Planning out a schedule for applying rust protection measures is always advised for those operating machinery with parts that contain iron alloys like steel. Whether you drive a passenger car, commercial vehicle or you employ agricultural equipment on a farm, rust preventatives can ensure your machinery is well-defended against unwanted corrosion.
Global leaders in lubrication, like Shell, add rust preventatives in the form of additives to many of the oils they offer. These rust inhibitors can provide multiple benefits to machine owners and operators that mitigate harm caused by what can be an extremely damaging process.
Understanding rust
Rust is just one of 16 different iron-oxides that can take root on the surfaces of metal components found in engines and other mechanical systems. Iron-oxides are a type of compound made up of iron and oxygen that forms when water is close and a chemical reaction takes place. “Rusting” is a phrase that is sometimes used to describe any corrosive process occurring in iron and its many alloys, such as steel.
Machinery that operates in open air and has the potential to come into contact with unwanted moisture can be threatened by rust damage. Vehicles and other forms of equipment that must sometimes run during extreme weather conditions, like rain and snow, are perfect examples of this. Outdoors and exposed to the elements, they are an ideal breeding ground for rust.
Operational advantages of rust protection
Machinery treated by rust preventatives will benefit from having parts that are able to move freely and more effectively, delivering a higher level of performance. Components that are free from rust can perform their role better, which leads to decreased running costs and the reduced likelihood of damage occurring. When parts that have become rusted require replacement or even repair, an operations workflow will suffer disruption and result in further costs.
Continual protection when not in service
Equipment that is not always in use can also benefit from a rust protection plan. Oiled prior to storage, machinery will remain rust-free and ready for active duty whenever it is called upon for service.
Staying safe with total rust protection
Rust can cause many dangers, not just for the equipment it shortens the lifespan of, but for users of machinery as well. While the outer surfaces of equipment may seem safe, if the inner workings have become contaminated by rust, potential risks can be hiding within. Rusted metal parts can become brittle, and when this happens, they are no longer as strong. Put under pressure, they can collapse while working as their deteriorated structural integrity reaches a critical stage. Those using machinery or who are nearby when such failure takes place can be put in harm, which is easily avoided by a regular rust protection schedule.
Those deploying rust preventative methods to safeguard their machinery will also enjoy long-term benefits, including a longer lifespan for their equipment. Stationary mechanical equipment and vehicles represent sizeable investments on the part of their owners, so ensuring they are properly protected is always a smart approach.
