Cost, operational readiness, and environmental benefits for the reutilization of used hydraulic oil

In: Federal facilities environmental journal, Band 13, Heft 3, S. 81-91

Abstract

AbstractThe U.S. Army, in cooperation with industry, recently developed and demonstrated a methodology for returning
used hydraulic fluid to vehicle service. The effort was conducted in three phases: First, a laboratory
investigation to determine the viability of restoring used fluid to military specification performance. Second,
a field investigation designed to identify commercially available equipment that could successfully process the
used fluid and also demonstrate the performance of the restored fluid in military vehicles. Third, the Army
entered into Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) with commercial companies that
manufacture the certified hydraulic oil recyclers to test on‐line diagnostics aimed at automating and
optimizing the process. Under the aegis of the aforementioned CRADA, industry developed technology that
automates the process of restoring used hydraulic fluid to military specification performance. Testing and
demonstration results indicate that the process of restoring used hydraulic fluid can be automated to require
less labor and eliminate possible incomplete restoration. This paper briefly explains the recommended process
developed by the Fuels and Lubricants Team as presented in the "User's Guide For Recycling Military
Hydraulic Fluid." Recent military implementation of hydraulic oil restoration programs, studies, and
field demonstrations within the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force are discussed.The on‐site reutilization of used hydraulic fluid with a certified hydraulic oil recycler can have a
significant impact on meeting pollution prevention goals. The benefits include reduced fluid disposal costs,
reduced procurement costs for new fluid, increased operational readiness, increased durability of systems, and
an uncomplicated avenue for conservation of natural resources. Procedures and certifications for this program
are now in place. The implementation of a hydraulic oil recycling program will save millions of dollars per
year for each of the U.S. military services, as well as contribute to operational readiness. © 2002 Wiley
Periodicals, Inc.