Castrol BioTac OG

Castrol BioTac OG is OSPAR compliant with no substitutable components. US Vessel General Permit 2013 compliant. Castrol BioTac OG is a highly tenacious, high-performance open gear lubricant developed specifically for the rack and pinion jacking mechanism of self-elevating mobile drilling rigs. This is one of the most arduous environments to which a lubricant can be exposed – not only is it subject to high loads and water washing in the splash zone, it also has to protect against corrosion to both the rack and pinion between rig moves. In addition, this is one area of operation where a lubricant is deliberately introduced to the marine environment in the course of normal use. The oceans and seas constitute the major part of our planet, using an environmentally responsible open gear lubricant can minimise environmental impact and help conserve marine biological diversity.

Castrol BioTac OG has been specifically formulated to minimise impact on the marine environment. All the components of Castrol BioTac OG have been selected for their reduced* environmental impact, either from the PLONOR** list of chemicals or following a thorough assessment of their biodegradability, potential for bioaccumulation and their toxicity towards marine species. As a result, Castrol BioTac OG is OSPAR compliant and contains no substitutable components. It is key that the lubricant performance of BioTac OG is not inferior to those greases currently used on leg racks – any performance deficiencies would prevent its adoption or result in higher consumption, negating its environmental benefits. We have used the performance characteristics of the best available traditional lubricants as the specification for Castrol BioTac OG and have matched these by using new additive technologies. The thickener structure is highly resistant to water washing and provides outstanding corrosion protection, ensuring that the volume of lubricant introduced into the environment is similar to when traditional products are used. *In comparison with conventional components used in mineral oil-based open gear lubricants **PLONOR – Pose Little Or No Risk to the Environment (according to the OSPAR definition).

Castrol BioTac OG is developed for use on Rack and pinion gearing on the legs of jack-up drilling rigs where the lubricant is deliberately placed in contact with the marine environment. Other open gearing in exposed locations where there is a risk of lubricant egress to the marine environment, such as anchor winches or other deck machinery.

Castrol BioTac OG environmentally responsible open gear lubricant has been formulated to provide the following key benefits:

• Formulated to minimise environmental impact in service, particularly in comparison with conventional open gear lubricants.
• OSPAR compliant with no substitutable components.
• All components are either PLONOR or are expected to biodegrade completely in the marine environment, a significant improvement in comparison with conventional open gear lubricants.
• Meets the requirements for being an Environmentally Acceptable Lubricant under the US 2013 Vessel General Permit.
• Contains significantly reduced levels of components with the potential to bioaccumulate in comparison to a conventional open-gear lubricant.
• Exceeds US EPA toxicity requirements*. *As specified in NPDES permit GMG29000 for subsea production control fluids.
• Passes US EPA static sheen test.
• High load-carrying performance to minimise wear on pinion teeth and guides.
• Highly resistant to water wash-off to give excellent corrosion protection and to maintain lubricant presence between rig moves.

All packages should be stored under cover. Where outside storage is unavoidable drums should be laid horizontally to avoid the possible ingress of water and the obliteration of drum markings. Products should not be stored above 60 oC, exposed to hot sun or freezing conditions.

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