With changing norms for industries on pollution, it has become imperative that companies use oil and lubricants that contribute to less pollution. While Industrial activities have always contributed to pollution, strict global norms on pollution and reducing carbon footprint have changed things

Emissions – A problem not solved overnight
In a larger context, the issue of emissions has taken centre stage owing to various environmental compulsions. In the last decade the agenda of climate change being set by various governmental and non-governmental organisations to reduce emissions. This has been a topic of discussion both in the online and offline world. There have been various documentaries made in the interest of reducing carbon emissions because of several activities in society. However, it is to be noted that such questions raised on emission levels are often seen as being practically impossible as it is difficult to reduce carbon emissions overnight. While issues like pollution and carbon emissions continue to be relevant issues, economic problems of society have taken centre stage in the last few years owing to the changing nature of both Indian and global economy. So essentially, the various policies framed for reducing pollution and carbon emissions are all keeping in mind the changing economy.

Significance of sustainability and energy efficiency for OEMs
Venkateswarlu Tadikapalli, Territory head, General Industries, Klüber Lubrication India tells, “Construction equipment OEMs across the globe are focusing on providing reliable yet highly efficient equipment to their valued customers. The concepts of sustainability and energy efficiency are gaining importance in the construction equipment segment more than ever today. While there are many factors which facilitate in achieving this objective, the role played by speciality lubricants for the same is highly significant.”

Mr Tadikapalli tells us, “Most of the frictional elements like gear boxes and bearings used in heavy construction equipment like excavators are often subjected to heavy loads, frequent shocks and adverse environmental conditions which require speciality lubrication solutions. Using high quality speciality lubricants for each of these various elements presents opportunities to not only improve the performance but also the overall productivity. Selection of the proper lubricant is crucial to reduce long-term costs. The best-fit product selection can mean longer lubricant life, reduced machine wear, power savings and improved safety. Making good environmental friendly lubricant choices does not have to compromise equipment reliability or functionality. In fact, appropriate environmental decisions can be part of a first-rate, cost-effective design. The design aspects include the equipment itself, maintainability, economic life span, ergonomics and operation. The correct choice might be synthetic lubricants, lubricants with different additives, or biodegradable products and/or products with less environmental impact. The best product selection for each application in the construction industry varies, depending upon the equipment specifics and its scope of contact with the environment”

Klüber’s range of sustainable and cost- effective lubricants
Speaking of Klüber range of lubricants, Tadikapalli continues, “In the instance of closed applications like gear boxes of machines which has very limited scope of contact with the environment, a more cost effective and sustainable option would be a high performance, synthetic gear oil. Klüber’s Klübersynth GEM 4 is one such product which offers three to four times more service life than that of conventional mineral oils. The savings on oil change over time as well as reduced wastage for the customer. The high load carrying capacity of synthetic oils not only reduces the wear and tear of the gear tooth flank but also helps to run the gear boxes at lower temperatures. In addition to the aforementioned advantages, synthetic oil like Klübersynth GEM 4 also results in considerable energy savings. It also sufficiently protects the equipment against scuffing even at extremely high peak loads, vibrations and oscillations.”

According to Tadikapalli, “High performance synthetic greases too can contribute significantly in improving the equipment reliability. These greases are well suited to withstand the heavy load and dusty environments that are prevalent in the construction industry. For instance, Klüber’s Klüberplex BEM 41 132 is a special grease for rolling bearings operating under demanding conditions. It offers longer bearing life excellent corrosion protection and resistance to media.

However in applications which have a considerable scope of environmental contamination like the bush and pin joint of an excavator or the swing device bearing, a safer option could be to go with a greener product over a conventional high performance lubricant. This is becoming increasingly relevant, given the fact that the use of environmentally acceptable lubricants (EALs) meeting OECD regulations is receiving more and more attention from legislators around the globe.”

Klüber lubricants have addressed the requirements of the industry by working closely with leading OEMs from the construction industry to develop a range of biodegradable speciality lubricants called Klüberbio. For example Klüberbio LG 39-700, Klüber’s new open gear grease is made from 100 per cent renewable resources and provides the perfect combination of biodegradability and performance. As a partner for speciality lubricants Klüber offers tailor-made solutions that cater to the demanding needs of the construction industry – be it cost-effectiveness, high performance or compliance with environmental standards.