BASF Expands Line with Biodegradable Hydraulic Fluid

BASF Corporation is expanding its portfolio of low toxicity and biodegradable hydraulic fluids with the introduction of Plurasafe H2O-K hydraulic fluid, a new product designed for equipment used in marine and water-sensitive applications.

"High heat and pressure can cause many types of equipment to leak hydraulic fluids into the environment," said Rebecca Hollis, business manager of performance chemicals for BASF in North America. "This is especially true in marine applications, including boats and dock operations, where hydraulic leaks can affect oceans, lakes, rivers and streams."

Plurasafe H2O-K fluid is a proprietary product that is designed to protect the entire hydraulic system against wear and corrosion damage. This unique formulation has low aquatic toxicity and is readily biodegradable.

Applications for Plurasafe H2O-K hydraulic fluid can include recreational and commercial boat hydraulic systems, marine and commercial dock operations, industrial and commercial truck hydraulic systems, carwash systems, environmentally sensitive hydraulic systems, and industrial machinery.

http://www.machinerylubrication.com/article_detail.asp?articleid=1900

Hydraulic fluid leaked into river from hospital elevator

A spill at UT Medical Center sent up to 85 gallons of elevator hydraulic fluid into the Tennessee River.

The spill happened Saturday. Hydraulic fluid leaked from an elevator shaft into a drain, which empties straight into the river.

UT Medical Center said it found out about the spill late Monday morning, when a company on contract to repair the elevator notified the hospital.

The company called 911 Monday, said it was a non-emergency call, and notified the Knoxville Fire Department of the spill.

UT said, of the 110 gallons that leaked out, 25 gallons were pumped and recovered.

The drain from the elevator shaft runs straight to the river. UT Medical Center said the elevator and its housing were built to the existing codes in the mid 1980s.

UT Medical Center said it is working diligently on further cleanup efforts, and its hazardous response contractor expects full containment by Tuesday morning.

The Knoxville Fire Department said the fluid was in the river and gone, preventing cleanup of what was already in the water.

http://www.wbir.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=77463&catid=2

Latham Marine Develops New Hydraulic Lift System

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - (Business Wire) Latham Marine, a company that built its reputation with its hydraulic steering system and top-quality parts for the performance boat segment, is further expanding its line with a new hydraulic lift system. The lift will debut at the Miami International Boat Show, February 12-16, 2009 at the company’s new booth, # H80, at the Miami Beach Convention Center.

While Latham Marine has manufactured patented hydraulic lifts for Thunderbird (Formula) Marine for over five years, the new system was created for another customer’s 47’ sport yacht under development. The lift’s 4-bar linkage system with a port-less ram is unique, as it encloses all the hoses and fittings within the cylinder, making it corrosion- resistant and minimizing the chances of a hydraulic fluid leak. The stainless steel system is machined and built in-house to Latham’s standards for strength.

Bob Latham, president of the company, has specialized in engineering problem-solving systems for over 35 years and brought his intuitive talents to the new lift project. He and his team devised a weight-specific, integral mechanical lock that secures the cylinder in the “up” position; the lock provides back-up security and strength as boat owners seek to safely and smoothly move watercraft and dinghies aboard onto swim platforms.

“We saw other systems on the market as flawed,” said Latham. “Our commitment is to ‘over-engineer’ to make sure that our parts and systems work impeccably. We ensure that we exceed our customers’ expectations.”

In addition to the lift, Latham Marine will display its aluminum sea pump (debuted last year in brass), to accommodate smaller, lighter boats. The sea pump is important in avoiding engine over-heating and Latham’s self-priming pump was a popular addition to the company’s extensive line of OEM and after-market parts.

Latham Marine hand-crafts and machines all its parts in its Fort Lauderdale factory, where quality control and customer service are priorities. “I build every part as if it was going on my boat,” he states.

http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/latham-marine-develops-new-hydraulic-lift-system,703529.shtml