulatory drivers both in the U.S. and in the European Union are attempting to promote the use of biodegradable lubricants in the marketplace. A base fluid that uses the first ever combination of biodegradable polyalkylene glycol (PAG) with a high oleic canola oil was developed to meet environmental accreditation standards. This combination utilizes the PAG to “upgrade” the vegetable oil in hydraulic fluid formulation and provide a base fluid that can solubilize the oxidation by-products and provide better deposit control compared to straight general purpose fluids that are based on vegetable oils. A general purpose bio-hydraulic fluid that use a blend of PAG and high oleic canola oil has shown enhanced performance characteristics in two critical tests namely an oxidation test (ASTM D 2893 B) and a hydraulic vane pump test (ASTM D 7043). These two tests clearly differentiate the superior attributes of the PAG-based bio-hydraulic fluid compared to a widely use general purpose biodegradable hydraulic fluid in the market place.