Vickers Oils - Marine Lubricant Manufacturers

Vickers Oils manufactures specialised marine lubricants, designed as an insurance against water ingress, which can occur in ships' sterntubes, stabilisers and thrusters. Vickers supply the internationally renowned Neox and Hydrox range of emulsifiable lubricants, which enable optimum marine-corrosion protection.

The HYDROX BIO range of eco friendly sterntube lubricants have enjoyed rapid uptake since their introduction in 2003. More than 200 vessels worldwide now use the HYDROX BIO range as their sterntube oil. Not only are the HYDROX BIO grades readily biodegradable, but they are also non-toxic to marine life.

The Hydrox range includes Hydrox 550, Hydrox Bio 68, Hydrox 21, Hydrox Bio 220, Hydrox 8EP and Hydrox Bio 100. Hydrox 550, Hydrox Bio 68, Hydrox 21 and Hydrox 8EP are accredited under the Lloyd's product verification, ABS, and Bureau Veritas type approval schemes.

ECOSURE HSE BIODEGRADABLE, NON-TOXIC HYDRAULIC FLUIDS

In September 2006 Vickers launched the ECOSURE HSE range of biodegradable, non-toxic hydraulic fluids. The ECOSURE HSE grades have been developed specifically for environmentally-sensitive marine applications.

Available in ISO32, 46 and 68 viscosity grades, ECOSURE HSE oils provide outstanding operational-performance and excellent ecological-credentials. Applications include shell doors and platforms, ramps, cranes, davits, and stabilisers.

KEY HYDROX MARINE LUBRICANT BENEFITS

Unlike conventional oil, the Hydrox grades are able to emulsify with water and still provide excellent lubrication and protection against corrosion.

The use of Hydrox in the sterntube means that vessels can be in continuous service even with large amounts of water present. Therefore, the range provides cost savings to the ship operator, by eliminating unscheduled maintenance caused by water ingress into the sterntube.

Vickers has created a range of biodegradable lubricants which have been designed to have a minimal impact on the marine environment.

The Hydrox products are approved by key OEMs for use in their equipment. These include sterntube seal and bearing manufacturers, CPP manufacturers and thruster manufacturers.

The products are available worldwide.

INSURANCE AGAINST WATER INGRESS INTO THE STERNTUBE

When water enters a sterntube that is lubricated with conventional oil, there is a substantial risk of damage to the bearings and shaft, and of corrosion, since the oil and water may separate. In such a situation the equipment is exposed to 'free' water, which offers poor lubrication and is potentially corrosive.

This is not the case with the Hydrox grades, as, unlike conventional system oils, they produce stable emulsions with water which continue to provide excellent lubrication and protection even with up to 20% seawater present.

HYDROX 550

Hydrox 550, the core product of the Hydrox range, was developed for regular use as insurance against water ingress. It remains fluid even with significant quantities of water present.

HYDROX BIO 68

In addition to the benefits of Hydrox 550, Hydrox Bio 68 is a readily biodegradable, low-toxicity lubricant. It is designed to have minimal impact on the marine environment in the event of leakage from the sterntube.

Hydrox Bio 68 was awarded the 2003 Seatrade Award for 'Protection of the Marine and Atmospheric Environment.'

HYDROX 21

Hydrox 21 offers an emergency solution where outboard oil loss occurs. By adding Hydrox 21 into the sterntube, oil leakage is dramatically reduced even where seals have been badly damaged. At the same time, Hydrox 21 deals with water ingress.

HYDROX 8EP

Hydrox 8EP is an emulsifiable gear lubricant formulated for application in thrusters. A higher viscosity version of is also available, called Hydrox 150EP.

HYDROX BIO 220

Hydrox Bio 220's unique formation is based on a combination of other Hydrox products. Hydrox Bio 220 is able to dramatically reduce outboard oil leakage in the case of damaged seals, yet is biodegradable and of low toxicity to marine life.

Using the Hydrox grades introduces the solution before the problem.

ECOSURE HSE HYDRAULIC FLUID KEY BENEFITS

Ecology:

• Biodegradable according to the OECD 301B test method
• Low toxicity to marine life
• "Practically non toxic" according to OECD tests on algae, Daphnia, shrimp and fish

Performance:

• Good resistance to oxidation
• Resistant to hydrolysis
• High viscosity index means that ECOSURE HSE oils can be used across a very wide range of temperature conditions
• Excellent pump-lubrication
• Non foaming
• Good demulsifying properties
• Compatible with a wide range of seal materials