Regardless of the industry they operate in, companies trying to keep competitive must ensure that their machinery is always working at optimum. When equipment is working effectively, it can increase efficiency, overall productivity and profitability within an operation, and effective lubrication is the key
A wide variety of lubricant types is used across different industries, including construction, mining, food, marine, forestry, agriculture, automotive, and manufacturing industrial lubricants. Each one has its own unique properties and features to suit specific requirements.
In this blog, we’ll look at the benefits of effective industrial lubricants and explore the different types of products available. Read on for a comprehensive guide on industrial lubrication.
What are the advantages of industrial lubricants?
Correct use of lubricants is crucial if companies want to increase efficiency and boost their industrial equipment’s performance. Lubricants utilised in industrial applications are specially formulated to answer a wide variety of challenges. They prevent damage and issues of degradation, extend service intervals, improve machinery uptime, enhance equipment work rates, and deliver enhanced operational reliability. By using the correct lubricant, companies can take the productivity levels of their equipment and machinery to the next level while optimising its performance.
Industrial lubricants are also engineered to offer lasting protection that prevents equipment from deteriorating and experiencing mechanical failures. Industrial environments are hard on machinery with equipment facing extreme working conditions, severe environments, excessive heat and cold, shock and heavy loads, extreme pressure, oxidation, and corrosion. Effective lubrication can protect equipment throughout the year while lowering downtime and extending the active service life of machinery.
Companies with equipment that functions effectively can enjoy reduced operational costs, lower total cost of ownership, and reap the benefits of increased productivity and profitability.
What types of industrial lubricant are there?
Most industrial lubricants can be classified as greases or oils, buts specific lubricants have been developed for industrial processes. Below, you’ll find descriptions of some of the most commonly used solutions.
Circulation oils
Circulation oils possess high viscosity index and outstanding temperature resistance, making them an ideal option for all heavy-duty circulating systems. Both synthetic and mineral circulation oils are available that include additives to improve their effectiveness, longevity and protection properties.
These oils are characterised by their impressive oxidation and thermal stability. This helps reduce deposit formation and prevents operational downtime. Additionally, these oils are bolstered with anti-rust, anti-oxidation and anti-corrosion properties to protect equipment in any environment
Compressor oils
Compressor oils are designed to provide exceptional lubrication and protection even at high temperatures experienced by vacuum pumps and air compressors. They are also engineered to protect equipment against sludge formation.
Exceptionally stable, compressor oils can last for extended periods and can withstand fluctuations in temperature. With anti-foaming and anti-rust properties, they protect machinery against damage and degradation.
Heat transfer oils
Typically used in heating systems, heat transfer oils serve equipment in many different industries, from the food and pharmaceutical sectors to plastics, rubber, and textiles manufacturing. Heat transfer oils have a wide operating range and can handle high temperatures, making them ideal for demanding applications.
Providing protection against oxidation, rust and corrosion, heat transfer oils extend the active service life of systems while preventing premature deterioration and damage. These carefully formulated oils also have impressive hydrolytic stability ensuring they retain their form after water exposure.
Extreme pressure (EP) gear oils
EP gear oils are heavy-duty oils designed to operate in different working conditions and temperatures, dealing with heavy loads and operating under extreme pressure. As a result, they are ideal for the most demanding industrial applications.
These gear oils can withstand shock loads and heavy-duty use, making them suited to high-load bearings operating under extreme pressure and temperatures.
Slideway oils
Slideway oils are formulated for slideways in industrial machines, like those employed in industrial metalworking machinery. These lubricants offer great friction and adhesiveness delivering seamless operation and stopping stick-slip. Additionally, slideway oils can prolong the life span of equipment, while reducing unwanted downtime and provide higher productivity levels.
Slideway oils are usually enhanced with anti-corrosion anti-rust additives and have outstanding water removal abilities to prevent equipment damage when machines must operate in wet conditions.
Turbine oils
Turbine oils act as lubricants and coolants for different kinds of turbine bearings. Their properties allow them to seal off turbine bearings for safer and more reliable operation. They are suited to systems that require effective protection against rust, oxidation, and corrosion.
Stable and durable, turbine oils also have excellent anti-wear properties, allowing them to protect equipment parts from abrasive forces and prolong their service life.
Selecting the correct industrial lubricant required
To sum up, there is an extensive range of industrial lubricants suited to different applications that can enhance the way machinery works on site to the greater benefits of the businesses that buy them. Always consult your original equipment manufacturers’ (OEM) recommendation before purchasing a lubrication solution for industrial machinery.
