MoreThe U.S. Department of Energy's Brookhaven National Laboratory has developed a hydraulic system for trucks that use vegetable oil in place of the common petroleum-based liquids. This was accomplished as part of Brookhaven's 2002 pollution prevention program.
Petroleum hydraulic fluids can cause significant environmental threats. A burst hose can leak a significant amount of fluid into the environment. A slow leaking hose can spread contaminates across many miles. Commonly used hydraulic fluid can contaminate soil and water.
Vegetable oil is biodegradable. Natural bacteria will consume it. Brookhaven has used the vegetable oil in a motor pool hydraulic lift and in lawn mowers since 2001 successfully. It plans to convert the five other lifts to vegetable oil and to refit a garbage truck as well.
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