J. For. Sci., 2004, 50(11):542-547 | DOI: 10.17221/4654-JFS

Biologically degradable oils at working with power saws

A. Skoupý

Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, Mendel University of Agriculture and Forestry, Brno, Czech Republic

Power saws require a relatively large amount of oil for their operation the reason being idle lubrication of the cutting chain. Oil leakages in the environment can result in soil and water contamination and are known to impact both flora and fauna. Many countries in Europe struggle to minimize the damage by imposing the use of biologically degradable oils for these purposes. The work presents an assessment of these biologically degradable oils from the viewpoint of their possible occurrence in environment and from the viewpoint of their technical characteristics which affect reliability and economy of working with power saws. Oil dispersion is evaluated especially from the viewpoint of the concentration of its occurrence on the soil surface after cutting with the power saw. Technical properties evaluated include heat-oxidation stability and pumping properties of oils at low temperatures. There are original methods of measurement developed for these purposes, which facilitate high repeatability of results. The effort aims at oils with core technical parameters at least comparable with mineral oils used so far, which would represent a lesser burden on natural environment.

Keywords: forest technology; biodegradable oils; dispersion of oils; methods of oils evaluation

Published: November 30, 2004  Show citation