Falkirk Wheel goes for biodegradable oil
November 1st 2006 The Falkirk Wheel, which joins the Union and Forth & Clyde canals on the Scottish waterways system, is now using biodegradable Shell Naturelle HF-E 46 fluid to ease the motion of this giant boat lift. The Wheel is run by British Waterways which has resolved to ensure that it does what it can to minimise pollution and the use of Shell Naturelle means that any accidental spillages are now rapidly broken down by natural processes, without the Wheel having to compromise on performance. In addition to providing hydraulic lubricants for the 1,500 tonne, 35m high dual-boat lift, the three-year contract between Shell Lubricants and British Waterways will also see the Agency use Shell Naturelle HFE 46 in its own contracted machinery and vehicles working in environmentally sensitive situations. Shell won the business competing against a number of specialist lubricant suppliers and other major oil companies. Shell Naturelle HF-E is an advanced biodegradable hydraulic fluid for use in power transmission and hydraulic systems working in environmentally sensitive areas. Synthetic esters blended with a specially tailored additive system provide Shell Naturelle HF-E with a superior balance of biodegradability, lubrication performance and compatibility with the environment. "Shell Naturelle proved it can work well under stringent testing conditions and has demonstrated that an environmentally considerate oil can perform in the field, as well as meeting a company's sustainability objectives," said Robert Jackson, British Waterways M & E Engineer for the Falkirk Wheel, who has been closely associated with the Falkirk Wheel since it was commissioned in June 2003, and who also praised the partnership approach adopted by Shell Oil Products. More articles from Shell UK Ltd: | 
