LIFE+ PROJECT

Advanced technology and respect for the environment pin-point to perfection the goals and intentions that inspire the commitment of Argo Tractors S.p.A.
Argo Tractors S.p.A. has created the “Clash Oil” project, which has obtained important acknowledgement from the European Commission as well as the financial aid established by the Life+ Program.

What is LIFE+

Life+ is the financial instrument for the environment that contributes towards the implementation and development of EU environmental policy and legislation.
The main aim of the Program is to provide specific support in Europe to measures and projects with added value for the EU that implement, upgrade and develop EU environmental policy and laws.

The Program covers three different subjects:

1. Life+ “Nature and Biodiversity”, principle objectives: protect, conserve, restore, monitor and facilitate the functioning of natural systems, natural habitats, wild flora and fauna, with the aim of halting the loss of biodiversity, including diversity of genetic resources, within the EU.

2. Life+ “Environmental Policy and Governance”, principle objectives: implement, update and develop EU environmental policy and legislation, bridge the gap between research and implementation on a wide scale and promote innovative solutions.

3. Life+ “Information and Communication”, principle objectives: to disseminate information and raise awareness on environmental issues, including forest fire prevention; and to provide support for accompanying measures, such as information, communication actions and campaigns, conferences and training, including training on forest fire prevention.

For more details

LIFE10 ENV/IT/428 Project

Thanks to the “Clash Oil” project, Argo Tractors S.p.A. will build a pilot line able to demonstrate how environmentally friendly lubricants can be used instead of the synthetic lubricants now employed for engine and transmission pre-treatments.

Environmental problem

The environmental problem that Argo is trying to remedy concerns the use of synthetic mineral oils for pre-treating transmissions and engines, since the environmental impact of these lubricants is very high (energy consumption, production of CO2 and water pollution: just one litre of oil is sufficient to pollute one million litres of water).

A few statistics:

1156 kg CO2/Mg of oil for the production of synthetic lubricant oils
676 kg CO2/Mg of oil for regenerating synthetic lubricant oils
28 million tons of CO2: the estimated CO2 production in 2010, against 41.7 million tons of synthetic lubricant oils (the data refer to Europe alone)
+2,3%: estimated annual increase in the demand for lubricant oils

Moreover, use of synthetic lubricants in transmissions and engines creates microenvironments subject to high pressure, high temperatures and contamination from metal debris.

About 20% of the lubricant used in these operations is lost and dispersed in the surrounding environment.
In addition, synthetic lubricants are usually made from dangerous substances.

Develompment work

The project will be implemented in technical steps, as described below:

optimization of the size of the graphite particles and glycerol concentration, and determination of the most functional bio-lubricant compounds.
planning and implementation of a functional bio-lubricant collection system.
design and construction of a heating circuit for the bio-lubricant tank.
design and construction of an in-line station for filtering/separating lubricants.
assembly of sub-systems and installation of the pilot system in the assembly line.
flow tests and identification of the best temperatures for working with bio-lubricants; measurement of energy consumption, efficiency and the useful life of bio-lubricant cleaning.
tractor field tests with target customers and any improvements that may have emerged during the experimentation and development phase or from the suppliers’ indications.
definition of the recycling procedures and best practices.

Expecteed results

he results expected from the development and completion of the “Clash Oil” project are of double importance:

Advantages for the environment

the synthetic oils will be completely replaced by 70-100% degradable bio-lubricants (approx. 4000 litres/year).
less CO2 produced (1150-670 kg/Mg less lubricant)
reduced gas emissions (-20%).
lower oil consumption (60 litres less per transmission).
use of renewable sources for the production of bio-lubricants.
less pollution and safer oils.
protection of the soil and water from accidental spills and leaks.

Technical advantages

efficient operation
longer lubricant life (+20%)
improved protection against corrosion during storage
the right viscosity values during flushing
energy recovered from the transmissions as they are flushed
less lubricant lost

