Performance Properties of Biobased Rail Curve Greases

Lou A. Honary Professor and Director National Ag-Based Lubricants Center University of Northern Iowa Wes James Associate Director National Ag-Based Lubricants Center University of Northern Iowa AREMA 2011 Minneapolis, MN

© 2011 AREMA ®

Performance Properties of Biobased Rail Curve Greases

Abstract

The University of Northern Iowa’s National Ag-Based Lubricant Center has been involved in research and development of biobased lubricants and greases, since 1991. The Center is also a recipient of a US DOT grant to perform a comparative study on the performance of biobased and petroleum rail curve greases and hydraulic oils. Biobased greases have been available commercially and have been used for rail curve lubrication. But, there are new developments and second generation of biobased greases are being developed with superior performance and price competitiveness. This paper will present a report on the performance properties of greases made from renewable oils and the advances made in development of these products. Properties such as extreme pressure, cold temperature flowability, and biodegradability are discussed and presented. New vegetable oils and manufacturing processes being used are also covered briefly.

Introduction

Effective application of lubricating grease to the inward-facing surface of each rail (the rail’s “gage face”) has been known to reduce friction and noise and increase the longevity of the equipment. The expense of applying gage face (GF) lubrication on curves is offset by decreases in track replacement cost and the maintenance cost of worn rolling equipment (wheels). Additional benefits include potential reductions in train energy requirements, due to lower friction, and reduced noise in urban areas.

Most railroad lubrication research has focused on curved tracks using what is known as curve grease. There are also studies on investigation of the benefits of GF lubrication across the entire track, including straightaways. The University of Northern Iowa’s (UNI) National Ag-Based Lubricants Center (NABL) has developed a better understanding of GF lubrication by testing the relationship between GF lubrication and energy required to pull a train on curved tracks, and investigating the relationship between GF lubrication and locomotive fuel consumption under actual revenue-service (for-profit operation) conditions, while lubricating straightaway portions of the track. Most importantly, greases developed and tested or commercialized by the Center have been made with biobased oils resulting in products with less impact on the environment.

Grease Technology Simplified

Grease as semi-solid lubricant provides an effective means of delivering lubrication to the machine component being lubricated. Solid lubricants require direct contact to the point of lubrication in order to effectively deliver lubrication. Liquid lubricants on the other hand flow easier but they require a reservoir to contain their volume. Greases are semi-solid, and in application where bearings are used, can deliver the benefits of liquid lubricants without requiring a reservoir and also the benefits of solid lubricants by maintaining their body structure. In applications like the wheel bearing of an automobile where excessive heat is generated, liquid lubricants would thin down and can leak out of the bearing seals. The wheel bearing is a good example for using grease. Grease is made of a mixture of soap (semi-solid) and oil (liquid). By definition, grease is a solid or semi-solid fluid made of a thickening agent in a

© 2011 AREMA ®

liquid lubricant and other ingredients that impart special properties (ASTM D4175). The body of the grease is formed by the soap, which forms a matrix structure similar in detail to that of a sponge, thus allowing the voids within the matrix to be filled with the lubricating oil. An important benefit of the soap in the grease is that it provides the ability to seal and prevent the oil from leaking out or dirt from getting in. The soap’s matrix acts as a reservoir for the oil in providing delivery of the lubricants and performance additives at the point of contact.

In this report the emphasis is on rail curve greases made with renewable non-petroleum oils. The base oil for the grease can be petroleum (mineral) oil, synthetic oil (mineral oil-derived), renewable oil (bio-based), or biobased synthetic oil (derived from renewable animal fat or plant oil). The soap used to make the grease is typically lithium hydroxide for rail curve greases, with aluminum hydroxide, calcium hydroxide, and other metal thickeners for specific applications. Figure 1 show the production of grease by type of thickener as reported by the National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI).

