Choosing the Right Lubricant for Marine and Civil Works Applications

There is a wide range of performance levels among both readily biodegradable and petroleum-based lubricants and greases. Customers have a wide array of options from lower performance lubricants and greases to high performance synthetic lubricants and water resistant, extreme pressure greases. While care must be taken in choosing the appropriate lubricant or grease for the specific application and operating environment, Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants and Greases (EALs) also offer the full continuum of performance. It’s important to know that some Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants offer outstanding performance in addition to being safer for aquatic environments – such as US territorial waters, US waterways and civil works sites – applications explored in this white paper in greater detail.

US Clean Water Act

The Clean Water Act of 1972 mentions discharges of oil should not exhibit any visible ‘sheen’ on the water’s surface as it is otherwise considered as a pollutant (according to CFR 40 Part 435 A). By executive order, the US Army Corps of Engineers is required to comply with the Clean Water Act.¹

US EPA Vessel General Permit (VGP) Mandate

Under the EPA’s 2013 Vessel General Permit (or VGP), all ships larger than 79 feet must use Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants in oil-to-sea interfaces when operating within the three nautical mile limit of the United States and in the Great Lakes unless technically infeasible. These regulations also include directives regarding vessel discharges such as oil, wastewater and runoff. On board applications include above and below the vessel’s waterline.

The EPA VGP requirements can be a useful roadmap for operating in or adjacent to aquatic or other sensitive environments. Use of EALs can reduce overall operating risk, enhance environmental responsibility profile of operators and choice of the right EAL can also enhance a company’s overall sustainability position.

EALs Defined by EPA

Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants are defined by the EPA as offering these three characteristics. First, they must be “biodegradable” as defined within the VGP¾biodegrading into carbon dioxide and water by ≥60% within 28 days (according to OECD 301B or ASTM D7373 methods). Next, they must be “minimally toxic,” causing only a light impact on the aquatic environment (LC50> 100mg/L for lubricants and LC50>1000mg/L). Lastly, they are “not bio-accumulative,” and must have a low propensity to bioaccumulate in organisms and meet the specific requirements set forth within the VGP definition of “not bio-accumulative”.

Environmentally Acceptable Greases are also defined as minimally toxic to the environment, not bio-accumulative and biodegradable by 60% within 28 days.

Safer Operation in Aquatic Environments – US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Civil Works

The US Army Corps of Engineers Headquarters and the USACE ERDC Dredging Operations Technical Support (DOTS) program commissioned a study in March 2018 with The Inland Navigation Design Center (INDC) with the objectives of:

1) reducing risk to equipment by selecting the right lubricant

2) standardizing lubricant selection

3) incorporating the use of environmentally acceptable lubricants (EALs) into USACE civil works activities

4) educating on EALs including selection and monitoring

5) advising on pilot studies to refine use of EALs at USACE sites.

Although this report focused on navigation, the INDC team emphasized that the study findings are also directly applicable to other USACE civil works applications including hydropower, flood control dams, reservoirs, and floating plant applications.

USACE HQ definition of an EAL

The lubricant or grease must be Biodegradable (ASTM D5864 recommended), minimally toxic (EPA 560 or OECD equivalent or practically nontoxic according to US Fish and Wildlife Service), and non-bioaccumulative (OECD 107, 117).

Where to Use EALs

According to US EPA, EALs should be used in place of traditional petroleum lubricants in all marine applications where there is any oil-to-water interface. These applications include stern tubes, controllable pitch propellers, stabilizers, rudders, thrusters, Azipods, towing, notch interfaces, wire rope and mechanical equipment subject to immersion such as dredges and grabs.

According to the USACE report, key applications where EALs can be readily integrated including civil works include hydraulic drive systems and grease applications (especially open gearing and wire ropes). Hydraulic Fluid power systems transmit and control devices to perform work. They operate navigation locks and close miter gates, spillway gates and culvert valves. The typical hydraulic reservoir has a minimum volume capacity that is three times the maximum discharge rate of the system. This is mandated to ensure that there is never a shortage of fluid for any part of the system.

