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Was talking to @AEHaas about some comments he shared with me from Terry Dyson with respect to the RLI oils he's been using in his Ferrari. One of the comments made was about the HOBS base oils that RLI uses, which have extremely high natural VI's (212 average according to RLI). This comment was in reference to an observation I made, that the oil didn't appear to have any traditional FM chemistry in it. No Moly, no Titanium. The lab didn't test for Tungsten.
The comment was (paraphrasing) that the different "cuts" of the HOBS base oils provided some inherent level of FM, which, while odd sounding to me, I'm not going to discount out of hand.
Mention was also made about a lack of conventional PPD's being required/employed (which I'm not surprised about).
A bit of searching found this article:
Jan C.J. Bart, ... Stefano Cavallaro, in Biolubricants, 2013
Table 10.11. Special requirements for application of HOBS base stocks
After ref. [35].
Stabilized™ HOBS represent premium quality base oils with all the required physical properties bio-based lubricant formulations must have in order to meet the highest technical standards defined by industry and government and comply with the objectives for the environment, agriculture and national security set in the 1993–2007 White House Executive Orders (see Section 9.3).
Oxidation in HOBS is a major issue in industry, as they tend to oxidise too readily. The Stabilized™ patented bioprocessing technology, developed by Renewable Lubricants, Inc., has allowed to turn HOBS into a preferred lubricant base oil. Stabilized™ chemistry effectively inhibits the breakdown of HOBS. Contrary to the powerful antioxidation properties of Stabilized™ HOBS, petroleum-based hydrocarbons (mineral oils, synthetics, synthetic blends) and commercial vegetable oil formulations will react readily over time to incorporate oxygens into their structure. This leads to gums, acids and sludge which foul or damage metal parts.
RLI’s HOBS formulations are as good as or better than mineral oils in oxidation stability with less volatility. The Penn State Micro-Oxidation Test shows excellent correlation with the SAE engine Sequence III series hot engine test. The PSU micro-oxidation test measures deposits, evaporation and remaining liquid. HOBS 10 W-30 formulations perform equal to or better than mineral-based 10 W-30 SJ and SG engine oils in deposit formation. The HOBS sunflower formulation shows excellent high-temperature stability with only 1.4% deposits. When comparing deposits, evaporation and remaining liquid, HOBS 10 W-30 motor oil outperforms mineral-based 10 W-30.
Also in extreme wear and extreme pressure studies, RLI’s technology outperformed reference mineral-based oils and formulas. Green chemistry-based Stabilized™ HOBS renewable lubricants technology dramatically lowers emissions and reduces wear while boosting power and fuel economy in heavy-duty diesel vehicles, industrial generators, and motor-driven machinery. Stabilized™ HOBS lubricants (also available through United Bio Lube, Inc., UBL) reduce wear and fatigue in equipment, machines and hardware, thereby saving downtime, maintenance time, and replacement costs.
Stabilized™ HOBS also exhibit low foam tendency. ASTM D 892 and ASTM D 6082 high-temperature foam tests indicate zero foam performance, better than comparative petroleum and synthetic based stocks. Less foam means a better lubricating fluid film and steady oil pressure during extensive operation. This property allows HOBS to perform better in high-performance oil pump systems under high volume and/or pressure.
RLI has formulated a complete line of bio hydraulic fluids with patented Stabilized™ chemistry (see also Section 12.3.1). These fluids meet physical demands of modern hydraulic systems (see Table 12.3). Protection of all hydraulic system components against friction, wear, oxidation, rust and corrosion is achieved through the use of Stabilized™ HOBS compounded with an environmentally friendly zinc-free additive system. RLI’s Bio Hydraulic Fluids provide superior lubricity in high-pressure/high-temperature hydraulic systems. The super-high VI (216) of Stabilized™ HOBS formula provides advanced multigrade performance and consolidation of inventory. Bio Ultimax™ AW1000 Hydraulic Fluid-10 W40 (RLI) replaces two or more ISO grade mineral oils or synthetic hydraulic fluids. Bio Hydraulic Fluids are compatible with mineral oil-based and most synthetic fluids. RLI’s hydraulic fluids are 100% ultimate biodegradable, non-hazardous, non-toxic and free of heavy metals.
Bio hydraulic fluids made from Stabilized™ HOBS are low-volatility fluids. RLI’s bio-based lubricants have no known health risks, at variance to petroleum-based fluids. The extremely low volatility of Stabilized™ HOBS increases the flash point and fire safety features in these bio-based hydraulic formulas.
