Roloil has developed Biotem NG series, boron-free, biocide-free and formulated with synthetic base fluids derived from natural gas to fight against proliferation by microorganisms into water-solubles.
Micro-organisms – or microbes – can be defined as living organisms visible only thanks to a microscope and their world is extremely varied: they are divided into unicellular organisms, which are less evolved and therefore more simple on a structural level, and multicellular. Bacteria and Fungi (intended as micromycetes) hold a main relevance into the world of Metalworking and their uncontrolled proliferation in water-solubles can seriously affect the performance and the working environment.
Biotem NG series water-solubles fluids have been formulated with innovative natural gas-derived base fluids and feature important developments in several technical aspects including lubricity and sump life. In terms of safety, the range includes fluids that are free of boron, chlorine, biocides and secondary amines (TRGS 611 compliant).
Despite their high safety profile and the absence of substances commonly used to impart biostability, these products have proven in field an uncommon resistance to contamination by micro-organisms, thanks to additives that, having a minimal impact on operators and working environment, make the entire application process much safer.
Synthetic base fluids from natural gas
These fluids are obtained by chemical synthesis from natural gas and are characterized by very high purity, a key property for many applications: they are colorless and practically odorless, contain a high percentage of paraffinic hydrocarbons and negligible amounts of sulfur, nitrogen and aromatic compounds presenting so a narrow hydrocarbon distribution range. They also have low volatility, low pour point, high flash point, high viscosity index, excellent color stability with respect to heat and UV light.
The high proportion of paraffinic hydrocarbons makes them difficult to use in the formulation of water-solubles as they are poorly compatible with water.
Challenge Test Results
Lubricant producers have always used boron and biocides to prevent contamination, but these have many downsides. In aqueous solutions, boron derivatives tend to release boric acid which is harmful for humans; it is classified as toxic for reproduction and can affect fertility or damage an unborn child. Biocides are chemical substances that are used to destroy microorganisms, and these are also dangerous for humans. Producers no longer use formaldehyde donors because they release formaldehyde, which is carcinogenic if inhaled. Other groups of biocides (isothiazolinones – BIT, MIT, BBIT) are strong sensitizers, and others, such as phenoxyethanol (PHE) release phenol¸ a dangerous mutagen, in the emulsion.
The exceptional biostability of Roloil’ new range of lubricants has been confirmed by the Challenge Test, which was conducted in an external laboratory specialized in microbiology. The test measures resistance to bacteria and fungi by inoculating the emulsion with aggressive strains of fungi and bacteria over several months. Each week, the lubricants are inoculated and the proliferation of microorganisms is tested. If the bacteria and fungi have spread beyond a specific amount (fixed at 10^6 cfu) over two consecutive weeks, the test is stopped and considered failed. Results are easy to be read: provided this point has not been reached, the lubricant is working effectively. Its strength is measured by the number of weeks it lasts.
Biotem NG series has achieved an outstanding result, outperforming all other products: the test has been interrupted after 22 weeks without any contamination developing.
The Biotem NG series
The Biotem NG series is made up of a complete range of four water-solubles fluids which cover the majority of the cutting and grinding operations, divided according to the severity of the application and the material to be machined.
Biotem NG PLUS is suitable for cutting operations on ferrous and non-ferrous materials, including stainless steel and aluminum alloys including those used in the aerospace industry, for which it has also passed the most stringent approval tests.
Biotem NG EP does not stain aluminum alloys and it’is suitable for cutting and grinding operations of all materials.
Biotem NG was developed for cutting and grinding of ferrous materials and can also be used for non-heavy-duty operations on stainless steel and aluminum alloys.
Finally Biotem NG K is used for cutting and grinding of easy-to-machine ferrous materials (particularly cast iron) and, because of its very high detergency, has proven to be really effective in the production process of welded pipes.
