Biodegradable hydraulic fluids are being specified with increasing frequency by governmental and industrial entities. A proposed new ASTM International standard, WK31234, Specification for Biodegradable, Low Aquatic Toxicity Hydraulic Fluids, intends to make it easier to ensure that proper hydraulic fluids are being used at environmentally sensitive job sites.

“By explicitly demanding conformity to this specification, the responsibility for environmental compatibility is with the lubricant supplier who cites this specification on his technical data sheet,” says ASTM member Patrick Laemmle, CEO, Panolin International Inc.

The fluids to be covered by ASTM WK31234 are used in industrial/mobile hydraulic applications. Biodegradable fluids have been found to perform differently than traditional mineral oils, creating a need for separate performance classifications.

Laemmle says that manufacturers of pumps, valves, cylinders, hoses and seals could all make use of ASTM WK31234. In addition, Laemmle notes that it should be useful to operators and end users of both stationary and mobile hydraulic equipment. The proposed standard could also be used for government purposes.

ASTM WK31234 is being developed by Subcommittee D02.N0.03 on ECO-Evaluated Fluids, part of ASTM Committee D02 on Petroleum Products, Liquid Fuels and Lubricants. Laemmle says that all interested parties, particularly original equipment manufacturers, are welcome to participate in the ongoing standards development activities of D02.N0.03.