Figure 1: Grease Production in North America Based on Thickener Type Source: National Grease Lubricating Institute (2011)

© 2011 AREMA ®

Each of the greases appearing in Figure 1 presents features that make them suitable for certain applications. The lithium based grease provides a reasonably good performance at most economical price. Some like polyurea and clay based greases are considered non-soap grease and do not present some of the same properties of soap based greases at high or low temperatures. Two of the more common properties used to classify greases and that are applicable to rail curve lubrication are dropping point (melting point), water wash out, and grease mobility (cold temperature flowability). Rail curve grease for mountainous areas, for example, would need high dropping point property whereas in wet and rainy areas better water wash-out property and yet in northern US and Canada, good cold temperature flowability would be needed.

Biobased Greases

Biobased oils are typically renewable oils from vegetable oils or animal fats; or chemically modified like synthetic esters derived from these oils. Vegetable oils can be used as a substitute for petroleum base oil in the conventional grease manufacturing equipment. Several commercial grease products, including large volumes of rail curve grease made from soybean oils, are currently commercially available. Bio-oils, due to their higher viscosity index, present a more stable body when exposed to varying temperatures. Viscosity Index is a measure of the oil’s resistance to viscosity change as it is heated or cooled. As a result, properly formulated vegetable oil-based grease shows a more stable body in usage and will not thin down as fast as comparable mineral oil based greases when exposed to high temperatures. But, vegetable oil based greases tend to oxidize if exposed to very high temperatures for extended periods of time and tend to freeze at higher temperatures than their mineral oils equivalents. As a result, for railroad applications, the cold temperature property requires the use of biobased synthetic oils or other additivesthat have much lower cold temperature properties.

Biobased Rail Curve Grease

Since 1991, the UNI-NABL Center has been engaged in the research and development and commercialization of biobased lubricants and greases. One of the key areas of development has been that of rail curve lubricants. Rail curve greases, while simple in application concept, present a complex set of requirements. The greases are typically formulated to have high extreme pressure property measure by the ASTM D2596 four-ball weld test methods. Typical weld point specifications are 400-800kg. Figure 2 shows the set up for the four ball tester. In this test, three standard steel balls are locked in a special holding cup filled with the lubricant to be tested. A fourth ball held in chuck is rotated on the other three at 3750 rpm with increasingly heavier weights applied to it. The 10 second test creates friction generated heat to the point of welding the four balls together (weld point). A grease having a four-ball weld point rating of 500 kg means it will take up to 500 kg weight on the four balls during the 10 second test before they weld together.

© 2011 AREMA ®

Figure 2: Four Ball Extreme Pressure Tester – Cup and Chuck and a Welded 4-Ball Sample

Rail curve grease once applied to the gage face is immediately exposed to dust and sand and other contaminants present at the track. So high levels of cleanliness and color are more a matter of choice than technical merit. But, more important properties include the level of tackiness as a balance between cohesion (sticking to itself) and adhesion (sticking to the gage face and the wheel flange); and stability at extreme temperatures. For tackiness the grease has to be formulated in a way that would allow it to adhere to the gage face and the wheel flange and at the same time have limited cohesiveness so as to stretch but break. If the grease has high cohesiveness, then it would stretch too much and at high wheel speeds could swing around the wheel and throw off grease to the undercarriage of the railcar. To complicate the matter, at extreme temperatures, different tackifiers behave differently and at such temperatures, poorly formulated grease would fail to perform properly.

Temperature affects the consistency (thickness) of grease. Greases that are more stable as temperature changes will not be wasted by melting away on the gage face. Also, the quantity of grease that is pumped out to the gage face can change as the temperature changes. The optimal formulation for grease would provide stable bodied grease that would pump out the same quantity to the gage face within the widest range of temperature.

Effect of Viscosity Index - viscosity index refers to the stability of oils and is a measure of the oils resistance to viscosity change as temperature changes. Butter, is an example of a poor viscosity index oil as it would freeze at near freezing point of water and melt quickly with slight exposure to heat. Grease made with poor VI butter would freeze at around 32 degrees F and would melt and run down at 80 degrees F. Most bio-oils (such as vegetable oils) gave Viscosity Index in the range of 200-230 where as

© 2011 AREMA ®

mineral oils of same viscosity would have VI in the range of 60-100. As a result a properly formulated grease made with biobased oil would deliver more stable performance and more consistent quantity than grease made with mineral oils of same viscosity.

