BRAKE/CLUTCH FLUID PRODUCTION
Introduction: Brake/Clutch fluid is a liquid lubricant used as a transmission fluid (liquid) in the vehicle brake and clutch systems. The product is designed to reduce friction, prevent rust, and freezing in the areas of its application. The standard ones include DOT 3 and DOT 4 which are varying viscosities as determined by Society for Automobile Engineers (SAE) and the American Petroleum Institute (API). DOT 3 is more fluid than DOT 4. These brake fluids must not spoil the rubber components of the brake system.
RAW MATERIALS REQUIREMENTS
1. Vegetable Oils: These includes Castor Oil, Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Groundnut Oil, and other Vegetable Oils as long as they are refined. Oils provides lubricant and anti-rust properties of the brake fluid.
2. Glycols: Dioxitol, Methly proxitol, Butyl Oxitol, Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) etc.
3. Diacetoalcohol: They are sometimes used in place of Glycol. The ability of brake fluid to clean off common paints depends on the type of glycol used.
EQUIPMENT/TOOLS REQUIREMENTS
Simple equipment and tools are needed for the production of brake fluids. These are:
(a) Low Speed Manual or Motorized Mixers (100 – 200 Rpm)
(b) Weighing and Measuring Devices
(c) Storage Tanks (stainless types)
(d) Filtration Unit (optional)
(e) Filling and Packaging Units
(f) Laboratory Tools for Measuring and testing quality parameters such as viscosity, flash point, and other good lubricant properties.
(g) Personal protective gadgets such as boots, overall, gloves, mask, respirators caps, goggles etc.
These items can be sourced locally or abroad.
PACKAGING REQUIREMENTS:
Brake fluid can be packed in metal or good (chemical resistant) plastic bottles and jars. The containers can be 250mls, 500mls, 1000mls or 5 litres depending on the market requirements. They can also be supplied to big users in 200litres drums. Small packs are put in cartons. All containers should carry good labels and appropriate instructions.
PRODUCTION METHODS
(a) Formulations: A good brake/clutch fluid can be obtained following a good formulation and a careful selection of good raw materials. however, each formulation must consider.
(b) Availability of raw materials needed.
(c) Cost of production
(d) Ease of processing
(e) End users requirement (Quality)
STANDARD FORMULATIOINS (100 LITRES BATCH 100 LITRES BELOW
1. Dioxitol or Methyl Proxitol 7-8 parts (litres) 75 litres
Polyethylene Glycol 2-3 parts (litres) 25 litres
TOTAL 10 LITRES 100 LITRES
2. Methyl Proxitol 6-7 parts (litres) 65 litres
Pure Vegetable Oil (eg Castor oil) 3-4 parts (litres) 35 litres
TOTAL 10 LITRES 100 LITRES
3. Butyl Oxitol of DAA 3-4 parts (litres) 35 litres
Polyethylene Glycol 3-4 parts (litres) 35 litres
Refined vegetable oil (eg Groundnut Oil 3-4 parts (litres) 30 litres
TOTAL 10 LITRES 100 LITRES
Note: Choose the formulation that meets yourn clients expectation as long as the raw materials are readily available.
(b) Processing: The production of brake fluid is simple. Following the chosen formulation, measure out the raw materials into a stainless mixing tank and mix for about five – ten minutes if the batch is up to 200 litres. More quantity can be mixed for a little longer. When homogenous the fluid is subjected to various quality tests before they are packed in the appropriate containers as desired for sale. It may be necessary to filter if there are particles using a fine mesh.
Note: some local manufacturers simply pack any of these glycols directly as brake fluid. E.g Polyproplyene glycol.
© QUALITY PARAMETER
Viscosity: Compare with an existing standard or comply to your clients specifications.
Strength: Very oily and should not dry up a metal surface within five minutes, Quality control can be contracted to a Public Analyst where the resources for quality
control is not available.
No comments:
Post a Comment