Helping to clean up the environment, one filter cart at a time…
In our line of work we are often called upon to solve on-going, costly problems that are associated with fluid contamination. Our job is to identify and analyze all of the available data, the fluid type, the nature and severity of the contamination, as well as the historic costs associated with the fluid contamination. We look at the frequency and expense of repair and replacement of critical system components. We discuss downtime, man-hours exhausted dealing with the issue, and when applicable, we perform filtration services such as fuel/oil analysis and/or field or laboratory testing. The goal, based on our research, is to prescribe and implement the most cost-effective solution for our customer in need. Typically, our customers are most concerned with how our solution will provide a return on their investment of time and financial resources. Simply put, they want the biggest bang for their buck.
In our experience we have found that, when dealing with issues concerning hydraulic and lube oil quality, beyond used oil disposal costs, when choosing how to solve a given problem the environmental impact of the economic decisions is often overlooked. However, a basic oil quality program that incorporates quality mobile filtration equipment can be fairly simple to implement. Such a program can provide a positive environmental impact and at the same time providing measurable results that improve a company’s bottom line.
In industry today, companies find themselves dealing with ever increasing governmental regulations regarding plant emissions and waste practices. As a result and in response, there has been much activity in scientific circles and among both environmentalists and engineers to seek out methods of compliance. While our industry acknowledges the impact that water and air filters can have in promoting and effecting positive environmental stewardship and regulatory compliance, there has been little notable commentary on how a company’s oil quality and handling practices can also affect the environment for good or bad. We are striving to bring that dialog mainstream and to help our customers make environmentally-friendly decisions related to handle and recycle oil in a sustainable manner.
In recent years, we have noticed that awareness has increased dramatically regarding hydraulic and lube oil fluid quality. Specifically, we know that our customers are educating themselves on the importance of establishing, achieving, and maintaining critical ISO 4406 cleanliness codes as a means of prolonging oil and critical equipment service life. The fact is that there is a correlation between a good oil quality program, with an emphasis on maintaining ISO cleanliness codes, and improved storage and handling of bulk oils, and having a positive effect on the environment. In other words, the products and services that our customers employ to solve their oil quality, handling , and storage issues, have features and benefits that provide tangible and measurable environmental benefits.
When we prolong the life of our hydraulic and lubrication oils in service, we are able to reap savings related to eliminating premature replacement costs of both oil and machinery. In addition, there are many savings in the form of reduced energy consumption, both as a result of the more efficient operation of existing machinery and also eliminating consumption of the energy required to manufacture and transport replacement goods. There are even more savings associated with fewer incidents of equipment failures that cause fluid leaks, and of course, lower costs associated with the disposal and removal of waste oil products. Finally, there is a realization of the ability to allocate otherwise unavailable capital to projects and measures which can taut similar or even more significant positive environmental benefits.
Ultimately, we must realize that the benefits that come from solving any oil quality problem can have a net positive impact on the environment. Additionally, whenever we solve an oil quality issue, implement a new oil quality program, or improve the quality of existing oil, there is a cumulative effect. If you are looking for a win-win-win, where you can improve oil quality and its handling practices, achieve a net positive gain in your environmental footprint, and improve your bottom line, feel free to contact us any time and a friendly member of our team will be glad to help you with your project.
