Environmental Friendly Hydraulic Fluids vs. Petroleum-Based Hydraulic Fluids in Hydrovacs and Sewer Cleaning Units

In industries like hydrovac services and sewer cleaning, the hydraulic system is crucial for operating heavy machinery and ensuring efficiency. Hydraulic fluids, which transfer energy and lubricate moving parts in these systems, are essential to the smooth functioning of equipment. However, the type of hydraulic fluid used can significantly impact the environment, safety, and the long-term costs associated with maintenance. While petroleum-based hydraulic fluids have been the industry standard for decades, environmental concerns and safety issues have led many to explore environmentally friendly, biodegradable alternatives, such as those made from vegetable oils like canola oil.

 

Approximately 10 years ago, while working for a hydrovac company in Calgary, Alberta, I encountered a frustrating scenario that prompted me to explore environmentally friendly hydraulic fluids. One day, a hydraulic line burst on-site, releasing petroleum-based hydraulic fluid into the environment. Unbeknownst to us initially, the fluid flowed down a sewer drain, resulting in the need to call in a Hazmat spill response team to manage the situation. The sheer frustration of this experience led me to begin researching alternative hydraulic oils that were both effective and more environmentally responsible.

Through my research, I discovered that canola-based hydraulic oils were not only biodegradable but also compatible with most hydraulic components commonly used in the industry. After gathering enough information, I approached the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) supplier, Tornado, to discuss the possibility of upgrading our fleet to include environmentally friendly hydraulic fluids. After conducting their own research, Tornado agreed to retrofit all of their new trucks with this environmentally safe oil. To this day and to my Knowledge, Tornado continues to supply this type of hydraulic oil in their OEM units, offering customers peace of mind, knowing that their hydraulic systems are safer for the environment in case of a line break.

 

The advantages of using biodegradable, vegetable-based hydraulic fluids over traditional petroleum-based ones are numerous. The most immediate and obvious benefit is environmental protection. If a line were to blow or a pump were to malfunction in the field, biodegradable hydraulic oil is less harmful to the surrounding environment. There is less need to call organizations like Hazmat for cleanup, reducing the costs and risks associated with hazardous material spills. Furthermore, since these fluids break down naturally, they pose far less long-term risk to ecosystems compared to petroleum-based oils, which can remain in the environment for extended periods.

In the oil and gas industry—along with many other sectors—using less flammable hydraulic fluids adds an additional layer of safety. Petroleum-based oils are highly flammable, presenting a serious risk to operators, especially in environments where sparks, heat, or other ignition sources are present. Biodegradable hydraulic fluids made from vegetable oils tend to be less flammable, providing an added safety advantage and potentially reducing the risk of catastrophic fires.

 

Hydraulic fluids must not only function properly but also exhibit fire resistance. A fire-resistant fluid, unlike a flammable one, does not propagate flames when exposed to an ignition source. In fact, upon removal of the ignition source, the flames self-extinguish. Fully compounded vegetable oil-based hydraulic fluids are naturally fire-resistant, making them a safer option in high-risk environments. For plants and operations dealing with high pressure, extreme temperatures, and other hazardous conditions, this type of fluid offers added protection against fire hazards, which can otherwise lead to significant safety incidents.

While many industries rely on high-priced, fire-resistant petroleum-based hydraulic fluids, the emergence of vegetable oil-based fluids has made it possible to maintain the same safety standards at a much lower cost. This makes the transition to more sustainable and safer hydraulic oils not only an environmental choice but a financially viable one.

 

The term “biodegradable” is often used to describe products that can break down naturally in the environment, reducing their impact. Hydraulic fluids that are biodegradable are classified as either “readily biodegradable” or “inherently biodegradable.” Readily biodegradable fluids degrade by at least 80 percent within 21 days when exposed to water, as measured in laboratory tests. These fluids, derived from vegetable oils, are commonly used in industries like hydrovac services and sewer cleaning because they break down quickly and are much less harmful to the environment compared to petroleum-based oils.

Inherently biodegradable oils, such as those derived from white mineral oils, take longer to break down and are often toxic to marine life over extended periods. This makes readily biodegradable vegetable oils a far superior choice when it comes to minimizing environmental harm. Using these fluids ensures that even in the event of a spill, the fluid will degrade quickly and not persist in the ecosystem, causing damage to wildlife or plants.

 

Historically, synthetic and fire-resistant hydraulic fluids—like polyesters—were priced out of reach for many manufacturers.. In comparison, petroleum-based fluids were more affordable but came with significant environmental and safety drawbacks. However, vegetable oil-based hydraulic fluids have emerged as a cost-effective alternative. Not only are they biodegradable and safer for the environment, but they also perform at levels comparable to or better than traditional petroleum oils, especially in terms of lubricity and high-temperature stability.

The affordability of vegetable oil-based hydraulic fluids is a key factor in their growing popularity. Vegetable oils like canola oil are relatively inexpensive as base stocks, making them an accessible and viable option for companies seeking to improve their environmental footprint while maintaining high performance. In addition, vegetable oil-based hydraulic fluids offer excellent lubricity, making them suitable for use in high-pressure systems, as well as extreme conditions like cold temperatures or heavy loads.

 

As industries face increasing pressure to adopt sustainable practices, the demand for environmentally friendly hydraulic fluids is on the rise. Many companies are now prioritizing the use of “green” hydraulic fluids that offer both biodegradability and fire resistance, especially in environmentally sensitive areas or places where spills could have severe consequences.

While the adoption of these fluids is still evolving, many companies now recognize that using environmentally friendly hydraulic oils is a smart choice both for the environment and for their bottom line. The shift toward sustainable hydraulic fluids is no longer a niche market but a growing trend that is becoming standard practice in industries where environmental concerns are paramount.

 

The shift towards biodegradable, vegetable-based hydraulic fluids represents a significant step forward for industries like Hydrovac services and sewer cleaning, where hydraulic systems play a central role in operations. As demonstrated by my experience with Tornado, these fluids are compatible with most hydraulic systems and offer numerous benefits, including reduced environmental impact, enhanced safety, and improved performance. The choice to move away from petroleum-based hydraulic oils not only helps protect the environment but also provides long-term cost savings and peace of mind for operators.

Ultimately, the benefits of using environmentally friendly hydraulic fluids are clear: they are safer, more sustainable, and cost-effective alternatives to traditional petroleum-based fluids. With the continued advancements in technology and growing environmental awareness, it’s likely that these fluids will become the industry standard, ensuring that future generations of operators can work safely and responsibly.

 

 

“Environmentally friendly hydraulic oil not only powers your equipment but also protects the planet, proving that performance and sustainability can go hand in hand.” = Terry Rawn

 

Terry Rawn

Hydrovac Nation / Dig Pig Products