Lithium based greases are made by reacting lithium hydroxide with stearic acid making lithium stearate soap which is homogenized into a base oil, be it mineral oil or bio-oil to make grease. The biobased grease would be biodegradable as measured using tests of biodegradability methods described in the American ASTM or European OECD (Organization for Economic Development and Cooperation) methods. The most common standard methods used for biodegradability is the OECD 301 series (A-F) tests. Since biobased greases degrade in the track environment, their use can be expanded to include straightway tangent tracks for fuel saving and noise/friction reduction.

In a study to determine the fuel saving benefits of greasing the tangent track, the UNI-NABL researchers, working under a grant for the Iowa Energy Center, studied the impact in the fuel consumption of a locomotive over a period of several months. While the study was designed to reduce as many variables as possible, still the number of variables such as engine idling time and the number of cars became difficult to track rendering the results somewhat subjective. Nevertheless, using two wayside lubricators and a handheld tribometer, the coefficient of friction of gage face over 10 miles was monitored and reported. Figure 3 presents the layout of a typical wayside gage face lubricator system.

Figure 3 – Layout of a Typical Wayside Gage Face Lubricator System

Using a handheld tribometer, a reading for the coefficient of friction was taken at mile intervals over several months (Figure 4). Some of the data, for the month of July for example, was off due malfunction of the lubricator pump. But, due to large number of readings taken, some benefits may be gained from the use of the average readings. The average estimated fuel saving, based on this semi-scientific study was about 10% using two lubricators and lubricating about 20 miles of approximately 80

© 2011 AREMA ®

miles track. Further research in more controlled environments is needed; but the current estimate of fuel saving could easily justify lubricating the entire track with biodegradable rail grease due to fuel savings alone. In practice, coefficient of friction of 0.25-0.30 is desirable. In this study, a coefficient of friction of 0.35 was considered acceptable when the lubricator was fully operational and sufficient two-way traffic was present. In addition to fuel saving, increased longevity of wheel and track as well as a reduction in noise further augment the benefits. Note: A full report on this investigation was presented at an earlier AREMA conference.

Figure 4: Coefficient of friction monitored five miles each direction from the lubricator

US Federal Initiatives In the United States, the Farm Bill, a 5-year plan for the advancement of agriculture, in the year 2000 included provisions for the promotion and use of renewable products including biobased greases and lubricants. The government selected federal procurement as an approach to promote the use of these products within the federal government and to avoid mandates and allowing the free market to bring about the success of renewable products. This approach required federal agencies to purchase and use biobased products so as to prove viability of performance and eventually lead to commercial success in competitive private sector markets. The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) includes provisions that mandate Federal Agencies to implement procurement preference for bio-based products designated by USDA established in the 2002 Farm Bill. Executive Order 13514, Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance and Executive Order 13423, Strengthening Federal Environmental, Energy, and Transportation Management encourage all Federal agencies to increase the use of environmentally preferable, or less toxic alternative products and services. The Federal BioPreferred Program: Section 9002 of the Farm Security and Rural Investment Act (FSRIA) defines biobased products as “commercial or industrial products (other than food or feed) that are

Lubricator Site Number One

0.00

0.10

0.20

0.30

0.40

0.50

0.60

0.70

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Tribometer Measurement Location

Coe

ff. O

f Fr

icti

23-Jun7-Jul14-Jul21-Jul27-Jul8-Aug15-Aug24-Aug31-Aug7-Sept14-Sept21-Sept

© 2011 AREMA ®

composed, in whole or in significant part, of biological products or renewable domestic agricultural materials (including plant, animal, and marine materials) or forestry materials” (BioPreferred website, 2011). The program specifies domestic biobased products, as it seeks to enhance the nation’s energy security by increasing the use of products that are “home-grown”. The final rule further stipulates that all federal agencies must purchase biobased products that have been designated by this program, unless the products do not meet the performance needs of the purchaser, or are not readily available and “reasonably” priced.

