For most modern enterprises operating today, energy efficiency is a key issue to cut down running costs and to reach environmental targets. While many businesses believe that environmental concerns and finances are issues often in conflict, by simply looking at the viscosity of lubricants being used, this doesn’t necessarily need to be so.
Improving energy efficiency
While optimum viscosity levels are key to enhanced energy efficiency, firms will find that energy efficiency is also a key element for better environmental performance and finance. Improved energy efficiency helps lower costs, and when less energy is consumed, this results in less emissions of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. In short, smarter lubrication can have a significant impact, and the action required is not complex and comes at no extra cost – all companies are required to do is maintain the lubricants they use at the appropriate viscosity.
Low-viscosity gains
Essentially, viscosity refers to the thickness of a lubricant. If lubricants have a viscosity that is too high, they are harder to push through a system. This leads directly to poor lubrication and energy loss. Additionally, viscosity is always impacted by temperature. For instance, at lower operating temperatures, mineral oils become much thicker. While pre-heating lubricants is an option, it requires increased energy consumption, and lubricants tend to degrade far quicker.
A better option can be synthetic lubrication products. These have much lower viscosity and can reduce energy loss, saving companies money, as they flow far more easily while retaining their ability to lubricate even at low temperatures. This can make a vast difference for machinery that is constantly stationed outside during the year and is subject to extreme temperature variations.
Thinner, low-viscous lubricants are also effective in heavier machinery and within systems that must work under intense pressure, like those serving hydraulic equipment. They will typically lubricate much better than high-viscosity lubricants, as they can move more swiftly through systems and don’t heat up quite as much.
Altering the viscosity levels onsite
There are many different ways of altering viscosity levels. Firms can change the lubricant they use entirely, or dilute an existing lubricant already in service, as well as reviewing their established routines. Companies may find that they are over-cooling and can increase efficiency levels by optimising the settings of their machinery. Those using grease as a lubricant onsite may find they simply need to change the product being used to one with the correct viscosity.
Potential savings gained from lubricants with correct viscosity
By simply targeting the viscosity of the oils and greases, firms can make significant cost savings, with products lasting longer, and the reduced strain on systems through effective lubrication resulting in lower energy consumption. As mentioned earlier, this drastically reduces the volume of harmful toxins being emitted, allowing firms to reach their sustainability goals far easier. Additionally, this method of cost saving requires no additional investment, but merely an analysis of the current viscosity levels of lubrication and a well-informed adjustment.