Vegetable formulas can pass the standard pour point ASTM D 97 test at − 35 °C, but yet solidify within 24 h at higher temperatures (− 10 °C) in the mini-rotary viscometer (MRV) test (ASTM D 4684) or in cold temperature storage tests under long-term static conditions. This may determine poor (failed) performance of vegetable formulations. The problem has been overcome by RLI’s Bio Hydraulic Fluid ISO 32.
RBOT tests of RLI’s fully formulated HOBS hydraulic fluids showed better performance at 260–400 min (to 25 psi loss at 150 °C) than Pennzoil’s SJ 10W-30 motor oil and a commercial mineral oil-based HF-O Hydraulic fluid at 248–262 min. Longer RBOT time corresponds to better performance.
Stabilized™ HOBS bio hydraulic fluids permit water to separate and demulsify rapidly. These fluids are engineered for high-pressure (over 6900 kPa) and high-speed (over 1200 rpm) applications. These applications do not permit formation of full fluid films to protect contacting surfaces (i.e. boundary lubrication). Anti-wear additives minimise wear. RLI’s Bio Hydraulic Fluids also provide anti-leak and/or non-drip performance. Antileak fluids maintain seal and hose flexibility, reduce oil leaks, extend seal and hose life, and prevent blown or cracked hoses. Leaks rank first in the list of most common problems with hydraulic equipment. Any component leaking in the system is increasing the heat load on the system. Leaks cause the pressure in the system to drop. When pressure drops, heat is generated.
RLI’s Bio EP Gear Oils meet and exceed the key objectives for a high-performance gear lubricant (see Table 12.6) and may be applied to prevent premature component failure, assure reliable operation, reduce operating cost and increase service life. Bio EP Gear Oils are specially formulated with cold-flow technology to provide pour points as low as − 34 °C and include chemical additives capable of producing a film that provides extreme pressure and anti-scuffing protection. Bio EP Gear Oils are not formulated with PTFE or WS2 as these chemical additives are non-renewable, toxic or hazardous. Renewable Stabilized™ HOBS vegetable oils are replacing petroleum-based mineral and synthetic oils as the far safer, superior performing lubricants of choice for all types of bearing applications.
RLI’s Bio Turbine R&O Fluids outperform petroleum-based mineral oils and synthetic esters in terms of superior tribological qualities, properties, and features. Bio Turbine R&O Fluids are additivated with Bio Corrosion Inhibitors (BCI™) to protect bearing surfaces against rust and corrosion.
Bio EP Greases based on Stabilized™ HOBS are engineered to outperform petroleum-based EP greases in terms of natural lubricity, shear stability, oxidation stability and load-carrying capacity. RLI’s Bio EP Greases are low-volatility greases; low volatility leads to higher flash points and higher operating temperatures. Stabilized™ HOBS technology prevents oxidation or chemical breakdown of Bio EP Grease formulations, thus avoiding deposit formation. These greases will continue to function under prolonged high-temperature exposure. Bio EP Greases are superior in comparison with petroleum-based greases in terms of oxidation breakdown and very low TANs. Enhanced chemical stability ensures long-lasting performance. Bio EP Greases provide exceptional performance over a wide service temperature range (− 30 to 280 °C). Multipurpose Bio EP Greases formulated with calcium sulphonate have inherent EP properties and may be used in H1 food-grade applications.
Owing to excellent antioxidation, anticorrosion and thermal stability properties of Stabilized™ HOBS these bio-based lubricants are fully compatible with seals, rubbers, elastomers, paints and all types of yellow and ferrous metals. The systems compatibility of Stabilized™ HOBS vegetable lubricants and petroleum lubricants for the same seals and filters means that no modification or engineering changes need to be made in equipment in case of lubricant consolidation.
Stabilized™ HOBS are now functional lubricants at extreme temperatures, while meeting or even exceeding physical performance properties and qualities of mineral oils and synthetic lubricants. RLI is producing and marketing a line of over 160 lubricants in some 30 categories based on Stabilized™ technology (Table 10.12). All of these renewable products, which are rated ‘bio-based’ and ‘ultimate biodegradable’ by USDA and ‘worker friendly’ by OSHA, outperform the leading petroleum lubricants in all classes: oils, fluids and greases. RLI’s safe biodegradable products are setting new performance, health and environmental standards throughout multiple industries, including agriculture, assembly, construction, forestry, government, landscaping, manufacturing, marine, metalworking, mills, military and transportation.
