Rising Demand for Biodegradable EALs

Heavy-duty hydraulic systems operating on, over or near bodies of water have been subject to a series of regulations aimed at mitigating the impact of lubricating oils coming into contact with water. Since 2008, the EPA’s Vessel General Permit (VGP) has required any lubricants used anywhere on a ship (or small boats under sVGP) to be “eco-friendly and biodegradable in nature.” Now, VGP will be superseded by the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA), first proposed in 2020 and expected to take effect in 2026. Under VIDA, the biodegradability requirement is likely to expand to non-water-contact applications.

Under VGP and VIDA, biodegradability means that “90% of lubricant formulation …should be made of substances that demonstrate removal of at least 70% of dissolved organic carbon and production of at least 60% of theoretical CO2, or consumption of at least 60% of theoretical oxygen consumption.” The shorthand terminology for oil components meeting this  requirement is “readily biodegradable.” This is different from “inherently biodegradable” oils, which may be environmentally acceptable in some cases, but do not measure up to the stricter policy definition of biodegradability.

While VGP and VIDA rules specifically target marine applications, similar standards apply to construction equipment operating in environmentally sensitive areas, particularly around lakes, rivers, wetlands or aquifers where leakage of oil could have an adverse impact. Even ski resorts, with their snow-moving equipment and lifts, are looking at environmentally acceptable lubricants (EALs) to reduce the risk of contaminating snowmelt and runoff.

To help hydraulic equipment operators meet today’s EAL standards without compromising performance, Chevron has introduced Clarity^® Bio EliteSyn™ AW, a readily biodegradable, premium hydraulic fluid. In the past, when equipment operators sought out a readily biodegradable fluid to meet environmental requirements, it often meant settling for lower performance. Now, our newest entry in the Clarity line represents a huge step forward in combining environmental benefits with maximum protection and operational efficiency.

Clarity Bio EliteSyn AW exhibits extremely low toxicity to fish and invertebrate aquatic life. It is formulated from a unique, 100% renewable, biobased synthetic base oil that delivers all the performance of a conventional mineral-based lubricant. Strong hydrolytic stability means it is highly resistant to water contamination. In testing against other EALs, the Clarity product showed a lower tendency to attract water and superior seal compatibility, further reducing the risk of leakage. Moreover, it has an exceptional TOST life of over 10,000 hours, indicating its ability to withstand the effects of oxidation and high-temperature operation over extended periods of time.

Chevron is committed to delivering premium-quality hydraulic lubricants that meet strict environmental standards, as well as our customers’ needs for operational efficiency, productivity, uptime, and extended equipment life. Clarity Bio EliteSyn AW is the latest example, clearly proving that environmental protection and optimal performance don’t have to be mutually exclusive.