Technical Progress

September 2014
Efficient running in by the low temperature use of graphitized glycerol fluids (suspensions of graphite in recovered glycerol)
Longer lubricants service life (+20%) due to increased thermal stabilit
Higher corrosion protection during stocking, due to better adhe- sion to the metal
Final protective oil impregnation step not needed
Pre-heating of lubricants allows to have the proper viscosity val- ues during fluxing
Energy recovery from the transmissions under fluxing
Lower lubricant losses due to lower volatility of bio lubricants and excellent high tem- perature stability of graphite in inert gas
March 2014
All the sub-systems, i.e. pumps, filters, heating and cooling systems, and lubricant distribution manifold were assembled on the transmission flushing pilot system.
Practical flushing tests on transmission units with various power ratings (80-120 HP) using the new lubricants (graphitized glycerol and bio-lubricant) have provided satisfactory results, since the flushed transmissions were cleansed in an excellent way.
Chemical analyses of the properties of the new lubricants during the different flushing stages have provided indicators allowing us to confirm that these new lubricants last longer than mineral oils, especially at high operating temperatures.
Tractors were fitted with transmissions flushed in the new pilot system for the purpose of performing practical tests to compare values obtained from the conventional mineral oil flushing process with those of the new system, using graphitized glycerol and bio-lubricant.
April 2013
The two biolubricant tanks, equipped with silver ion treated aluminium alloy inserts hanging inside them in a precise layout, have been finished and installed. The purpose is to keep the oil in contact with these inserts as long as possible when the fluid is mixed and recirculated.
The fluid dynamics of the installation are maintained in a valid condition thanks to the circuits designed for the tanks.
Laboratory tests show that the properties of the biolubricant remain stable (viscosity, without bacterial loads or fungi).
The filtering and heating subsystems of the two lubricants (graphitized glycerol and biolubricant) have been fully completed and provide excellent results as to filtering in general and separation of the metal particles.
The commitment towards determining the filter able to retain these particles, comprising various types of metal, is worthy of mention.
Filters with the right sort of magnetic separators featuring high magnetic fields, were only adopted after numerous tests.
The preheating system for the biolubricant oil and graphitized glycerol has been designed.
The two tanks for heating the fluids are currently being installed, with a solar panel that powers a heat converter.
This step will be completed in May and will be followed by practical tests to make sure that enough solar energy is supplied (therefore without installing a further electric heating element in the tanks).
January 2013
The work performed to find the right mixture of biolubricants was successfully concluded at the end of December 2012. This result was achieved in several steps:
Definition of the best size for the particles of graphite powder;
Definition of the conditions required for maintaining a state of fluidization as the transmissions are flushed;
Assessment of the residues that remain on the transmission components after the first tests;
Definition of three biolubricant compounds fit for the three different transmission power ranges in question.

Laboratory tests were performed to assess the stability of the biolubricant when subjected to high temperatures and dynamic centrifugation at different speeds, and its effect on the rubber components currently used in the transmissions was analyzed. The results showed that these components would have to be replaced with other, more resistant ones, in teflon-coated rubber.
To do all this, we had to build a reduced-size test line, which allowed us to overcome the technical problems that had led to slight delays in completing the action without, however, affecting the outcome of the project.
Collaboration with the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia and with “CURA” of Padua allowed us to attain all our objectives and define the experimental oil, which was called “FLUXOIL-BIO”.

The tasks for designing and building a tank for the biolubricant began in a regular way, but work slowed down to a slight extent during the summer owing to the earthquakes that occurred at that time. Thus the tasks required in order to design the tank were defined and planned at the beginning of October. This work is currently in progress and excellent results have been obtained: definition of the fluid dynamics of the tank, design engineering of the tank especially with regard to the diameter of the pipes, the types of pump and the heating system. The action is proceeding rapidly and in a regular way and its successful conclusion is forecast within next March.
Future actions: construction of the auxiliary separation and heating systems is imminent. The tank will be completed and tests will begin within the next few months.
April 2012
Research into bio-lubricants is in progress, as is the construction of a miniature system that simulates how gears are treated with glycerol and graphite:

The purpose of the laboratory work is to assess the percentages of vegetable feedstock the lubricant oil must comprise. We are continuing the chemical and physical reaction tests on the rubber and Teflon seals used in the tractors by keeping them in contact with bio-lubricant based oil. The tests are performed at high and low temperatures, after which the changes in the elasticity of the products are assessed along with the structural deformations.
The type of system in which the transmission assemblies are to be subjected to tests with the new glycerol – graphite mixture has been defined in the project. Structural components such as the fluid reservoirs, application of electric motors, the transmission gear turning control and pipe network for transferring and blending products in the reservoirs have all been built.

Final report

Environmental Problem

The environmental problem targeted is the use of synthetic mineral oils in the fluxing/running in of transmissions and gearings. Lubricants of mineral origin, as a matter of fact, present a high environmental impact, ranging from energy consumption and CO2 production, to the pol-lution of water; one litre of oil can contaminate one million litres of water. Recent figures regarding the CO2 equivalent burden of oils show that the production of virgin base oil requires 1156 kg CO2/Mg oil. Considering a global lubricant demand of around 41.7 million of tons, of which one quarter involves European countries, the best available technology, i.e. regeneration, even if reducing of 42% the carbon footprint doesn’t appear a solution since it involves the production of more than 28 million tons of CO2 per year. Moreover, due to the high power involved in tractors mechanical transmissions, lubricants are usually made of dangerous substances, like highly refined mineral oils or zinc-alkyl-di-tio- phosphates, which are classified as very dangerous for the men’s health (danger’s category: Carc. 1B, R38-51/3).

