How to Choose the Right Lubricant for Optimal Machine Performance

Team Minimac

Jan 16, 2023 · 2 min read

Introduction

Lubrication is​ essential to the reliable functioning of industrial machinery. Choosing the correct lubricant is the key to reducing​ your downtime, minimizing wear, and extending equipment life. But there are so many possibilities that selecting the correct one can be​ overwhelming. This guide​ offers practical advice and selection criteria for the right lubricant.

Why choosing the right lubricant matters

Some key factors are: Since lubricant​ affects directly:

  • Machine Efficiency:​ Smooth operation is guaranteed if there is no friction due to a lubricant.
  • Long-lastingness: Prevents wear and tear to​ machinery, extends the life of machinery
  • Saving Costs:​ Cuts costs on maintenance and avoids unexpected malfunctions from occurring.
  • Green Compliance:​ Reduces waste, and is in compliance with PR-forms.

Key Factors to Consider When Selecting a Lubricant

1. Scope of Application

  • Determine the function of​ the lubricant: whether to reduce friction, cool, or prevent corrosion.
  • Describe which machine or system the lubricant is​ to be used on.
  • Match the characteristics of the lubricant to the conditions of use, e.g., temperature,​ speed, and load.

2. Physical​ and chemical properties

  • Evaluate Viscosity, Viscosity-Index, and​ Density.
  • Make certain​ the lubrication meets to test requirements for water, acidity, and oxidation resistance.
  • Look for certification​ such as ISO or ASTM.

3. Product Properties

  • Evaluate​ the most primal KPIs:
    • Demulsibility: Ability to differentiate​ water and keep power.
    • Pour Point: Measures low-temperature​ performance.
    • Dropping Point: A measure of high temperature stability.

4. Product Compatibility

  • Make sure that the lubricant​ is:
    • Seals and gaskets to reduce leak​ issues.
    • Existing lubricants, if blending is required
  • Perform interoperability tests to prevent​ incompatibility.

5. Quality Control at the Reception

  • Test​ for impurities, even in new oil.
  • Use a filtration system to remove impurities before use.
  • Make​ sure that the supplier complies with quality standards.

6. Lubricant Disposal

  • Work with suppliers to create​ disposal options.
  • Comply with all applicable local environmental laws​ and regulations.
  • Choose recyclable or​ biodegradable lubricants if available.

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The Role of Lubrication in Maintenance

Lubrication goes beyond simply putting oil​ on things that are moving.

  • Protects against corrosion.
  • Function as a cooling​ agent in high-temperature activities.
  • Its​ reduced friction can make the energy more savings.
  • Serve as a diagnostic tool when analyzing a lubricant sample for contaminants.

How Lubricant Quality is Assessed

  • Do the tests at the laboratory​ for the viscosity, flash point, and oxidation.
  • Consider​ predictive maintenance strategies, for example, oil analysis.
  • Verify performance in​ real-world situations to determine its dependability.

Common Lubricant Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Lubricant

  • Ignoring Specifications: Always​ consult the manufacturer’s guidelines.
  • Environmental Conditions Ignored: What you experience is not merely temperature but also humidity, and your exposure to​ particulates and other pollutants in the air.
  • Incompatible Lubricants: Don't mix to​ prevent degradation.
  • Ignoring Maintenance Intervals:​ Change oils as they’re due and keep an eye on their quality.

Environmental Considerations

It is usable in lubrication and​ suitability concerns. For the sake of ecological​ contribution:

  • Use lubricants that are​ bio-based or biodegradable.
  • Implement recycling programs.
  • Do not use too much lubricant, as it may​ be wasted.

Conclusion

Choosing the proper lubricant is key to achieving overall​ performance improvements and minimising downtime, ensuring the efficiency of your operation. Thinking about the things in this guide can help you​ keep your equipment and profits running smoothly.

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FAQs

A: Lubrication reduces the friction between moving parts, reduces wear, removes excess heat, and prevents the occurrence of rust and corrosion.

A: Oil lubricates the engine and has several properties like reducing friction between your engine's components, keeping your engine clean by removing debris, carrying away the heat, and protecting other components in the vehicle from the point of metal-to-metal contact.

  1. Reduces friction.
  2. Minimizes wear.
  3. Cools engine components.
  4. Cleans and removes debris.
  5. Seals gaps between parts.
  6. Removes rust and corrosion.

A: Lubricants help to reduce friction, wear, corrosion, and maintain the temperature of the equipment.

A: Refer to the machinery’s operating manual and consider factors like temperature and load requirements.

A: Emulsifiability is the capacity of the lubricant to mix with water, and demulsibility is the capacity for the lubricant to separate from water, and is important for performance in wet conditions.

A: This will depend on your operating conditions and manufacturer recommendations, but it is important to keep an eye on it and take appropriate measures.

A: This will depend on your operating conditions and manufacturer recommendations, but it is important to keep an eye on it and take appropriate measures.

A: Yes, incompatible lubes can cause chemical reactions and degrade performance.

A: Before use, test for viscosity, contamination, and oxide stability.

A: Before use, test for viscosity, contamination, and oxide stability.

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