Types of Industrial Lubricant Applications
Lubricants, in general, are used to reduce the friction between surfaces, particularly those with moving parts. They are responsible for the protection against wear and tear, while reducing heat transfer caused by corrosions. Which is why it is deemed to be one of the most essential elements needed for a machine to run smoothly. However, some believe that lubricants are all made the same, with the same properties and such, because they all function similarly. It is important for them to understand that not all lubricants are the same. There are actually different types of lubricants, but an industrial lubricant is one of the most used, playing an important role in any industry that uses industrial machinery and equipment. This type of lubricant is applied mainly to improve the performance of machines and equipment, while protecting them against damage during operation.
There are different types of industrial lubricant applications, based on their origin and composition. And with the system of additives used in creating these lubricants, they further impact their application. In all existing industries thriving with the use of several industrial machinery and equipment, the application of a liquid industrial lubricant is deemed to be important. Whether it is an industry operating in tough conditions, or a highly demanding one in terms of process and product safety, industrial lubricants can be able to support heavy-duty operations.
Types of Industrial Lubricant Applications
As mentioned, under industrial lubricant applications lie different types — hydraulic fluids, industrial gear oils, turbine oils, and greases and compounds. They all are contained with different additives ideal for certain applications. They all differ, which is why you have to be careful in selecting the proper industrial lubricant. If the additives contained in the oil are not appropriate to the one you are applying them at, then it might greatly affect its qualities and performance. The most important element to achieve sufficient lubrication would be the relevant viscosity.
Proper lubrication with the use of a high-quality industrial liquid lubricant will be able to protect the machine and equipment from oxidation, rust, corrosion, formation of deposits, and other types of contamination and degradation. It will then increase the uptime of the equipment, and even optimize service intervals. They will provide the equipment the ability to withstand extreme working and environmental conditions, leading to an optimized operational reliability and enhanced operational efficiency.
But of course, before having to lubricate the machines properly, it is essential to understand the different types of industrial lubricant applications. To learn more about these, keep on reading.
Hydraulic Fluids
For the wide range of hydraulic machines and equipment, the appropriate industrial lubricant to increase its efficiency would be hydraulic fluids; also referred to as hydraulic oil. This type of lubricant application is a non-compressible fluid that is used to transfer power within hydraulic machinery. They are also applied for the lubrication of hydraulic mechanisms, such as brakes, elevators or excavators, and to improve pump efficiency. Actually, the common use of this fluid is for the transfer of power. But it can also act as a sealant, coolant, and lubricant within the machinery and equipment.
Hydraulic fluids can be synthetic or mineral-based, and there lies different properties of the two. Mineral-based hydraulic oils come from crude oil fractions, while the synthetic ones are made using chemically produced base fluids. Synthetic hydraulic oils can be formulated to include superior elements in comparison to mineral oils. For high temperature performance, biodegradability, and oxidation stability, for instance.
On top of these, the properties and characteristics of hydraulic oil are very important to the capability of the hydraulic mechanisms. This is in order to work within the operating conditions you need to use them in. Thus, the essential properties that the hydraulic oil must contain should be being non-compressible, thermally stable within a range of operating temperatures, fire resistance, non-corrosive and anti-wearing to the system, constant viscosity regardless of the temperature, long life, and cost-effective as well. However, the overall product must not be limited to these properties. They must be open for other more elements for better utilization.
Industrial Gear Oils
Aside from the hydraulic fluids being the common industrial lubricant used, industrial gear oils are also utilized mostly by machines. It is because they have the ability to optimize gear efficiency, controlled by load, speed, and operating temperatures. This type of oil has several elements too. It includes friction modifiers that are responsible for maintaining positive contact while establishing a protective film. Also, it can be able to minimize and reduce friction as well. Manufacturers formulate industrial gear oils as a lubricant that functions much longer. And when the oil’s life is longer, the less fluid maintenance your equipment and machine will require. This makes the machine continue to operate without interruption.
Industrial gear oils are typically designed to handle the extreme pressures of industrial gearboxes, reduction gears, concrete mixing machines, and other industrial equipment. They have the ability to protect the parts against wear, corrosion, and oxidation; and protect the gears from the effects of abrasion in transmissions within the machinery.
This type of industrial lubricant is actually made up of two critical components — base oil and additives. The additives relay desirable properties while suppressing the undesirable ones, making it the backbone of the lubricant’s performance. Overall, every element and additives contained in this type of oil will certainly affect its qualities and performance. Which is why it is essential to be wary of the entire properties included in the oil. All before having to apply them in the machine or equipment itself.
Turbine Oils
In terms of lubricating the bearings and auxiliary machinery in steam and hydraulic turbines, as well as working for various types of closed-cycle industrial machinery, turbine oils would be the perfect industrial lubricant for these applications. This type offers enhanced protection, long oil life, and high system efficiency. Turbine oils are highly refined petroleum distillate oils, which are made from low-sulfur wax-free crudes, which contain several additives. They are typically characterized by a high degree of oxidation stability, good anti-corrosion and demulsifying properties, and a low foaming capacity.
The formulations of turbine oil comprises a mixture of base oil and various additives. These said additives include oxidation inhibitors, anti-corrosion agents, demulsifiers, foam inhibitors, and even anti-wear agents. They are then blended into the base oil at low levels. Doing so will protect both the oil and turbine parts. You have to understand the entire elements of the formulations as well. With this, you will be able to choose the right one, providing optimized performance in the turbine based on the OEM requirements, when utilized.
Greases and Compounds
Another common type of industrial lubricant applications would be greases and compounds. Greases are responsible for protecting the parts against the effects of rust and corrosion. Thus, is ideal to be utilized in environments of extreme heat. They offer reliable performance for standard applications to specialized compounds for heavy-loads, high-temperature, and low-noise uses as well. It enhances wear protection, longevity, and system efficiency.
The main function of grease would be to lubricate moving surfaces, without leaking out under the force of gravity, centrifugal action, or being squeezed out because of pressure. It retains its properties under shear forces at various temperatures when used. In construction facilities, for instance, are required to be applied with specialized, heavy-duty grease. It is in order to operate at optimal performance.
Greases are generally used for machines that run unsteadily. Or even those that have been in storage for a long period of time. They are also used for machines that are not easily accessible for frequent lubrication. Thus, high-quality greases have the ability to lubricate isolated and relatively inaccessible components for a longer timespan, without replenishing them frequently. This makes it ideal for sealed-for-life applications such as with some electrical m motors and gearboxes. Furthermore, even those machines operating under extreme conditions like high temperatures and pressures, shock loads or slow speed under heavy load. Also, for worn components, grease is responsible for maintaining thicker films in clearances enlarged by wear. It also extends the life of worn parts that were already lubricated previously.
Key Takeaway
Various industrial machines and equipment have their own specific requirements as to which industrial lubricant to use, to enhance their overall performance even in heavy-duty operations. These lubricants also possess long-term stability, efficiency, and offer extended service life. All due to the advanced additives added to the mineral or synthetic base oil. This makes them match the requirements of demanding industrial settings. Thus, before selecting lubricants for machines, it is better to know what type is ideal to use. This is so you would not encounter problems that may delay your entire operations in the future.
