Lubrizol AH933ZF Allows Creation of Zinc-Free Hydraulic Fluids
Lubrizol has launched a zinc-free additive package, Lubrizol AH933ZF, designed to enable the creation of zinc-free hydraulic fluids offering robust performance and various benefits to machine owners.
The additive package is suited for use heavy equipment applications such as mining, forestry, marine and construction.
Key features and benefits of Lubrizol AH933ZF include:
- ability to meet wide range of OEM performance specifications
- anti-wear chemistry for durability to reduce downtime and extended equipment life
- advanced oxidation protection and thermal stability to help extend service intervals for more efficient operation
- air release and foam control which contribute to smooth and efficient hydraulic control
- maintaining a wide base oil read-across window, allowing formulators to deliver high-performance finished fluids with many Group II base oils, enabling fast, low-cost development and enhanced speed to market
Why Demand is Increasing for Zinc-Free Additives
Demand for zinc-free hydraulic fluids is increasing due to environmental regulations as well as equipment manufacturers’ and machine owners’ desire to protect the environment. Traditionally, hydraulic fluids have contained zinc which is a heavy metal that can cause damage to soil, waterways and other parts of the environment should a hydraulic system leak occur.
By using a zinc-free additive like Lubrizol AH933ZF in a hydraulic fluid formulation, potential environmental damage can be prevented if a leak does happen. This not only protects the environment but also machine owners who could be subject to fines for allowing the hydraulic oil to get into the environment.
In its press release announcing the launch of the Lubrizol AH933ZF additive, Lubrizol cites data from research firm Kline & Company projecting zinc-free hydraulic fluids in North America and Europe will experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.25% from 2024-2029 due to an increasing desire for use of such fluids by various stakeholder. Zinc-based fluids, on the other hand, are expected to see decreased demand over that same time period at a rate of -0.43% CAGR.
“In a world demanding cleaner solutions with enhanced performance, Lubrizol continues to lead the way,” said Jared Cornett, Product Manager, Industrial Oils, Lubrizol, in the company’s press release. “Lubrizol AH933ZF is a demonstration that high-performance, zinc-free hydraulic fluids are not only possible, but that they can outperform conventional formulations with the right science.”
About the Author
Sara Jensen
Executive Editor, Power & Motion
Sara Jensen is executive editor of Power & Motion, directing expanded coverage into the modern fluid power space, as well as mechatronic and smart technologies. She has over 15 years of publishing experience. Prior to Power & Motion she spent 11 years with a trade publication for engineers of heavy-duty equipment, the last 3 of which were as the editor and brand lead. Over the course of her time in the B2B industry, Sara has gained an extensive knowledge of various heavy-duty equipment industries — including construction, agriculture, mining and on-road trucks —along with the systems and market trends which impact them such as fluid power and electronic motion control technologies.
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