The main benefit of the BioPreferred program is that it creates a federal market for biobased products. Moreover, the program will also help to educate federal users about biobased product characteristics and benefits. Additionally, the BioPreferred program will also enable manufacturers to produce biobased products more economically in commercial markets and spur the development of new products (Iowa State University Center for Industrial Research and Service).

To date, there have been a number of broad groupings of products that have been designated for preferred procurement (USDA, BioPreferred website). A listing of these products and their minimum required percentage of biobased content can be found at: https://www.nlgi.org/.

Federal Railroad Administration Test In order to prove the performance of biobased hydraulic rail lubricants and hydraulic oils, the Federal Railroad Administration has awarded a contract to the UNI-NABL Center to test biobased grease and biobased hydraulic oils side by side with conventional rail curve grease and hydraulic oils in the field within equipment that support railroads. Those include maintenance of way and other mobile equipment used in conjunction with the railroads. The goals of this project include: The Project shall consist of the following:

1. an analysis of the potential use of soybean oil-based hydraulic fluids to perform according to railroad industry standards;

2. an analysis of the potential use of other readily biodegradable lubricants and greases to perform according to railroad industry standards;

3. a comparison of the health and safety of petroleum-based hydraulic oils with readily biodegradable oils and greases, which shall include an analysis of fire safety;

4. a comparison of the environmental impact of petroleum-based hydraulic oils with readily biodegradable hydraulic fluids which shall include the rate and effects of biodegradability;

5. a comparison of the performance of the readily biodegradable hydraulic oils in comparison to petroleum-based hydraulic oils; and

6. a study of the effects of the readily biodegradable hydraulic oils on railroad equipment components in comparison to petroleum-based lubricants.

The testing which has already started includes some laboratory tests, but will be primarily based on field tests on equivalent products side by side in actual test environments. The goal is to try to incorporate the real working environment with all its variability and inconsistencies. The results will be compared with those that are reported in more controlled environments such as those performed by FRA

© 2011 AREMA ®

supported testing facilities. If the results indicate performance parity and availability, then it would become easier for federal purchasers to specify biobased products for railroad use. New Developments in Biobased Greases

The conventional grease manufacturing process requires reacting a fatty acid like stearic acid with a strong base like lithium hydroxide to make lithium stearate soap. The soap is them homogenized with a lubricating oil to form grease. The reaction process could reach as high as 200 °C and the vessels used for the reaction are jacketed with heat transfer oils with temperatures in excess of 200 °C in the jacket to heat up the materials inside the vessel. Since bio oils tend to oxidize rapidly at temperatures above 150 °C, the manufacturing of grease becomes complicated.

Researchers at the University of Northern Iowa’s National Ag-Based Lubricants Center (UNI-NABL) have been working with a new process utilizing microwaves for manufacturing biobased greases that promises to not improve the overall stability of the grease but also help reduce manufacturing cost and making these products more competitive. Biobased oils like soybean oil, sunflower oil or canola oil are considered dipolar and can be stimulated with microwaves efficiently resulting in rapid heating. Industrial microwaves operating at frequencies of 915 MHz and Wavelength of 328 millimeters (12.9 in) cause the oil’s molecules to try to keep up with the changing polarity of the waves and generate friction and impact based heat with the oil molecules. This heating is more uniform and with proper circulation does not cause hot spots like those in conventional jacketed kettle.

Since September 2010, the use of microwaves for manufacturing grease has moved from the laboratory to production. The first ten months of the operation has shown promising results, with large quantities of product produced. Research results indicate that the production time can be reduced by 2/3rd and the damage due to heat caused oxidation is reduced to 1/3 of process using conventional heating. Microwave energy is highly efficient and can be focused to apply to the exact space to be heated. The microwave transmitter can be physically placed away from the actual reaction process, and potential microwave energy leakage can be “choked off” to nearly zero emissions, to meet established international safety standards. Additionally, microwave transmitters can be controlled through PLCs for accurate temperature control, by pulsing or reducing the intensity of the energy input. Figure 5 shows the new process using two 75 kW microwave transmitters sending microwaves through waveguides into a stainless steel reactor. The operator chooses the power level for the transmitters and the desired temperature; and a Programmable Logic Controller takes control and maintains the temperature.

