RSC Bio Solutions Certifies More HF Products for VGP 2013
Products Join 100, 3000 Series Hydraulic Fluids and Safecare Cleaners as VGP Environmentally Acceptable Products that Deliver Technical Feasibility to Marine Industry.
RSC Bio Solutions has announced that its EnviroLogic 200 and 200 EP series of Environmentally Acceptable Lubricants (EALs) and its EnviroLogic 802 grease, as well as the products’ constituent components, have been evaluated by independent laboratories to meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) definitions of biodegradable, minimally toxic and not bioaccumulative. RSC Bio Solutions, therefore, certifies these lubricant and grease products as Vessel General Permit (VGP) 2013 Compliant.
The EnviroLogic 200 series, 200 EP series and 802 grease products are designed for use as stern tube lubricants, gear oils, thruster fluids and greases in a wide range of applications throughout the marine industry. RSC Bio Solutions announced the self-certification of its EnviroLogic 100, 3000 series hydraulic fluids and Safecare cleaners in September 2013.
“Our EnviroLogic and Safecare products have seen years of extensive and successful use in service on oil platforms and marine vessels around the world,” said Bernie Roell, vice president of technology, RSC Bio Solutions. “Along with VGP compliance, these products hold key approvals and meet specifications of a host of equipment and component manufacturers, so marine operators can trust that these products are technically feasible for their marine application and equipment. No one has to worry about not meeting EPA regulations due to the lack of technical feasibility.”
Among the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) approvals held by EnviroLogic products are Berg Propulsion, Blohm+Voss, IHC Sealing Solutions, Schottel, SKF, Thrustmaster and Wartsila. In addition, the products meet the specifications required by Brunvold, Kamewa and Rolls Royce. Key component and seal approvals held by EnviroLogic products include ATA, Chesterton, John Crane, Klingelnberg, Ortlinghaus, Simplex and Wartsila UK/Japan.
EnviroLogic products also meet a wide range of industry performance specifications.
The EPA requires that all vessels use an EAL in oil-to-water interfaces unless technically infeasible. The VGP revision also requires any above water line hull cleaning or deck washdowns resulting in discharge to be conducted with “minimally toxic” and “phosphate free” cleaners and detergents, and that all cleaners and detergents be non-caustic and biodegradable. The EPA’s revised VGP permit becomes effective for all vessels over 79 feet on Dec. 19, 2013.
EnviroLogic EALs are suitable, proven and approved for a wide range of applications including controllable pitch propellers, thruster and hydraulic fluids and other oil-to-sea interfaces including lubrication discharges from stern tubes, thruster bearings, stabilizers, rudder bearings, azimuth thrusters, propulsion pod lubrication, wire rope and mechanical equipment subject to immersion. Safecare applications include deck and equipment wash, general purpose cleaning, degreasing, parts cleaning and oil stain removal.