Are you familiar with the various types of lubricants? Learn about their properties, including their base oils and viscosity, the cost and application.
Viscosity
Viscosity is a key factor when selecting an industrial lubricant. A low-viscosity lubricant may not create the ideal fluid film for metal-to-metal contact, which can increase wear and heat and reduce the lifespan of components. On the other hand, a higher-viscosity industrial lubricant Richmond VA will help smooth operations and provide better performance under varying temperatures, speeds, and loads.
When choosing an industrial lubricant, be sure to consider the temperatures and operating speeds of the machine. Viscosity recommendations are often based on component design, speed, and load. However, operating temperatures are not accounted for in the recommendations, which is why a viscosity index has been developed. The index is derived by measuring fluid viscosity at 400 degrees Celsius and 1000°C.
Base oil
The base oil used to manufacture lubricating grease, motor oils, and metal processing fluids has various properties depending on the specific application. Among the most important is its viscosity. The American Petroleum Institute (API) has classified base oils into five groups based on their viscosity and sulfur content. Ideally, the base oil chosen should be highly compatible with the product it will use.
The properties of a base oil are important in industrial lubrication, and these include viscosity limitation, thermal stability, oxidation, pour point, and hydraulic stability. Additionally, the aniline point is a measure of its compatibility with additives. Synthetic oils can be used for applications where service life needs to be extended in harsh conditions. They are excellent lubricants for applications that operate at high temperatures.
Application
The use of lubricants in industrial processes helps control wear and friction. These lubricants can be solid, liquid, or gaseous. Many companies invest in fluid management programs to prolong the life of lubricants and reduce disposal costs. These programs evaluate the condition of lubricants and can detect early signs of equipment failure. These programs are primarily used in large-volume applications of industrial lubricants.
The report includes detailed coverage of the Industrial Lubricant Additives market. It includes historical data and forecasts, product specifications, price trends, and company profiles of leading players. The report also divides the market by application type and geography. Consulting this report, you can find the suitable lubricant for your specific application.
Cost
How to Calculate the Cost of Industrial Lubricant for Your Company
Many plants make costly mistakes when it comes to lubrication. For example, excessive oil changes or over-greasing can compromise equipment reliability and result in unnecessary downtime. Over five years, a plant’s oil change costs can add up to $300,000. By contrast, a plant’s investment in an oil regeneration system can save up to 70%. Industrial lubricants are only a fraction of the costs associated with changing oil.
Higher base oil costs have primarily driven the rise in lubricant prices. These costs can affect a company’s entire lubricants business, as a change in base oil prices can affect a company’s bottom line. In addition, various factors, including reduced refinery run rates, soaring spot prices, and war and political unrest abroad, have contributed to increased base oil prices. These factors all affect the price of lubricants.
Water wash-off
In a recent study, researchers evaluated water wash-off with different greases. In general, water wash-off was lower than 10 percent, with water spray-off ranging between 1.4 percent and 2.75 percent. However, water spray-off in roll stability testing did not change the results. Some steel industry standards specify that water wash-off be lower than five percent. The water spray-off was only 1.3 percent with a stiff NLGI 2 grade, which contains 5 percent technical fine molybdenum disulfide, a copper passivator, and a rust inhibitor.
