subject: Lubricating Oil And Its Five Important Properties [print this page] Lubricating Oil And Its Five Important Properties
Lubricating oil can resist head, viscosity, and can control corrosion, oxidation stability, and water-handling. A lubricant is a liquid substance used between two surfaces in close contact. It is used to decrease the friction between these surfaces thereby decreasing the probability of wear and improving efficiency. Lubricity refers to the capability of a lubricant to lube moving pieces and reduce friction. Some specialty lubricants are formulated to dissolve foreign debris and contaminants and used in transferring heat. Many industries also use these lubricants to suit various operating conditions, different equipment needs and distinct processes. To fully appreciate its uses and understand how it can be applied; a complete understanding of the additional properties of lubricating oil is required. Capacity to shed heat When two things move against one another, friction is made, and so forth, heat is created from this friction. Because of this, it is necessary to use an oil that will remain stable even at high temperatures. On the other hand, if the lubricating grease isn't heat resistant, oxygen can simply be combined with the grease and undesired substances may form. Carboxylic acid is one such resulting compound that can erode and cause significant damage to various metal surfaces. Heat resistance is a property of lubricating oil that allows it to be used for preventing thermal breakdowns and failure. Viscosity Viscosity refers to the property of a fluid to resist the slippage of its components. You will typically find that the viscosity diminished when lubricating oil hits a higher temperature. The property is constructed in a unique way in which the lubricating oil's viscosity range will stay in a safe area even if there were to be changing temperatures and unknown environmental effects. The viscosity of the lubricating oil is used to determine the thickness of oil in between metal components during reciprocal motion. Corrosion-control ability Lubricants that have been improved and specially formulated usually contain additives like dispersants and detergents that contain anti-oxidants as well as the ability to prevent carbon-forming deposits and corrosion. The property of lubricant oil to control corrosion is a fundamental objective of lubricant formulation. It can create protective seals around different surfaces that can stop corrosive damage because of its resistance. Oxidation stability A defining feature of most specialty lubricants is their ability to decrease oxidation rates. A great deal of the most effective lube oils these days are created to withstand the process of oxidation. A couple of examples would be turtine and synthetic lubricating oils. Managing water It becomes crucial for lube oil to shed water in static environs. When the lube oil has a lesser ability to handle water, it might indicate poor effectiveness of the oil's other properties; one must also be concerned about the risk of emulsion formation. Many different industries and operations have a very different role regarding lubrication oil. The different properties of this substance can contribute to significant effects in the operations where they are applied.
