Bestimmung der Bioabbaubarkeit von nicht wasserlöslichen Flüssigkeiten (Schmieröle etc.) nach CEC L-33-A-94

Abstract

The use of biodegradable lubricants as substitutes for lubricants based on mineral oils is necessary in areas where an impact on ecosystems is inevitable and cannot be excluded. These are applications in which a partial loss of lubricant into the environment occurs, e.g. chain saw oils, two-stroke oils for outboard motors, and hydraulic oils, which are used in sensitive areas as dredging-machines near rivers or ground water sources. The use of commercially available biodegradable base liquids for lubricants is discussed and several current examples are given. These water-insoluble products are frequently examined with the CEC test that can be used for a rough determination of the biodegradability. The development and application of this method has a long tradition at the EMPA Dübendorf. Experimental details, limits, advantages, and disadvantages will be discussed in this paper. Longterm measurements with the calibrating oils RL 130 and RL 110 together with results from a biodegradation study of several hydraulic fluids that are used in agricultural machinery are presented.