Berkebile Oil Company, a U.S. manufacturer of high-quality, professional-grade automotive and industrial chemicals, announced the introduction of its new Protection First Class (PFC) penetrating lubricant and rust inhibitor. The innovative product is the first of its kind for Berkebile and represents the company’s entry into a new category of environmentally responsible lubricants. In formulating PFC, the company chose to use 99 percent pure cosmetic-grade lanolin as one of the product’s key ingredients.
Traditional penetrating lubricants use solvents to lower the viscosity of the oils they contain, enabling them to flow more easily or to be dispensed as a spray. The solvents make the lubricants runny, and in practical application, more than 80 percent of the applied substances are lost to runoff. Additionally, solvents break down some of the essential properties of the oils they mix with and, after quickly evaporating, leave a dry, varnish-like residue that can collect dirt and might actually increase surface friction (and thus impede mechanical action).
PFC is different by design. The product is solvent-free, but is formulated to spray easily and to stick to surfaces tenaciously. As PFC is being applied, its high viscosity allows almost 100 percent of the product to stick to the targeted application area. After application, PFC remains soft and pliable and forms a protective, friction-reducing film that delivers superior lubrication and anti-corrosion performance. In the case of small nicks and abrasions, the PFC coating will actually heal itself by flowing to fill small gaps in its protective surface, sealing out moisture and oxygen.
“In salt spray tests we’ve conducted, PFC lasted eight and a half weeks longer than five of the biggest selling solvent-based lubricants, which all failed between 24 and 96 hours,” says Kirk Sherbine, president of Berkebile Oil. “PFC lasts 15 times longer and gives the marketplace an intelligent, highly effective, environmentally responsible alternative to solvent-based lubricants.”
Solvents have toxic biochemical, physiochemical and neurochemical effects on organic tissues of all types. PFC is completely solvent-free and formulated with top-quality, virgin ingredients, including corrosion preventives, lubricants and naturally occurring, completely biodegradable lanolin. Unlike cutting equipment coated with solvent-based lubricants, blades coated with PFC won’t cause browning or chemical burning when coming in contact with plants.
“We supply automotive garages, small-engine shops, truck garages, body shops and others, and PFC is getting positive remarks from customers who have been introduced to it,” says Earl Peachey, founder of Pennstone Supply. “We are glad to provide a quality product that will give protection from rust and corrosion and that is safe for the environment, and we look forward to discovering how many different uses this product will have for our customers.”
The PFC woolwax lanolin formula has been classified as a non-hazardous, nontoxic substance. Even in harsh arctic conditions, PFC won’t freeze and retains its lubricating characteristics, protecting metallic surfaces and allowing machinery, chains and moving parts to operate smoothly while its slick surface resists the accumulation of road debris and other foreign substances. PFC is nonconductive and can be used to protect battery terminals and electrical connections of all types. The product can be used to create a moisture- and dirt-resistant coating on painted surfaces and can enhance the appearance of faded finishes, much like the effect of paste wax.
“We have snow removal contracts and equipment operating throughout West Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania, and we can’t afford to have equipment fail in the field,” says Roger Newman, president of R.C. Newman Excavating. “During the brutal winter of 2013-14, we field-tested PFC, applying it to every electrical connection, relay switch and terminal connection, and our electrical problems literally vanished. It also prevented salt buildup on our spreaders and minimized equipment corrosion.”
PFC comes in various container sizes designed to fit virtually any need, including a 15-ounce aerosol spray can (product number B-PFC-A), a 1-gallon jug (product number B-PFC-1), a 5-gallon bucket (product number B-PFC-5) and a 55-gallon drum (product number B-PFC-55). PFC will begin shipping immediately, and will be available through Berkebile’s exclusive distribution network. The company also reaches markets through online retailers serving a broad audience. To learn more about PFC, or to become a distributor, please call 800/732-9235.
About Berkebile Oil Company
Since 1954, Berkebile Oil has been known as a source for high-quality, professional-grade automotive, work truck, heavy-duty vehicle and commercial chemicals. From diesel additives and airline anti-freeze to starting fluids and other chemicals (such as the company’s famous B101 Gum Cutter), Berkebile Oil is a complete solution for high-performance chemicals. All Berkebile products are made in its U.S. factory in Somerset, Pa., using only virgin chemicals. Berkebile’s heavy-duty products include B-1800 Airline Anti-Freeze, B-1900 Diesel Conditioner and Anti-Gel, B-2000 Diesel Defrost Emergency Thaw, and B-2100 Diesel Cleaner Booster with Cetane Boost.
