By Lily Bearings
©2004-2008
Lubrication Engineers (LE) has introduced the Wirelife Low Tox penetrating lubricant.
This latest lubricant solution is suitable for marine environments and other applications where environmental concerns require the use of a low-toxicity wire rope and chain lubricant.
The Wirelife Low Tox penetrating lubricant has a high load-carrying capacity and protects against rust and corrosion, while having the lowest possible toxic effect on the environment, particularly aquatic organisms.
In tests, it exhibited up to a tenfold reduction in toxicity over conventional lubricants.
Unlike other biodegradable oils that break down quickly but with relatively high toxicity, Wirelife Low Tox biodegrades slowly but with less toxicity, minimising the environmental impact and posing less danger to aquatic life.
LE recommends its Wirelife Low Tox lubricant for applications in which wire ropes and chains operate in close proximity to waterways, where the threat of contamination is harmful to plant and animal life.
Examples include oceangoing vessels, ports, locks and dams and water treatment plants.
The Wirelife Low Tox lubricant's high-carrying capacity reduces rope fatigue, extending the life of wire rope and making it suitable for heavily loaded standing or running wire ropes.
Its penetrating ability - enhanced by a petroleum solvent - allows it to reach the rope's core; this is where most rope failures originate.
The lubricant can be dipped, sprayed on with automatic equipment or hand applied with a brush.
It is available in five-gallon pails and 55-gallon drums.