FEATURE
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
(EPA), an EAL is a “lubricant that is biodegradable, exhibits
low toxicity to aquatic organisms and has a low potential for
bioaccumulation.”
It is easy to connect the dots between these two regulations
and recognize that readily biodegradable EALs offer a
viable alternative to bio-accumulative and toxic substances.
They can reduce the workplace hazards and environmental
risks associated with spills or leaks that can not only tarnish
a company’s reputation, but also lead to costly remediation
involving cleanup, potential regulatory fines and equipment
or employee downtime.
EAL benefits for pile driving industry
Designed to meet performance, regulatory and environmental
needs better than traditional petroleum lubricants, the
benefits of EALs are appealing to pile driving contractors,
operators and regulatory agencies for many reasons:
• EALs are compatible with a wide variety of equipment
types, including fluid-to-torque auger drills, drive caps
and impact hammers, striker plates and vibrators with
specialty gears
• EALs perform equal to, or better than, petroleum
lubricants
• EALs can last longer and have a longer life when maintained
properly
• EALs minimize environmental impact
• EALs offer low total cost of ownership in light of reduced
fines, cleanup costs and longer product life
Types of EALs and implications for pile driving
applications
There are four types, each made of different components and
each offering distinct attributes.
Triglycerides (HETG)
Also referred to as Natural Esters, these lubricants are made
of vegetable, rapeseed (canola), sunflower, coconut, palm or
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The pile driving industry is at a crossroads. As regulations
become more stringent and performance is
increasingly paramount, organizations are feeling
the pinch to be both compliant and perform at their
peak. Equipment failures, spills and leaks are followed by
costly fines, cleanup fees and increased downtime – further
emphasizing compliance concerns and public scrutiny over
environmental impact.
With this changing landscape, organizations are looking
for ways to be both fiscally and environmentally responsible.
That has opened the door for an emerging category of
bio-based and biodegradable lubricants known as environmentally
acceptable lubricants (EALs).
EALs defined
While the United States has been very prescriptive about
defining and regulating EAL usage, Canada has taken a more
holistic approach by focusing on the outcomes that should
be avoided. While both countries have focused heavily on
marine-based spills, leaks and discharges, they are beginning
to focus more on land-based issues as well.
According to Environment Canada, the Canadian
Environmental Protection Act addresses “the need to virtually
eliminate the most persistent and bioaccumulative toxic
substances and the need to control and manage pollutants
and wastes if their release into the environment cannot be
prevented.”
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