Introduction

During the production of low-density polyethylene, the

ethylene gas feedstock is compressed at pressures up to 3500

bar. The final stage compression is carried out in high speed

reciprocating compressors known as hyper-compressors. A

variety of lubricants are suitable for use with hyper-

compressors. However, polyalkylene glycols (PAGs) are

generally the most cost effective.

GEOlube® CL 1400 S TECHNICAL DATA SHEET

GEOlube® CL 1400 S Product Data

Typical Physical Properties*

Property Value Method

Viscosity@ 40°C, cSt 272 ASTM D445

Density @ 20°C, kg/m3 1086 ASTM D1298

Viscosity index 239 -

Flash point, COC,°C 259 ASTM D92

Pour point,°C -7 ASTM D97

* The typical values presented here are believed to be accurate; they

should not, however, be considered to constitute a specification.

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GEOlube® CL 1400 S - Technical Datasheet

Advantages over other types of lubricants are as follows:

1. PAGs are much less soluble in ethylene than are white oils and polyisobutylenes; therefore, a

two-fold advantage is observed:

a. viscosity reduction due to ethylene dissolving in the lubricant is minimised,

b. lubricant is much less likely to be removed or washed from the plunger running zone.

Thus, the overall lubricant consumption and compressor maintenance requirements are

reduced. The consumption of polyalkylene glycol is usually less than half the corresponding

consumption of white oil or polyisobutylene in the same conditions.

2. PAGs have superior load carrying and lubricant performance compared to white oils and poly-

isobutylenes, thus minimising wear on plungers and packings. Typical lifetime figures for

packings reported by end users are in the range of 20,000 - 40,000 hrs.

3. PAGS have relatively flat pressure-viscosity characteristics compared to white oils and

polyisobutylenes and mixtures thereof. This means that they flow more readily in the

compressor high pressure lubricant lines and are much less likely to solidify in the lines at lower

temperatures - see figures 1,2 & 3.

For these reasons, polyalkylene based ethylene compressor lubricants offer the best possible

lubricating performance with outstanding economy. GEOlube® CL 1400 S proves to be the most

effective at reducing pre-polymer formation and is also recommended for use under conditions

where co-polymers of ethylene with other monomers are being manufactured, for example, vinyl

acetate monomer.

GEOlube® CL 1400 S is recommended for co-polymers of ethylene and vinyl acetate (VAM)

containing up to 15% vinyl acetate.

In the polymerisation of ethylene where conditions result in some pre-polymerisation of the

ethylene in the hyper-compressor or heat exchanger, GEOlube® CL 1400 S offers performance

advantages, including:

Reduced down time for maintenance,

Reduced loss of the feedstock due to polymerisation,

Less pre-polymer deposits and improved efficiency.

GEOlube® CL 1400 S is a stable, non-corrosive, high flashpoint liquid which can be stored in mild

steel tanks under air or nitrogen. However, it can absorb moisture so appropriate measures to avoid

this should be taken.

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GEOlube® CL 1400 S - Technical Datasheet

Comparison with Polyisobutylene / White Oil Blends

This lubricant is widely used and generally preferred to lubricants containing either single

components. Typically it must be heated at 40°C before entering the cylinder, otherwise viscosity

problems can be encountered. This is not required for GEOlube® CL1400 S PAG.

The consumptions of PIB/white oil lubricants are also typically substantially higher than with PAG

type lubricants and the packing life significantly lower. Problems can also be encountered due to

the interaction with the additives in the PIB/white oils lubricants.

The carry over of small quantities of PAG lubricants also appears to have a positive effect on film

strength, compared to where PIB/white oil lubricant has been used, during the manufacture of

polyethylene film.

In favour of the PIB / white oil solution is its lower unit cost, though this is more than offset by

higher consumption compared with PAG.

PIB / white oil should be preferred for polyethylene which is to be used for the manufacture of high

tension cable grades as it has less effect on the dielectric constant of polyethylene.

In most cases therefore, polyalkylene glycols are considered the lubricant of choice.

Figure 1: Viscosity & Temperature

Curves for polyethylene compressor lubes

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GEOlube®

CL 1400

GEOlube® CL 1400 S - Technical Datasheet

Figure 2: Viscosity & Pressure

Curves for polyethylene compressor lubes

Figure 3: Viscosity & Pressure

Curves for polyethylene compressor lubes

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GEOlube® CL 1300 GEOlube® CL 1400

GEOlube® CL 1400

GEOlube® CL 1300

GEOlube® CL 1400 S - Technical Datasheet

OEM Approvals

GEOlube® CL 1400 S has been tested and approved by Burckhardt Compression AG.

Product Compliance

GEOlube® CL 1400 S is manufactured to comply with the following FDA 21CFR sections:

and may therefore be used in relevant applications where the potential for incidental food contact

may exist.

The FDA Status of this material has been independently certified by

NSF and it is included in the current NSF White Book Listing of Non-

food Compounds.

GEOlube® CL 1400 S is produced exclusively from components listed as additives in Synoptic

Document N.7, Draft of Provisional list of monomers and additives used in the manufacture of

plastics and coatings intended to come into contact with foodstuffs. The Commission of the

European Communities—Directorate General III—Industry—Industrial Affairs III: Consumers Goods

Industries. Foodstuffs—Legislation and Scientific and Technical Aspects, Ref CS/PM/2356.

GEOlube® CL 1400 S conforms to the Halal requirements in accordance with

Islamic Law. (Copy of Halal Certificate available on request).

Kosher Status of GEOlube® CL 1400 S : Pareve Passover

(Copy of Kosher Certificate available on request)

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Nonfood Compounds Program Listed

Category H1

Registration# 152998

177.1210 177.3570

GEOlube® CL 1400 S - Technical Datasheet

All information and data, including the formulations and procedures discussed herein, are believed to be correct. However, this should not be

accepted as a guarantee of their accuracy, and confirming tests should be run in your laboratory or plant. No statement should be construed as

a recommendation for any use which would violate any patent rights. Sales of all products are pursuant to terms and conditions included in

GEO Specialty Chemicals sales documents. Nothing contained therein shall constitute a guarantee or warranty with respect to the products

described or their use. Safety information regarding these products is contained in their Safety Data Sheets. Users of these products are urged to

review and use this information.

Reviewed: November 2017

Registration & Regulatory Information

Please refer to the safety datasheet.

Handling & Storage

This product can be stored for at least 2 years at ambient storage temperature and conditions

without any deterioration. Please refer to the safety datasheet for all relevant information.

Miscellaneous

Various pack types available; please contact your local GEO Specialty Chemicals representative for

further information.

GEOlube® is a registered trademark of GEO Specialty Chemicals, Inc.

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