Efficient and Sustainable Grinding Processes in Times of Increasing Regulatory Requirements
The requirements for grinding oils and water-miscible coolants are continuously increasing—both in terms of performance and sustainability, as well as regulatory compliance. Particularly within the EU, these products are subject to stricter regulations, such as those imposed by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), which classifies numerous substances more strictly under the REACH regulation. This forces the industry to develop innovative solutions that comply with legal requirements while offering economic and ecological benefits.
Recent adjustments highlight the growing regulatory requirements: ECHA has expanded the SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) candidate list to include O,O,O-triphenylthiophosphate as well as the reaction mass of triphenylthiophosphate and tert-butylated phenyl derivatives. If these substances exceed a threshold of 0.1%, they must be listed as SVHCs in the safety data sheet of the respective end product. Additionally, 2-Amino-2-methylpropanol, a raw material used in water-miscible coolants, has been recommended for classification as Repr. 1B H360D. These changes emphasize the increasing regulatory pressure on the industry to develop more sustainable alternatives.
Increasing Regulatory Requirements
“The growing regulatory requirements present significant challenges for the industry. The task is to develop more environmentally friendly and efficient solutions while maintaining economic viability,” explains Michael Wörner from BECHEM.
Alongside regulatory pressure, there is an increasing demand to reduce the Product Carbon Footprint (PCF). Companies must make their processes more efficient and environmentally friendly to enhance both competitiveness and sustainability. The selection of advanced base fluids plays a crucial role in this: through targeted raw material selection, it is possible to achieve not only better performance but also reduce the hazard potential of the products.
Modern base fluids and additives open new possibilities. They enable a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions while minimizing environmental and employee exposure. Aspects such as oil mist formation, flashpoint, or the content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are becoming increasingly important. The goal is to develop lubricants that are not only high-performing but also safer and more environmentally friendly, enabling greater efficiency in their application.
Sustainability – A Key Factor in Application
Another important factor is sustainability in application. Optimized formulations can extend the service life of fluids, reduce consumption, and thus lower operating costs.
As demands on lubricant performance increase, so does the need for precise process monitoring. The condition of the fluids used must be continuously analyzed and monitored to ensure optimal performance. This is where modern monitoring technologies come into play: specifically for water-miscible coolants, online monitoring
systems enable continuous analysis and adjustment. At the same time, targeted analytics and intelligent recirculation of extracted media allow for resource-efficient reuse.
"Efficient monitoring and optimization of fluids are key to sustainable and cost-effective production. Companies that invest early in modern technologies secure long-term competitive advantages," adds Wörner.
BECHEM’s Solution
The increasing regulatory requirements and the demand for sustainable, high-performance lubricants call for a realignment in product development. In this regard, BECHEM’s Berucut XC series offers a powerful solution in the field of non-water-miscible coolants. These products stand out due to higher flash points, significantly faster air release, and reduced evaporation tendencies. Thanks to their excellent viscosity-temperature behavior, they ensure stable and safe production even under extreme conditions. In grinding processes, particularly for carbide grinding, feed rates have been significantly increased.
“With the Berucut XC series, we offer a solution that not only enhances efficiency and occupational safety but also significantly reduces overall consumption,” emphasizes Wörner. He adds: “BECHEM also sets new standards in the field of water-miscible coolants.” The BECHEM Avantin series provides high-performance products that meet the ever-increasing demands in this sector as well.
Source | CARL BECHEM GMBH