INDUSTRIAL LUBRICANTS: EVERYTHING YOU NEED
TO KNOW TO OPTIMISE THE PERFORMANCE
OF YOUR EQUIPMENT
TO KNOW TO OPTIMISE THE PERFORMANCE
OF YOUR EQUIPMENT
In the industrial environment, industrial lubricants play a vital role in the maintenance and efficient operation of equipment. In this article, we will provide you with key information about industrial lubricants, their importance and how to choose the right lubricant to maximise the performance of your equipment and minimise downtime.
What is an industrial lubricant? An industrial lubricant is a product designed to reduce friction and wear between the moving surfaces of equipment used in industrial environments. It is composed of base oils and specialised additives that give it unique properties to reach the operating conditions.
Importance of industrial lubricants: Industrial lubricants play a crucial role in the protection and performance of equipment. By providing a layer of lubrication between moving parts, they reduce friction and wear, resulting in more efficient operation. They also help dissipate heat generated by friction, preventing overheating and prolonging the life of equipment.
Choosing the right lubricant: When selecting an industrial lubricant, it is important to consider several factors to ensure optimum performance. These include the type of equipment, the operating conditions, the load it will be exposed to and the recommended maintenance intervals. In addition, it is essential to consider viscosity properties, oxidation resistance and ability to withstand temperature extremes.
Benefits of the right lubricant: By using the right industrial lubricant, you can obtain a number of significant benefits. These include reduced maintenance costs due to reduced friction and wear, increased energy efficiency due to reduced resistance to moving parts, and longer equipment life, which helps avoid costly repairs or premature replacement.
Conclusion: Industrial lubricants are essential for optimising equipment performance in industrial environments. Choosing the right lubricant according to the characteristics and requirements of your equipment is critical to ensure efficient and reliable operation. Remember to consult with lubrication experts and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for best results. Optimise the performance of your equipment with quality industrial lubricants and keep your operations unning smoothly.
Classification of industrial lubricants: What do you need to know?
Introduction: Lubricants play a crucial role in reducing friction and wear between moving surfaces. In the industrial field, there are different types of lubricants which are classified according to their composition, nature and additives used. In this article, we will explore the various categories of industrial lubricants and their application in different contexts.
THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES ARE CLASSIFIED ACCORDING TO THEIR COMPOSITION::
● Liquid lubricants, known as lubricating oils, are the most common in the industry and are used in many applications such as engines, compressors, turbines, transmissions, guides, and hydraulic systems.
● Gaseous lubricants are the lowest viscosity lubricants. They are applied in aero and aerostatic bearings. Since the chemical properties and state of aggregation of most gases remain unchanged over a wide temperature range, they can be applied at both very high and very low temperatures.
● Solid lubricants: Used in applications where lubrication is required under extreme conditions, such as very high or low temperatures over a wide range and corrosive atmospheres. The most common materials are molybdenum disulphide, graphite, boron nitride or polytetrafluoroethylene propylene.
● Semi-solid lubricants: known as greases, these consist of oil in the form of soap and are used in areas where liquid lubricants cannot be used.
● Cryogenic lubrication and cooling: involves the use of cryogenic materials, such as liquid nitrogen (LN2) or liquid carbon dioxide. The cryogenic coolant is injected into the lubrication zone and absorbs the heat, evaporating rapidly and forming a layer of fluid gas between the surfaces acting as a lubricant.
CLASSIFICATION BY NATURE:
● Mineral lubricants: Derived from petroleum refining, they are widely used due to their relatively low cost and their ability to meet the needs of many standard systems. However, they can be more susceptible to oxidation compared to other types
● Synthetic lubricants: Obtained through chemical processes such as polyalphaolefins, esters and polyglycols. They offer superior performance compared to mineral oils. They are more stable at high temperatures, have better resistance to oxidation and a better ability to operate at extremely low and high temperatures. They are especially useful in applications requiring operation under severe conditions or in high-precision systems.
● Lubricants of vegetable or animal origin: The use of vegetable oils as lubricants is increasing due to their excellent lubricity properties, biodegradability, viscosity-temperature characteristics and low volatility. The environmental impact of vegetable oils is lower than that of mineral oils.
Conclusion: The classification of industrial lubricants is based on different criteria, such as composition and nature. Each category has its own specific characteristics and applications in various industrial environments. By understanding these classifications, you can select the most appropriate lubricant to optimise the performance and life of your equipment. Remember to consult with lubrication experts and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for best results.
