Ibérica S.A. is a component supplier to producers of agricultural machines. Conventional transmissions, actuators and motor control systems are produced in their production site in Getafe near Madrid and supplied to customers all over the world.

Production involves metal processing, requiring usage of coolants to cool tools and flush away metal swarf. To extent lifetime of such cooling lubricants they are treated with bactericidals and other chemicals. In addition they are filtered to remove solids; however after a certain period of time they need to be replaced by fresh emulsions. Due to high contamination degree these spent emulsions cannot be disposed of into open waters or public sewer systems. Thus high costs occur for disposal with specialized destruction companies.

Prior to disposal John Deere treats the spent emulsions in a VACUDEST® vacuum distillation system. During such process most of the water is removed from the emulsions reducing the volume by more than 95 %. Only the residue, containing about 60 % oil is disposed of with a destruction company. Since volume is about 95 % lower the destruction costs reduce accordingly. To realize an effluent free production the distillate can be reused for the preparation of fresh emulsions or for other processes in the factory.  

In 1995 John Deere invested in a VACUDEST® 60 vacuum distillation system for the treatment of 60 litres of emulsions per hour. Due to increased production in 2003 it was necessary to increase capacity of the spent emulsion treatment system as well. Due to reliability of equipment and excellent service of H2O it was a quick decision to install a VACUDEST® 200, supplied in March 2004. Not only spent emulsions are treated but also rinsing water from degreasing processes and barrel cleansing.

About one million litres of emulsions have been treated in 2008 with H2O’s VACUDEST® technology. The produced distillate has excellent quality, allowing direct discharge into the public sewer or recycling into the production process.

John Deere’s environmental officer and head of the laboratory, Mr. Lázaro Martinez ensures:
I decided to invest in H2O`s technology, because it is the most feasible on the market. No chemicals are needed; the system uses little energy only and is absolutely reliable. The VACUDEST® has paid for itself quickly due to the drastic reduction of destruction cost. Due to the possibility of recycling the distillate we are even saving valuable resources.