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Adjunct Professor Joseph Perez | News
11/01/13
Adjunct Professor Joseph Perez develops biodegradable hydraulic elevator fluid
Thanks to the efforts of chemical engineering adjunct faculty member Joe Perez, hydraulic elevators at the Penn State University Park Campus use soy-based hydraulic fluid.
For every floor a hydraulic elevator services, it typically has a shaft running an equal distance down into the ground. If these hydraulic fluid-"powered" elevators have a range of 2-6 stories their cylinders may penetrate six stories underground. Hydraulic powered elevators also run the risk of leaking, which can contaminate soil and ground water. The deeper the elevator shaft, to more difficult the cleanup.
The soy-based hydraulic fluid developed by dr. Joseph Perez, dramatically reduces remediation costs if there should ever be a leak or spill in one of the more than 100 hydraulic elevators at Penn State. Soy-based hydraulic fluid is biodegradable, so the procedures approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the agency which overseas spill cleanups, do not require expensive ground water remediation.
The soy-based hydraulic fluid is derived from soybeans. This serves as a renewable source of hydraulic fluid and provides a boost to farmers in Pennsylvania and across the nation.
This soy-based approach was implemented for all Penn State University Park direct displacement elevators in 2009. This alternative to conventional hydraulic elevators is available to colleges and universities across the country.
08/16/10
Chemical Engineering Biodiesel Group at Ag Progress Days
Look for the Chemical Engineering Biodiesel Group booth at Ag Progress Days from August 17th - 19th. Browse the Ag Progress Days Website for events, driving directions, and parking information.
02/04/10
Joe Perez Named Fellow of the STLE
Senior Research Scientist Joe Perez has been selected as a Fellow of the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers. This is a wonderful recognition of Dr Perez's long-standing accomplishments and contributions to the field of tribology.