ASTM International

Standard Classification of Hydraulic Fluids for Environmental Impact
 N D6046

Annotation

This classification covers all unused fully formulated hydraulic fluids in their original form.

This classification establishes categories for the impact of hydraulic fluids on different environmental compartments as shown in Table 1. Fluids are assigned designations within these categories; for example PwL, Pwe, and so forth, based on performance in specified tests.

In the current version of this classification the aspects of environmental impact included are environmental persistence of which biodegradability is one component and acute ecotoxicity. Although environmental persistence is discussed first, this classification does not imply that considerations of environmental persistence should take precedence over concerns for ecotoxicity.

Another important aspect of environmental impact is bioaccumulation. This aspect is not addressed in the present classification because adequate test methods do not yet exist to measure bioaccumulation of hydraulic fluids.

The present classification addresses the fresh water and soil environmental compartments. At this time marine and anaerobic environmental compartments are not included, although they are pertinent for many uses of hydraulic fluids. Hydraulic fluids are expected to have no significant impact on the atmosphere; therefore that compartment is not addressed.

This classification addresses releases to the environment which are incidental to the use of a hydraulic fluid. The classification is not intended to address environmental impact in situations of major, accidental release. Nothing in this classification should be taken to relieve the user of the responsibility to properly use and dispose of hydraulic fluids.