Table 10.12. Biolubricant categories based on Stabilized™ HOBS technology
From United Bio Lube Product Catalog.
From here:
Sounds very marketing-heavy from RLI, but I don't see any mention of FM function.
Also found the comments about some of the performance challenges interesting.
Would love to have some input from @MolaKule and @High Performance Lubricants on this. How much is hype, how much is legit performance?
The comment was (paraphrasing) that the different "cuts" of the HOBS base oils provided some inherent level of FM, which, while odd sounding to me, I'm not going to discount out of hand.
Mention was also made about a lack of conventional PPD's being required/employed (which I'm not surprised about).
A bit of searching found this article:
Biolubricant product development
Jan C.J. Bart, ... Stefano Cavallaro, in Biolubricants, 2013
10.5.2 Stabilized™ HOBS
Hybrid grown HOBS are modified agricultural vegetable oils which show performance improvement over petroleum-based oils in nearly all categories of lubricant properties (see Section 5.3.1). Monounsaturated triglycerides provide optimum oxidative stability and low-temperature properties. The oxidative stability of high-oleic oils is three to six times greater than conventional vegetable oils [34]. Such oils perform adequately for some low operational temperature applications. However, for more demanding applications both the oxidative stability and low-temperature fluidity need further improvement. High monounsaturated oils provide cost-effective, optimal performance raw materials to generate environmentally friendly higher-performance lubricants. The chemical structures of these raw materials may be modified to provide high-performance bio-based synthetic esters. Alternatively, specifically designed additive packages may be used in commercial formulations of high-oleic base stocks. RLI has developed proprietary additives with exceptional performance in HOBS (from renewable and sustainable commodity crops such as soy, corn, canola, rapeseed and sunflower) as lubricant oils. Stabilized™ is RLI’s trademark on their proprietary and patented antioxidant, anti-wear and cold-flow technology [24, 25]. The Stabilized™ additive technology allows HOBS to perform as a high-performance formula in high and low-temperature applications, reducing oil thickening and deposits. Stabilized™ HOBS represent a green chemistry breakthrough. RLI’s additive technology provides a low-cost method for stabilising vegetable base lubricants for high- and low-temperature engine, transmission, hydraulic, gear, and grease applications. The low-temperature fluidity of non-stabilised vegetable oil-based fluids is poor compared to Stabilized™ HOBS fluids. Table 10.11 lists additive packages for use in HOBS base stocks for various applications. RLI’s Stabilized™ HOBS are additivated with surface additives (notably anti-wear and extreme pressure (EP) agents, bio-rust and corrosion inhibitors and detergents/dispersants), performance enhancing additives (VI improvers, PPDs, antifoaming agents and demulsifiers) and flow protective additives (oxidation inhibitors, anti-leak additives).Table 10.11. Special requirements for application of HOBS base stocks
| Type of machinery | Additive package | Special requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Food processing | – | Safety in case of ingestion |
| Oil hydraulic | AO, AW, PPD, VII, antirust, antifoam | Minimum viscosity change with T, minimum wear of steel/steel |
| Steam and gas turbines | AO, antirust | Good oxidation stability, ready separation from water |
| Steam engine cylinders | None or fatty oil | Maintenance of film on hot surfaces; resistence to washing away by wet steam |
| Air compressor cylinders | AO, antirust | Low deposit formation tendency |
| Gears (steel/steel) | AO, AW, EP, antifoam | Protection against abrasion and scuffing |
| Gears (steel/bronze) | AO, oiliness | Reduce friction, temperature rise, wear and oxidation |
| Machine tool slideways | Oiliness, tackiness | Smooth sliding at very low speeds; film on vertical surfaces |
| Diesel engines | AO, AW, CI, detergent, dispersant, acid-neutraliser, antifoam | Additive package engine-type dependent |
After ref. [35].
Stabilized™ HOBS represent premium quality base oils with all the required physical properties bio-based lubricant formulations must have in order to meet the highest technical standards defined by industry and government and comply with the objectives for the environment, agriculture and national security set in the 1993–2007 White House Executive Orders (see Section 9.3).