Although price of commodities like soybean oil track those of petroleum oils; over the last two decades the price of petroleum has a faster rate of increase than the price of soybean oil. This difference in the rate of price hike has resulted in price parity for some of biobased greases. In the case of rail curve greases, for example, the price of biobased greases at large volumes is below or equal that of their petroleum counterparts. As biobased base oils improve due to chemical or genetic enhancements; and the knowledge base for formulating these products and field history improve, biobased greases become a viable option for special lost-in-use applications. Rail curve grease, truck grease, and many conveyor

© 2011 AREMA ®

and parts transfer components can benefit from these greases that will perform equal or better, cost the same or less, and provide environmental benefits.

Figure 5: Two 75 kW microwave transmitters in the background and their waveguides attached to the top of microwave reactor

Sources

Honary, L and Richter, E. (2011), Biobased Lubricants and Greases. John Wiley and Sons, Ltd, UK National Lubricating Grease Institute (NLGI) - https://www.nlgi.org/ Viewed July 13, 2011. US Department of Agriculture Biopreferred Program - http://www.biopreferred.gov/?SMSESSION=NO Viewed July 13, 2011. Iowa State University Center for Industrial Research and Service - www.ciras.iastate.edu Viewed July 13, 2011.

© 2011 AREMA ®

2011 ANNUAL CONFERENCESeptember 18-21, 2011 | Minneapolis, MN

Lou Honary Wes JamesProfessor and Founding Director Associate DirectorNational Ag-Based Lubricants Center National Ag-Based Lubricants CenterUniversity of Northern Iowa University of Northern Iowa

2011 ANNUAL CONFERENCESeptember 18-21, 2011 | Minneapolis, MN

1. Introduction to Biobased Products2. Grease Technology Simplified3. Biobased Rail Curve Grease Evaluation4. Evaluation Results 5. US Federal Initiatives6. New Developments in Biobased Grease

Manufacturing7. Conclusions

2011 ANNUAL CONFERENCESeptember 18-21, 2011 | Minneapolis, MN

UNI-NABL Center• Formed in 1991• Funded by USDA, DOE, State of IA; and

Private Industry

2011 ANNUAL CONFERENCESeptember 18-21, 2011 | Minneapolis, MN

www.uni.edu/NABL

2011 ANNUAL CONFERENCESeptember 18-21, 2011 | Minneapolis, MN

Definitions

• Biodegradable• Biobased

www.biopreferred.gov

2011 ANNUAL CONFERENCESeptember 18-21, 2011 | Minneapolis, MN

Biodegradability Tests

OECD 301F – ASTM D6731

2011 ANNUAL CONFERENCESeptember 18-21, 2011 | Minneapolis, MN

Toxicity Tests

ASTM D6081 Daphnia magnaOECD 203 – Fish

2011 ANNUAL CONFERENCESeptember 18-21, 2011 | Minneapolis, MN

OECD 208 Terrestrial Plant ToxicityASTM E1963

2011 ANNUAL CONFERENCESeptember 18-21, 2011 | Minneapolis, MN

1. Grease is made of soap and [lubricating] oil. 2. Soap is made by neutralizing a [fatty] Acid

with a chemical Base3. Soap helps keep the lubricant’s body while

the oil performs the actual lubricating4. The majority of greases used worldwide is

