When it comes to keeping your engine in perfect condition, one of the most important choices is that of lubricating oil. But what distinguishes one lubricating oil from another? And how do you choose the best one? In this article, we will explore in detail everything you need to know about lubricating oils, with a focus on Pakelo products, to help you make the right choice.
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A lubricating oil is a complex mixture consisting of three main elements:
These three components work together to ensure the engine runs at its best, protecting moving parts and reducing wear and tear. But let’s take a closer look at what makes a lubricating oil really effective.
Base oils can be of mineral or synthetic origin. Mineral bases, obtained from oil refining, offer a low cost but limited stability at high temperatures. Synthetic bases, on the other hand, are produced by complex industrial processes and offer superior performance. Group IV bases, for example, consist of PAO (polyalphaolefins), molecules created to ensure high performance, while Group V includes special base oils such as esters and silicones.
Additives are the ‘secret ingredients’ that give the oil its unique properties. There are different types of additives, each with a specific function, such as anti-wear additives, antioxidant additives and anti-foam additives. These additives improve the durability and effectiveness of the lubricating oil, making it capable of protecting the engine in the most extreme conditions.
Viscosity improvers ensure that the oil maintains its properties over a wide range of temperatures. This is essential to ensure that the engine is protected at both low and high temperatures.
The quality of a lubricating oil depends on many factors. To assess its performance, it is important to consider several specifications on the product label. The API, ACEA and JASO specifications indicate compliance with international standards, while the specifications of manufacturers (such as Mercedes, VW, BMW, Volvo) are often stricter and offer a more precise indication of product quality.
If you would like more information, please consult the technical data sheet of the oil, where you can find parameters such as:
Choosing the best motor lubricating oil is not an easy task, but knowing the components and technical specifications can make all the difference. Pakelo products offer advanced solutions for anyone looking for maximum performance and protection for their engine. Whether you are a motor enthusiast or just a motorist, understanding how a lubricating oil works will help you make the right choice and ensure the long life of your engine.
There are several factors to consider when selecting the right industrial lubricant. A manufacturer’s recommendation is a great starting point, but it doesn’t have to be the only option. Most manuals are written for ideal conditions, but these guidelines don’t address the real environment in which the equipment is being used. What if your equipment manufacturer recommends a NLGI-grade #2 grease, but you are operating in below zero conditions?
It’s best to use an industrial lubricant that meets the specific demands of your operation. There are new advancements in lubrication that could prove to be more reliable or extend equipment life further if you are willing to do the research and understand the basics.
We recommend customers understand the “4 C’s to Lubrication”:
To determine which type of lubricant is best for an application, one must understand the current situation. Look at application/environmental factors such as speed, temperature, load, vibration, moisture, and dust. Consider that:
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There are three (3) classifications of a lubricant:
Grease, for example, is made up of an oil base stock, thickeners, and functional additives to enhance performance. There are standard base stocks such as mineral oils and standard thickeners such as lithium/ lithium complex. Greases comprised of these thickeners are lower in cost and thus frequently used, but they don’t offer the same performance as a synthetic base grease. The lubricant’s additive package has a significant impact on the lubricant’s performance.
As temperatures or speeds increase, the viscosity of a lubricant will decrease. Viscosity, the measure of a fluid’s resistance to flow, is essential to protect equipment. You need a formulation that will provide a sufficient film layer of lubrication to reduce friction.
When selecting the appropriate industrial lubricant, keep in mind the application environment. For example, if you expect a bearing will be subjected to significant amounts of water contact, then choose a lubricant with low-water washout and high-corrosion resistance properties. In situations where the bearings are at low speeds and extreme pressure, you can increase equipment reliability by choosing a higher base oil viscosity lubricant with high-load capabilities. Selecting the right lubricant in each scenario can have considerable pay-off.
Choosing the right lubricant is even more essential if you are operating in an aggressive environment such as a mine where there is typically high moisture, corrosion, and extreme temperatures. It’s even more critical to equipment life to select a lubricant that will maintain a sufficient film of lubrication to reduce friction, resist load and wear, and prevent corrosion.
It’s important to understand the damage that over or under greasing can cause your equipment. Manually re-greasing too often and/or with the incorrect amount, or automatically lubricating with the incorrect lubricant can cause harm. Whether you choose an automated system or manual, the goal should be to provide the right type of lubricant, in the right amount, at the right time. This approach allows for a constant level of protection.
Frequent bearing failure is a prime example of damage caused by over or under greasing. According to the American Bearing Manufacturers Association (ABMA), improper or insufficient lubrication is the cause of 64% of bearing failures. It is important to understand the various parameters surrounding the operation of any given bearing to properly select re-lubrication intervals. Over greasing will lead to increased operating temperatures, resulting in energy losses and eventual bearing failure. Similarly, using too little grease will not allow the grease to properly carry the load applied to it, which will also result in bearing failure.
Once the correct lubrication has been determined, procedures should be put in place to maintain a lubrication program. This will ensure that the proper lubrication procedures for each piece of equipment throughout the plant will be followed by all maintenance personnel. Putting together a lubrication plan should become part of the maintenance standard operating procedures.
These factors should include:
By maintaining careful records, you can see patterns over time in performance and adjust accordingly.
As industry looks to continuously improve production efficiencies and demand more from current resources, equipment and personnel are being pushed to deliver. Re-examining your operation’s lubrication selection process can be an easy way to boost equipment reliability and performance.
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