Oxidation in HOBS is a major issue in industry, as they tend to oxidise too readily. The Stabilized™ patented bioprocessing technology, developed by Renewable Lubricants, Inc., has allowed to turn HOBS into a preferred lubricant base oil. Stabilized™ chemistry effectively inhibits the breakdown of HOBS. Contrary to the powerful antioxidation properties of Stabilized™ HOBS, petroleum-based hydrocarbons (mineral oils, synthetics, synthetic blends) and commercial vegetable oil formulations will react readily over time to incorporate oxygens into their structure. This leads to gums, acids and sludge which foul or damage metal parts.
RLI’s HOBS formulations are as good as or better than mineral oils in oxidation stability with less volatility. The Penn State Micro-Oxidation Test shows excellent correlation with the SAE engine Sequence III series hot engine test. The PSU micro-oxidation test measures deposits, evaporation and remaining liquid. HOBS 10 W-30 formulations perform equal to or better than mineral-based 10 W-30 SJ and SG engine oils in deposit formation. The HOBS sunflower formulation shows excellent high-temperature stability with only 1.4% deposits. When comparing deposits, evaporation and remaining liquid, HOBS 10 W-30 motor oil outperforms mineral-based 10 W-30.
Also in extreme wear and extreme pressure studies, RLI’s technology outperformed reference mineral-based oils and formulas. Green chemistry-based Stabilized™ HOBS renewable lubricants technology dramatically lowers emissions and reduces wear while boosting power and fuel economy in heavy-duty diesel vehicles, industrial generators, and motor-driven machinery. Stabilized™ HOBS lubricants (also available through United Bio Lube, Inc., UBL) reduce wear and fatigue in equipment, machines and hardware, thereby saving downtime, maintenance time, and replacement costs.
Stabilized™ HOBS also exhibit low foam tendency. ASTM D 892 and ASTM D 6082 high-temperature foam tests indicate zero foam performance, better than comparative petroleum and synthetic based stocks. Less foam means a better lubricating fluid film and steady oil pressure during extensive operation. This property allows HOBS to perform better in high-performance oil pump systems under high volume and/or pressure.
RLI has formulated a complete line of bio hydraulic fluids with patented Stabilized™ chemistry (see also Section 12.3.1). These fluids meet physical demands of modern hydraulic systems (see Table 12.3). Protection of all hydraulic system components against friction, wear, oxidation, rust and corrosion is achieved through the use of Stabilized™ HOBS compounded with an environmentally friendly zinc-free additive system. RLI’s Bio Hydraulic Fluids provide superior lubricity in high-pressure/high-temperature hydraulic systems. The super-high VI (216) of Stabilized™ HOBS formula provides advanced multigrade performance and consolidation of inventory. Bio Ultimax™ AW1000 Hydraulic Fluid-10 W40 (RLI) replaces two or more ISO grade mineral oils or synthetic hydraulic fluids. Bio Hydraulic Fluids are compatible with mineral oil-based and most synthetic fluids. RLI’s hydraulic fluids are 100% ultimate biodegradable, non-hazardous, non-toxic and free of heavy metals.
Bio hydraulic fluids made from Stabilized™ HOBS are low-volatility fluids. RLI’s bio-based lubricants have no known health risks, at variance to petroleum-based fluids. The extremely low volatility of Stabilized™ HOBS increases the flash point and fire safety features in these bio-based hydraulic formulas.
Vegetable formulas can pass the standard pour point ASTM D 97 test at − 35 °C, but yet solidify within 24 h at higher temperatures (− 10 °C) in the mini-rotary viscometer (MRV) test (ASTM D 4684) or in cold temperature storage tests under long-term static conditions. This may determine poor (failed) performance of vegetable formulations. The problem has been overcome by RLI’s Bio Hydraulic Fluid ISO 32.
RBOT tests of RLI’s fully formulated HOBS hydraulic fluids showed better performance at 260–400 min (to 25 psi loss at 150 °C) than Pennzoil’s SJ 10W-30 motor oil and a commercial mineral oil-based HF-O Hydraulic fluid at 248–262 min. Longer RBOT time corresponds to better performance.
Stabilized™ HOBS bio hydraulic fluids permit water to separate and demulsify rapidly. These fluids are engineered for high-pressure (over 6900 kPa) and high-speed (over 1200 rpm) applications. These applications do not permit formation of full fluid films to protect contacting surfaces (i.e. boundary lubrication). Anti-wear additives minimise wear. RLI’s Bio Hydraulic Fluids also provide anti-leak and/or non-drip performance. Antileak fluids maintain seal and hose flexibility, reduce oil leaks, extend seal and hose life, and prevent blown or cracked hoses. Leaks rank first in the list of most common problems with hydraulic equipment. Any component leaking in the system is increasing the heat load on the system. Leaks cause the pressure in the system to drop. When pressure drops, heat is generated.