Project objectives

The project intended to demonstrate the feasibility of an alternative pre-treatment of high power transmissions and gearings, by the subsequent use of graphite particles suspended recovered glycerol and bio-lubricants mixtures. The project involved the construction of a pilot line, where the use of such lubricants, together with a stabilizing Ag-containing engineered surface, would have led to an average reduction of 4000 kg of equivalent CO2 production, as well as the elimination of harmful compounds like highly refined mineral oils or zinc-alkyl-di-tio- phosphates and the elimination of environmental pollution deriving from mineral oil spills. At the same time, recovery of glycerol from other manufacturing processes, Fluxing/running in by graphite particles suspended in glycerol would have been performed in order to ensure protection from oxygen and enough cooling of the moving parts of the transmission. After graphitized glycerol removal from the transmission, the final steps have been performed using biolubricants, in a controlled environment. As a matter of fact, the temporary and re- versible stabilization of bio-lubricants would have allowed their use for the next steps of run- ning in, without problems correlated to these oils high biodegradability, which makes them subject to bacterial and fungi attacks.

Activities implemented

To achieve the aforementioned objectives, the following means and actions have been imple- mented:

Optimization of graphite particles size and concentration in glyc- erol to produce a suitable suspension for the preliminary flux- ing/running in of transmissions.
Design and realization of a functionalised bio-lubricant collection tank with aluminium inserts, in order to provide antibacterial and fungi protection.
Design and realization of heating circuit for bio-lubricant tank, powered by thermal solar energy and by direct kinetic energy recovery.
Design and realization of an on-line filtering/separating station for the lubricants and arrangement of permanent magnets for the creation of high magnetic field gradients.
Tests of fluxing and individuation of the most suitable bio-lubricants operating tempera- tures and measurements of energy consumption, efficiency and bio-lubricant life time and cleanliness.• Field tests of complete tractors with reference customers and possible improvements emerged by the experimentation and development phase, as well as from suppliers indica- tions
Definition of recycling procedures.

Environmental results

The main environmental results achieved are:

Complete substitution of synthetic oils with bio-lubricants.
Recovery of 4000 litres/year of glycerol per fluxing site, using glycerol preferably obtained as a by-product of biodiesel manu- facturing.
Reduction of CO2 production (1150-670 kg/Mg of lubricant less) compared to a mineral-oil based fluxing plant.
Reduction of gaseous emissions (- 20%).
Lower oil consumption due to the fluxing, which replaces two running in oil changes (average 60 litres per transmission per change).
Less polluting and safer oils, not containing harmful highly refined mineral oils nor zinc-alkyl-di-tio-phosphates.
Protection of water and soil form casual spills, in case of use of bio-lubricants also dur- ing the service life of the tractor.
Use of renewable resources.

LIFE+ Programme

The LIFE+ programme is the European Union’s financial tool for the environment. The general aim of the LIFE programme is to contribute towards implementing, up-dating and developing significant environmental policies and legislation for the European Union by co-financing pilot or demonstration projects that are important for the whole of Europe. The LIFE+ programme is split up into three components:

LIFE+ Nature and Biodiversity: This supports demonstration pro- jects and best practices having the aim of safeguarding nature and Euro- pean biodiversity by means of conservation and protection of natural habitats and of animal and plant species.
LIFE+ Environment Policy and Governance: This supports pilot and innovative projects contributing to the implementation of European envi- ronmental policies and of ideas, technology, methods and tools for the development of innovative environmental policies.
LIFE+ Information and Communication: This supports projects re- lating to the development of communication and awareness campaigns regarding issues such as preservation of the environment, the protection of nature and the preservation of biodiversity, as well as campaigns for the prevention of forest fires.

