Cost, operational readiness, and environmental benefits for the reutilization of used hydraulic oil

Abstract

AbstractThe U.S. Army, in cooperation with industry, recently developed and demonstrated a methodology for returning used hydraulic fluid to vehicle service. The effort was conducted in three phases: First, a laboratory investigation to determine the viability of restoring used fluid to military specification performance. Second, a field investigation designed to identify commercially available equipment that could successfully process the used fluid and also demonstrate the performance of the restored fluid in military vehicles. Third, the Army entered into Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) with commercial companies that manufacture the certified hydraulic oil recyclers to test on‐line diagnostics aimed at automating and optimizing the process. Under the aegis of the aforementioned CRADA, industry developed technology that automates the process of restoring used hydraulic fluid to military specification performance. Testing and demonstration results indicate that the process of restoring used hydraulic fluid can be automated to require less labor and eliminate possible incomplete restoration. This paper briefly explains the recommended process developed by the Fuels and Lubricants Team as presented in the “User's Guide For Recycling Military Hydraulic Fluid.” Recent military implementation of hydraulic oil restoration programs, studies, and field demonstrations within the U.S. Army, Navy, and Air Force are discussed.The on‐site reutilization of used hydraulic fluid with a certified hydraulic oil recycler can have a significant impact on meeting pollution prevention goals. The benefits include reduced fluid disposal costs, reduced procurement costs for new fluid, increased operational readiness, increased durability of systems, and an uncomplicated avenue for conservation of natural resources. Procedures and certifications for this program are now in place. The implementation of a hydraulic oil recycling program will save millions of dollars per year for each of the U.S. military services, as well as contribute to operational readiness. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.