Everything You Wanted to Know About Industrial Lubricants

The assembly line is one of the biggest categories of industrial equipment. These machines have hundreds, sometimes thousands, of moving parts and are found in virtually every manufacturing facility worldwide. In addition, many parts are automated and require lubrication to perform their jobs. The purpose of lubricants is to keep the machines running smoothly.

Viscosity

Viscosity is an important characteristic to consider when selecting an industrial lubricant. Viscosity is the measure of the amount of fluid that flows between surfaces. High-viscosity lubricants are less viscous than low-viscosity ones. This means that they can flow freely and still provide good protection to moving parts.

Viscosity can be measured using a variety of instruments. One is a Couette Rheometer, which uses a precision cylinder rotating at high speed within a larger cylinder filled with oil. The precision cylinder allows a tester to know how thick the oil film is by measuring its thickness. Another tool is an ultrasonic shear tester (UHST), which measures viscosity at high shear rates. This instrument also allows measurements to be made at specified temperatures and times.

The temperature usually determines a lubricant’s viscosity it is poured, generally around 40 degrees Celsius. The ISO viscosity classifies industrial lubricants according to the temperature they can withstand. This information is useful in engineering calculations, where viscosity is important. For your specific lubricant requirements, consult your neighborhood lubricant supplier VA.

Pour point

The pour point of the industrial lubricants market is segmented by product type, application, and geography. 

The pour point of industrial lubricants is one of the properties of the most important lubricant. This is because the lower the pour point, the better it is for flow in a specific range of operating temperatures. Therefore, the pour point should generally be at least 10degC lower than the lowest operating temperature.

A lubricant’s pour point is a critical property for applications in cold climates, where the fluid flow can be critical. A lubricant’s pour point indicates the temperature at which it’s designed to flow under gravity. Low pour points can damage equipment and cause problems.

Pour point depressants are used in industrial lubricants to improve flow at low temperatures. These compounds prevent wax fractions from forming large crystal networks at low temperatures, obstructing oil flow. These compounds also have excellent shear stability, so they help keep oil flowing during cold weather.

Functions

Industrial lubricants are essential for the safe and efficient operation of various machinery. Their various properties protect against corrosion, wear, sedimentation, and carbon deposits. The correct selection of lubricants ensures trouble-free operation, reducing the costs of repairs and downtime. In addition, they can extend the life of the equipment.

Industrial lubricants are available in various types. Some are synthetic, and others are made of natural materials. Inorganic solid lubricants retain their lubricity over a broad range of temperatures. They also provide cushioning and dampening of high-stress components. They have different viscosities. The most common measurement is Kinematic viscosity, measured in degrees Celsius. However, in SI units, this measurement is often quoted in centistokes.

The correct use of industrial lubricants is essential for boosting the efficiency and performance of industrial equipment. Lubricants are specially formulated to address various challenges, from preventing damage and increasing service intervals to improving operational reliability. Industrial lubricants also help to lower maintenance costs by increasing the performance of mechanical equipment.

Applications

Industrial lubricants come in various types and are most commonly composed of petroleum oil, natural oils, grease, and ester lubricants. Synthetic oils are specially engineered chemical compounds with several advantages over natural oils. For example, synthetic oils can be more resistant to heat than natural oils and are usually used in high-temperature applications. However, synthetic oils are often expensive and are not practical in many applications.

Fortunately, new filtration technologies have made the reuse and recycling of lubricants a viable option. By recycling used lubricants, you can reduce pollution and save money. For example, some systems collect leaked oil in sumps and then dry and filter it. Reclaimed oil has superior properties to virgin base oil, and the filtration process can significantly reduce the cost of lubrication.

Industrial lubricants contain many additives that give them specific properties and enhance their performance. As a result, they can help protect equipment against corrosion, wear, sedimentation, carbon deposits, and more. They also prolong the life of the equipment and reduce the need for maintenance.