Hydraulic power systems on navigation locks and dams can be very prone to leakage into the waterway. This is especially the case as seals on the hydraulic cylinders age and deteriorate. Lock hydraulic piping leaks are also common occurrences when hydraulic pipes corrode, or locks are submerged during flooding.

The Four EAL Types

ISO and EPA recognize four types of EALs:

Vegetable Oils (HETG)
Synthetic Esters (HEES)
Polyalkylene Glycols (HEPG)
Polyalphaolefins (PAOs) and related hydrocarbon products (HEPR)

Below is a brief overview of each EAL type, the advantages and disadvantages of each, plus a side-by-side comparison chart to help you find the most suitable EAL for your application.

Triglycerides (HETG)

Also referred to as Natural Esters, these lubricants are made of vegetable, rapeseed (Canola), sunflower, coconut, palm or soybean oil.

Advantages

High viscosity index
Very good wear properties
Compatible with many seals and hoses

Disadvantages

More susceptible to oxidation under high temperatures and pressures
More prone to hydrolysis in the presence of water
Shorter lifespan than other EAL types

Suitable Applications

Typically recommended for use in a wide range of land-based applications with shortest scheduled change out intervals

Synthetic Esters (HEES)

Esters are synthesized by the reaction of an alcohol with an acid to form an ester. This reaction process allows for the flexibility to customize the type of ester used for each application.

Advantages

Delivers high performance
Good thermal and oxidation stability
Offers good corrosion prevention and hose compatibility
Extended fluid life

Disadvantages

Prone to hydrolysis in the presence of water
Hydrolysis byproducts (acids) degrade seals, causing leakage and equipment failure

Suitable Applications

Typically recommended for use in a wide range of both land and marine applications with more frequently scheduled change out intervals. For marine applications, saturated esters are commonly used as they are more stable than unsaturated esters but are still susceptible to hydrolysis of the ester functionality, leading to acid formation and viscosity loss. EALs based on saturated esters can remain in service for a full 5 year drydock cycle in maritime applications, however they frequently require top-treatments.

Polyalkylene Glycols (HEPG)

Made of synthetic, petroleum-based oil, HEPGs are created by the polymerization of ethylene or propylene oxide and contain hydroxyl groups that make them hydrophilic in nature.

Advantages

Designed to be partially or fully water soluble; however, solubility may increase the toxicity
Excellent high and low temperature viscosity performance
Fire resistant properties

Disadvantages

Compatibility challenges with seals, hoses, paints and varnishes
Incompatible with mineral oils and other EALs
Typically, not derived from a renewable resource

Suitable Applications

Typically recommended for use in a wide range of both land and marine applications with short to midrange change out intervals of up to 5 years.

Polyalphaolefins (PAOs) and related hydrocarbon products (HEPR)

Often referred to as classic mineral oil-based lubricants, HEPRs are synthesized hydrocarbons historically derived from crude oil meant to provide a low viscosity base oil that is readily biodegradable. However, more recently, HEPR type base stocks from renewable sources have been developed and are being offered by some manufacturers.

Advantages

Exceptionally durable and offer extended wear protection
Extended fluid life
Broad temperature range performance
Excellent thermal and hydrolytic stability
Excellent seal compatibility
Excellent water separation characteristics
Good corrosion protection and oxidation stability

Disadvantages

None, since the development of base oils from renewable (sustainable) sources.

Suitable Applications

Typically recommended for use in a wide range of both land and marine applications with extended scheduled change out intervals of up to 10 years in some cases.

EALs Side-By-Side

Choosing the most suitable EAL depends on the end-user application. See the two charts following on the next page for a quick side-by-side glance comparing features for all four EAL types and standard petroleum-based lubricant. (Please also reference the glossary at end of this paper for definitions of product features used in the table.)

Greases

A grease is a type of lubricant that is composed of base oil, thickener such as lithium stearate (soap), liquid performance additives and solid extreme pressure additives. The base oil provides lubrication, acts to solubilize both thickener and (liquid) performance additives and determines upper and lower operating temperature performance and has a direct effect on low temperature pumpability. Thickeners improve the ability of the grease to remain in the application, determine chemical compatibility (when using hydrocarbon base oils), and define upper operating temperature). Additive selection determines oxidation resistance, corrosion inhibition, water stability, water wash-out & spray-off and film strength as well as extreme pressure enhancement.