Events

AN EVENT TO CELEBRATE THE CONCLUSION OF THE “LIFE+” PROJECT, NAMED “CLASH OIL: LIFE10 ENV/IT/428”, 25/09/2014
Purpose of the event is to explain and report what has been realized throughout the “LIFE+” project, a European Community program, to which Argo Tractors adhered in 2012. Started in 1992, “LIFE+” is aimed at co-financing projects contributing to the development and implementation of environment-friendly policies. “LIFE+” supports Companies, public or private institutions investing in ecological sustainability. Argo Tractors, being focused on the production of 100% Made in Italy tractors, has set its goals to the achievement of high technology standards through the development of pioneering production processes resulting in very high-quality products, strongly committed to seek for eco-friendly solutions complying with ethical rules. These fundamentals made Argo Tractors join the “LIFE+” project. The “CLASH OIL” project, now being concluded, entails the replacement of synthetic lubricants used for the pre-treatment of Landini, McCormick and Valpadana tractors’ transmissions by bio-lubricants. Through this project, Argo Tractors has been willing to increase the materials recycling and the usage of bio lubricants.
VISIT OF ISTITUTO SUPERIORE OF CAIRO MONTENOTTE (SV) 30/04/2014
During the Argo Tractors factories visit, the Life+ project is presented to the students of the “Istituto Superiore” of Cairo Montenotte.
VISIT OF THE “MAISON FAMILIALE ET RURALE” OF CROLLES 09/04/2014
During the Argo Tractors factories visit, the Life+ project is presented to the students of the “Maison Familiale et Rurale” of Crolles.
VISIT OF THE PROFESSIONAL SECONDARY SCHOOL “MOTTI” OF REGGIO EMILIA 10/12/2013
During the Argo Tractors factories visit, the Life+ project is presented to the students of the Professional Secondary School “Motti” of Reggio Emilia.
AGREENCULTURE SPECIAL MENTION – SAVIGLIANO FAIR (CN) 16/03/2014
RAGGI DEALER VISITING AT ARGO TRACTORS 04/03/2014
During the Argo Tractors factories visit, the Life+ project is presented to the customers of the Italian dealer “Raggi”.
VISIT OF UNIVERSITY OF MODENA 03/12/13
During the Argo Tractors factories visit, the Life+ project is presented to the students of the University of Modena.
ARGO TRACTORS WORLDWIDE CONVENTION – 30 SEPTEMBER AND 2 – 3 – 4 OCTOBER 2013
During the Worlwide Convention held at Auditorium Paganini Parma the Marketing Manager, Mr. Antonio Salvaterra, presents the Life+ project and the company commitment to sales branches, importers, dealers and International Press coming from around the world.
VISIT OF THE I.T.I. SCHOOL OF CASTELNOVO MONTI (RE) 21/05/13
During the Argo Tractors factories visit, the Life+ project is presented to the students of the I.T.I. School of Castelnovo Monti (RE).
VISIT OF THE AUSTRIAN IMPORTER 09/05/13
During the Argo Tractors factories visit, the Life+ project is presented to the students of the Agriculture Secondary School “Zanelli” of Reggio Emilia.

VISIT OF ISTITUTO TECNICO AGRARIO ZANELLI (RE) 30/04/2013
During the Argo Tractors factories visit, the Life+ project is presented to the students of the Agriculture Secondary School “Zanelli” of Reggio Emilia.
ARGO TRACTORS AND LIFE+ ON SIMA 24-28/02/2013
Argo Tractors Life+ project is showed to everybody on the stand during the Sima show.
EVENT LIFE+ PER PRE SIMA 2013
During the Argo Tractors stand and tractors range presentation for Sima show 2013, the company show to all his staff Life+ project.
"VETRINA DELLE SOSTENIBILITA” BOLOGNA 02/13/2013
During the event of “Vetrina della Sostenibilità” in Bologna Argo Tractors Marketing Manager shows LIFE+ project.
VISIT BY THE EINAUDI INSTITUTE OF CORREGGIO (RE) – ITI / MECHATRONICS CLASSES 06/02/2013
During a tour of the Argo Tractors plants, students from the Einaudi Technical Institute in Correggio (RE) were introduced to the Life+ project.
STEFANI LUCIANO DEALER VISITING AT ARGO TRACTORS COMPANY 01/23/2013
During the Argo Tractors factories visit, the company shows to the dealer costumers Life+ project.
ARGO TRACTORS WITH LIFE+ AT EIMA 11/09/2012
On Argo Tractors stand, during the Eima show 2012, the company present to the pubblic their commitment in Life+ project.
LIFE+ EVENT FOR PREEIMA 11/06/2012
During the Argo Tractors stand and tractors range presentation for Eima show 2012, the company show to all his staff Life+ project.
MEETING RIO DE JANERO 06/07/2012
On the occasion of the Rio De Janeiro meeting Mr. Antonio Salvaterra A.T. Marketing Manager show all Argo Tractors Latino America importers Life+ project.
LIFE+ EVENT IN FABBRICO 16/05/2012
To mark the 20th anniversary of the Life+ Program, Argo Tractors SpA will be organizing a conference during which the institutions of the Provincia Department of Reggio Emilia will be informed of its commitment to reduce the environmental impact of its manufacturing process through the “Clash Oil” project. The program of the event, which will take place on 16 May 2010, is attached herewith.