Sweden's Sveaskog Tests New Coolant in Forest Machines
The Swedish forestry company Sveaskog is testing a new coolant in their forest machines in cooperation with Heat Transfer Media specialist Avantherm. The coolant is based on Neste Renewable Isoalkane. The new product is expected to be highly beneficial for the climate, people and productivity.
Since the start of the new millennium, the most popular coolant for forest machines has been propylene glycol. It is a much more environmentally friendly alternative to its predecessor, the highly toxic ethylene glycol, which remains in widespread use in private cars. The new product now about to enter the market will have notable advantages compared to the previous coolants.
Improved working environment
- We place a great deal of importance on discovering high-quality oils and liquids. Now we finally have a chance to test a coolant that is environmentally friendly, nearly carbon-neutral and offers great working conditions for our employees. Our productivity will also increase, as our machines will no longer need to idle to warm up before starting work, which improves their efficiency, says Torgil Granström from Sveaskog.
Tests on two machine types
The new coolant being tested by Sveaskog is based on a unique fluid cooling oil patented by Avantherm. The benefits of the new coolant include instant engine warmup after starting and a long coolant change interval. The coolant only needs to be changed every five years, if ever. The biggest challenge for the use of the coolant are the rubber gaskets and hoses of the forest machines that must contain the new slick fluid.
- Right now, we are testing the cooling oil in forwarders and felling machines fitted with the appropriate gaskets and hoses. In the winter, we will probably include service trailers in the testing, says Granström.
If the winter tests prove successful, Sveaskog will likely start using the new cooling oil in all their new forest machines.
- It is a great thing for Sveaskog to be able to participate in this technological leap. We are making progress towards a fossil-free fleet. Our forest machines and other vehicles use renewable HVO diesel almost exclusively.
Based on Neste Renewable Isoalkane
Avantherm's fossil-free product is based on Neste Renewable Isoalkane, which is further processed by our distillation partner Haltermann Carless Solutions (HCS). Neste Renewable Isoalkane can be used to replace fossil products and it enables multiple applications, either further distilled or used as-is, such as paints, coatings and lubricants. Thanks to its renewable origin, it reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and is biodegradable in accordance with the OECD 301 test guideline. Neste Renewable Isoalkane is a long-lasting, safe and odorless alternative to traditional mineral oils.
The global Heat Transfer Media market is estimated to be 480 kilotons and around USD 2 billion. Depending on the type of application, several technologies are used, one of them being glycols, which represent 13 percen of the market volume.
- Several sources indicate that the growth of the Heat Transfer Media market is driven by rapid industrialization of the BRICS economies and the development of bio-based solutions due to more stringent regulations, says Alejandra Norén, Head of Business Team, Emerging Businesses, Neste.