RLI’s Bio EP Gear Oils meet and exceed the key objectives for a high-performance gear lubricant (see Table 12.6) and may be applied to prevent premature component failure, assure reliable operation, reduce operating cost and increase service life. Bio EP Gear Oils are specially formulated with cold-flow technology to provide pour points as low as − 34 °C and include chemical additives capable of producing a film that provides extreme pressure and anti-scuffing protection. Bio EP Gear Oils are not formulated with PTFE or WS2 as these chemical additives are non-renewable, toxic or hazardous. Renewable Stabilized™ HOBS vegetable oils are replacing petroleum-based mineral and synthetic oils as the far safer, superior performing lubricants of choice for all types of bearing applications.
RLI’s Bio Turbine R&O Fluids outperform petroleum-based mineral oils and synthetic esters in terms of superior tribological qualities, properties, and features. Bio Turbine R&O Fluids are additivated with Bio Corrosion Inhibitors (BCI™) to protect bearing surfaces against rust and corrosion.
Bio EP Greases based on Stabilized™ HOBS are engineered to outperform petroleum-based EP greases in terms of natural lubricity, shear stability, oxidation stability and load-carrying capacity. RLI’s Bio EP Greases are low-volatility greases; low volatility leads to higher flash points and higher operating temperatures. Stabilized™ HOBS technology prevents oxidation or chemical breakdown of Bio EP Grease formulations, thus avoiding deposit formation. These greases will continue to function under prolonged high-temperature exposure. Bio EP Greases are superior in comparison with petroleum-based greases in terms of oxidation breakdown and very low TANs. Enhanced chemical stability ensures long-lasting performance. Bio EP Greases provide exceptional performance over a wide service temperature range (− 30 to 280 °C). Multipurpose Bio EP Greases formulated with calcium sulphonate have inherent EP properties and may be used in H1 food-grade applications.
Owing to excellent antioxidation, anticorrosion and thermal stability properties of Stabilized™ HOBS these bio-based lubricants are fully compatible with seals, rubbers, elastomers, paints and all types of yellow and ferrous metals. The systems compatibility of Stabilized™ HOBS vegetable lubricants and petroleum lubricants for the same seals and filters means that no modification or engineering changes need to be made in equipment in case of lubricant consolidation.
Stabilized™ HOBS are now functional lubricants at extreme temperatures, while meeting or even exceeding physical performance properties and qualities of mineral oils and synthetic lubricants. RLI is producing and marketing a line of over 160 lubricants in some 30 categories based on Stabilized™ technology (Table 10.12). All of these renewable products, which are rated ‘bio-based’ and ‘ultimate biodegradable’ by USDA and ‘worker friendly’ by OSHA, outperform the leading petroleum lubricants in all classes: oils, fluids and greases. RLI’s safe biodegradable products are setting new performance, health and environmental standards throughout multiple industries, including agriculture, assembly, construction, forestry, government, landscaping, manufacturing, marine, metalworking, mills, military and transportation.
Table 10.12. Biolubricant categories based on Stabilized™ HOBS technology
| Bio 2-Cycle Engine Oils | Bio Hydraulic Fluids |
| Bio Air Tool Oils | Bio Metalworking Fluids |
| Bio Assembly Oils | Bio Mold Release Fluids |
| Bio Bar & Chain Oils | Bio Motor Oils |
| Bio Chain & Cable Oils | Bio Oven Lubricants |
| Bio Corrosion Inhibitors | Bio Penetrating Lubricants |
| Bio Degreasers–Cleaners | Bio Rock Drill Oils |
| Bio EP Greases | Bio Saw Guide Oils |
| Bio Firearm Lubricants | Bio Slideway Oils |
| Bio Food Grade Gear Oils | Bio Spindle Oils |
| Bio Food Grade Greases | Bio Tractor Fluids |
| Bio Food Grade Hydraulic Fluids | Bio Transmission Fluids |
| Bio Food Grade Lubricants | Bio Turbine R&O Fluids |
| Bio Gear Oils | Bio Vacuum Pump Oils |
From here:
Sounds very marketing-heavy from RLI, but I don't see any mention of FM function.
Also found the comments about some of the performance challenges interesting.
Would love to have some input from @MolaKule and @High Performance Lubricants on this. How much is hype, how much is legit performance?
haha..couldn't help it.