made of lithium hydroxide – Lithium grease

2011 ANNUAL CONFERENCESeptember 18-21, 2011 | Minneapolis, MN

1. Developed at UNI-NABL and commercialized in 20002. Large volumes have been used through a major

OEM of wayside lubricators3. Extensive comparative tests were performed at TTCI

and at railroads4. The product has had 11 years of commercial history

and is priced competitively with conventional greases

2011 ANNUAL CONFERENCESeptember 18-21, 2011 | Minneapolis, MN

Schematic representation of wayside lubricator

2011 ANNUAL CONFERENCESeptember 18-21, 2011 | Minneapolis, MN

2011 ANNUAL CONFERENCESeptember 18-21, 2011 | Minneapolis, MN

2011 ANNUAL CONFERENCESeptember 18-21, 2011 | Minneapolis, MN

2011 ANNUAL CONFERENCESeptember 18-21, 2011 | Minneapolis, MN

Verify TTCI Test Results in Field

2011 ANNUAL CONFERENCESeptember 18-21, 2011 | Minneapolis, MN

Tests performed in Iowa

2011 ANNUAL CONFERENCESeptember 18-21, 2011 | Minneapolis, MN

2011 ANNUAL CONFERENCESeptember 18-21, 2011 | Minneapolis, MN

2011 ANNUAL CONFERENCESeptember 18-21, 2011 | Minneapolis, MN

2011 ANNUAL CONFERENCESeptember 18-21, 2011 | Minneapolis, MN

Lubricator Site Number One

0.00

0.10

0.20

0.30

0.40

0.50

0.60

0.70

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Tribometer Measurement Location

Coe

ff. O

f Fr

icti

23-Jun7-Jul14-Jul21-Jul27-Jul8-Aug15-Aug24-Aug31-Aug7-Sept14-Sept21-Sept

2011 ANNUAL CONFERENCESeptember 18-21, 2011 | Minneapolis, MN

Source: NLGI 2011

8

9

2

1

2

3

4

2011 ANNUAL CONFERENCESeptember 18-21, 2011 | Minneapolis, MN

Source: NLGI

North American Grease Production for 2005 By Type of Thickener (Source: NLGI)

9%7%

71%

0%

1% 6% 5% 1%

Aluminum Soap 50,605,557 lbs.Calcium Soap 38,998,077 lbs.Lithium Soap 382,555,369 lbs.Sodium Soap 1,594,799 lbs.Other Metallic Soap 2,823,192 lbs.Polyurea 31,604,221 lbs.Organophilic Clay Thickeners 27,724,884 lbs.Other Non-soap Thickeners 8,042,013 lbs.

2011 ANNUAL CONFERENCESeptember 18-21, 2011 | Minneapolis, MN

Search for New Processes

A devastating 2007 fire destroyed a biobased grease production facility caused by the spill of high temperature heat transfer oil.

2011 ANNUAL CONFERENCESeptember 18-21, 2011 | Minneapolis, MN

How Microwave Energy WorksA common household microwave works by passing Microwave Radiation, usually at a Frequency of 2.45 gigahertz (GHz) –(or 2450 million cycles per second) and a Wavelength of 122 millimeters (4.80 in) through the substance being heated. Microwave radiation is between common radio and infrared frequencies.

Large industrial/commercial microwave systems operate at the common large microwave heating frequency of 0.915 gigahertz (915 MHz)— and Wavelength of 328 millimeters (12.9 in).

2011 ANNUAL CONFERENCESeptember 18-21, 2011 | Minneapolis, MN

Microwave  Based Processing

Use of Waveguides

2011 ANNUAL CONFERENCESeptember 18-21, 2011 | Minneapolis, MN

Microwave  Based Processing

Use of Waveguides

2011 ANNUAL CONFERENCESeptember 18-21, 2011 | Minneapolis, MN

Control of Process Temperature

With Temp Set to 200 C, Heating Continues Until 1 Degree Below the Set Point

Then Microwave Input is Ramped Down Automatically and Adjusted to 

Maintain the Set Temp.

2011 ANNUAL CONFERENCESeptember 18-21, 2011 | Minneapolis, MN

The Process Featured on Modern Marvels

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=giQh7aGO4FQ

2011 ANNUAL CONFERENCESeptember 18-21, 2011 | Minneapolis, MN

Governmental Forces Driving Biobased Development

1. Farm Bills

1. Federal Biobased Preferred Procurement Program www.biopreferred.gov/

2. USDA - DOE Joint Efforts

3. State of Iowa Initiatives

2011 ANNUAL CONFERENCESeptember 18-21, 2011 | Minneapolis, MN

USDA Listed Biobased Labeled Products1. Hydraulic Fluids for Mobile

Equipment2. Urethane Roof Coatings3. Water Tank Coatings4. Diesel Fuel Additives5. Penetrating Lubricants6. Bedding, Bed Linens &Towels7. Adhesive & Mastic Removers8. Insulating Foam for Wall

