Castrol Biobar 68

Castrol BioBar 68 is an environmentally acceptable hydraulic fluid that can replace conventional mineral oils in hydraulic equipment where leakage or spillage may result in escape into the marine environment. It is formulated from synthetic ester base oils selected to give a wide operating temperature range and long service life. Extensive testing of Castrol BioBar and hydraulic system components (in particular, elastomer seals) has confirmed good compatibility with standard components, allowing conversion of existing equipment without the need for major changes. Castrol BioBar has been tested and registered according to OSPAR (Oslo and Paris Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic) requirements and therefore complies with the current 2018 US Vessel Incidental Discharge Act (VIDA) criteria for Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants (EALs), meeting the definition of an EAL under the US Vessel General Permit (VGP) 2013. It is recommended for hydraulic systems and hydrostatic transmissions incorporating gear pumps, vane pumps, radial piston or axial piston pumps and motors, and for applications on board ship – cranes, winches, windlasses and lifeboat davits – where there is a perceived risk of egress into the environment in the event of spillage or leakage.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

The above figures are typical of those obtained with normal production tolerance and do not constitute a specification.

KEY FEATURES

Reduced Environmental Impact

Demonstrable benefits compared to conventional lubricants, across the following key environmental performance criteria:

* Using OSPAR criteria for assessing bioaccumulation potential.

High Levels of Pump & Motor Protection

Contributes to a high level of reliability:

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Castrol BioBar hydraulic fluids are fully miscible with conventional mineral oils, and compatibility has been confirmed by testing with several standard grades. However, Castrol strongly recommends that the guidelines given for changeover in ISO 15380: 2002 Annexe 1 are followed closely and that residual mineral oil in the system is reduced to 2%, to ensure the intended environmental performance is achieved and reliable operation is maintained. This figure can usually be achieved without flushing being required, though a significant proportion of the fluid volume in a hydraulic system is contained in pipework, actuators and accumulators, and this needs to be expelled back to the reservoir and removed during changeover.

There are many different types of hydraulic fluids marketed as biodegradable or environmentally friendly, based upon a variety of different base oil types. As a general rule, Castrol does not recommend mixing different types of hydraulic fluids due to the number of different base oils and additive system combinations possible. There are exceptions, but compatibility testing is required before confirmation can be given.

Castrol BioBar does not require any additional maintenance in service over and above what is considered good practice for hydraulic fluids in general service. Water removal equipment and additional filtration will prolong the life of system components and of the lubricant, and are recommended; some Class Societies may insist on the installation of water removal equipment whenever EALs are used.

Data Sheet Date: 30 Jul 2025

The information contained in this data sheet is based on data considered to be accurate. No warranty is expressed or implied regarding the accuracy of this data. Product specifications and availability are subject to change without notice. Lube Control Pty Ltd accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage arising from the use of this information.