Lube-Tech PUBLISHED BY LUBE: THE EUROPEAN LUBRICANTS INDUSTRY MAGAZINE
General composition of synthetic water-mix metalworking fluids - Lubricants - Corrosion inhibitors/wetting agents - Plasticiser (in some products) - Chelator - Metal passivator - Biocide/preservative - Antifoam - Water
The constituents of neat oils generally do not react with each other during manufacture, which is essentially a blending process. In the case of Water- Mix Metalworking Fluids, some components remain unaltered in the manufacturing process, whilst others undergo reactions, principally between acids and bases. In cases where reactants have a hazard classification, it is our experience that the products are either unclassified or of lesser hazard. The MWFPSG has developed a protocol for predicting the chemicals formed e.g. the strongest acids and bases would react first. In the end it is the responsi- bility of individual manufacturers to determine the substances present in their products.
Regulation and health/environmental concerns
The MWFPSG does not specify or control formulations, which are developed by individual manufacturers, based on their own technology and experience. Our group aims to identify and communicate regulatory requirements or concerns, as a result of which members may determine a need to modify formulations.
An early issue arose during the late 1960s (long before the formation of the group) when it became known from the results of research that base oils with a high content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons could cause skin cancer. Working practices during the 1940s and 1950s are likely to have to contributed to the problem, which resulted in a large number of cases of scrotal cancer among tool setters, particularly in the Birmingham area. During the early 1970s the lubricants industry introduced modified formulations containing base oils which were solvent refined or treated
22 LUBE MAGAZINE No.103 JUNE 2011
in alternative ways to effect a major reduction in the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon content. Another early example is the removal from metalworking fluids (and other lubricants) of sperm whale oil, owing to considerations of animal conservation. Other examples of substances which have given rise to concerns include: • Sodium nitrite (formation of nitrosamines in combination with secondary amines).
• 2, 2’, 2”-(Hexahydro-1,3,5-triazine- 1,3,5-triyl) triethanol biocide (skin sensitising properties).
• Nonyl phenol ethoxylates (hormone mimicking characteristics).
• Certain chlorinated hydrocarbons (health and environmental issues).
A current issue, under REACH, concerns boric acid and certain borate salts. Boric acid and sodium borates are being classified as Category 1B reproductive toxins for fertility and developmental effects. For boric acid present in mixtures the concentration limit is 5.5%. More detailed information on this subject can be found in an article Touhey B. (2010) Regulatory Challenges and Developments in the Safe Use of Metalworking Fluids, Lube Magazine, 100, pp. 10-11.
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A new Biocide Directive will come into force on 1st January 2013 and will incorporate the active involvement of the European Chemicals Agency.
The European Regulation on
Classification, Labelling and Packaging of chemical substances and mixtures (CLP) implements the Globally Harmonised System.
Under CLP manufacturers and importers of chemical substances are required to notify them to ECHA, together with their classification, for inclusion on the Classification and Labelling Inventory.
Waste management has been identified as a priority by the European Union, based on the principles of waste prevention, recycling/reuse and improving final disposal/monitoring and is regulated by the Waste Framework Directive.
Christian Eyler, General Manager France & NW-Africa, Cimcool Europe in his article Eyler C. (2010) Trends in Metalworking Fluids, Lube Magazine, 100, pp. 6-8, believes that the impact of the various regulatory requirements will produce a reduction in the variety of metalworking fluids, higher costs for raw materials and finished products and apparently more dangerous labelling of products for the same formulation.
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