Canola Oil as a Versatile Industrial Lubricant
Canola oil, derived from the seeds of the canola plant, has gained popularity not just in kitchens but also factories. This vegetable oil is increasingly used as an environmentally friendly base oil for industrial lubricants used in machinery across many sectors.
While fresh, food-grade canola oil shouldn’t be used for industrial purposes, once refined and processed, canola-based lubricants offer a versatile alternative to traditional petroleum-based oils.
Overview of Canola Oil
First created in Canada in the 1970s, canola oil comes from seeds genetically bred from rapeseed plants. The oil is extracted using a combination of pressure and solvent extraction. It is then refined, processed, and sometimes hydrogenated to enhance certain properties.
In food products, canola oil is valued for its neutral flavor, high smoke point, and blend of heart-healthy fats. Industrial-grade canola oil undergoes further processing to remove impurities and improve moisture resistance, oxidation stability, and other lubricant characteristics.
Benefits of Canola-Based Industrial Lubricants
Some benefits of using canola oil as an industrial lubricant base oil include:
- Derived from a renewable source, unlike petroleum-based oils
- Biodegradable and less toxic than synthetic oils if spilled
- Good oxidative stability when properly processed
- Excellent cold flow properties due to low pour point
- Neutral odor and low volatility
- High viscosity index providing stable viscosity across temperatures
- Good lubricity helping prevent component wear and friction
- Resistance to deterioration from heat, light, air, and contamination
The mix of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats allows industrial canola lubricants to remain fluid in cold temperatures yet stable under high heat.
Industrial Applications of Canola-Based Lubricants
Some common industrial uses of canola lubricants include:
Metalworking Fluids
Canola oil performs well as a base oil for metalworking fluids used for machining, grinding, and other metal fabrication. It provides cooling and lubrication to reduce friction and tool wear.
Gear Oils
Combined with additives, canola-based oils effectively lubricate gears and prevent wear in transmissions, gearboxes, and other equipment with enclosed gears.
Hydraulic Fluids
Canola oil has excellent viscosity properties to function as a base for hydraulic fluids used in heavy equipment like backhoes, bulldozers and elevators.
Chainsaw Bar Oils
Biodegradable, low-toxicity canola oils are ideal for lubricating chainsaw bars and chains to extend their working life and performance.
Concrete Form Oils
As a concrete form release oil, canola prevents sticking and cleans up easily compared to petroleum-based oils.
General Lubricants
Canola oils blended with thickeners, corrosion inhibitors, antioxidants, and other additives can make excellent general-purpose lubricants for a wide variety of applications.
Customizing Canola-Based Industrial Oils
The performance and benefits of canola lubricants can be customized for particular applications by selecting specific oil profiles and adding compounds including:
- Pour point depressants to improve fluid flow at low temperatures
- Anti-wear and extreme pressure additives preventing friction and component damage
- Rust/corrosion inhibitors protecting metal surfaces
- Antioxidants to increase oxidation resistance and extend oil life
- Antifoam agents to reduce air bubbles that can interfere with proper lubrication
- Viscosity index improvers for viscosity stability across temperature changes
The percentage of saturated vs. unsaturated fats can also be controlled through selective hydrogenation when manufacturing the base oil to achieve desired physical properties.
Environmental Benefits
Derived from renewable agricultural sources, highly refined canola oil offers environmental advantages over non-renewable petroleum-based oils for industrial uses, including:
- Lower carbon footprint and reduced greenhouse gas emissions
- Minimal impact on air and water pollution if accidentally released
- Biodegrades much faster than mineral oil spills
- Can be combined with re-refined base oils for further sustainability
- May qualify for eco-label certification programs
However, production of canola and other vegetable oils does still require use of pesticides and fossil fuel-powered equipment which impact the environment.
Canola Oil Selection and Processing
Creating high-quality canola-based lubricants relies on careful selection of oil along with extensive processing to improve performance properties:
Oil Selection
Oil is pressed and extracted from certain varieties of canola bred for lubricant production. Important factors include:
- Low erucic acid content for reduced environmental and safety risks
- Low levels of waxes that can solidify in cold temperatures
- Oil composition with beneficial unsaturated fat content
- High oil yield from seeds
Solvent Extraction
Oil is removed from seeds using hexane or similar solvents. The oil is then separated from the solvent using evaporators and strippers.
Degumming
Hydratable phospholipids are removed by mixing the crude oil with water. The gums are then taken out through centrifugation.
Refining
The oil goes through a caustic refining process to remove free fatty acids, color compounds, and other impurities. It is then repeatedly washed and filtered.
Bleaching
Bleaching clay and activated carbon is used to absorb and filter out any remaining color compounds and trace impurities.
Winterizing
The oil is chilled and filtered cold to remove waxes that may solidify at low temperatures. This improves pour point and cold flow.
Hydrogenation
Partial hydrogenation of unsaturated fats changes the oil’s properties. Controlled hydrogenation improves stability and raises the melting point.
Quality Control Testing
Canola-based lubricants must pass extensive quality control testing to meet specifications. Tests help ensure:
- Consistent viscosity across different temperatures
- High flash and fire points for safety
- Suitable pour point and minimal wax content
- Good demulsibility or oil/water separation
- Effective foam inhibition
- Neutral pH levels
- Acceptable evaporation loss
- High resistance to oxidation and breakdown
Meeting quality standards allows canola lubricants to be approved for demanding industrial uses.
Choosing Sustainable Canola Lubricants
When selecting canola-based industrial lubricants, buyers should look for:
- Use of expeller-pressed vs. solvent-extracted oils
- Low-emission refining and processing methods
- Locally grown, non-GMO oil
- Ethical, environmentally responsible growing and production practices
- Third-party sustainability certifications
- Biodegradable, non-toxic additives
- Re-refined base oil stock
- Minimizing petroleum-based components
Sourcing from suppliers committed to making the healthiest, most eco-friendly industrial lubricants ensures minimal environmental impact.
The Bottom Line
With the right processing techniques and quality control, canola oil offers an effective renewable base for industrial lubricants. Canola-based lubricants provide good wear protection, viscosity index, low temperature properties, and oxidative stability for demanding equipment applications while reducing environmental impact.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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