Greases perform an important role in systems including lubricating and maintaining contact with moving surfaces and keeping base oil & additives in place in applications that are not sealed. Typically, when greases are exposed to force of gravity, centrifugal forces, extreme pressures and environmental contaminants such as (sea)water, metals, or dust, greases provide effective lubrication under such forces, contaminants and operating temperatures.

RSC Bio Solutions assessed the performance properties of predominant grease types and brands mentioned in the 2018 INDC study. Our technical team also took note of the deficiencies and concerns referenced and formulated new EnviroLogic WREP (Water Resistant, Extreme Pressure) grease products to solve the tough challenges for wire rope and USACE civil works assets which were introduced in 2019 and 2020 and are now considered best in class.

Types of Greases

The most utilized type of grease for Marine and civil works projects is lithium complex type. Not all lithium complex type greases are the same and it is important to distinguish them by the type of base oil utilized as the grease backbone as well as the additive packages which deliver in application performance characteristics. Of particular importance in Marine and Civil Works application are the following properties of a grease:

Dropping Point

A higher dropping point typically describes the ability of the thickener, base fluid and additives to be able to remain in the application as temperature increases. Greases with low dropping point tend to separate as temperatures increase.

Environmentally Acceptable Lubricant (EAL)

Greases that are EALs are minimally toxic to the environment, not bio-accumulative, and biodegrades by 60% or more within 28 days. The performance of EnviroLogic Grease 2 WREP meets or exceeds the performance of the Lithium Complex greases offered by well-known major grease manufacturers.

Extreme Pressure Lubricant

The lubricant industry generally describes an Extreme Pressure grease to be able to:

Four Ball Weld greater than or equal to 250 Kilogram-force (kgf)
Four Ball Wear less than 0.60 mm
Timken OK Load Pass that is 45 lbs. or higher

Water and Corrosion Resistance

Steel Corrosion protection in both distilled water and in 5% salinity synthetic sea water.

Water Spray Off describes how well the grease will remain on the gear teeth or exposed bearing when exposed to pressurized water spray or heavy rain.

Water Washout measures incidental contact of the grease with water.

Salt Fog and Humidity cabinet test measures how well the grease adheres on near vertical surfaces to provide steel corrosion protection.

Greases Side by Side Comparison

Typical Properties	EnviroLogic Grease 2 WREP	European Syn Ester EP 2 Grease	Oil Major Lithium Complex	Biogrease Non EP 2 grease
NLGI Grade	2	2	2	2
EAL	Yes	Yes	No	Yes
Thickener	Lithium Complex	Lithium	Lithium Complex	Not Reported
Base Fluid	PAO and Hydrocarbon Related	Synthetic Ester	Mineral oil	Renewable Base fluid
Dropping Point, °C ASTM D 2265	>275	180	260	170
Four Ball Weld, (kgf) ASTM D 2596	400	280	250	200
Four Ball Wear, (mm) ASTM D 2266	0.44	Test Not Run	0.48	0.73
Timken OK Load, (lbs.) ASTM D 2509	55 Pass	Test Not Run	50 Pass	Not Reported
Steel Corrosion ASTM D 1743	Pass	Pass	Pass	Pass
Steel Corrosion 5% SSW ASTM D 5969	Pass	Test Not Run	Fail	Fail
Copper Corrosion ASTM D 4048	1b	1b	1b	1b
Water Spray off, (% loss) ASTM D 4049	4	Test Not Run	40	25
Water Washout, (% loss) ASTM D 1264	4	Test Not Run	3	Test Not Run
Oil Separation, (% loss) ASTM D 1742	0.9	2.4	3.2	Test Not Run
Salt fog, ASTM B 117	1,000 hours, Pass 10 out of 10	Test Not Run	Test Not Run	Test Not Run
Humidity Cabinet, ASTM D 1748	1,5000 hours, Pass 10 out of 10	Test Not Run	Test Not Run	Test Not Run

The table above provides a Side-by-Side comparison of commercially available greases.

