Biobased Metal Working Fluids
Project Number: 08-SP-034
The JG-PP has partnered with the Naval Facilities Engineering Service Center (NFESC) on the Biobased Metal Working Fluids Initiative in collaboration with DLA and in response to the USDA federal mandate to develop and implement a preferred procurement program to increase the procurement and use of biobased products. Current specifications governing maintenance operations are designed to evaluate petroleum products. However, biobased products have different characteristics than petroleum-based products that are not fully understood. As a result, requirements to validate stability of biobased working fluid products are not well defined. Unlike petroleum based products, biobased products tend to be hydroscopic, more susceptible to bacteria attack and more corrosive. Furthermore, the product stability, materials compatibility, and performance of biobased products have not been fully demonstrated on military processes and equipment. As a result, use of unqualified products could cause damage if used in military maintenance applications. Since many of the analytical test methods designed for petroleum-based products do not apply nor address the specific characteristics of bio-based products, the objective of this project is to develop a set of analytical test methods and criteria for addressing biobased characteristics that are critical to their evaluation. The classes of metal working fluids that will be investigated will include straight oil, soluble oil, semi-synthetic, and synthetic. The class will be selected based on pervasiveness of its use. Identification of the biobased test requirements is the first step in preparing a JTP which will form the basis for qualifying any candidate Biobased Metal Working Fluids.
This site last updated February 28, 2008.