Construction9. Hand Cleaners & Sanitizers10.Composite Panels11.Fluid-Filled Transformers12.Biodegradable Containers13.Fertilizers

14. Metalworking Fluids15. Sorbents 16. Graffiti & Grease Removers17. Two-Cycle Engine Oils18. Lip Care Products19. Biodegradable Films20. Hydraulic Fluids for Stationary 21. Equipment22. Biodegradable Cutlery23. Glass Cleaners24. Greases25. Dust Suppressants26. Carpets27. Carpet & Upholstery Cleaners

2011 ANNUAL CONFERENCESeptember 18-21, 2011 | Minneapolis, MN

DOE/USDA Biomass R&D Technical Advisory Committee

Vision GoalsUnits 2000 2004 2010 2015 2020 2030

BioFuels

Market Share (%)

ConsumptionBillion. Gas. Equiv. Gal

0.7

1,104

1.2

2,111

4

8,016

6

12,852

10

22,725

20

50,994

Consumption (Quadrillion BTU) 2.04 2,13 3.1 3.2 3.4 3.8

BioProducts

Market Share %

Production(in Billion Pounds) 12.4

2.13

17.6 23.7

3.2

26.4

3.4

35.6

3.8

55.3

BioPowerMarket Share

(%) 3 3 4 5.5 7 7

www.brdisolutions.com

2011 ANNUAL CONFERENCESeptember 18-21, 2011 | Minneapolis, MN

State of Iowa InitiativesSenate File 2185 (1998)•Purchasing preference for soy hydraulic oils.

Senate File 2249 (2000)•Amended SF 2185 to include soy lubricants and greases.

House File 645 (2003)•Provides a sales / use tax exemption for purchasers of soy rail lubricants

Senate File (2005)State Corporate Income Tax Credit $2.00/gallon up to 2000 gallon per

company for switching to soy based METALWORKING FLUIDS.

Senate File (2006)State Corporate Income Tax Credit of $2.00/gallon up to 20,000

gallons per company for switching to soy based TRANSFORMER Oil.

2011 ANNUAL CONFERENCESeptember 18-21, 2011 | Minneapolis, MN

Industrial or Alternative Crops

1. Association for Advancement of Industrial Crops reports on numerous industrial crops

2. Key issues include emphasis on:• Rapid crop domestication for industrial uses • Genetic engineering of dedicated high yielding

energy crops • Benefits could be to bioproducts industry and to the

developing countries

2011 ANNUAL CONFERENCESeptember 18-21, 2011 | Minneapolis, MN

1. Camelina 5. Lesquerella

2. Switchgrass 6. Russian Dandelion

3. Cuphea 7. Guayule

4. Medowfoam

Camelina

Switchgrass

Cuphea Medowfoam

Lesquerella

Russian Dandelion

Guayule

Industrial or Alternative Crops

2011 ANNUAL CONFERENCESeptember 18-21, 2011 | Minneapolis, MN

1. Petroleum substitution is a US national goal for reduction of imported petroleum

2. Biofuels have created awareness, cash , and opportunity for biobased products

3. Commercial biobased lubricants are proven economically viable

4. New industrial crops will expand the opportunity5. New genetic verities of existing crops will further 

enhance the opportunity6. Biobased and green products will be an important part 

of our future

2011 ANNUAL CONFERENCESeptember 18-21, 2011 | Minneapolis, MN

7.  Biobased greases have been used extensively for rail curve lubrication

8.  Prices of biobased greases have come down due to increased use and are now in parity with conventional greases

9.  Biobased greases are safer to the environment especially around the curves where repeated use can cause long term damage

10.  Biobased greases could remediate soil by increasing bacterial activity in contaminated soil

2011 ANNUAL CONFERENCESeptember 18-21, 2011 | Minneapolis, MN