Do you know that the appropriate lubrication is able to impact on the machinery in industries? This airtical will discuss an important role of lubrication in mechanical devices, which includes preventing wear, minimizing maintenance costs and thereby extending the life span of machines. The correct selection of lubricants and effective lubrication practices can improve operational efficiency and give a sense of reliability.
Equipment is the cornerstone of industrial production and in this sense, it’s very essential if one wants to make it in business as it has direct implications on production, operations and profit. Consequently, the need for adequate lubrication and maintenance cannot be ignored. These are the basics of equipment management ensuring smooth as well as efficient functioning.
Appropriate lubrication and maintenance services deal with early recognition of probable problems and their solutions while creating an ideal working environment for machines preventing failure in advance. A proper and methodical approach to lubrication management will ensure dependable machines’ performance with reduced wear or tear; low maintenance costs thus leading to longer life expectancy for your machines.
What are the properties of lubricating oils?
The additives allow the lubricating oil to have properties that will enable the lubricant to function in the specific environment it will be put to work. Among others, these properties will include: Low-temperature resistance, High-temperature resistance, Anti-wear, Water resistance and Oxidation resistance
(1) Liquid LubricantsLiquid lubricants represent the most diverse and widely utilized category of lubrication materials in industrial applications. This group encompasses mineral lubricating oils, synthetic lubricating oils, bio-based oils (animal and vegetable), and water-based fluids.
The hallmark of liquid lubricants is their broad viscosity range, enabling precise selection for mechanical components operating under varied loads, speeds, and temperatures. This versatility allows for optimized lubrication across a wide spectrum of industrial processes and machinery.
(2) Mineral Lubricating Oil: Currently dominating the market, mineral oils account for approximately 90% of total lubricant volume. These oils are formulated by blending refined petroleum-based base oils with performance-enhancing additives. The additives typically include anti-wear agents, antioxidants, corrosion inhibitors, and viscosity modifiers, tailoring the oil’s properties to specific applications.
(3) Synthetic Lubricating Oil: Engineered through chemical synthesis, synthetic oils offer superior performance characteristics compared to mineral oils. They exhibit enhanced thermal stability, oxidation resistance, and viscosity index, making them ideal for extreme operating conditions. Common types include polyalphaolefins (PAOs), synthetic esters, and polyalkylene glycols (PAGs).
(4) Bio-based Oils: Derived from animal fats or plant sources, these environmentally friendly lubricants are gaining traction due to their biodegradability and renewability. Rapeseed, soybean, and palm oils are common vegetable-based lubricants, while sperm whale oil (now largely phased out) was historically used in precision instruments.