The dropping point result generally is used to describe the upper operating temperature. Greases with dropping points that are higher than 220°C typically are used in application that are higher in temperature, for instance wheel bearings. Two greases are anticipated to perform well at higher temperatures when compared to the other greases with dropping points that are 180°C or less.

The extreme pressure performance of grease can be described by the Four Ball Weld and Timken results. A grease with a higher result is expected to perform better in high load applications. In a similar manner, a grease with a higher the Timken OK Load, should perform better than a grease with a lower result.

Wear protection applies when the application is running; greases with lower Four Ball Wear results provide better wear protection.

Steel corrosion protection is very important in marine environments as well as in areas of the work that use salt to maintain roads in winter. Only one of the greases described on the previous slide passes without any corrosion in the D 1743, Salt fog, humidity cabinet and D 5969 test using 5% synthetic sea water tests.

Copper corrosion is an indication that either there is not any active sulfur in the grease or that the active sulfur has been passivated. Sulphur in a lubricant is used to improve extreme pressure performance. 1b is a passing result.

Water spray off and water washout are tests that predict the ability of the grease to remain on the application when the grease experiences direct contact and indirect contact with water, respectively. The lower the result the better the grease performance.

In order to be an effective lubricant, grease does have some oil that separates from the thickener. The oil separation results described in the table are reasonable.

EnviroLogic Grease 2 WREP is an Environmentally Acceptable Lubricant (EAL) that performs in a similar manner to the mineral oil-based grease. It provides outstanding steel corrosion protection when compared to all of the above greases, which broadens the applications for this grease to include cold climates as well as marine environments.

Conclusions

Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants are not only mandated by the EPA and preferred and often specified by the USACE in many civil works applications, but they also perform equivalently or better than petroleum lubricants. EALs prevent wear and tear on parts, reduce friction (for improved performance), reduce heat and prevent corrosion. EALs are safer for employees to handle and have less impact on the environment.

Many factors should be considered when evaluating which EAL best fits your needs including operating temperature and pressure, seals/elastomers, water ingress, fluid life, preventative maintenance cycles and spill/discharge potential.

The benefits of switching to EALs identified in the USACE Civil Works study were identified as:

Compliance with the Clean Water Act (required for all USACE hydropower facilities by executive order) and Vessel General Permit (VGP) for all new construction.
Like biobased fluids, some EALs are safer to use than their mineral oil-based equivalents.
Some EALs can provide better performance.
The use of EALs promotes environmental stewardship.

RSC Bio Solutions offers unique, environmentally acceptable lubricants and greases that outperform conventional synthetic and competitor EALs. With proven field performance, industry leading OEM approvals set and lubricant durability, RSC Bio can help operators solve smarter.

Glossary

Definitions of features used as a basis for comparison for EAL technologies.

Readily biodegradable – the ability of a product to biodegrade quickly (≥ 60% by OECD 301 A-F/ASTM D7373 testing) within 28 days.

Ecotoxicity – the potential for biological, chemical or compounds to affect ecosystems

Bioaccumulation potential – the propensity of an organism to absorb a toxic substance at a rate greater than that which the substance degrades

Sheen – “rainbow effect” of fluid in water

Seal compatibility – reaction by fluid on seal material that that can weaken or damage seal

Wear performance – lubricity of fluid to protect to protect moving parts

Oxidation performance – reaction of oxygen with fluid to chemically alter fluid affecting performance

Low temperature performance – viscosity at low temperatures

Viscosity index – relationship of viscosity to temperature of a fluid (a higher number indicates less of a change in viscosity with corresponding changes in temperature)

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What are Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants (EALs), and why are they important for marine and civil works applications?

EALs are lubricants meeting EPA criteria, being biodegradable, minimally toxic, and non-bioaccumulative, crucial for compliance with regulations like the Clean Water Act and Vessel General Permit, offering performance comparable to or better than petroleum lubricants.

Which types of EALs are suitable for marine and civil works applications, and how do they differ in performance?

Four types of EALs include Vegetable Oils (HETG), Synthetic Esters (HEES), Polyalkylene Glycols (HEPG), and Polyalphaolefins (PAOs). They differ in advantages and disadvantages, with considerations like temperature stability, wear protection, and corrosion resistance.